The 10 Things You MUST Do If You're Having a Tent Wedding

Photo: Eric Kelley Photography; Mindy Weiss Party Consultants

There are plenty of reasons brides, grooms, and planners alike love tented weddings — the ambience, the cozy intimate air, and the whole party (and all the wedding décor) is safe from the elements! But erecting a wedding structure isn't like putting together the tent you and your fiancé use when you go camping. It takes a lot of work, and requires just as much preparation and planning. For example: Love the look of a clear top tent? While a see-through structure (like the one above, decorated by famous planner Mindy Weiss) is great at bringing the outdoors in at your event, it also acts as a greenhouse, trapping warm air and posing a threat to those wilt-able flowers. Or perhaps you're worried that your tent might be too big for your party size? Add warm lighting to make a massive tent appear cozy and intimate. To get started on planning your own canopied big day, take note of these 10 other need-to-know things about tented weddings.

1. Plan for a hefty bill.

Renting a tent is expensive (starting at $1,500 for 100 guests), and you're on the hook for all the décor, rentals, and equipment it takes to turn raw space into an inviting room.

2. Pick a model.

Pole tents have peaks, created by center poles, and are vinyl or sailcloth. Structure and frame tents have an open steel shell that can support heavy equipment like big speakers. Clear tops are sleek and modern.

Photo: Jose Villa Photography; Mindy Weiss Party Consultants

3. Find the right spot.

Focus on the view and the scale of the tent in relation to the surroundings. (It shouldn't swallow the entire plot of land!) And don't forget to find a flat surface at least 10 feet from any building (for stakes).

4. Ask about your venue's rules before you book.

Can you stake directly into the ground? Are there noise restrictions? When can you start setting up? This one's crucial because erecting a tent can take one to four days.

5. Reserve it early.

Rental companies have a limited supply of styles and sizes, so book one as soon as you finalize your date and have a good idea of the guest count — no later than six months before the wedding.

Photo: Willa Kveta Photography; La Fete Weddings

6. Get the proper size.

A tent that's too big or too small can mess up the flow and vibe of your party. As a general rule, figure 18 square feet of tent per person for a seated dinner and dancing.

7. Have a rain plan — and don't forget the walls!

In perfect weather, you can leave the tent open. But if you need to keep the outdoors out, have wall paneling ready and a plan that can be put into action quickly.

8. Consider flooring.

Grass is your cheapest option, but if you don't want the ladies to ruin their heels, cover the ground with wood flooring, sisal carpet, or Astroturf (an affordable option) in a neutral hue.

Photo: Jose Villa Photography; Kathleen Deery Design with Alison Events

9. Think hard about the temperature.

Trust us: Nothing is worse than being trapped inside a tent with no AC in August. Depending on your date, you may need air conditioners or heaters to keep everyone comfortable.

10. Do a sound check.

Music will be nice and loud on the dance floor, but what about during dinner? Have your DJ or band do a test run to ensure that guests way over there can hear too.

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Original Source: http://tentsfromcairotocapetown.weebly.com/blog/the-10-things-you-must-do-if-youre-having-a-tent-wedding

Note from the blogger: If you are considering a tented wedding, take the time to look at Bedouin-inspired stretch tents as an option. For Stretch Tents for Sale, stretch tents in Cape Town or Stretch Tents in South Africa, visit www.tentickletents.co.za

Plan a Wedding in Cape Town South Africa

Getting married in the magical Mother City of Cape Town? Well-known as the gateway to South Africa, Cape Town is an extraordinary city that holds many beautiful places to tie the knot.

Knowing the in’s and out’s of when, where and how to get married in Cape Town is essential to ease you into planning a Cape Town wedding. With the guidance provided by our collection of handy tips, learn how to plan and pull off your dream wedding in any of the city’s seasons or locations!

Image: Joanne Markland as seen in this Pale Yellow, White & Coral Winelands Destination Wedding

Getting Married in Cape Town

Cape Town is one of the top wedding destinations in the world for good reason. Not to mention the bright African sunshine and amazing weather, there’s plenty that Cape Town has to offer as a wedding destination that sets it apart from others:

Beautiful Variety of Cape Town Wedding Venues

There are so many stunning wedding venues in Cape Town, that you will be spoilt for choice! There are Winelands venues nestled in the hearts of vineyards, venues overlooking the ocean and beautiful beaches, modern venues with lots of glass and concrete, venues overlooking magnificent mountain ranges or situated in the heart of a plantation, rustic venues with that homely feel or vintage vibe and venues ranging from the smallest, to the biggest capacities. Not only does Cape Town offer some of the top venues in the world, but it is all accessible within a half an hour’s drive.

Cape Town is a Wedding Photographer’s Paradise

We believe that Cape Town offers a background and setting to die for and it would be any photographer’s dream to shoot a wedding in the Winelands, the beach, or Cape Town itself.

