Fantasy Tent Decor

My fantasy tent. This structure was built for an after party for the SAG awards. Even though it wasn't constructed for a wedding, this is so elegant you can take these ideas and apply them to your tent.

Tent weddings can be some of the most expensive because you are creating a space from scratch. You have permits, weather issues, and incredible labor costs to deal with. But tent weddings can also be some of the most beautiful because you don't have to conform to existing structure.

This tent has a custom gray silk layer. The beautifully draped liner adds that extra umph of elegance. Most tent companies will work with you to rent an existing liner or create a custom piece. This tent also has plush gray carpeting - a fantastic addition (which keeps all of your guests heels from getting stuck in the grass), but also costly. You need a sub floor to put that carpet on!

The floral accents are my favorite - tall columns create a place for arms of flowers to float above guests heads. You can incorporate this in a number of ways. You can run tracks of flowers across the existing poles of the tent. Suspend columns or balls of flowers from the ceiling. Drape strings of flowers down to create a dramatic curtain (orchids work well for this). Suspend a floral chandelier over each table.

The other thing that I enjoy about this set up is the lounge atmosphere. Of course you may not want your entire reception to be a cocktail party. If you want to include a sit down dinner, why not consider a section (or another smaller tent) set up as a lounge. It is a great way to extend the party, serve dessert, cut the cake, enjoy the band or DJ, anything! Or even create a smaller, more intimate lounge tent, in bright, fun colors that you can use to hang out with family and the bridal party after the majority of guests go home. It is a way to really get to spend time with you closest friends after your hectic day. A way to showcase another design sense, and a way to splurge a little on the people that you love the most!

Pictures gathered from BizBash Magazine

Linen Inspirations

I wanted to throw in some linen inspirations for all of you who may be trying to decide colors and decor right now. All of the items below are available for rental (though some may only be available to trade professionals - meaning your caterer or planner will need to organize it). See the end of the post for website information.

This is called Turquoise Irish, and I am predicting that this shade of blue will be the next trendy color in the fashion world, and in the wedding world for gutsy brides who want to make a colorful statement! (Nuage)

Shellfish-trimmed Raffia (this natural table topper creates a very sophisticated beach setting) (Nuage)

Purple Quilt linen with deep purple accents, including gorgeous fluted vases with tinted water. The best part about these vases are that their thinness won't block sight lines across the table too much. (Nuage)

Pesto Confetti - this glittering table topper creates a very dramatic table presentation. You will have to see it in person. From a personal stand point - I've had shirts made of this material and they can get slightly annoying. I think it looks beautiful and different, but you will need to sit at the table and see if it will scratch the arms or your guests (and if you will sacrifice this for style :-) (Nuage)

Peacock - this linen brings together the wonderful colors of peacock feathers. See my older post on my love for incorporating peacock feathers into your decor scheme. (Nuage)

Olive Crushed Velvet. I love this picture because of the fantastic, creative arches down the center. Crystal arches cascade over the moss table runner. This is very labor-intensive, but would make for a fantastic look (something to try if you will have only a few long tables seated for 10 or 16). (Nuage)

Cornflower ruffle over a bronze base. The clear ghost chairs allow you to see this beautiful table without interruption. The beach background probably doesn't hurt, but this dramatically-tall candelabra holding a unique arrangement of flowers is the perfect crown to this gorgeous table. (Nuage)

Black Chincilla linen added a wintry air of elegance to your wedding. I wouldn't suggest using this furry linen on every table, but use it as an accent to create drama. Continue the texture on all of the tables with this menu and napkin wrap with a sparkling pin or earring (look at antique or vintage stores for earrings, then split up the pair to get double the use). (Nuage)

Black and White Carol - the pop of Kelly Green. The coral pattern allows you to have this look as a very sophisticated beach theme. Or take the coral pattern away and replace it with damask (VERY popular right now). (Nuage)

Apple Green Quilt with beaded bronze charger. This bright linen added color and texture to your table top (Nuage).

Gold Leaf Sheer overlay adds filmy elegance to any underlay. This is a great example of how to use a silk (or real) orchid as a beautiful napkin roll. (Party Rental)

Brown Zebra. I love the feeling of being of safari (not surprising that is where I want to honeymoon). If you can't make it to Africa, why not try something different and bring the jungle to you for your wedding - or if that is just too much for your mother, try it for the engagement party. This zebra pattern is brown and white is still subtle enough to be considered elegant. You can dress it up or down. It can stand on its own in a room or you can add vines, thatched roofs, anything, to build in that jungle atmosphere. (Party Rental)

Bellagio Mist. This is a thicker table linen, so best used in colder months so that you don't overwhelm the tables. As I mentioned above, the damask pattern is huge right now. This cornflower blue and brown pattern is beautiful and won't overwhelm the room. Choose silver or gold accents, glass vases, and flickering candles to accent. (Party Rental)

Ask your planner to show you designs from Nuage Designs or Party Rental Ltd. These inspiring table settings can all be rented for your wedding and are available in many locations!

Final Pictures from The Special Event 2008

These are a mixture of images collected at The Special Event 2008:

This is probably my favorite picture that I have shared with you. I find this incredibly beautiful and simple. It would look stunning in almost any situation, and you can play with many varieties. While you can test out creating your own similar arrangement, I would suggest consulting with a florist to produce this - getting it right takes a lot of now how.

This table top competition had real water trickling down the umbrella and into a basin on the table. Now unless the two of you met when your umbrella blew away during a monsoon - this is probably not the way that you want to go. But the other elements of this table are adorable - the glass cake trays topped with a matching cloche., glass teapots, splits of champagne dressed in raincoats (again, corny but I thought it was cute), and my favorite - a pair of rain boots in colorful patterns for each guest.

This table setup is again unique, and using miniature truss and LED lights. This is not something that you want to try to set up on your own, but variations of this creativity could be stunning at your event with the help of professionals.

I loved the elegant beach twist on this table. Usually beach weddings are thought to be very casual a laid back. This table captured that spirit, while still allowing it to be elegant. A beautiful blue satin chair pad matches with the swatch on the chair, wire in place with a large starfish shell (you can collect real shells from your ceremony location, or use a faux variety found in stores). A filmy organza overlay on the table actually travels down under chairs, giving the sense of frothing waves (I don't recommend doing this, as one pull of the chair by a guest and bye bye tabletop), and you can adapt this with a slightly longer overlay that creates small piles at the bottom of your tables. And embroidered pillow with a coral pattern sits at each chair - a great and useful gift for your guests. Matching napkins are tied on the table (if you have a beach house, commandeer the pillows and napkins for use in the years to come!) sitting next to sea glass chargers, on drift wood-inspired blocks, and accented with a pure white seashell.

Check back soon for more design ideas!