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Updated May 15, 202429 Wedding Tent Decorations to Celebrate Outdoors in Style
Here's how to transform any type of tent.
Whether you're getting married in your backyard or at a scenic outdoor venue, a wedding tent is a wise investment for any outdoor wedding. Not only does the tent help protect you from inclement weather, it's a chance to bring amazing wedding tent decorations to life. What starts out as a blank white canvas transforms into something totally one-of-a-kind for your wedding day, thanks to the help of wedding vendors like florists, event planners and lighting pros. If your wedding venue doesn't provide tents, you'll need to rent one from a reputable vendor, which you can find on The Knot Vendor Marketplace by entering your wedding location and choosing "tents" from the rentals and equipment filter. Once you've decided on which type of wedding tent you want, you can start brainstorming wedding tent decoration ideas. To get you started, we've narrowed down our list of how to decorate a tent for a wedding, whether your style is classic, rustic, simple or a combination of everything.
Wedding Tent Decoration Ideas: Simple | Backyard | Rustic | Classic
Simple Wedding Tent Decorations
Aiming for a simple and chic wedding vibe? These simple wedding tent decorations are stylish but not over the top.
1. Rattan Lamp Shades
If you're leaning toward decor that's more simplified, crystal chandeliers might not be the best fit for your wedding day. Instead, go for something a bit more relaxed, like natural rattan light fixtures. Their texture will add a casual, earthy feel to the interior of your wedding tent.
2. White Sailcloth Tent
Sailcloth tents are most commonly associated with coastal and nautical wedding styles, but they're so stylish on their own that you hardly need any additional decorations—unless you want them.
3. Open-Top Canopy Wedding Tent Decorations
For venues with abundant natural scenery, you won't want to take away from the surrounding views with elaborate wedding tent decorations. Instead, opt for something simple and minimalistic, like an open-top bamboo canopy with fabric drapes to blow in the breeze.
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4. Garland Wedding Tent Pole Decoration
A few garlands of ivy or greenery will quickly hide unsightly tent poles. Instead of worrying about obtrusive structural details throwing off the vibe, incorporate them as part of your decor with simple garlands.
5. Bundles of Wildflowers
The whole concept behind this simple wedding tent decoration idea is that it doesn't need to be too perfect—the more whimsical, the better. Mix and match colorful wildflowers and decorate the ceiling of the tent with an assortment of single stems and handmade flower garlands.
6. Paper Lanterns
Who knew paper lanterns could be so chic? The trick for this simple wedding tent decoration is to keep the lanterns all one color, like a neutral white, to avoid veering into birthday party territory.
7. Black and White Tent Wedding Decorations
Thanks to the bold color-blocking technique, this contrasting black and white tent looks more elaborate than it really is. While you can complete the look by adding chandeliers or other light fixtures, it would look just as interesting without them.
Backyard Wedding Tent Decorations
A backyard wedding reception is one of the most common reasons to rent a tent. Check out these elegant backyard tent wedding ideas and simple ideas you can pull off without too much hassle.
8. Wooden Pergolas
Sometimes a large reception tent isn't doable for your backyard venue, and that's okay. Work with a rental company or wedding decorator to source wooden pergolas for a similar look on a smaller scale.
9. Tented Twinkle Light Strands
Who says you need canvas or fabric to create a wedding tent? This Instagram-worthy idea might not provide any coverage from the elements, so you might want to prepare a wedding backup plan, but its beauty makes it worth the risk. Work with your wedding vendors to create a canopy of string lights that stretch above the tables and the dance floor for an unforgettable evening under the stars—we mean lights.
10. Greenery-Adorned Wedding Tent Entrance Decor
Customized landscaping is out of the question at most wedding venues, but if you're getting married in your own backyard, that brings a new set of possibilities. Map out the tent's location based on where you can add plants or bushes to create a greenery marquee entrance.
11. Poolside Tent
Getting married in a yard with a pool or pond? Incorporate it as part of your event space by putting your wedding tent close by. Wrap the tent poles in white fabric or covers to clearly mark the boundaries of the tent for safety purposes.
12. Illuminated Clear-Top Tent Wedding Decor
Don't just think about how your wedding tent decorations will look from inside the tent. This stunning clear-top tent is equally as impressive when viewed from a distance, thanks to the string lights decorating the ceiling.
