Consumer demand for creativity and comfort have led toinnovative options for tented events.

Tented weddings have come a long way. It’s no longer a one-size-fits-all scenario where you attend an outdoor wedding that leaves little doubt that you are, indeed, in a tent. Consumer demand has brought fresh air into the great outdoors, breathing new life into the look and feel of tented weddings and events.Just how far have things come? These days, if you can imagine it, you can create it. The world of tenting has taken great steps forward in the area of architectural styling and detail—innovation that originates from the public demanding a more “residential” look in their tented structures. People don’t want their guests to feel like they’re in a tent. They want to create elegance and style or comfort and hominess. They want to magically transform the space.

Here are a few of the newest innovations:

Clear tents—offering scenic décorIf the setting for the celebration is especially scenic, clear tents allow nature to become a part of the event décor. All or part of a structure tent can have clear features. A clear roof is the most attention-grabbing. During the day, guests enjoy the beautiful scenery. At night, they can dance under a star-studded sky, which adds yet another element to a romantic setting. With a clear roof, minimal flat draping complements the look better than ornate swag draping. If sidewall is required, glass walls transform a tent no matter what the weather may bring. If a clear sidewall is not in the budget, consider cathedral windows instead of vinyl sidewall to add interest. Air conditioning or heating the tent will also help keep guests comfortable and shielded from the elements. Today's sophisticated systems use ducts along the walls of the tent to distribute the air and require electricity and propane to operate.

The Tidewater Sailcloth Tent—sculpted beautyThis new tent from Aztec features a translucent top that is manufactured from sailcloth, which allows natural daylight to enter the tent interior, but also glows beautifully when lighting and projected patterns are added at night. The gracefully sculpted peaks are accented with inner poles that can be wood, aluminum, or a metal “faux wood” finish, lending a nautical feel. Again, minimizing and transforming the metal poles of a tent will achieve that ”residential” look.The Timber Trac Tent—featuring a "wood look"This new structure showcases an architectural truss beam design that is constructed from “wood-like” aluminum beams and black joining plates that gives the appearance of traditional craftsman-style construction. It is nearly impossible to distinguish the finish from a genuine wood. This adds elegance and style or can enhance a rustic style.Creating Magic with tented eventsIt’s not only the type of tent that makes a difference with outdoor events and weddings, it also comes down to décor. The right combination will transform the event from weary and worn to wonderful. The sky is the limit when it comes to options for creating a dream scene for your clients. Here are some:

Make an entranceThere’s nothing like a first impression. What will your guests see and experience when they take their very first steps into the event? Looking for a special entrance? Consider French doors, which not only have a sophisticated appeal but are especially important if the tent is climate-controlled. Steps also enhance the look of a tent entrance. Be sure to know the local ordinances concerning stair height, railings, and other safety laws when making your selection.Mind what’s underfootIn the past, there were limited options for flooring inside a tent—one could use the grass that came with the acreage, or cover a plank sub-floor with astroturf. My how times have changed! Today’s choices have widened as clients seek that high-end residential look. Now, they can choose wall-to-wall carpet, faux vinyl that resembles hardwood, and even actual stained hardwood flooring. The choices go a long way toward creating that just-right feel for any event.

Set the mood with the right lightingLighting creates atmosphere and sets the mood for the event. Uplighting, lanterns, strands of café lighting, color wash, projecting an image or monogram are all possibilities.One of the most innovative new products on the market right now is Fuel Lighting Systems. Installing and moving lighting inside a tent has always been a cumbersome and complicated process, involving ladders and a team of riggers. But with Fuel’s Circle Clamp, it is much simpler to install lighting, and with their Focus Tool, only one person and no ladder is required. A pin-spotting table suddenly becomes much more do-able and affordable.It’s what’s inside that countsThe expansive space inside a tent’s interior can be intimidating. What should you do to create just the right impression? These days, the inside of a tent doesn’t have to be just one great big room. Fabric draping can divide up an environment, but modular wall panels are a more modern way to accomplish this function. They can be easily assembled onto uprights and crossbars, and are available in a number of designs. Shoot some great lighting onto the panels, and it becomes a wow décor moment while still serving as a space divider.

It’s in the detailsIf you’re looking for the limits of a tented wedding or event, it’s hard to find these days. The opportunities and possibilities in tent structure and décor are seemingly endless. Consumer demand has transformed the capabilities of the tent, providing those holding weddings and events with another way to bring the indoors out and experience that same sense of comfort just about anywhere. WPM__Shereé Bochenek, Après Party and Tent Rental, Minnetonka, Minn.