As an Indianapolis Wedding Photographer, I’ve photographed nearly 100 weddings and am constantly learning wedding trends and tips. I always try my hardest to share what I’ve learned over the years with couples who may still be planning their day. Today I want to tell you everything you need to know about tented weddings.
Many of our couples dream of gorgeous tented weddings. But, most couples don’t realize the added costs (and vendors) associated with tented weddings and receptions. If you’re considering a tented reception or an established space at a wedding venue look no further – this article is for you!
The obvious – why have a tented wedding or reception?
I completely understand the desire to have a tented wedding – when done right, they look right out of a fairy tale! Tented weddings, and especially receptions, allow you to utilize a gorgeous outdoor space you might not be able to use otherwise, and cater your reception exactly to your taste. I’ve had couples use tents to host weddings in their backyards, on a family farm, or simply at a location they love. Tented weddings allow couples to fully customize their day, and sometimes even allow them to change a non-wedding venue into one!
Tented weddings require additional logistical planning, vendors, and honestly- funds!
If you are set on moving forward with a tented wedding, having a wedding planner is a necessity. Wedding planners will tell you everything you need to know about having a tented wedding. Not only will a wedding planner take care of the logistics for you, but they will also help you source the additional vendors that will be needed. Make sure you choose a planner that has extensive experience with tented events and will help you think of things you wouldn’t otherwise plan for.
It may seem as simple as ordering a tent – but there’s more to it!
First, you’re going to want to plan for all weather! If you have a summer wedding and it could be hot, you may want to consider ordering fans to be mounted to the corners of the tent. If it’s predicted to rain or to be cold, you can usually add on tent walls to your tent package the week of at an additional cost. If you’re having a fall wedding, consider renting heaters to keep your guests warm!
Think about how you want your tented wedding to look with your wedding planner. There may be additional expenses to cover the tent poles, hang florals or chandeliers from the tent, and add lighting to the tent. If you’re bringing in an external caterer, oftentimes they require their own tent for prepping dinner. And finally – think about the dance floor. No one wants to dance on grass! Work with your planner to find a vendor who can provide the dance floor. And lastly – plan for the additional labor for setting up and tearing down. It takes a team and it should definitely, not be your family!
Here are a few venues who might give you a similar vibe to a tented wedding!
As an Indianapolis based destination wedding photographer, I have been to so many venues in the Indianapolis area. Here are a few venues that might be just what you are looking for. The Garden Pavilion at Ritz Charles is a stunning option with a tent-like feel, and many vendors from above already included. Newfields also allows tented weddings on their beautiful grounds that is the perfect backdrop for all of your photos. Barn weddings may give you the outdoor options you’re looking for, or, consider a vineyard if you have your heart set on an outdoor space!
That’s everything you need to know about tented weddings! I hope this post helped you get closer to finding the right venue for you. As always, if you have any more questions, please comment below!
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