We are so excited to announce that Kristin & Todd’s  August 2012 rustic wedding, which featured two of our beautiful sailcloth tents, farmhouse tables, Chavari chairs, and tables, was highlighted on Style Me Pretty.  Photos of the wedding were taken by Birch Blaze Photography. The reception was held at  Kristin’s parents’ Belmont, NH, home. The beautiful rustic chic details were the work of Amy Piper, Signature Events. We were excited to be a part of such a stunning event.

Your big day may feel like a circus, but it doesn't have to look like one.

The days leading up to your big day may feel like a circus act, but rest assured, having a wedding tent to shelter your guests will look nothing like a circus…unless, of course, that’s your wedding theme.

I recently encountered a bride-to-be who exclaimed, when asked if she was planning to rent a tent, “I am not getting married in a circus tent!” I wasn’t sure if she’d been to a tented wedding, but I assured her that wedding tents look nothing like circus tents.

Not to stay that the traditional red and white stripes of a circus tent can’t be an inspirational element to your wedding. Check out Stacey & Josh’s circus wedding on Green Wedding Shoes to see first-hand how one couple tied the knot under the big top.

Some tent rental providers do rent circus tents, but we don’t. What we do rent are beautiful, white party tents. We offer several tent styles to fit your location, wedding party size, and budget.

Frame Tents

Frame tents offer flexibility for a variety of spaces, and are a budget friendly option. Because there are no center poles to deal with you, can put tables, chairs, dance floors and DJs wherever you want! The inside of the tent looks a little more technical to keep together — you will see cables and a frame, but with the use of lights, the space can be quickly transformed.

High Tension Pole Tents

High tension pole tents can be a great deal larger than frame tents and have gorgeous peaks. There are center poles—the number of poles is dependent on the size of your tent. Pole tents use standard 7’ metal side poles at the edges. Another option is to use 10’ side poles, which provide a more open, airy feel to the tent and enable guests to more easily see your outdoor venue.

Sailcloth Tents

The latest trend in wedding tents is a sail cloth tent. The tent top is made of sailcloth, which is more translucent than a traditional vinyl top. The material allows natural sunlight to brighten the inside of the tent during the day, and at night the tent appears to glow from the interior lighting. The effect is quite stunning. Additionally, the center poles are made of strong wood that offer a more natural, elegant feel, versus traditional metal center poles.

No matter your budget or location, a full-service tent provider can offer a tent that will match the look you want. And look nothing like a circus tent – unless, of course, that is the look you are going for. With beautiful lighting and creative decorating (check out our other blogs for more inspiring ideas) ideas you can make a tent reflect the vision of your day! And we at Lakes Region Tent & Event would be happy to help you build your vision!

Our crew would be thrilled if putting up a tent took only 60 seconds. Most of our clients never see the time, labor and attention to detail it takes to get a pole tent up and secured. Then once the tent is up we set up the tables, chairs and lights so everything is ready for “beautification” to begin.

Here is a time lapse video created by a tent rental company in Richmond, VA that shows what it takes to put up a large pole tent. We are getting ready to put the “big one” up for the Colby Sawyer College graduation  – similar size tent and chair set up as seen in this video. Even our guys were amazed by this video and the birds-eye-view of what they go through several times a week. We hope you enjoy the experience.

Check out more of our wedding tent decoration ideas on Pinterest

Some brides find a pristine white tent top enough. But if you are a creative type and want to go all out, consider decorating the space under your tent.

Here are 7 ways to design a truly enchanted event with your look and feel by maximizing the decorating space under your tent:

