3 Surprising Reasons Why You Should Be Renting A Tent For Your Celebration

Tents make incredible places to host an event. Unlike interior rooms and buildings, your event -- corporate or otherwise -- isn't held down by perimeters and measurements. Guests can move about the area, and outside the area, as they please while enjoying the sun.

You don't need to keep your event confined to a building while following the rules of the host. Tented events can give you the freedom to plan your event as you like. Here are four reasons why renting a tent is a great choice for your next corporate meeting, birthday celebration, or wedding.

2. Tents are blank canvases
   When you host an event indoors, you have to accommodate the features of the indoor space. These features include banisters, hardwood or carpet flooring, furniture, and colors already decorating the space.
   
   Tented events don't have to worry about working with a canvas already half-full. Because a tent itself is a blank canvas. You can choose whichever theme or color scheme you would like to have at your event without worrying about clashing with decor or interior design.

4. Tented events allow flexibility
   Certain indoor spaces can only accommodate a limited number of guests. However, an outdoor tented event allows you to invite as many guests as you want. Tents come in a variety of sizes and you can rent from a vast range of options and styles. Renting chairs like wedding chairs is also an option, although it's recommended that at least eight square feet be allowed between each chair for proper movement.

6. Tents offer privacy
   Tents come with optional walls, which allow for your guests to have a sense of privacy while they're celebrating at your event. This can be especially useful if the event is hosted in a more public place or where there may be people walking by.

8. Tents protect your guests from the elements
   No matter the weather, tented events can keep guests either warm or cool. On a hot summer day, the coverage of the tent above will keep guests shielded from the harsh rays of the sun and provide plenty of shade. On a cooler day, the tent can help protect guests from breezes and the coverage will keep them dry should it start to rain.

Tent rentals come in all shapes and sizes. Whether you're hosting a corporate event, wedding, or birthday celebration you can rent a tent for optimal space, protection against the weather, and enjoyment.

How To Keep Your Corporate Event Running Smoothly Even When There's Rain

One of the biggest difficulties with planning an outdoor event in advance is you're never sure what the weather forecast holds in store. Odds are your experience with the weather involves a series of heavy sighs.

Bad weather is always a possibility when it comes to planning an outdoor event. It's best to prepare for the worst just as you've already prepared for the best. Here are some simple ways you can save your corporate event from stormy weather.

Begin by taking cover in more ways than one
Many business leaders will often rent a tent for a corporate event because the tent itself may otherwise only be used three or four times a year. Event tents are large enough to host many people including employees, potential business partners, investors, and their families. 

A tent for a corporate event works well for multiple kinds of weather. A tent rental will protect your guests from a light sprinkle of rain, the blistering sun, or a temperamental breeze. However, a tent for a corporate event may provide coverage for your guests, but not the equipment you have outdoors. 

Bring along a tarp cover that's weather resistant in order to cover important materials that shouldn't get wet. This will help save money, prevent water damage, and keep the party going after the storm passes.

Have a number of plans
One of the best ways you can ensure that your corporate event carries on smoothly is to have multiple strategies. Share those strategies with your employees. After all, your employees are your team.

Let your team know what should be done in the event of a storm including what equipment should be covered and with what material. This will keep the situation under control.

Should the storm take over your tent rental, evacuate your guests from the area. Proceed to a backup location if possible. In some cases, those who may have tent rentals may also have a rented indoor space. Should the weather go bad, use this indoor space for a backup location for your corporate event.

While you may not be able to outsmart the weather and wish your way to sunny skies, you can be prepared for the worst. Have a plan set out in advance, discuss your plans with your employees, and have a backup location available. This will keep your party going even when there's rain on your parade.

How To Guarantee A Great Time At A Garden Party

Garden parties during the spring and summer months can be incredibly fun. There's no better way to celebrate the warm weather than spending time outdoors with friends.

However, while garden parties can give you the right amount of socialization we all crave, they can go downhill if not planned in correlation with the weather. Here are some tips and tricks to ensure that your garden party is an event to remember.

