Is a canopy sufficient or should we rent a wedding tent with sides?
I've scoured the site and conducted several searches to no avail. My husband and I married in February, out of state, with only 15 guests. The plan has always been to have a large reception-type party on his parents farm (read: plenty of room) this summer. The invitation list is approximately 240 people. I say reception-type, but really it's extremely casual. We're having a catered BBQ meal, volleyball, hayrides, bocce ball, etc... and the invitations are informal and reflect all of this (the party will have the same *feel* as a graduation open house).
We have planned on renting a tent, tables and chairs all along. To that end, my SIL has been looking into pricing and has started to receive packets of information. We were discussing our options last night and I had always envisioned an open canopy tent so 1. we were covered if it rained 2. parents had a place to sit while kids played and 3. anyone under the tent wasn't segmented from anyone not under the tent. The land is very beautiful and doesn't require decoration. SIL has been getting quotes on wedding-style tents with walls, windows and entry tents. I don't think we require all of this and told SIL as much. She was amicable and said that this was just what the tent companies recommended in case of inclement weather. I then talked to a girlfriend of mine and she seems aghast that we wouldn't get a tent with sides and cited rain as her main concern.
So, is a canopy tent adequate provided it covers enough tables for our guest count and an area to accommodate the caterers? There will also be an adjacent barn area that will be able to accommodate some, but not all of the guests and it opens to a patio area with an overhang that provides protection.
Thanks in Advance for any advice that can be offered.
(This post was
edited by babyd on Jun 5, 2008, 3:19 PM)
Nancy Tucker
PRESIDENT - WEDDINGS BEAUTIFUL
Jun 5, 2008, 3:49 PM
Post #2 of 3
(200 views)
Re: Is a canopy sufficient or should we rent a wedding tent with sides?
[In reply to]
Since this is more of a party (BBQ) you would be fine with the open tent. Most tents have removable sides and doors. Check with the tent company to see if you can reserve the open tent and then if there is a call for inclement weather, you can add the sides and doors. As long as your guests are not expecting this to be a formal affair and dress accordingly they should be comfortable. Nancy Tucker President of Weddings Beautiful US http://www.weddingsbeautiful.com
Weddings by Shayna
WEDDING CONSULTANT
Jun 5, 2008, 4:50 PM
Post #3 of 3
(199 views)
Re: Is a canopy sufficient or should we rent a wedding tent with sides?
[In reply to]
The open tent should be fine unless you have severe rain or rain accompanied by high winds. If either of those occurs, sides would be called for. Check on the removeable sides idea and be sure you understand your options. It would be best if you spoke to the tent company directly. Shayna Walker, Williamsburg Wedding Design http://www.williamsburgweddingdesign.com
Is a canopy sufficient or should we rent a wedding tent with sides?
