How to Rent Tents for an Outdoor Wedding
When you're planning an outdoor wedding or reception, a tent can provide guests a haven from the weather or create a cozy atmosphere. Tents also allow for flexibility when selecting your wedding or reception site due to their portability, and they are simple to rent after you educate yourself on the options available. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Make sure your budget will accommodate an outdoor tent rental. Tents for special events can cost several thousand dollars, depending on the size, style and added accessory rentals such as lights, heaters or air-conditioning units.
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Write down a list of questions to ask the party rental supplier. Don't forget to include questions about installation and tear down, tent color options and flooring selections for the dance and buffet areas.
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Measure your wedding or reception area, draw a diagram of the space, and write down the dimensions in detail before calling or visiting a rental company.
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Visit RentalSite.com for a list of tent vendors in your area. The site offers a directory that is searchable by zip code or city (see Resources below).
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Begin contacting rental companies 3 to 6 months before your wedding date in order to determine what size tent you will need for the guest numbers you are expecting, along with gauging the cost of the tent and accessories you'll need.
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Decide what type of wedding tent you prefer to rent. Pole tents are the most traditional style, offering a sweeping roof design supported by poles or columns throughout. If you're having a daytime wedding, you may decide on a canopy. A more inexpensive option than an enclosed tent, canopies are typically supported by a collapsible metal frame. The most expensive option is a clear-span frame tent, designed to provide a sturdy, weather-proof environment without the obstruction of supporting poles.
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Find out whether the tent you're interested in comes with tie-back or removable walls or skylights. While it is nice to have the option to seal up the tent during inclement weather, you may want to give guests the option of stargazing if weather permits.
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Find out how well your rental company maintains their tents. Outdoor equipment can mildew if it isn't properly cleaned and deodorized, and you don't want your caterer to have to compete with the smell of a moldy, musty tent.
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Call 2 to 3 weeks prior to your wedding to confirm your rental and price quote. Make sure you understand return times and dates so you don't end up paying late fees.
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Tips & Warnings
If you'll be utilizing a large area, it may be more financially feasible to rent and outfit 2 or 3 smaller tents rather than 1 large one. Being flexible is the key to staying within your budget.