1. Enchanting Lanterns
   If you’d like to create a “cozier” feeling in your tent, opt for lanterns to help fill up the space. Lanterns can be strung in many different ways, with varying sizes, colors and amounts. Talk with a professional about a good minimum amount as sometimes too few lanterns can look like an afterthought. Also, keep in mind that lanterns are great decorations, but not usually a good source of light so you’ll need to plan for string lights too.
2. Sparkling String Lights
   Do you love Christmas lights or that Venetian trattoria feel? Lights can enhance your celebration with romance and ambiance. Have fun and get creative: you can wrap the lights around the center or outer poles, string them from the peaks to the sides, or even from peak-to-peak.
3. Fabulous Fishing Line
   Think fishing line is just used for catching dinner? Think again! Fishing line, rope or twine can be used to hang decorations that match your theme from the underside of the tent. Imagine pictures of you and your beau, Chinese paper lanterns, garland, or even moss floating above the heads of your guests. The sky is the limit, literally!
4. Flowing Flowers
   If you decide to use the fishing line idea, consider adding the lush look of nature to your tent. Your florist can help you develop decorations that match your theme. If you’re on a budget, think outside the box: wildflowers, baby’s breath or long grasses may be the perfect match for your wedding theme.
5. Beautiful Branches
   Bring the outside in by attaching branches or small trees of your favorite tree type to the center or outer poles of the tent. Birch trees are a very popular option. Inspired brides have even added lights by wrapping them around the branches or hanging them from the branches. This adds a beautiful ambiance with a soft glow that brings you back to nature.
6. Uplifting Up-lighting
   Coordinate with your theme and uplift your guests by shining colored lights from the ground up into the tent. This is called up-lighting. You can use colored gels set on a timer to change the colors inside the tent during each stage of the wedding ceremony, dinner and party. Not only will this be a dramatic effect, but it can really warm up a space and enhance your tent.
7. Great Gobos
   Similar to up-lighting, gobos allow you to custom-design and project an image on the tent ceiling or walls. You can choose to illuminate your initials, “Mr. & Mrs.”, or a personalized logo. This can really bring your theme together by showing off your style all the way to the top of the tent.

If you choose one of these inspired ideas be certain to discuss with your tent provider about proper installation and removal to ensure you do not damage the tent.

To further pique your interest about your tent decorating options, visit our Pinterest board here.

For more table setting inspiration visit our Pinterest Board

As a bride, you may feel overwhelmed by the never-ending list of choices you have to make. When it comes to setting your reception tables, not all place settings are created equal.

Do you have vivid memories of being told NOT to put your elbows on the table? Like Julia Roberts’ character Vivian in Pretty Woman, have you been completely overwhelmed with silverware options at a fancy restaurant? You may have heard: “work your way from the outside to the inside,” but don’t know what it means.

Here’s a primer for you on the top 5 questions to ask yourself when planning the table settings for your wedding reception:

1. How formal will my wedding be?
   It is essential to gauge your table settings based on the formality of your event. If yours will be a formal wedding down to every last detail, then make sure your place settings follow suit. But, if you are having a backyard barbeque, informally rolling the silverware in napkinsand placing them on the table or at the buffet may work well.
2. How much space will I have on each table?
   Think about the size of your table, the size of your centerpieces, and anything else you will have on the tables, such as place cards, bread, butter, salt, pepper and/or cameras. That gorgeous table you envision can easily go from classy to cluttered and cramped for your guests.
3. How many courses will be served?
   Review each course and decide whether you want guests to keep their silverware or have a new utensil for each plate. The wait staff can pass utensils out if you are having a plated event. The options are limitless, but remember: think about the amount of space you have to work with and keep your table clutter-free.
4. Where will the plates go?
   If you have a plated meal or a buffet, there will not be a plate on the table. One great way to make a place setting look balanced is to put a large, decorative charger plate on the table that complements your theme. A new, less expensive trend is using a doily as a placeholder, a place card, or a personalized decoration. Just remember, where will the plate go if your favor is in that same spot? Make sure guests have a place to put the favor, to avoid over-crowding the table.
5. How do I want to serve dessert?
   Will the dessert silverware be set on the table before your wedding begins or passed out with the dish? Keep in mind that caterers are trained to clear what is not used as the night goes on. If you are having a plated dessert, a great option is to put the utensil on the plate as it is being passed out. If people are left to use what may or may not be left on the table, they might be disappointed to be without a fork for that delicious cake.

You have so many details to decide for your wedding, and it’s important to think about how the night will go for your guests. No one likes not having enough space for their champagne glass or staring at mouth-watering cake only to find they have no fork. Your guests will enjoy themselves even more (and appreciate you!) if your place settings are well-organized.

To get your creative juices flowing, visit our Pinterest board for table designs we love.

Lakes Region Tent & Event is up for top honors under the Event Rental and Tent Rental Categories (page 5 of the poll) — but we only win if we get the most votes. So we hope our prior customers, vendor partners and area fans will help us.

VOTE NOW!

When it comes to the ceremony most couples know what they want. Some want a church setting, some envision saying their vows on a beach, and some simply know they want to be outside.  If you fall into the latter category and have your heart set on a beautiful, outdoor NH venue for your wedding ceremony, but are nervous about the weather, here are two alternative plans to save the day.