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13. Simple Round Tent
For small backyard weddings, a simple round sailcloth tent creates a cozy environment that's just the right size for your group. Basic candles or string lights will add charm as the sun goes down.
14. Light Projections
If you don't want to resort to elaborate backyard wedding tent decorations, use colorful lights and projections to your advantage instead. Gobos, pin spot lighting and LED light features will quickly transform an outdoor space after dark.
Rustic Wedding Tent Decorations
If you're not having a barn wedding, a tented outdoor reception feels like the next best thing. Bookmark these rustic wedding tent decorations that focus on using natural elements and country-inspired design.
15. Abstract Dried Flowers
Dried flower accents are still a favorite for rustic weddings, and you can get creative with how you incorporate them. For this rustic wedding tent decoration idea, clusters of dried baby's breath, smokebush branches and curly willow were suspended from the ceiling to look like clouds.
16. Antique Kilim Rugs
Start decorating your wedding tent from the ground up—literally. Layered vintage rugs will give your space a boho rustic look. Additional earthy accents like macramé lighting, dried floral bouquets and clusters of thick branches will accentuate the theme.
17. Tree Centerpiece
If you have a high tent canopy, max out the vertical space with an actual tree as a focal centerpiece. Cover the branches in delicate string lights for a decorative detail that will be the conversation piece of the evening.
18. Iron Chandeliers
Give your rustic wedding tent decorations an elegant French country twist by adding sphere chandeliers above the tables.
19. Colorful Fall Branches
Autumn is an ideal time to incorporate seasonal foliage like colorful orange and red tree branches. Recreate this fall wedding tent decoration idea by wrapping them around the tent poles to camouflage the more functional elements of your reception tent.
20. Faux Tree Tent Poles
Hello, cottagecore wedding of our dreams. This unique wedding tent decoration idea is something your guests will always remember, and it's a perfect compromise for rustic woodland style if you can't actually get married in the woods.
21. Potted Seasonal Plants and Flowers
Walled tents are great for providing warmth in chilly temperatures, but from the outside, their blank white exterior can look a little lackluster. Decorate the entrance with potted trees, plants and oversized flower arrangements for more flair.
22. Rope Swings
Your inner child (and everyone else's) will love this fun wedding tent decoration idea. A set of rope swings is a photogenic idea that will have your entire guest list lining up to take turns—just make sure the tent structure is strong enough to support the weight.
Classic Wedding Tent Decorations
With the right styling, wedding tents can look as formal and beautiful as a traditional ballroom (and we've got photos to prove it). Here are just a few classic wedding tent decoration ideas we love.
22. Hanging Flower Garden
It's no secret that wedding flowers have the ability to transform the look of any wedding venue, including a tent. While eye-level details are important, give some love to the highest points of your tent with gorgeous hanging centerpieces.
24. Romantic Twinkle Lights
String lights are such a necessity for an outdoor wedding, especially because they're relatively affordable and easy to source. We love how these tiny bulbs pop against the clear-top tent for a contemporary yet classic effect.
25. Draped Fabric Ceiling
Arguably the most classic version of wedding tent ceiling decor, this design is nothing if not timeless. Drape chiffon, silk or organza across the top of your wedding tent for a luxurious feel. Overlay the fabric with strands of lights to make the impact even more dramatic.
26. Monogrammed Accents
We're in favor of adding even the tiniest details to personalize your wedding tent decor, like this monogrammed canopy.
27. Structured Open-Air Tent
Worried about heat getting trapped under your reception canopy on a hot summer night? Consider an open-air tent above the dance floor or cocktail bar. Add texture to the top by intertwining the bars with garlands and flowers for a greenhouse-inspired vibe.
28. Sparkling Chandeliers
Take inspiration from indoor-outdoor home design by decorating your reception tent with traditional glass chandeliers. It's like combining a garden with a formal ballroom for the best of both worlds.
29. Partially-Draped Wedding Tent
Can't decide between a clear-top tent or a fabric tent? This option lets you have both. Use smaller strips of fabric to accent the transparent ceiling backdrop without totally obstructing the view.
Sarah Hanlon contributed to the reporting of this article.
