Canopied Creations

Written By Cori Burcham 

Banner Photo by Hannah Mink Photography

The balmy, sea-kissed air and accompaniment of lapping waves instantly transforms any of the wide-open spaces in your back yard along the Delmarva peninsula into a destination wedding spot. Unlike most indoor venues that are typically restricted to a floor plan, even ground and a canopied white tent are essentially a blank canvas on which couples can impart their creative vision and design their wedding from top to bottom.

To assist couples in selecting a tent style that corresponds with their love story and wedding arrangements, Zachary McCarthy, a managing member and tent specialist at Coastal Tented Events in Millville, spoke with Delaware Seaside Bride about the benefits and drawbacks of the different types of tents available to rent. 

High-tension pole tent

High-tension pole tents have the most traditional appearance. The sight of their white peaks billowing against the coastal skyline will instantly signify an elegant, upscale event for a price that’s affordable, since pole tents are the most economical option available. Depending upon personal taste, the poles at the center of the tent can be viewed either as an encumbrance or complement to the overall aesthetic of your wedding, as they can be dressed up to match a theme or left bare to convey simplicity.

There is one disadvantage to hosting your wedding under the classic canopy of a pole tent. The mention of tension in its name doesn’t intentionally apply to personal stress, but rather ironically refers to the stakes that need to be secured in the ground of a flat, open space, which limits its installation to select locations.

Sailcloth tent

Sailcloth tents are considered to be the most stylish tent option. Their dual poles and flag-topped peaks mixed with the beachfront setting instantly invoke images of a ship’s mast and sail about to embark on a seafaring adventure.

While the fabric of other tents is more opaque, the sailcloth tent is made of a lighter, artisanal vinyl that enables soft light to shine through its canopy. The bright sunlight will illuminate the tent during the day, creating a warm, intimate effect for the ceremony, and the artificial lights inside of the tent during the evening will give it a romantic firefly glow for the reception, creating a lasting magical memory.

As the most costly tent style, the only downside to a sailcloth tent is the price tag, but their glamorous appearance means you generally won’t need to spend as much on decorations overall.

Frame tent

Unlike the sailcloth’s twilit glow or the pole tent’s elegant peaks, frame tents don’t instantly reflect the same romantic atmosphere in their most basic form. The style of tent is fitted with exposed metal framework that gives it a boxy, industrial look from underneath its canopy, but its unsightly bare structure can be ameliorated with fabric, a tent liner or additional décor. With the option of clear tops, frame tents can also let the scenery surrounding the wedding venue shoulder the task of setting a mood.

With the capability of being installed in challenging situations, the greatest benefit to selecting a frame tent lies within its versatility. Couples won’t be required to compromise on their vision because frame tents can be installed almost anywhere, including a rooftop, staircase, or back patio. Because frame tents range between 10 to 40 feet in width, they are typically used as a marquee tent, or smaller tents that adjoin to larger ones, which allows couples to get creative when designing the space.

While the cost of each tent and their accessories starts from several thousand dollars upwards, firm quotes can be obtained after a consultation. To start a conversation with Coastal Tented Events, call (302) 539-5211 or visit www.tentedeventsde.com.