28 Tent Decorating Ideas That Will Upgrade Your Wedding Reception

July 24, 2015

Deck out your party tent with these inspired ideas.

Start Slideshow

1 of 29

Credit: Samm Blake
Everything You Need to Know About Renting a Wedding Tent

If you're getting married on an expansive outdoor property, you've likely already considered setting up a tent. Couples often opt for these lofty canopies to preemptively prepare for uncontrollable weather—but they can be a lot more than a weather-related afterthought. Take the following tents from real weddings, for example. With the help of their planners, these brides decked out these blank canvases with unexpected accents, like lanterns, chandeliers, and cascading floral installations. The result? These tents actually became a central part of the reception décor.

What's more, these tents helped newlyweds and their guests take cover in style, regardless of the wedding's overall look. Perfect for rustic, bohemian, classic, and contemporary weddings alike, tents create cozy, protected spaces for attendees to mingle, drink, and eat. Of course, not every tented wedding involved a traditional white covering. From gauzy, draped linen, to clear-plastic rooves that allowed guests to enjoy the sunset, there are many creative and beautiful ways to make a classic tent all your own. And with the help of picture-perfect décor, brides and grooms are able to build a custom reception space from the ground up—literally. As you'll see here, some duos hung quirky objects from the rafters, or constructed an overhead floral installation. At a beach wedding, twinkly lights were suspened above the bride and groom's seats for a warm, romantic glow.

Ready to see all of these creative tent upgrades yourself? Click through for endless inspiration from these stunning real weddings.

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 29

Birch and Lanterns

Credit: Christian Oth Studio

Bring the outdoors in by using birch trees as support beams. Add hanging paper lanterns for a rustic touch.

3 of 29

Greenery Chandeliers

Credit: Ryan Ray Photography

Crystal chandeliers get a natural upgrade when wrapped with trailing leaves.

Advertisement

4 of 29

Color-Blocked Dance Floor

Credit: Theo Milo Photography
Do These Things to Get Everyone Dancing at Your Wedding

A black-and-white square dance floor brings a bit of retro glamour to an otherwise all-white tent. Plus, the creative pattern certainly beats generic linoleum.

5 of 29

Floral Installation

Credit: Sarah Kate Photography
Unique Ways to Use Flowers in Every Element of Your Wedding

This romantic, lavish overhead floral halo—made from pink paper flowers and a crystal chandelier—perfectly complements the centerpieces directly below.

6 of 29

Macramé Entry

Credit: We Photographie

Throwing a desert-themed or bohemian party? Add an entryway to your wedding tent by setting up a macramé arch flanked with cacti.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 29

Green Scene

Credit: Lara Hotz Photography

If you're a fan of wild, jungle-inspired flora, consider going big on the greenery. Tall, leafy centerpieces and willow tree-inspired overhead installations make it feel as if you're sitting in the center of the woods.

8 of 29

Swinging Away

Credit: Gideon Photo

Two adjacent swings, hung with vine-wrapped ropes, are a fun addition to sheltered lounge. They also serve as a pretty cool spot for photos.

9 of 29

Bulbs and Greens

Credit: Shane Shepherd

Bare light bulbs and floating greens combine the best of the natural and industrial aesthetics.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 29

Royal Pink

Credit: Art Is for Lovers

Pink sateen runners, billowing drapes, chandeliers, and classic centerpieces make this tent fit for royalty.

11 of 29

Hanging Shelves and Tassels

Credit: We Photographie
Discover More Tasseled Wedding Touches

We're loving how safari vibes merge with bohemian notes inside this canvas tent. Everything—from the desert-hued rug, to the hanging shelf flower and candle shelves, and brass accents—blends together seamlessly.

12 of 29

Garland Wrap

Credit: Bella Wang
These Wedding Garlands Will Majorly Elevate Your Reception

Dress up your tent's bones by wrapping them with fern garlands from top to bottom.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 29

Cozy Rug

Credit: Scott Andrew Studio
A Trend We're Loving: Ceremony Aisles with Rugs

Who needs a dance floor when you can just as easily throw down a rug? Add a vintage Moroccan or Turkish beauty to your rental wish list to recreate this idea.

14 of 29

Rusted Brass Candle Holders

Credit: Connie Whitlock
Even More Candle Centerpieces That'll Light Up the Night

Candelabras, wrapped in greens that match the hanging vines, look lovely at night, after the (protected!) votives are lit.

15 of 29

Mixed Metal Lanterns

Credit: Shea Christine

We're obsessed with these alternating gold and pewter lanterns, which were hung above a simple tablescape.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 29

Trees and Orb Candles

Credit: Lacie Hansen Photography
Surprising Things You Can Rent for Your Wedding

A lush tree (another rental score!) is one way to mark the head table. Hanging orb candles add a bit of contemporary romance, a pretty contrast to the vintage-inspired chandeliers.

17 of 29

Woven Lamps

Credit: Melissa Gidney

Basket-style overhead lamps shed light on dinner and also give your space a distinctly beachy vibe.

18 of 29

Garden Party

Credit: Sarah Kate Photography

Transform a transparent tent into a picturesque garden by lining family-style tables with lush arrangements of peonies and hydrangea, and punctuating smaller round tables with corresponding tall centerpieces.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 29

Cake Cutting Tent

Credit: Orange Photographie

Whether you're tenting your reception or simply getting married under the stars, a separate glamping-inspired structure is perfect for a private cake cutting session.

20 of 29

Tent of Mirrors

Credit: Jasmine Star Photography

Mirrors take on a floating quality (and add living room vibes!), especially if they're hung on a see-through tent.

21 of 29

Lounging Around

Credit: Koby Brown
Wedding Lounge Ideas Your Guests Will Love

You may be getting married outdoors, but the comforts of home don't have to feel far away. Decorate your space with a polished lounge, complete with end tables, contemporary chairs, and chaises, for an extra touch of luxury.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 29

Bohemian Dinner Tent

Credit: Jasmine Star Photography

For an intimate reception, a tented dinner area in the backyard—with a linen canopy, monstera leaves, and hanging candles—exudes bohemian vibes.

23 of 29

Skylight Tent

Credit: Emily Steffen

Avoid competing with the surrounding scenery, and choose a clear tent to cover your reception space. After sunset, the cover will reflect the candlelight and bistro lighting, giving the enclosure a warm glow. 

24 of 29

Airy Tent

Credit: Landon Jacob
More Overhead Wedding Decorations We Love

Make like this couple, and hold your reception under a tent frame swathed with sheer fabric and illuminated with string lights and chandeliers.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

25 of 29

1920s-Inspired Décor

Credit: Delbarr Moradi

Do you love the Roaring Twenties? Let the period influence your wedding décor, and embelish the space with dazzling floral arrangements and gold-dipped stemware. Petite chandeliers encased within a sculptural orb offer an old-world-meets-new touch. 

26 of 29

Greenery-Covered Chandeliers

Credit: Harwell Photography
More Wedding Flower Installations with Greenery

Cover oversized chandeliers with seasonal birch branches, moss, and smilax vine for a natural touch. 

27 of 29

Garlands of Greenery

Credit: Corbin Gurkin

String ropes of leaves overhead to lend a garden feel to any celebration.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

28 of 29

Free Form Chandelier

Credit: Jenelle Kappe

Create a "free form" chandelier with different-length string Edison bulbs, and display it over the head table.

29 of 29

String Lights