Tenting 101!!
So you need a tent….
Whether you are having your reception entirely under a tent or adding onto a building to create some extra space – tents come in a ton shapes and sizes.
Let’s start with the 4 main types of tents that are used to create event spaces.
Pole Tents: A traditional pole tent is constructed using center poles to push up the canopy portion of the tent. The tent is stabilized with guylines, which are ropes or cables that are used to restrain the motion of the tent, at each of the side poles. Pole tents are usually installed on grass or soil since they are staked into the ground. They need about 8’ extra feet of clearance around the perimeter to accommodate the length of the guylines. We tell our clients that a pole tent has that circus feeling with swooping high ceiling.
Sperry Tents: Sperry Tents are constructed out of sailcloth canopies that have geometric support patches and sweeping seams. These handmade tents have support poles within the tent that are built out of solid wood. The peaks of a Sperry Tent can also be topped with pennant flags! When you light the ceiling of a Sperry they have an amazing glow.
Frame Tents: A frame tent is a versatile and free standing structure that can be installed on about any surface! These tents are constructed with a heavy aluminum framework and are anchored down with weights. Since they are freestanding structures frame tents can be installed against an existing building to create an extension of an indoor space. Frame tents do not have center poles allowing for a clear interior space. They are not very beautiful as the ceilings are quite low. If you can afford to do some draping to disguise the poles and beams that is ideal.
Navitrac Tents: Navitrac Tents and Frame tents are very similar in terms of appearance. However, the structural elements of Navitrac Tents are a bit different. Navitrac Tents are designed with thicker beams, thus eliminating the number of metal poles within the tent. Frame and Navitrac Tents come come in two forms: white top and clear top. The Navitrac is sturdier than the frame so if weather conditions are not optimal the Navitrac is the best bet
Image 1 courtesy of Lucy O, Image 2,3,4, and 8 courtesy of Lynne Brubaker, Image 5,6,7, 10 and 11 courtesy of Patrica Lyons, Image 9 courtesy of Jen Fariello.
Image 1, 5, 7, 8, and 9 courtesy of 
This week, we had the great pleasure of interviewing one of our favorite makeup artists, Lora Kelley of 
Easton: As a makeup artist, what is your personal style?
Easton: How should a bride best prepare for her wedding day in the area of skincare?
1. Assess the total wedding fund. One of your first steps in planning will be to decide the amount of money available to devote to your wedding events. Discuss with your families how much each of them will contribute to the celebration. We see more and more that parents of the bride, parents of the groom, and the bride and groom themselves collectively contribute to the wedding budget.
3. Determine major costs. To create your budget, start by contacting a few wedding venues to get an idea of the average food & beverage costs, including tax and gratuity. The food & beverage expense will typically comprise 40% to 50% of your overall budget. Ask the venue for a sample breakdown of an all-inclusive proposal of a typical wedding held at their site in the last six months or so. Some venues will charge only a venue access fee and you will then need to meet with a couple of caterers to get separate estimates on food & beverage.
The wedding budget is always a hot topic in wedding planning, so stay tuned for more Easton tips in the future!
If you have been to an event recently and loved the band, start there! Nothing is better than experiencing a band in person. Track down their name and find out their rate. If they are not in your budget, we suggest calling your local entertainment-booking agent to find out who plays in a similar genre.
If you don’t prefer a band or it’s not in your budget, a DJ is a wonderful alternative. DJs also range in price and style – from classic tracks to a more nightclub sound. If you prefer contemporary music, a DJ may be your best option as DJs have access to the widest variety of music. Try to attend an event where your preferred DJ is performing or if the DJ is out of town, be certain to connect on the phone and check out their website. You’ll want to make sure that they are willing to work with the mood you are trying to set with your wedding music.
