As New England-based floral designers, we have a deep appreciation for the beauty and versatility of a tented wedding reception. Whether you’re in your backyard, on the coastline, or at a gorgeous historic property, a tent allows you to enjoy the beautiful location without sacrificing comfort and class. But behind that effortless look is a thoughtful design process, especially when working sustainably! We’re going to break down everything you need to know about tented wedding receptions and floral installations so you can create an experience that’s visually stunning, environmentally responsible, and completely your own.
What We Love About Tented Wedding Receptions
When getting married at a traditional venue, you are limited by that venue’s layout and style. But when you choose an outdoor wedding with a tent, you have a completely blank slate to bring your vision to life! That freedom allows for a more intentional, personal, and layered design. We love tented weddings because they invite creativity. You can choose a one-of-a-kind color palette, a suspended piece above the dance floor, or a special use of floral texture to create something never seen before. Whether it’s a dramatic entry moment, an unexpected use of floral texture, or the quiet elegance of a thoughtfully placed bud vase, our designs are tailored to evoke feeling, not just fill space.
We love incorporating florals with furniture, décor, and tablescapes, and we think through every detail. From how your arrangements interact with linens and lighting, to how centerpieces frame a guest’s view of the space, our goal is always to design holistically. Tented receptions offer a rare opportunity to create a truly immersive environment. One that reflects your personality and guides how guests move, feel, and connect throughout the evening.
While the florals begin with your vision, we’re always thinking about the guest experience. Thoughtfully placed arrangements can create a sense of anticipation, from a floral-framed entryway to a scent-filled lounge vignette to a show-stopping focal point above the dance floor. No two tented weddings ever look the same, and to us, that’s the most beautiful part!
What To Consider When Choosing Your Tent & Layout
There are many different types of tents to choose from, but we work primarily with clear top tents, frame tents, and sailcloth tents. Clear top tents are exactly what they sound like: open-sided tents with clear panels acting as the ceiling. These tents provide beautiful views of the sky but still feel secure and intimate. However, note that clear-top tents can act as a greenhouse during the summer months. The space beneath the tent can warm up, and the flowers inside may not look as fresh by the time your guests arrive for the reception. To mitigate this, you can rent a shade cloth and keep it over the tent until just before your guests arrive!
Next, frame tents are a popular choice for their versatility. Since they are constructed without center poles, you have more freedom with the layout of your reception. Frame tents have a silhouette like a house, with a peak that runs the length of the tent, and are best for hanging floral installations.
Lastly, sailcloth tents have become more popular in recent years. With an elegant, swooping design, they have peaks that create a distinct look. These tents rely on center poles, which means your dance floor will have to be situated between them. No matter which tent you choose, we can create a design that feels absolutely magical.
An Experienced Team of Floral Artists & Designers
Tented wedding receptions are often more challenging than traditional venues, but the effort is always worth it. It helps to work with an experienced team that not only knows how to create stunning installations safely, but also knows how to work with your other vendors! We work closely with everyone on your set-up team to ensure everything is safe and sturdy.
When you work with Abby Garden, you can also rest assured that we are finding the most sustainable way to build your installations. We are completely foam-free, so we rely on mechanics like angel vine and birch for your installations! And when it comes to hanging designs, we lean on silk stems and draping blooms, like delphinium and amaranth. Heat rises to the tallest peak of your tent, so we use materials that will hold their shape and color through the entire night. If you’re having a tented wedding reception and want spectacular designs you can count on, check out our floral design services or contact us to start designing your event!
Photography Credits (in order):
7/29/2025
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