Tented weddings offer a one-of-a-kind way to celebrate in a location that’s deeply personal, whether it’s your family’s backyard or a scenic private estate. They’re beautiful, flexible, and full of charm. However, they also come with unique challenges that require thoughtful planning from the very beginning. In today’s post, we’re breaking down why full-service wedding planning is essential for tented weddings and how it helps bring your vision to life—without the stress.
At Karli & Co, we believe a tented wedding should feel as effortless as it is breathtaking. With full-service planning and design, we turn open spaces and private estates into thoughtfully curated celebrations filled with style, meaning, and ease. Browse our portfolio to see how we bring these unique weddings to life—and connect with us to start planning your own unforgettable day.
What Is a Tented Wedding?
A tented wedding is when your celebration occurs outdoors under a large, beautiful tent—often on a private estate, in a backyard, or even in a scenic open field. Unlike a ballroom or hotel, there’s no built-in space. You are creating your wedding setting from the ground up.
Tented weddings are special because they feel personal, private, and one-of-a-kind. They let you bring your dream location to life, whether under the stars or beside a mountain view. But with all that freedom comes a lot more planning. And that’s where working with an experienced planner becomes essential (hi!)— to make sure every detail is handled seamlessly.
Why Tented Weddings Are More Complex
Tented weddings may look elegant and straightforward, but behind the scenes, a lot is happening. Unlike a traditional venue with walls, power, bathrooms, and furniture, a tented wedding starts with an empty space. Everything has to be brought in—from tables and chairs to lighting, flooring, and even restrooms.
You’ll also need to plan for power (yes, even for the DJ and kitchen!), water access, and what to do if the weather changes. A full-service wedding planner handles all these moving parts for you, so your day runs smoothly—rain or shine.
Tented weddings are beautiful, but they are not easy. That’s why full-service planning isn’t just helpful—it’s a must.
Planning an outdoor wedding? Discover more essential tips for choosing the perfect tent to make your celebration unforgettable. Check out our guide for expert advice on tented weddings!
What Full-Service Planning Includes for Tented Weddings
When you choose full-service planning for your tented wedding, you get much more than a to-do list. You’re hiring a team to think through every detail, before you even know to ask about it.
Here are just some of the things we handle:
- Site Visits – We walk the property to check for slopes, access points, and layout options.
- Tent Selection & Setup – From sailcloth to clear-top tents, we help you choose the right style and size, then manage the setup.
- Vendor Coordination – We book and manage all the vendors needed, including catering, rentals, lighting, and sound.
- Floor Plan Design – We create a custom layout for your ceremony, dinner, and dancing—all within the tent.
- Logistics Management – We handle power, water, restrooms, parking, and guest flow.
- Weather Backup Plans – We create clear backup plans for rain, wind, or heat, so you’re never caught off guard.
- Onsite Management – We’re there on the big day to oversee setup, vendors, and every last detail.
Want to learn more about what full-service wedding planning really means? Discover how a dedicated planner can handle every detail, making your big day stress-free and unforgettable. Dive into our complete guide now!
Permits, Insurance, and Local Rules: What You Need to Know
Planning a tented wedding means more than just choosing flowers and food. Because you’re using private property or open land, there are rules and requirements you must follow. Don’t worry—that’s where a full-service planner comes in.
Here’s what we take care of for you:
- Permits – Many towns require special event permits for tents, noise, or parking. We handle the paperwork so you don’t have to.
- Insurance – We help you get the right event insurance to protect against accidents or weather issues.
- Fire Safety Rules – Tents often need fire extinguishers or special exits. We know the codes and make sure you meet them.
- Noise Ordinances – Every area has different rules about how late music can be played. We make sure your celebration stays within legal limits.
- Neighbor Notices – If needed, we help notify neighbors so everyone is prepared and happy on your wedding day.
These steps might sound small, but skipping them can lead to big problems. That’s why full-service planning is key for tented weddings. (We’d love to help!) So you don’t have to worry about any last-minute surprises.
Avoid wedding planning headaches—learn why clear communication with your vendors matters and how a simple “no” can make a big difference. Check out our guide with helpful email templates to keep things professional and respectful!
Creating a Beautiful Design From a Blank Canvas
One of the most exciting—and most overwhelming—parts of a tented wedding is that it starts as a completely blank space. There are no walls, no flooring, no lighting, and no built-in style. That means every detail has to be chosen and brought in with care.
A full-service wedding planner helps you turn that empty space into a stunning, well-designed celebration that feels like you. From the tent style and flooring to the linens, flowers, and lighting, every element works together. We help you create a design plan that flows from start to finish—ceremony, cocktail hour, dinner, and dancing—so it all feels connected.
It’s not just about making things look pretty. It’s about building a space that feels natural, works with the landscape, and tells your love story. That’s the power of full-service planning.
Budgeting for a Tented Wedding
Many couples think hosting a wedding on private property or in a backyard will save money. The truth is, tented weddings often cost more than traditional venues. When you start with an empty space, everything has to be rented or built—from tents and tables to lighting, flooring, and restrooms.
A full-service wedding planner helps you build a smart, realistic budget from the start. We show you what each piece costs, where to invest, and where to save without losing quality. We also keep track of spending along the way, so there are no surprises.
Tented weddings are a big project, but with expert planning, they can be one of the most personal and breathtaking ways to celebrate your love.
Why Full-Service Planning Makes All the Difference in Tented Weddings
If you’re dreaming of a tented wedding or planning to host your celebration on a private estate, full-service planning isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a must. Unlike traditional venues, tented weddings require building your event space from the ground up. That means handling everything from permits and power sources to custom floor plans, luxury rentals, and weather contingency plans.
It’s a beautiful blank canvas, but one that demands expert coordination, creative vision, and precise logistics. With full-service planning, we take care of every detail—big and small—so you can focus on celebrating, not troubleshooting. Our goal is to create a seamless, elevated experience that reflects your style and leaves a lasting impression on you and your guests.
Let’s bring your tented wedding vision to life. Whether you’re celebrating on a private estate or your own property, we’re here to manage every detail with precision and care. Come say hi on Instagram. Or, contact us today to start planning a one-of-a-kind event your guests will never forget.