Plan For All Types Of Weather

Even when the weather forecast tells you there will be nothing but sun, it's important to be prepared in case the sky decides to open up and rain on your parade. After all, most parties are planned in advance and you may not know for sure what the weather will be like until the week before.

Renting a tent will reduce the risk of your party being ruined by unexpected weather. Tented events are less likely to be rained out because guests are properly covered. And even if it doesn't rain, perfect tent rentals like a backyard party tent will keep your guests shaded from the harsh rays of the sun. Depending on the style of tent you're looking for, you can either choose from frame tents or pole tents to suit your needs.

Something else to consider for your garden party aside from deciding on the perfect tent rentals is the use of fans. Guests can easily become overheated during outdoor events in the summer. Keeping them cool should be your number one priority. If you don't have electrical fans, consider making paper fans as a DIY project. Not only will it be creative, but your guests can admire your work while keeping themselves cool.

Keep Lighting In Mind

Whether you rent a tent in your backyard or you've rented out a space for your garden party, lighting is something you'll have to think about. Landscape lighting will keep the area of your yard well-lit so everyone can see.

However, if you don't have landscape lighting at your home (or if you simply want a more romantic touch) you can consider using cafe lights or even mason jar candles. Another idea is to use hanging lanterns, which will provide your party with a soft, warm light to keep the atmosphere mellow and light.

Garden parties can be incredibly fun. But it's important to take weather and changing times of day into consideration to ensure everyone has a good time. Provide your guests with shade with perfect tent rentals, fans, and proper lighting and the focus of your garden party will be on your guests' enjoyment and not their discomfort.

Staking or weighting a tent on asphalt?

When you're installing a tent on asphalt, you have two options:

1. Drive stakes into the asphalt.
2. Secure the tent with concrete weights.

Let's explore each option. Driving stakes into the asphalt is what most of our customers choose. It's economical, secure, fast and easy. We only need to drill holes about one inch in diameter. After we're finished, we fill the holes with crushed stone and patch the surface with actual asphalt. When we are finished, the holes are barely noticeable.

Installing the tent with weights is a better option if there so many underground utilities that there is no place to safely drive stakes. Weighting the tent can also be necessary if drilling holes through the asphalt is not allowed. Safely weighting a tent is usually about three times the cost of a normal staked pole tent. There are several reasons for this:

1. Weighted tents must be frame tents which are more expensive and more labor intensive to install than standard pole tents.
2. In order to safely secure a tent with weights, there must be thousands of pounds of weight delivered, handled and pick up from the job site.

Which suits your needs best? Contact us today to find out.

Magical Ideas For An Early Autumn Wedding

With summer almost at its end, the season of early autumn weddings is upon us. Autumn is a great season to get married, with October being the second most common wedding month. And with good reason: your white wedding dress will not only stand out amongst your bridesmaids, but also the colors of the trees.

However, early autumn often differs from deep autumn. The warm weather is still lingering, the trees are still green, and cool weather is still a little ways away. But that doesn't have to mean that your wedding should be any less special. Here's how you can brighten the spirits of your wedding guests even in the heart of September.

Feed Your Guests Seasonal Food

Autumn is great not only because the high temperatures are cooling down, but also because it's the season of the harvest. Local farms can sell you fresh fruit and pumpkins for meal preparation at a cheaper cost. And the vegetables will be great for stews, soups, and sides.

It is also a great time to bring out your love of pumpkin spice. Consider using it to spice up your wedding cake from the average vanilla flavor. Or use it in apple juice for the kids. Additionally, pumpkin pies and cobblers make for a great dessert option and you can be sure your harder beverage choices won't be short of cider.

Play With Your Ceremony Location

The best part about having an early autumn wedding is that it's still warm enough outdoors that you can use a tent rental and have both the ceremony and the reception in the same place. Renting a tent saves you from having to worry about scheduling multiple locations.

Additionally, you won't have to worry about having enough space for your guests by renting a tent -- considering that the average number of wedding guests is as high as 136 people according to the Knot's 2014 Real Weddings Study. Renting a tent will also give adult guests a place to relax as the open view lets them keep an eye on the kids as they run around in the grass during the reception.

