3 Super Stylish Reception Tent Alternatives

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by
Libby MacCarthy
libby maccarthy the knot contributor
Libby MacCarthy
The Knot Contributor
  • Libby McCarthy is a Sustainability Communications Coordinator for Quantis International.
  • Libby helps forward-thinking companies share their sustainability stories.
  • Libby was a freelance writer for The Knot for four years.

Tired of the traditional reception tent but need a way to protect your guests against the elements? Think outside the box. Look to cabanas, vine covered trellises and shady umbrellas to not only give your guests solace from the sun's rays, but to win you some serious style points too. Alfresco dining under a rustic trellis will make your guests feel like they've been transported to the Tuscan countryside, while airy cabanas have a cool VIP vibe. Check out some of our favorite reception tent alternatives below!

Reception cabanas | Ashleigh Taylor Photography | Blog.theknot.com
Reception cabanas | Ashleigh Taylor Photography | Blog.theknot.com
Reception cabana | Chris Joriann Photography | Blog.theknot.com
Reception cabanas | Ashleigh Taylor Photography | Blog.theknot.com
Cocktail hour cabana | David & Tammy Wedding Photographers | Blog.theknot.com
cocktail hour cabana | Liz Banfield Photography | blog.theknot.com
outdoor reception | Paper Antler | Blog.theknot.com
outdoor reception | One Love Photography | blog.theknot.com
outdoor reception | Paper Antler | Blog.theknot.com
outdoor cocktail lounge | Elizabeth Messina | Blog.theknot.com
umbrella reception tables | First Comes Love Photo  | blog.theknot.com

From top to bottom:

Cool Cabanas

Whether you have 100 guests or 300, cozy cabanas will make them feel like they're at an intimate gathering. Create a cabana for each reception table or use them to create a series of vignettes for cocktail hour.

1. Photo: Ashleigh Taylor; 2. Photo: Ashleigh Taylor; 3. Photo: Chris Joriann Photography from the album A Casual Elegant Wedding in Manalapan, FL; 4. Photo: Ashleigh Taylor; 5. Photo: David & Tammy Wedding Photographers from the album A Modern Elegant Wedding in Destin, FL; 6. Photo: Liz Banfield Photography from the album An Organic Countryside Wedding at a Private Residence in Barrington Hills, Illinois

Rustic Trellises

For a reception with a Tuscan or Provencal vibe, nothing delivers quite like alfresco dining complete with rustic wood farm tables set under an ivy or vine covered trellis.

7. Photo: Paper Antler from Kick Up Your Rehearsal Dinner Style With These Expert Tips; 8. Photo: One Love Photography; 9. Photo: Paper Antler from Kick Up Your Rehearsal Dinner Style With These Expert Tips; 10. Photo: Elizabeth Messina

A Sea of Umbrellas

A hot summer day calls for some serious shade, but if you're not about the reception tent, classic table umbrellas are the next best thing. They'll keep guests cool but they also lend a laid-back vibe to your decor.

11. Photo: First Comes Love Photo from the album An Intimate Wedding in Carmel-by-the-sea, CA

Want more? Right here!

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