Cape Town Boasts Top-Class Wedding Suppliers

Being one of the top wedding destinations in the world, Cape Town is also able to offer engaged couples top class wedding suppliers such as award winning wedding photographers, chefs, stationery designers and cake suppliers. Cape Town service providers offer a super-personal touch and that’s important when you’re planning your biggest, most beautiful day yet”.

You can’t Beat the Mother City Magic

There’s such a unique vibe and atmosphere in this city. Again and again, couples gush about the beautiful surroundings, but the one thing they truly remember is the friendliness and all-around-smiles that are so true to Capetonians. Couples from overseas absolutely love flying here to say their vows, while their guests get to enjoy what Cape Town has to offer as they make it a mini holiday.

When to get married in Cape Town

Regardless of the time of year, rain, wind or sunshine – a gorgeous Cape Town wedding can be held during any season.

Summer Weddings in Cape Town

November – February

Beginning as early as November and lasting well into February, the Cape Town’s summer months are perfect for outdoor weddings. Although the summertime boasts the warmest weather and endlessly long days, it is also the busiest and most expensive time of the year to wed, requiring you to book your venue and vendors way in advance.

Autumn Weddings in Cape Town

March – April

Cape Town during the Autumn season in March and April may be less warm than Summer, but it is also privy to less wind in the Mother City. The city is amass with autumn colours of reds, browns, yellows and oranges – offering a stunning backdrop for weddings especially in the Cape Winelands at an ‘off-season’ price.

Winter Weddings in Cape Town

May – August

Between May and August, Cape Town plays host to greenery galore owing to the winter rainfalls. Referred to as the “secret season”, rain, wind and sunshine can be expected, which makes it a great season for cosy indoor weddings. More choice of available venues also allows you to confirm bookings closer to your wedding date.

 

Spring Weddings in Cape Town

September – November

Springtime is a time for new beginnings and celebration of love seems fit during this flowerful season that starts in September before welcoming the Summer in November. A pleasant mix of rain and sunshine creates a blanket of flowers especially across the popular West Coast Spring flower route.

 

Where To Get Married in Cape Town

With its diverse landscape and scenery, Cape Town has a marvellous mix of wedding venues on offer.

Get Married on the Beach in Cape Town

(Above) Strandkombuis Wedding Venue, Yzerfontein | Shot by: Just Judy Photography

Cape Town is bordered with several world-class beaches from the warm Langebaan, Arniston and Paternoster beaches found along the West Coastline, the glamorous white sand beaches of Camps Bay, Clifton and Hout Bay stretching across the Atlantic Seaboard, to the more laid-back Boulders Beach, Simon’s Town and Fish Hoek beaches nestled along the False Bay coastline. Having a beach wedding sounds like it could be the most romantic place to exchange your vows. However, if you’re eager for a beach wedding, be sure to consider the following:

Cape Town Beach Weddings are great for:

• The beach can play host to romantic and relaxed tented or alfresco weddings that allow you to kick back and enjoy your wedding with the sand between your toes.
• Great surroundings for photos, especially during the late afternoons and sunset is a sure bet!
• If you’re lucky, you could also enjoy some privacy if the beach is secluded.

Things to keep in mind:

• Cape Town is known for its rain and wind throughout the seasons, so selecting the right wedding date is crucial. Beach weddings are best held from late October until early April, with the late summer offering less wind. If the weather is unfavourable, you will need a Plan B – either an indoor beach wedding venue or a beach canopy, gazebo or tent., such as the event tents available from a reputable supplier such as Tentickle Stretch Tents.
• Licensing is essential if you’re having a wedding on a public beach. A wedding permit can be arranged by your wedding planner (if you have one). Be sure to allow for enough time in advance for your beach wedding permit to be issued.
• There is a lack of guaranteed privacy on public beaches, as they are open to other

Get Married at a Hotel in Cape Town

Many of Cape Town’s hotel wedding venues are situated near to or in the city centre, which offers beautiful views of the world-renowned Table Mountain.

Cape Town Hotel Weddings are great for:

• Most hotels have an in-house wedding co-ordinator who is available to assist you in planning your wedding.
• With on-site chef and catering services available at most hotels, you may be able to personalise your wedding menu with the hotel’s chef.
• It may be possible to secure special rates for accommodation for the bridal couple and your guests, if the venue is booked far in advance.

Things to keep in mind:

• Hotels have rules and these may include their approved list of vendors, party cut-off times and noise-limits, which requires you to consider the guests staying at the hotel during that time.
• Unless you’re happy with the hotel’s current decor, you may have to spend more to transform the existing decor of the venue to add your personal touch.
• There may be other weddings or events taking place on the same day in another venue at the hotel, which may stretch the hotel’s resources in handling multiple weddings or cause conflict between the different wedding programs.
• Many hotels also offer tent hire as a venue option if they have expanding lawns to offers for an outside wedding.
• For hotels that are interested in purchasing their own tent contact Tentickle Tents for stretch tents sales and ask about their wide range of stretch tents for sale.

Get Married in a Forest, Garden or Outdoors in Cape Town

Other outdoor wedding venues in Cape Town can include forests, gardens and ‘glamping’ (camping in style!).