However, if you do want some separation between your ceremony and the reception area, you can even think about using a barn for the ceremony and rent a tent for the reception. A country-rustic theme is very autumn and the soft lighting in a renovated barn can be surprisingly romantic.

Have Fun With Color Palettes

Autumn and spring are some of the most colorful seasons. Consider using unique colors in your bouquet or around the wedding chairs and wedding tables to give guests a little surprise. Using a soft orange color with a deep purple, for instance, is enough of a contrast to get anyone's attention.

Or, if you're more about subtlety, use soft yellows, oranges, and browns in your wedding's color palette. It may sound a little odd in writing, but when on display these colors are just light enough to give a romantic splash of color without overpowering other designs.

Having an early autumn wedding can be just as magical and whimsical as having a wedding in later months of the year. Whichever designs, foods, or locations you choose to have your ceremony you can guarantee that you will have a wedding celebration you will never forget.

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Save Money On Your Wedding Ceremony By Renting These Common Items

The average length of an engagement is 14 months, according to the Knot's 2014 Real Weddings Study. This means that the average wedding is planned over the course of a little over a year. Longer engagements such as these not only give couples time to plan their weddings but also allows them to spend money on the ceremony periodically, rather than all at once.

Because your wedding lasts only a day, renting certain items rather than buying them can save you a surprising amount of money. That way, you'll be able to put more towards your honeymoon or on starting your new life together as a married couple. Here are some common things you can rent for your ceremony:

1. Tents
   
   A tent rental is more common than you would think, particularly because most weddings take place in June when the weather is warm and pleasant enough to host the ceremony outside. Tents keep guests shaded from the rays of the sun and safe from heat. And if you have a particular tent style in mind, tents come two styles: frame tents and pole tents. No matter how unique your vision is for your big day, a rented tent will make it look picture perfect.
   

2. Wedding Tables
   
   Odds are, you don't have a particular table in mind for your ceremony aside from the shape (unless a member of your family happens to be a carpenter). Therefore, consider renting wedding tables to save money for the food your guests are going to be eating on them. You can also customize them easily with tablecloths, making these rentals work well with any kind of wedding theme or color palette.
   

3. Wedding Linen
   
   Wedding linen rentals are also available if you're looking for table covers with a more upscale appearance. And if you do have table covers in mind already, colored linen can be used for a beautiful overlay effect. It's a great way to provide a pop of color or set a mood without making a long-term investment.
   

4. Wedding Chairs
   
   Whether your wedding ceremony is taking place outdoors with the help of a tent rental or indoors in a grand ballroom, renting chairs for your wedding is a wonderful way to save money. You won't have to worry about the location of your wedding having enough chairs when you've rented them yourself.

5. Wedding Lighting
   
   One rental item that many engaged couples fail to consider using, simply because they aren't aware it's an option, is wedding lighting rentals. Lighting is often what determines the mood of a room. Therefore, it's important to use the right kind of lighting for your wedding theme or location. When you rent, you'll ensure your lighting works with your overall theme and ambiance.
   
   Wedding lighting rentals come in a myriad of styles including string lights for a more romantic style particularly for fairytale or rustic weddings. Commercial drop string lights can work for a more industrial flair to your ceremony. Or consider a curtain light to provide a waterfall effect. Any style of lighting you're looking for, wedding lighting rentals are available for your wedding theme and can help to save you money in the long run.

Weddings can be incredibly expensive depending on the size of the ceremony, the location, the food, and the decor. By renting certain items for their celebration, couples can save money on their wedding ceremony without having to make DIY decor.

You might also enjoy: Your Go-To Color Palettes for 2018!

Tips To Prepare For a June or July Wedding

The most popular month to get married, according to the Knot's Real Weddings Study, is June (15%), followed closely by October (14%). June is often a popular wedding month because it's the month where Spring becomes Summer, which means a wedding is less likely to be rained on as it would be in the Spring while also not being too hot.