Plan B – Go Undercover

If your ceremony space allows for a tent covering, placing a tent on hold for the big day is the best insurance you can purchase. Most rental companies ask for a 50% deposit to hold the tent so it will be available on your date. Within a few days of the event, once you’re confident about the weather, you can decide if you’ll need the tent or not. If you do, then you complete the additional 50% payment. If you cancel the tent reservation then you forfeit the deposit, but in the end it’s a small insurance fee to pay for Plan B.

Plan and reserve your tent early. Waiting till even 30 days before your wedding to reserve a tent, particularly during prime wedding season, you’re likely to find most tent rental providers’ inventory will be reserved. You may have to rent a much larger tent than you need simply because that’s all that’s available.

Some helpful advice— if your ceremony is going to be at a separate location encourage guests to bring umbrellas or provide umbrellas for the walk from one covered place to another. Most guests do not know what to expect for your day, so it’s nice to inform them to be prepared.

Plan C – Modify Your Reception Tent

If you don’t have room for a tent over your ceremony location, or simply don’t want the added expense, you can easily use your planned reception tent. One option is to make the dance floor bigger and use it for the ceremony site. No need to move decorated tables and chairs to find space to perform your ceremony. Usually your guests can see the dance floor from their seats and by using a sound system you can ensure that everyone hears your special words.

Another option for couples using a separate tent for a cocktail hour is to use that tent for your ceremony space if you get rained out. This space is usually big enough for everyone to fit if they stand. If there are high top tables they can always be moved. This option also allows your dining area to remain a surprise if that’s important to you.

Everyone is so relieved to have a sunny day. If it does happen to rain, keep in mind that according to Hindu tradition,  rain on a wedding day is considered good luck.  These are just a few ideas for consideration. Tent rental providers, wedding and event planners have years of experience working in varied weather conditions and are full of helpful ideas. Don’t hesitate to ask for their advice.

Share Your Advise

Been to an event that had a creative back-up plan? We’d love to hear.

We are excited to announce that Jessica L. is our official iPad with retina display WINNER!!! Her winning photo features her tented reception under a spectacular night sky.

A big thank you to our customers who entered the contest and shared their wedding photos featuring our products. We look forward to hosting our contest again next year. To see all our photo entries, visit the contest photo album on our Facebook page.

Go High and Dry

The idea spot for a tent is on high, level ground. But that’s not always available. You should, however, plan for the possibility of rain, especially in New Hampshire. Therefore, you should pick a location where rain will not collect. Check the site location after a rainstorm to see if any puddles remain. Most tent rental companies can set up your tent a few days in advance of your event, which will help to keep the area dry if you get a few rain showers before the big day. But if your location is in a low area that collects run off water, no tent can keep the ground from getting soggy.

Keep it Level

For uneven surfaces you can have a full floor installed.

While looking for a dry spot, you also want to stay away from a steeply sloped site. I can be awkward, if not dangerous to have tables and chairs set up on a steep slow. If you’re forced to “work with what you have” your rental company can erect a full stage underneath the tent to eliminate the slope and keep guests safe. A gradual slope is fine and your tent provider can use 10′ side poles, versus the standard 7′, to raise the height of the tent and ensure all guests can see the view. For uneven ground or surfaces (perhaps you’d like to erect a tent atop an old tennis court) you can have a full, wood floorinstalled.

Keep the Lines Clear

Depending on the type of tent you select you’ll need anywhere from 15′ to 25′ of “air space” to accommodate the tent. Your site location will need to be free of electric, cable and phone lines. Low hanging trees could also pose a problem.

Give Your Guests Some Relief

While your site may be “perfect” for a tent, you should ensure there are adequate facilities and sufficient nearby parking for all guests. If you need to rent portable restrooms ensure that a truck can get to the spot you’d like.

Give Your Guests Some Room to Move

You might love you backyard, but if it can’t accommodate the appropriate tent size you may need to rethink your plan. Tent size depends not only on the number of guests but also on its purpose. For example, a 30′ x 30′ tent that holds 140 guests for cocktails can comfortably seat only half that number for dinner (and leaves scant room for buffet stations and dancing).

A general formula to follow: Allow a minimum of 12 square feet per person seated at round tables, ten square feet at rectangular tables, and six square feet for cocktails or for ceremony seating. Then figure in the square footage of any extras like the cake table, buffet tables, bar, space of a DJ or band and dance floor.

Work With Your Tent Rental Provider

Working with a tent rental provider or event planner makes planning your event much easier. He or she will meet with you at the location you’re considering, review all the factors discussed above, take measurements, ask you lots of questions about the event, and then create a floor plan that puts it all together, on paper.