Inspiration for Planning a Tented Wedding in Ireland

I love offering couples the opportunity to create a unique and intimate (or largescale!) celebration in a beautiful outdoor setting. In Ireland, often that means planning a tented wedding, which is becoming increasingly popular. I wanted to delve a little deeper into some of the points to take into consideration when it comes to planning a tented wedding, to help and give inspiration to couples who are considering this route for their special day – rain or shine!

Choose the right location

When planning a tented wedding in Ireland, it’s important to choose a location that offers natural drainage and is not prone to flooding. The last thing you want is for your guests to be standing in puddles of water on your special day. When searching for the perfect location, take inspiration from previous weddings held at the venue. Your venue manager will know which areas are best for set up. You or your wedding planner can discuss this with the team and come up with a plan that combines not only showcasing the beauty of your venue but ensuring the practical element too.

Have a backup plan for inclement weather

While you may be hoping for a sunny day, it’s important to have a backup plan in case the weather doesn’t cooperate. This could include having a gorgeous tent with clear sides or a tent liner to protect guests from rain or having a backup indoor venue in case of severe weather. You’d be surprised how well tents can withstand the weather, but at times, it may be best to be indoors. 

Hire quality tents and equipment 

Invest in high-quality tents and equipment to ensure that your guests stay comfortable (and dry). There are so many marvellous suppliers across the length and breadth of the country that you can easily spend days looking at the different types of tents available from Bohemian bell tents to marquees and flowing floral canopies. Your chosen tent hire company will ensure that tents are anchored securely and that there are enough tent walls and sidewalls to protect guests from any wind or rain. Subflooring makes a world of difference as does the age of the tent. Some need very little to dress up and others require more love and care to look the part. 

Keep your guests prepared for every eventuality

 This could include umbrellas, fluffy slippers or dancing shoes, and even portable heaters or fans to keep guests comfortable. These are great small ways to show guests you have thought about their every need.

Lighting and heating 

Think about lighting and heating choices for your guests, especially if the weather is cool or damp. A few timeless choices are using string lights, lanterns, or even a portable fireplace to add to the ambiance of the outdoors.

It’s worth noting that it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the planning process, but your Irish wedding planner and venue manager will be able to answer all your concerns as they will have lots of experience planning tented weddings. It’s our job to know how to handle any eventuality that arises.

Have a flooring plan

Make sure the ground is dry and level, and have a flooring plan in place to protect guests from the ground. This could include a dance floor or even a wooden platform or subfloor. You can read about more decor ideas in our previous post ‘Tent wedding decor ideas’.

Planning a tented wedding in Ireland can be extra work but the magic is worth it in the end. With a little bit of planning and preparation, you can ensure that your special day goes off without a hitch, come rain or shine. By having a backup plan to choosing the right location, and investing in high-quality tents and equipment, you can ensure a beautiful and memorable wedding celebration that you and your guests will treasure. And let’s be honest, a tented wedding is truly special, if you’re lucky enough to host one!

Slán go Fóill,

Tara

Images by Wonder and Magic, Brosnan Photographic, Lisa O’ Dwyer Photography