A sunset ceremony on a mountain top followed by a tent reception under the stars ... it's the ultimate Colorado Wedding.
Tent weddings are the most beautiful of all weddings and they are growing rapidly in popularity especially across Western Colorado.
Couples may not realize the possibilities tenting offers to create a truly elegant and individualized atmosphere. Think beyond one white tent and visualize two or three or even more tents, all connected by covered marquees and color-coordinated to match your wedding. These days you can build your own community with tents.
Moreover, today's white "wedding tents" have lovely arched windows with clear acrylic panes to keep the elements at bay while providing a great view from inside looking out.
• At least one tent, 40’ X 100’ or 60’ X 60’ for about 200 people.
It's a good idea to have a separate tent for food preparation
plus:
• Any additional tents for the ceremony, cocktails, or dancing
• Covered walkways or connecting marquees
• Generators for heating, cooling, lighting, cooking, or musical
equipment
• Additional equipment for cooking or sound hook-ups; also,
back-up generators & portable toilets
• A dance floor, hardwood flooring, or ground cover
• Chairs and tables
• Table linens and chair covers
• China, flatware, and glassware
• A complete staff
• Any permits required by local ordinance
If food needs to be prepared at the site, you may need to hire a caterer who has the special equipment to do this (power generator, portable refrigeration, etc). You will also want to think carefully about your food choices, to make food preparations as simple as possible and to minimize the possibility of spoilage.
You may also need to arrange for electricity for musicians/dj. When you meet with your dj or band, be sure they know that it is an outdoor wedding.
The terrain. If the ground is uneven, you may want to inform your guests before they arrive so that they can wear appropriate footwear. Any elderly guests may need to be accommodated with wheelchairs or other arrangements so that they can get around the area safely. Additionally, uneven ground may present a challenge to setting up tables and chairs and even the tent on a stable surface. You will also want to be sure that the spot you choose for ceremony is well drained, in case of a rainstorm before the wedding, you don't want to stand in a puddle throughout your ceremony. Be aware of these issues when selecting your site and planning the layout.
If you choose to have your ceremony and reception at the same outdoor location, you can plan to have the ceremony outdoors, and have the tent as a back-up location in case of inclement weather. It is a good idea to plan on having the reception under the tent, even if it is a nice day, as people might appreciate the protection from the sun.
If you are having the ceremony in one spot and the reception in another, one issue you'll need to resolve is seating. If you are renting chairs, have the set-up people arrange the chairs in the ceremony area, and after the ceremony have the ushers (or hire someone to do this) move the chairs to the tables under the tent for the reception. Another alternative would be to have your guests stand for the ceremony, if it is brief (and also not a scorching hot day!). If you opt for this arrangement, you may want to be sure there are a few chairs available for older or disabled guests.
Decor Ideas
Twinkle lights inside sheer material adds a great ambiance especially for an evening weddings.
Use dozens of Japanese lanterns suspended from the
ceiling
Hanging flower baskets and chandeliers are a must. Place potted
plants around tent stakes so guests won’t trip.
Wrap tulle around your tent poles and decorate with fresh or silk flower vines.
Quick Tips
Make sure your vendors are willing and able to work in outdoor conditions with limited facilities.
Provide adequate lighting.
You'll need to rent port-a-potties if there are no bathroom facilities (one toilet for every 35 guests).
When renting a tent, ask if it comes with sides, windows and flooring.
You'll also need to rent the little essentials, such as, linens, chairs, tables, silverware, etc.
Put a “heels not recommended” note on the invitation.