Tented weddings have become increasingly popular in recent years, and it’s easy to see why. The idea of hosting your special day outside in a beautiful location has an undeniable allure. However, there is a common misconception that tented weddings are more budget-friendly than traditional wedding venues. In this blog, we’ll debunk the five myths surrounding tented weddings and reveal the hidden costs and considerations that often make them not as cost-effective or convenient as they may seem.
Myth 1: Tented Weddings Are More Affordable: One of the most common myths about tented weddings that I hear is that they are more budget-friendly than traditional venues. Couples will get sticker shock when touring venues whether they are fully staffed or unstaffed, and often think they can do it themselves for half the cost. While it’s true that you might save on the venue rental itself, you’ll quickly discover that the expenses don’t stop there. With tented weddings, you’ll need to bring in everything that was included with the traditional venue – the tent, flooring, tables, chairs, staffing lighting, and even access to water and electricity. These costs can add up, often surpassing what you would spend at a traditional or even unstaffed venue.
Myth 2: Tented Weddings Are Easy to Plan: Another common misconception is that tented weddings are easy to plan. In reality, organizing a tented wedding can be a logistical nightmare. You’ll need to coordinate multiple vendors to provide and set up all the necessary equipment. Without the convenience of an established venue, you become responsible for managing every detail, which can lead to additional stress and complications. From load in dates and times to who will handle parking, all details are left to you to handle
Myth 3: Any Location Is Ideal for Tented Weddings: Not all locations are created equal when it comes to tented weddings. While some sites may be perfectly suited for this type of event, others may present numerous challenges. From uneven terrain to limited accessibility, you’ll need to consider the suitability of the location and the additional expenses required to make it work for your wedding.
Myth 4: Any Caterer Will Do: Catering for tented weddings is a different ball game altogether. Not every caterer is familiar with the unique challenges that outdoor events present, such as varying weather conditions, limited facilities, and on-site cooking logistics. You’ll need to work with a caterer who has experience with tented weddings, and this can sometimes come at a premium. Additionally you will also have to consider staffing needs including servers and bartenders.
Myth 5: Tented Weddings Offer More Flexibility with Guest Numbers: Some believe that tented weddings allow for greater flexibility when it comes to the number of guests. The idea is that with an open space, you can easily accommodate any size of gathering. However, this isn’t the case. Tents have limitations based on the available space and layout, just like traditional venues, and exceeding those limits can lead to a cramped and uncomfortable atmosphere for your guests. While you can rent a larger
Tented weddings undoubtedly offer a unique and picturesque setting for your special day. However, it’s important to evaluate all of the risks and logistics that are associated with it. The reality is that tented weddings come with their own set of challenges, hidden costs, and considerations. To make your tented wedding a success, be prepared to invest time, effort, and resources into careful planning and coordination. While they can be a dream come true, it’s essential to approach tented weddings with your eyes wide open, knowing that they may not always be cheaper or more straightforward than traditional wedding venues. But, let’s be honest, it’s worth it for views like these!
Planning a tent wedding and feeling overwhelmed? Let us help you navigate the logistics so you can enjoy!
Photo: Leah Daniels Photography
Planning: Lovely Weddings and Events
Floral and Design: MCR Design Group
