How to Decorate a Tent for a Wedding Ceremony & Reception

Couples looking for less-traditional wedding ceremonies and receptions are heading outdoors. A tent offers variety to the location and look of that special day. The tent and the way it's decorated sets the mood for the event, whether it is an all-out theme party or a chic, sophisticated affair.

Instructions

Decorating a tent

1

The first step is to choose a theme for the evening. A tent interior can be decorated in almost any style from elegant to playful. You can choose themes such as a night in Italy or an Oriental palace. Your decorations will depend on what your theme is, so figure out the atmosphere you want to create well in advance to search out the decorations in time.

2

Lights bring life to a tent. Choose what style and color lights you want. You can drape twinkle lights around the top of the tent and any poles and place spot lights in the corners to make dramatic shadows on the walls. Lanterns are also great decorations for tents. Hang them above the tables and above the dance floor to give the evening an ethereal effect. You can choose white lights for elegance or colored lights to create a more fanciful mood. Candles are fantastic for creating softer lighting and shadows. Place them on the tables so your guests can dine by candlelight.

3

Every reception needs table linens, and you can use these basic elements to accent your theme. Choose from solid hues (your wedding colors) and consider fabrics other than cotton, such as lace or silk, to dress up your table. There are also embroidered linens and patterns to consider. If you do choose a more elaborate linen, make the centerpiece simple so that the whole effect does not look over done. Remember to make sure the napkins match or compliment the table cloth.

4

Flowers are ideal for dressing up a tent. Stay with your wedding colors to create unity and make sure they work with the colors of the table linens. Use flower centerpieces on the tables, place them around archways and even as cake decorations. You can also wrap garlands around the tent poles. The flowers can be real, silk, or potted plants, depending on your theme and budget.

5

Bubble machines, balloons, and tulle are some decorative accessories that can further enliven the tent for the big day. "Bubble machines add flight and whimsy to tent receptions," says Wedding Clipart, a website that deals with all aspects of weddings. Be careful not to over do it with balloons, just place a few at the entrance and exit, and maybe to mark the bride and groom's table. Too many can make the tent look cluttered. Drape colored tulle around the chairs for a soft, chic look. You can also wrap it around the tent poles.