Expert Wedding Planner Tips- Part II

We have all seen the images from wedding after wedding under the stars with nothing overhead aside from strings of lights. Just so dreamy and it is on my bucket list to pull off one day.  However, in New Jersey, we are not blessed with sunny blue skies nearly ever day. Cue the tent.  The beautiful compromise to an outdoor backyard wedding.  Many people are apprehensive about hosting a tented wedding due to the unpredictability of the weather or overwhelmed at the prospect at starting from ground zero.  Hopefully, through my experience, I can share some expert wedding planner tips to help you navigated the tented backyard wedding.

Schedule a walk-through

If you are thinking about having a backyard tented wedding but don’t know where to start, simply give your favorite local tent company a call to come survey the space.  They will be able to tell you what size tent will fit comfortably, if the ground is level enough, what size dance floor works, and talk to you about lighting, power, climate control, staging and more.

Lights, Camera, Power

Speaking of lighting and power, make sure you have enough of both. Of course, your tent will be lit well, but consider the path that your guests will be taking to the restroom or to their cars at the end of the night. Pathways lights and uplighting will be areas that you should budget for to keep your guests safe.  When it comes to power, do your research. Find out from your caterer and band or DJ how much power they will each need. You may even need to rent fans, air conditioning or heaters to regulate the climate the best you can.  My suggestion is always to splurge for the generator since nothing kills the party quite like when the music stops.

Know the costs

Tented weddings can be expensive so know the costs and what is a comfortable budget before committing. A wedding planner can help you with estimated costs for each area including rentals which, not surprisingly, will add up quickly.  I also recommend leaving some wiggle room in your budget for your Plan B. If the weather is looking iffy, you can add a ceremony or cocktail tent or walkways where needed to make sure that guests stay warm and dry. Although there are many perks of having a raw space that will conform to any style wedding you wish to have, you are creating a space from nothing and everything will need to be brought in to create an inviting and whimsical venue and that is not cheap, yet completely worth it.

Hire good help

My ultimate recommendation is to hire a wedding planner with tented wedding experience. They will be paramount in anticipating what you need to create the ultimate experience for you and your guests. At the very least, a day of coordinator will save you from running around the morning of your wedding just before jumping in the chair for hair and makeup like I did on my wedding day. A caterer with experience with tented wedding or unconventional venues is also a great idea. They will be working in small quarters and braving the elements, so a bit of practical knowledge is invaluable in making sure the event goes off without a hitch.

 

Are you thinking of hosting a backyard wedding and need help? Feel free to ask any questions in the comments below. I would love to help you have your dream wedding.

Vendor Credits

Photography: Christina Lilly Photography

Tent: Sperry Tents NJ

Caterer: et al Fine Foods

Florist: Devon & Pinkett

Architectural sketch: Todd Schmeling Portraits

VW Photobooth: VW Booth Bus

 

 

 

 

Colorful August Tented Wedding

Next up in our Summer Series is Maggie and Kevin’s colorful, fun tented backyard wedding on the water. Maggie contacted me in early June and they were hoping to get married in mid-August. We had just two months to plan EVERYTHING and I was very excited to get started.  We met right away in Kevin’s parents’ house and thought “This could work!”. Just kidding! It was a stunning property and right on the water.  Since we did not have much time to waste, I got working immediately to reach out to some of my favorite people and luckily everyone was available for the date.  Our first meeting was with Sperry Tents to make sure that the tents for dinner and dancing would fit. We figured out a plan to have lighting over the pool, a circular tent for dancing and a large tent for the dinner and drinks. The flow was perfect and really utilized the space nicely. My next call was to Christina Lilly Photography and so glad she was there to capture all of the pretty on a day where the sky matched our color palette.

Maggie and Kevin decided on a bright & colorful day that really highlighted the season and capitalized on the wildflowers that are so abundant in August. We knew that Anne and Blade Floral would be the perfect fit.  Anne and I were both excited to tackle a wedding that wasn’t afraid of color! Don’t miss Maggie’s vintage dress- stunning!

Maggie loved the look of indigo and we hand-dyed runners and round linens to bring the vision to life. I love the indigo against the water and the sky and how each one was unique.

Their ceremony was intimate and officiated by their good friend. I love how personal each couple can make their ceremony. After all, that is what the day is about. Anne created carnation garlands as vibrant as a rainbow and of course we knew that this spectacular tree had to be in the background.

The dinner was very important to Maggie and Kevin. Maggie, being of Greek heritage, knew that she wanted to make sure her guests were well fed. Those Greeks know hospitality and she wanted to create a unique menu that catered to meat eaters and vegans alike. Cue Cardinal. They did an amazing job and the food was spectacular and seasonal. Since the menu was so important, so needed to be the tables they dined upon. We used farm tables for the head table, and rounds for the guests with assorted amber goblets, sunny menus from Gubba Gumma, agate table numbers, calligraphy by Mary Kate Moon, candles galore and vibrant centerpieces by Blade.

Since this is the Summer Series after all, I will end with these quintessential summer portraits by Christina Lilly. Maggie and Kevin wanted the morning of their wedding to be relaxed and fun so they opted for no bridal party and to get ready together complete with room service and ocean views. Christina has such an eye! She always gets the most artistic photos.

Thank you Maggie & Kevin for trusting me to bring your vision to life in just a few short months. It was truly a pleasure to work with you! I wish you a lifetime of blue skies,

Vendor Credits: Photography Christina Lilly Photography //Floral Blade Floral & Design //Calligraphy MaryKate Moon // DJ Sounds to Go// Catering Cardinal //Tent and Lighting Sperry Tents NJ // Specialty Rentals Dovetail Vintage Rentals// Standard Rentals Party Rental Ltd.// Paper Goods  Gubba Gumma