Beach Wedding Reception Tent

Reception Tent Rentals

Planning an outdoor wedding means that no matter how much time, effort or money you put into the project, it could all fall apart due to one thing beyond your control — the weather. Even warm sunny beaches have a few chilly nights or rainy afternoons, so having a tent rented will provide a hideaway from Mother Nature and party crashers who are vacationing at the beach.

Two types of tents are available for renting, a frame tent and a pole tent. Each has their advantages and disadvantages, depending upon your needs.

Frame Tents

Frame tents are often a smaller sized tent, typically topping out at around 20 x 20. They are supported only by the poles at the corners or outer edge. Poles may slide into large water buckets or other heavy above-ground supports to keep them in place.

Sidewalls (to enclose the tent) are usually not an option for frame tents, but you may be able to hang netting to keep mosquitos out. Large clear plastic sheets may also be hung along the sides if you expect rain; check with the rental company to find out if you can rent or buy netting/plastic.

A frame tent will provide shade for the DJ, wedding band or caterers to set up. Unless you are having a small wedding with few guests, you likely will not be able to host the entire reception under the tent. Setting up several tents in a geometric formation with seating in the center can be a creative way to get guests mingling. One tent might house the catered buffet and cake table, while another has the music and another house the bar.

Pole Tent

A pole tent (sometimes called a tension tent) uses pole supports on the inside of the tent. Usually, the tent canopy is pulled very tightly across the poles which are staked into the ground. Tent sizes can seat anywhere from 50 to 500 people. Several tents can be put up next to each other to accommodate larger groups.

A pole tent usually is a more expensive tent rental, and companies often charge labor for set-up and tear-down.

Rental companies may offer the option of getting cathedral sidewalls with the tent. These heavy walls will enclose the entire tent. Sometimes clear windows are available in the sidewalls. Heating and cooling units may also be rented for use within an enclosed pole tent.

Tent Rental Packages

Tent rental packages for a beach wedding can help save you time and money. Getting all of your reception rental needs taken care of in the same place can result in a discount and less coordination on your end. Packages vary depending on your beach wedding reception tent rental company, but may include some of the following:

• Walkways
• Dance floor
• Lighting (chandeliers, light strings, torches, candelabras)
• Staging for head table or musicians
• Table and chair set-up and tear-down
• Decorations

A reception rental tent package may also include archways or gazebo rentals for use on the beach during the wedding ceremony.

Special Beach Wedding Reception Tent Issues

Hosting a beach wedding can create other issues you may not have with a reception held at a hotel, convention center or banquet hall. You will need to know the answers to all of these questions while planning your beach wedding reception:

• Are there any size restrictions for tents on the beach?
• Do I need to use special staking materials for the tent on the particular beach?
• How soon can the tent be assembled and decorated?
• Are there restroom facilities nearby?
• Are candles allowed on the beach?
• Is there an extra charge or deposit for the area of beach if I choose to set up a tent?
• Can I use propane heaters in the tent during cooler months?
• Will I need to rent a generator for electricity?

Knowing the answers to these questions before booking your rental company will help make the entire process easier. Check with the convention bureau, parks and recreation department or the office you booked the beach through for answers to these questions. They may be able to recommend a reputable company that has previously worked with their rules on the beach.

Locate a Rental Company

Whether you are having a California beach wedding or one on the Gulf Coast of Florida, tent rental companies are located across the nation. Shop around to find the best prices and packages for a beach tent for your wedding reception. You can call each party supply rental store in the phonebook, or get recommendations from friends and family who have had good experiences with particular companies.

Certain rentals companies, like Classic Party Rentals, have local stores across the country. You may also want to check member listings for National Tent for your state, a group whose members have passed a 10-point inspection process.