Help! Alternative to tents...

KrisAline

Hi!

I'm having an outdoor reception at a private home in April ... I live on an island (Bermuda) so am not overly concerned about weather, but I want to be cautious. It could rain, but am more worried about the heat...

However, rental tents are so expensive!   Plus I'm really looking to try something different.

Has anyone ever tied up canvas/tarp/sail material instead of renting a tent? 

I thought of it, and think it could work, but haven't seen it, nor heard of anyone else doing it...  I would tie it from the main house across the yard to the shed.  Does that sound like it could work? 

Any other alternatives to rental tents?

Help! 

Thanks!
Kristin

Sue-n-Kevin

I've seen this done on some of the DIY home & garden shows (Yard crashers on HGTV). Copied below are some of the HGTV ideas.

http://www.hgtv.com/designers-portfolio/room/asian/outdoors/549/index.html

http://www.hgtv.com/decorating/you-re-invited-4-outdoor-soirees-from-rate-my-space/pictures/index.html

Also, look into other options. As soon as you slap a tag on something, ie "rental tents" or "special occasion rentals", the cost goes up !

Carport tents and/or purchasing tents may be cheaper than renting. Walmart sells carport tents for $89 each, they are 10x20 feet. Trust me, you will have other events in your long life to use these for, and if you don't feel you have enough in your life, friends and family will!

http://www.canopycenter.com/?source=googleaw&kwid=carport%20tents&tid=exact

http://www.acecanopy.com/

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=11007577&sourceid=44444444440162996882

Good luck. I'm sure it will be beautiful.

kmmssg

Keep in mind that any kind of reasonable breeze will bring rain in the sides of the tarp.  I'm not saying your idea is bad at all - could be gorgeous.  Just want you to think about the really big picture and make sure you have covered all the bases.

If the breeze is from the west and it's raining, everyone will be standing on the east side of things trying to stay dry!

KrisAline

LOVE the carport idea!    I am going to meet with my 'wedding planners' ie friends on Sunday and we will look at the space and think about our options!

Thanks for the feedback - I do want to cover my bases... but if it's a gorgeous night i'll be wishing i had no tent in order to see the stars!

Sue-n-Kevin

Kris, glad to help. That's what we are for

Even if you have the tents/carports and the weather is beautiful, they won't go to waste. As soon as the holidays are over, purchase some cheap Xmas lights (the icicle type, or just plain strings in a color you want) and you can hang these around the edge of the overhang............  put your cake or gift table under them if the weather is nice. A few tables and chairs will keep everyone who hates too much sun from feeling parched.

Good luck.