Wedding and party planning really has kicked in again following the latest roadmap announcement. It's amazing to get back to doing what we love and creating dream teepee events for our clients.
With weddings been on hold for so long we've chatted to a number of people who really lost heart with their planning or just didn't know where to start with the whole process.
We thought we'd share a few top tips for planning a teepee wedding to reignite or kick start those planning flames!
Photo: Laura Adams Photography
Nail down guest numbers
Get to grips with guest numbers. Even if this is a rough idea initially this is a great starting point as it will really help establish what size teepee set up will work for you. It will also help you budget for other key items such as furniture, food, drink packages, even down to the size of the toilet trailer you might need.
Find the right venue
You may have a venue in mind for your teepees already which is a big bonus. Get your suppliers to check it out. We offer a free, no obligation site visit service to all our clients. We look at things such as supplier access, how well drained the ground is, available/useable space for the teepees and other items.
If you've set your heart on teepees but you're unsure where you could have them set up don't be put off! We can help you find a suitable venue. You don't have to know from the outset what you're looking for in a venue. We recommend viewing a few to get a feel for what's important to you. Here are a few key things to consider in your search:
- Do you want to get legally married at the venue your teepees are set up at or would you consider doing the legalities elsewhere or even on a different day?
- Is it important for you to be able to stay on site on your wedding night or are you willing to travel at the end of your wedding day?
- If a venue is a complete blank canvas is it possible to get toilets, power and other facilities brought in to site (the answer to this is usually yes by the way so don't be daunted by the prospect of doing so - we can help plan all these elements for you.)
- Do you want sweeping views from your teepee or a secluded, enclosed feel to your venue?
- Do the venue only allow specific suppliers or do you have free reign to book your caterers, bar supplier etc?
Photo: Laura Adams Photography
Give some thought to the space you'll need
What do you want to fit inside the teepee space? Your venue may have other areas, rooms or even structures you can use for different elements of your day meaning you just want a chill out space inside the teepee for your guests to enjoy for example. Alternatively you might want your teepee to house all elements of your wedding reception, such as dining, dancing, bar, chill out area. It's great to mention this when you enquire about your teepee structure initially as it helps get an accurate quote in return. There's no point blowing a huge chunk of your budget, or being put off by costs for a space that's far too big for your needs. We're always really honest when it comes to suggesting a set up size to suit. We provide example floor plans too that can help you visualise how the space might work based on your guests and items you're looking to have in the teepees.
Make the space YOURS
Teepees present the perfect opportunity to make your stamp and really get your own style across. Whether it be simple and stylish finishing touches or loud and lavish floral designs that reflect you as a couple then go for it. Teepees are an amazing blank canvas to work with as a venue but if you're feeling overwhelmed at the prospect of taking that on yourselves then chat to a florist or stylist about your vision and how they can make that come to life.
Photo: Nicola Mackrill Photography
Plan for bad weather
It's always good to be prepared for rain on your big day, that way it doesn't spoil any plans as such. Then, if you are gifted with a glorious sunny day it's a real bonus. Teepees are suitable in all weathers - they can be airy and shaded on a hot day but snug and dry in wet, cooler weather. There are some really simple options that can make your set up more enjoyable when the weather is bad - extra matting to save your guests walking across wet grass, additional fire pits or heaters if temperatures plummet and even a bucket full of brollies for guests to use as they nip to the loo and back. Chat to all your suppliers about weather contingency plans and any cost implications of these. That way you're prepared in the worst case scenario.
Photo: Heidi Marfitt Photography
Don't take it all on yourselves
It can be overwhelming planning an outdoor wedding as there are a number of elements to bring together that would happen a little more naturally in a fixed venue. It's important not to be put off by this and not to feel as though you've to take this all on yourselves. Really use your suppliers knowledge and support. A lot of the planning process will be second nature to them so draw on that and let them take away the stress. If you are worried about all elements coming together then a planning or 'on the day coordination' package with a reputable wedding coordinator could be a really good option to explore.
Photo: Colin Murdoch Studio
Remember it's your day!
One of our top tips is always - plan the day that YOU want. Don't worry about pleasing all your guests. There are things you can do to ensure your guests have a really enjoyable time (such as providing chairs for those you know would struggle on a bench for example or providing a basket of blankets for any guests that might feel cooler whilst sat around in the evening) but ultimately, don't worry too much about everyone else. Relax and enjoy planning your teepee wedding and the amazing day itself.
Drop us a message to chat about your dream teepee wedding and how we can help! x