Cape Town Forest, Garden or Outdoor Weddings are great for:

• Outdoor weddings can be incredibly beautiful when set amongst nature and it is this surrounding scenery that can be used as part of your wedding venue.

Things to keep in mind:

• The logistics of hosting a wedding outdoors where amenities such as running water, electricity for sufficient lighting and sound and access to the wedding site may be a challenge and end up being more costly.
• It is essential to devise a contingency plan for your wedding location in advance in case the weather does not play along.
• Uninvited wedding guests such as pesky bugs need to be anticipated and prepared for with fans and insect repellents, especially during the summer months.

Get Married on a Wine Farm in Cape Town

(Above) Molenvliet Wine & Guest Estate Wedding Venue, Stellenbosch | Shot by: Damor Photography

Home to several wine countries, Cape Town’s wine routes include towns such as Constantia Valley, Stellenbosch, the Helderberg, Durbanville Valley and Franschhoek.

Cape Town Wine Farm Weddings are great for:

• Wine farms are perfect venues for both indoor and outdoor celebrations. Indoor wedding venues can include beautiful buildings, old cellars and generally a venue that is filled with style and charm.
• Open spaces filled with vineyards, farmlands, the estate’s gardens, surrounding green pastures and mountainous landscapes create a beautiful backdrop for your wedding.
• Many wine farm wedding venues offer wedding facilities and delicious catering. Of course, there is also the benefit of enjoying the wine farm’s own wine if you please.
• Several farms offer on-site accommodation, which makes for a truly enjoyable wedding experience.

Things to keep in mind:

• Consider how your guests will be travelling to your wedding as some of your guests may not be able to travel to a wine farm in a remote area.
• For religious reasons, certain guests may not be able to attend a wine farm wedding where alcohol is present.

How to Get Married in Cape Town

If only getting hitched was as easy and romantic as saying your “I do’s”! However less romantic the legal and technical information required by the South African government in order for a marriage to be legal may be, they are essential to adhere to, to ensure that you have truly tied the knot! Here we share a few important guidelines on how to enter into a legally binding union in Cape Town.

(Above) Kleinevalleij Wedding Venue, Wellington| Shot by: ZaraZoo Wedding Photography

• Once your have been married, your marriage officer is required to submit the marriage register to be recorded at the nearest Home Affairs office. Once it has been recorded, an abridged or shortened version of your marriage certificate, which costs approximately ZAR75.00, is issued on the same day. It may take between 6-8 weeks from the date of application for an abridged or complete marriage certificate to be issued at a cost of ZAR20.00
• Unless you have entered into a valid pre-nuptial contract prior to marrying, all legal marriages in Cape Town are in community of property.
• Although you may conduct your wedding ceremony anywhere in South Africa – be it the beach, a wine farm, hotel or the great outdoors, it is legally required thatthe marriage contract or register be signed indoors, beneath a proper roof and in the presence of at least two witnesses who will also be required to sign the marriage register.
• If you are not a South African citizen, then you should find out whether your home country acknowledges South African marriages as legally valid.
• Only  legally authorised marriage officers may perform your wedding ceremony. To learn more about how to select the right marriage officer for your wedding, take a look at our Selecting a Marriage Officer {Wedding Planning Series} feature, which explains the different types of officers and shares great tips on how to choose the right one for you.

Remember that these are only a few of the key requirements for entering into a legal marriage. To find out more, it is best to seek legal counsel prior to entering into a marriage and to confirm the complete and updated details from a South African Home Affairs office or by visiting www.home-affairs.gov.za.

Source: http://www.confettidaydreams.com/getting-married-in-cape-town-ultimate-guide/

Difference between a tent, temporary structure, marquee and canopy

Tent – A tent is a temporary structure composed of a covering made of a pliable membrane or fabric, supported by such mechanical means as poles, metal frames, beams, columns, arches, ropes and/or cables.  Also referred to as a marquee, canopy or pavilion.

Tensile Structure – A permanent fabric structure that relies on the tensioning of the fabric roof for its structural integrity and shape.  Also referred to as a tension structure or tensioned-membrane structure.

Tensile tent – A temporary fabric structure that shares some characteristics with the pole-supported tent, but relies more on the tensioning of the fabric roof for its structural integrity and shape.  The use of tensioned fabric to resist applied loads and to shape the fabric membrane means less of a traditional support structure is needed to maintain it. A good example of these types of tents are stretch tents that typically make beautiful wedding tents.

Temporary structure – Any structure such as a tent which will be in place for less than 180 consecutive days.  Definition may vary according to individual building codes.

Marquee – A marquee is a canopy projecting over an entrance or doorway or a connecting canopy between two tents.

Canopy – An architectural fabric projection that provides weather protection, identity, and/or decoration and is ground-supported in addition to being supported by the building to which the canopy is attached. The term also can refer to a small tent, a tent without sidewalls or an awning.

Originally posted on: https://stretchtentscapetown.wordpress.com/2016/05/26/difference-between-a-tent-temporary-structure-marquee-and-canopy/