However, planning a wedding in June or July doesn't guarantee perfect weather. The weather may be mild but the temperature is still fluctuating, and therefore you should be prepared for rain or a lot of shine. Here are some tips to ensure that your ceremony goes incredibly well regardless of what the weather throws your way.

2. Have both an indoor and outdoor party area
   June and July are great months to have your wedding ceremony hosted outdoors because of the warm weather and flowers. However, because the temperature is beginning to rise, it may be a good idea to have an additional indoor location for your wedding in order to provide your guests with a way to cool down.
   
   If a wedding location has an indoor space but doesn't have much of an outdoor area aside from a yard, consider making a tent rental. A tent rental, such as a backyard party tent, will provide your guests with an outdoor space for relaxing. Additionally, tent rentals will keep them dry in the event of rain while also keeping them cool from the sun.

4. Use fans or central air
   Even June is often considerably warm. Therefore, if your wedding is taking place indoors, be sure that your venues have central air or some other form of air conditioning unit in order to keep both you and your guests cool. If your ceremony and celebration are taking place outside, use fans to keep the air circulating and to keep elderly guests from becoming too hot.

6. Protect your guests from the sun
   June is the month of Summer's beginning, which means the sun is going to be out more. That means your guests' skin is going to be sensitive to burns. Provide your guests with spray-on sunscreen in order to protect them from sunburn and consider using a tent rental to shade them from the harmful rays, which may be more dangerous during the afternoon hours when your wedding is more likely to take place.

8. Serve water
   Everyone loves an open bar, but hydration is important, too. Above all else, the best way to ensure that your guests have a great time even when it's hot is to provide them with plenty of water. Hydration means a lesser likelihood of any fainting guests and also keeps people excited and moving!

Early summer is a wonderful time to have a wedding, but because the weather and temperature may be more unpredictable as the seasons change from Spring to Summer, it's important to be prepared for both rain and shine. Make sure your guests stay cool either with an indoor location or with wedding tents with plenty of wedding chairs for seating, that they are hydrated with water, and that they are shaded from the sun. The more comfortable you and your guests are, the more fun your wedding will be.

Is it cheaper to buy a tent or rent one?

I often get the question, "Could I save money by buying a tent instead of renting it?" There isn't one clear answer to this question, but here are some things to keep in mind as you make that decision:

It's better to rent a tent if:

1. You only use it a few times a year

2. You only use it for a short period of time

3. You're looking for a hassle-free experience

It's sometimes more affordable to buy a tent if:

1. You want to keep it up for a long period of time

2. You use it many times per year

3. You do not need a tent that is in good condition. An older tent is less expensive than a new or nearly new one

However, there are many hidden costs of owning a tent:

1. Labor for installation, removal and transportation

2. Storage of the tent while you're not using it

3. Washing the tent when it gets dirty

4. Repairing the tent

5. Replacing the tent when it wears out

6. Liability for storm damage to the tent

All these things come at no extra cost when you rent a tent. A very large majority of our customers choose to rent a tent. However, there are some special situations when purchasing a tent is the best option. Whether you choose to buy a tent or rent it, contact us today and we'll work with you to find the best tent for your event.

3 Ways to Save Money On Your Wedding Ceremony

Weddings can be incredibly expensive. Although it’s your day to shine as you begin your new life as a married couple rather than as a single individual, it’s also important for you to remain financially responsible. It’s one thing to want your venue to be in a church and another to be in a church on the other side of the world because you happen to enjoy the lighting.

Therefore, here’s a number of ways to help you save on your wedding so you and your bride or groom can begin a new life together with money in your pocket for your honeymoon or new house.

1. DIY projects
   DIY projects are immensely popular right now because of the wave of demand for handmade products. If you can do certain things for your wedding on your own such as making the placards for your guests’ dinner tables (the average number of wedding guests is 136 people according to a 2014 Wedding Study from The Knot) or arranging your own flowers, you can end up saving more money than you would think. Little expenses add up, so even doing something as simple as decorating the pews along the aisles by yourself will save you a good amount of money.

