Tent rentals come in so many shapes and sizes. Because they are unlike permanently designed structures with distinct areas and walls, these tents have a lot of open space to use your imagination for designing and creating. Unfortunately, it can also be a bit overwhelming to see the empty, wide-open space, making it difficult to know where to start.
The versatility of a tent rental is one of the reasons they are so popular with event planners. Each event – whether a wedding, birthday party, corporate event, etc. – can be extremely unique from any other like it.
How will you fill the space in your large tent rental?
A space for everything
First and foremost, you will need to create a space for everything you will need. Take some time to consider the following:
- What type event are you having?
- How many people will be attending?
- What is the itinerary for the event?
- Will you be providing a meal? If so, will it be served or buffet?
- Will you have entertainment?
- Will you need a dance floor or room for games or activities?
- Is there any portion of your event that will require its own distinct space?
Before you can begin to determine the layout for your event, you will need to plan the details for your event. Taking the time to organize can help ensure that you do not miss anything. Don’t forget to make sure you have the measurements you will need to fill the space. Not doing so could land you in a bit of a pickle!
Entertainment area
You may or may not require an entertainment area. This is the space that would be set aside from any dining area and provide room for things such as a DJ and dance floor, a stage, a game area, etc. Based on what you intend to do with the area, you will want to keep it open and free from any obstructions.
Lounging area
No matter what type of event you are having, your guests will want to mingle. Think about it – even having a family dinner at home usually includes some mingling around the kitchen. Therefore, you will want to make sure you allow for space under your tent for the same.
This is where a lounging area comes in.
Your guests will not want to stand for hours and will be looking for a place to take a load off. Why not fill the space with a soft, relaxing area for them? A lounge area should include comfortable seating – in the form of couches, over-stuffed chairs, large pillows, etc. Top it off with small tables – such as coffee tables, side tables, or cocktail tables – for a convenient place to sit drinks, dishes, and other items.
Tip: Because this is a mingling area for your guests, you will want to keep this area at a distance from any loudspeakers or other distraction.
Food and Dining area
Food and dining are integral to any event. Although, the way in which it is carried out varies. For instance, you could fill the space with a buffet and allow your guests to serve themselves. In this instance, you will need to make sure your space has enough room to set up the buffet tables. You will, in addition, need to have room for your guests to line up at the buffet table so it flows smoothly.
Some more formal events prefer the meal to be served to guests by hired servers. If this is your event, then your space can forego the buffet area and, instead, focus on the dining.
In this space, you will also need to include seating and tables for your guests to dine. You will want to use seating that matches your event, such as formal round table settings for eight, picnic tables, long folding tables, etc. It is important to determine how you want to set up the dining area and check your measurements. You will want to have enough room for your guests to freely move without getting blocked in once chairs are pulled out and people sit down. (This is especially important if you are having a buffet).
Don’t forget the drink station. Whether it’s a punch bowl, a set of coolers, or a full-on bar, you will need to account for its space in the dining area. Placing it in any other area just would not make sense!
Storage and Service area
Every tent event is going to require a storage and service area. Think about it – you will likely have wires, electronic equipment, extra chairs, overflow food and drink items, etc. If you are having a formal, sit-down dinner event, a service area will be necessary for your serving crew to gather. This may or may not include a food preparation area.
How to separate the areas
All the above-mentioned areas need to fit under one tent. Because you have a wide-open space without any walls, you may decide to create your own method to provide for the separation of areas. There are several ways you could choose to do this:
- Change the flooring. Tent rentals can come with flooring if desired. You can use several types of flooring to designate the different areas.
- Fabric draping. Using the art of fabric draping, you can use ceiling to floor fabric to separate distinct areas.
- Sheer curtains can also be hung to give a simple appearance.
- Curtains of beads or string lights can also add to the décor while serving the purpose of separating the areas.
- Leave it open. You don’t have to separate the areas. It works just as well to fill the space in your tent with designated areas and let them flow from one to another
Choosing how to decorate or separate the areas under your tent is completely up to you. However, it is very important to be clear on the purpose of each space. If you plan your event and think it through, then you can be confident you haven’t missed any aspect once the big day arrives.