3. Rent a tent, house, or venue
   Party rentals can save you money too. By renting a house or a tent, you can have your ceremony and reception in the same place, saving money and travel expenses not only for yourself but for your guests as well. If your wedding is during the summer months, consider a tent rental. Tent rentals allow your guests to be shaded from the summer sun and provides your bridal party with optimal space for dancing and eating once you and your new husband or wife have said your I-dos.

5. Get married on campus
   Speaking of party rentals, your college campus is a great place to get married. Not only will you save money (most colleges offer their alumni savings on wedding ceremonies when they’re done on campus or in the college chapels), but you’ll also have a beautiful venue. Many colleges are older buildings, which gives you a great backdrop for your wedding photos, and have beautiful landscaping designs in their yards.

It’s understandable to want to spend a lot of money on your wedding ceremony, but saving money doesn’t have to mean sacrifice. You have plenty of wonderful and beautiful options to choose from -- from party rentals such as tents and houses to cute handmade invitations -- as a means of saving money for your wedding. And whatever money you don’t spend on the ceremony, you can spend on specialties abroad on your honeymoon.

Four Tips For the Best Independence Day Wedding

The Fourth of July is a holiday filled with fun, patriotism, and fireworks. So why not schedule your own romantic fireworks on the same day? A Fourth of July wedding can be immensely enjoyable and the warm weather will keep your guests pleasantly entertained outdoors all day (and night) long.

The following tips will help your Fourth of July wedding run smoothly so you and your new spouse won’t have to worry about being anything but Yankee Doodle Dandy.

1. Rent a tent
   While some outdoor event rentals come with their own natural shading, your guests may not enjoy being directly in the sun during the Summer months as they would in the Spring. Many outdoor event rentals also offer tent rentals as a viable option to keep your friends and family shaded and cool without blocking their view of the ceremony. Plus, tents come in two common styles -- frame tents and pole tents -- so you’ll be able to choose the look you want.

2. Have an indoor option
   Outdoor event rentals with a backyard party tent are great, but they’re not for everyone all the time. If your wedding is on the Fourth of July, odds are the Summer heat is in full effect. While it isn’t necessary to rent an additional indoor area for your wedding, it may be good to consider being near an air conditioned area for the elderly guests who may be more sensitive to the heat.

3. Be aware of crowds
   The one downside to having your wedding on the Fourth of July is sharing your special day with crowds of people who aren’t a part of your wedding. Luckily, outdoor event rentals are possible away from more populated areas so you can celebrate your big day on your favorite day without the additional and uninvited crowds.

4. Use fireworks
   Fireworks are one of the best parts of the Fourth of July. Consider incorporating them into your wedding celebration either during the first kiss as a married couple or at the end of the celebration when the sky is dark. It’ll be a fun and traditional way to end the ceremony.

The Fourth of July is a holiday that celebrates the unity of the United States in the fight for Independence. Choosing to celebrate your wedding on the Fourth of July is a terrific way to symbolize your union in marriage. With these tips, not only will you be prepared for the best Independence Day wedding imaginable, but you can be sure to go out with a bang!

Should I Choose Round or Long Tables for my Outdoor Tent Event?

As you're planning an outdoor wedding, party or other event, you may wonder if you should choose round or rectangle tables. Each has its benefits and situations where it works best.

Benefits of rectangle banquet tables:

• They are slightly more space efficient and allow for wider aisles.
• When placed end to end, it's easier to assign seats to guests since it creates a long table with more seats.
• Long rectangle tables are available in farmhouse table style.
• They are excellent for buffet tables.

Benefits of round tables

• They are our most popular table for dining.
• There is more space in the center for food or decorations.
• It allows people sitting at the table to talk to more different people.
• They have a more intimate and less institutional feel.

Or if you'd like the benefits of both, you can mix and match round and rectangle tables for an eclectic look. Contact us today to let us help you plan your outdoor tent event.

Go Green With These Eco Friendly Wedding Day Hacks

Your wedding is a magical day full of celebration and love, but have you ever considered the amount of waste that can come with hosting a big party? Having a large get together means a lot of paper waste, excess food, and unnecessary trash. So if you're an eco-friendly bride, then plan an eco-friendly wedding! But how be environmentally responsible when planning a green wedding? Just utilize these eco-friendly wedding tips for the perfect dream-green wedding day.

Invitations that give back

Seed paper is having a moment right now, so utilize this for both your save the date and invitation! This is paper that can literally be planted. The seed inside creates a beautiful flower of your choice, and you can even go the extra step by giving out pots for your wedding favor to keep the plant theme going. Plus, your guests will remember your wedding every single year when the buds bloom!

A buffet dinner

Not only does a buffet dinner make it easier for the couple planning the wedding, it allows your guests to take exactly the amount of food they want that night. This means less waste all together, but it also makes it easier to compost or donate the leftovers.

Say no to paper

Even if you are planning on using reusable cutlery and plates for dinner, there are still appetizers, dessert, and the bar to think of. Make sure that you ban paper products from being served anywhere, and only use the plates, cups, cloth napkins, and dishes your venue or wedding rentals company provide.

Invest in wedding tent rentals

This is especially true if you are hosting an outdoor event, as wedding tents for rent will ensure the tent will be used multiple times down the road! The decision to buy or rent a tent has many variables, but as a rule of thumb, if the tent will be used less than three times a year, tent rentals are a better option. When you pick your tent, make sure not to forget rental chairs and tables as well. Because of the open layout of these structures, it should be easier to plan a wedding theme that incorporates natural elements.

Choose organic flowers

Unlike what most people think, not all wedding floral arrangements are organic. Choosing organic flowers will ensure they are harvested in a eco-friendly way, and chances are they will come from a local farmer, which will be great for supporting small businesses.

If you use these easy and simple eco-friendly wedding hacks, your event can be environmentally friendly What other tips do you have for throwing an eco-friendly wedding? Let us know what you think on social media.

Celebrate the Season With These Sensational Backyard Spring Soirees

Spring is in full swing, and there's no better way to celebrate the beauty of the season than by throwing a party for your closest friends and family. Of course, hosting an outdoor event of any kind is great for bringing everyone together and creating fond memories. But if you're looking for a few creative ways to use a backyard party tent this spring, we've come up with a few ideas for an unforgettable social gathering. And don't forget: you'll need the perfect tent rentals for your upcoming shindig! Here are just a few themed events you'll definitely want to throw this year:

• An elegant garden tea party
  Throw on your fanciest hat and prepare to drink with your pinkies up! There's no better way to spend a sunny Sunday afternoon than in your backyard garden, enjoying a spot of tea and delicious finger sandwiches. Our perfect tent rentals will ensure your antique china and lace table linens will stay dry and safe, even in unpredictable spring weather. Be sure to decorate your tables with crisp place cards, mismatched teacups, and lots of fresh flowers. And  don't forget the scones and clotted cream! This can be ideal for your monthly ladies-who-lunch event, a birthday, or even a bridal or baby shower.

• A neighborhood potluck picnic
  For a new twist on a traditional neighborhood gathering, why not throw a backyard potluck picnic? Rather than have each family bring their own individual baskets, you can have everyone bring a favorite dish to pass. As host, you can provide some of the essentials, like soda, chips, or other snacks. Your guests can bring an appetizer, main entree, or dessert for everyone to enjoy. They can even share their family recipe on card stock so that these dishes will be loved for years to come. Be sure to decorate your tables with red gingham tablecloths and high-quality plastic or paper plates to make for easy clean-up. Keep in mind you'll need at least 15 square feet per person. That way, you'll have plenty of room but can still mix and mingle with ease. 

Want to make your next event a success? Tents For Rent is here to help. For more information, get in touch with us today.

4 Things Your Wedding Guests Want You to Know

Even though your wedding should be exactly what you and your future spouse would like, it is important to take your guests into consideration. This means thinking of their comfort and happiness throughout the entire event, even if it can get in the way of your plans. So, in order to create the happiest guests possible, here are some common things your wedding guests would like for you to know.

1. Please give us enough space!

It can be all too easy to have a cramped wedding and reception, especially if you are utilizing wedding rentals or are looking into renting a tent and are not familiar with the size and dimensions of specific party rentals. So as a rule of thumb, once you have a rough estimate of your guest count, follow these specifications for the amount of room you'll require.

• Take your number of guests times 15 square feet for seating at tables.
• The number of guests times six square feet for a cocktail area.
• The number of guests times eight square feet for guests seated in chairs.
• The number of guests times two square feet for a dance area.

2. Tell us exactly what you want us to wear!

Demystify the dress code. There are a lot of different definitions for weddings such as black tie, black tie optional, or causal. Make sure to tell your guests exactly what the dress code means, and don't forget to include if it will be an outside wedding or not! 

3. Assigned seats are a headache

Many wedding guests want to mingle by themselves, so take the assigned seating out of the equation. This will not only be easier for them to find a place where they're most comfortable, but you'll have less of a headache while planning. Often, guests dread being stuck for hours at a table with people they don't like or don't find interesting. Clearly, avoiding seating cards make for a relaxing event all around!

4. Snacks are always a great idea

It's no secret that people burn a lot of calories while dancing, so make sure to not forget some snacks at the end of the night to keep people going! Water is also important, as people like to stay hydrated. Weddings are generally long days, and your guests are likely to work up an appetite after dinner is served.

Follow these tips, and you'll have guests that love your wedding just as much as you do!

Looking into renting a tent for your big day? Make sure to call Tents for Rent, we're here to help!

A Month by Month Guide to Planning Your Wedding: Part 2

Considering that the average length of an engagement is 14 months, there is a lot to do in that very short time to get the wedding of your dreams. In one of our previous posts, we started a checklist for brides and grooms-to-be to follow when planning their wedding, so here we finish the countdown!

Five to Four Months Before the Big Day

• Get all the details planned out for your rehearsal dinner. This means deciding who is invited (typically this includes the wedding party and any out of town guests), where it will be, and who will pay. If you don't want to book an expensive venue for this, consider some of our multiple party rentals or even rent a tent for the occasion.

• Choose and order your cake. This means tasting as many pieces of cake as you want!

• Book your makeup and hair stylists. Investing in a trial makeup application and hair styling is always a good idea.

• Finalize your music playlist. 

Three Months Before the Big Day

• Start double-checking on everything you previously ordered. This includes your wedding rentals -- are the linens the right color? What about the chairs? Are the tent rentals the correct size for the number of guests that have RSVP'd? -- the flowers, the catering, your dress, the groom and groomsmen's outfits, and the transportation for the wedding day. Remember, you can never double-check too many times!

• Design the programs. You can even include a menu for the reception if you'd like.

• Go ring shopping! One of the best parts, we know.

Two Months to One Month Before

• Finalize your plans for the photographer. Go to your venue and scout different photograph locations if necessary.
   

• Double check with guests who have not RSVP'd yet.
   

• Apply for your marriage license.
   

• Give your final payments to each vendor so you have nothing to worry about when the big day comes around.
   

• Finish the seating arrangements and make place cards.
   

• Write your vows.

Once you have finished this simple checklist, you will be all set to enjoy your special day! 

In need of some wedding rentals for your nuptials? Tents for Rent is here to help, so call us today.

5 Simple But Effective Ways to Save Money on Your Wedding

Getting married is one of the most exciting moments in anyone's life. But it can also be incredibly expensive and put a damper on brides and grooms who are looking forward to spending their lives together. However, don't fret because here are some incredibly easy ways to save money for your big day.

Cut down on guests
We all know how expensive your guests can be, so simply cut the number down! The Knot's 2014 Real Weddings Study reports that the average number of wedding guests is 136 people, so don't be afraid to have a smaller number than originally expected. This may sound easier said than done, so when thinking about who to invite ask yourself a few questions.

• When was the last time you saw this person?If it was over a year and you live relatively close, consider knocking them off the list.

• If your parents are helping to pay, is this someone they would like there?
  

• if you went out to dinner with this person, would you pay for dinner with them?

Rethink the date and day
Getting married on a Friday or even a Sunday is much cheaper than the traditional Saturday. Plus, if you do an afternoon wedding, your guests will not have to take too much time off work!

Go for party rentals
As tempting as it may be, you don't have to buy everything for your wedding. Instead of dropping a lot of cash, invest in wedding tent rentals, wedding chairs, linens, and even decor such as centerpieces.

Don't be afraid to take your time
Having a longer engagement will mean you can plan ahead and don't have to pay any exorbitant last-minute costs. This gives you more time for research, saving, and more time for your guests to plan! 

Have your reception and ceremony at the same place
This way, everyone will be in the same place and you won't have to worry about getting people from place to place. You can have the guests sit at their tables during the ceremony and when you go to take pictures, they can simply start cocktail hour.

With these ideas in mind, you will be on your way to saving thousands on your wedding, and leaving more money for the honeymoon! 

If you are in the market for wedding tent rentals and other supplies, don't hesitate to call our professionals today. 

Weather The Storm With These 5 Wedding Day Preparedness Tips

While rain on your wedding day is often considered good luck, you might see it as the opposite. The risk of summer storms can make hosting an outdoor event stressful, but this is especially true when wedding bells are involved. Luckily, it is in your control to not let bad weather splash all over your special day. From prepping your guests to adjusting your party rentals, these tips are your stress-free weather preparedness kit. 

1. Remember Your Guests
   If wet weather seems to be in your forecast, be sure to include your wedding guests in your preparation measures. For an outdoor wedding, slip umbrellas or ponchos under their wedding chairs for easy-to-access rain protection. Also, do your best to keep them updated, and encourage them to dress for the weather.
   

2. Have An Alternate Location
   Even though you have been planning your dream outdoor wedding for months, it is wise to have an alternative location in place. If you are set on your original location, simply adjust your party rentals by renting a tent. The interior of the tent can still be decorated with an outdoor aesthetic while protecting the party from potential rain. Keep in mind that these structures come in different styles, including frame tents and pole tents.
   

3. Embrace Your Situation
   Especially during a simple rain shower, embracing the conditions can lead to fun, creative memories. Incorporate umbrellas into your ceremony and wedding photos. Rainy days can be cozy and romantic, so have fun with the whimsy.
   

4. Have An Emergency Preparedness Plan
   If you live in an area that is at risk for severe weather, such as hurricanes and tornadoes, have an emergency plan in place. This could include measures such as evacuation routes and tornado shelters. If the safety of you and your guests could be at risk, don't hesitate to postpone your wedding.
   

5. Work With Your Photographer
   Communicate your weather concerns with your photographer. They will likely have creative ideas to work around the rain, such as using umbrellas as props and finding interesting indoor spaces.

You have planned your special day down to every detail. From the flowers to your vows, you and your partner have worked to make your wedding as unique as you are. As the event draws closer, don't let your wedding dreams get left out in the rain. Being prepared will allow your event to carry on beautifully in the sunshine and in rain.

How to Decide if an Outdoor Wedding is for You

As you're planning your wedding, you may wonder if you should plan an outdoor wedding or keep it indoors.

Reasons you should plan your wedding outdoors:

• You love the outdoors, fresh air, sunshine or stars
• You're planning a country or rustic wedding theme
• You have an outdoor space that is significant to you
• You want your wedding to be relaxed or casual

Reasons to opt for in indoor venue:

• You have a low tolerance for cool or warm weather (although tent heating and cooling are available)
• You aren't willing to adjust plans to work with weather changes

While there are pros and cons of planning an outdoor wedding, we're sure you'll be just as happy with your event as these customers were.

Wedding Venue Highlight - Nissley Vineyards

If you're wedding is coming up and you haven't chosen a venue, be sure to check out Nissley Vineyards. It's a relaxed rural location that is charming and beautiful. It's not far from Harrisburg and Lancaster. Whether you shooting engagement pictures like this couple or you'd like to host your entire wedding onsite, this historic location is sure to please.

Nissley Vineyards is a beautiful location for summer weddings

The rural setting is excellent for a romantic outdoor wedding tent

Weddings at the winery