InTents June/July 2019 - 28

A ceiling treatment that
includes greenery and
chandeliers helps to draw
the eye upward at this tented
wedding. Event design by
Karson Butler Events. Tent
by Sugarplum Tent Co. Photo
by Abby Jiu Photography.

structure. While those are still popular
options, today's tents have cleaner
interiors, leading many couples to
opt for other creative approaches to
decorate tent ceilings.
"We almost always add decor to draw
the eye up in a tented reception," says
Emily Butler of Karson Butler Events, a
bicoastal event planning firm based in
Washington, D.C., and San Luis Obispo,
Calif. "This holds especially true with the
sailcloth tents with their peaked ceilings.
Clusters of chandeliers with greenery
to cover support wires and rigging are
the most popular option, and we're
also seeing a shift back to more classic
looks with an emphasis on lighting
installations and beautiful draping."
More than anything, wedding planners
take a cue from a tent's surroundings.
"Brides are loving Italian ruscus or
smilax, trailing vines that are really
leafy and airy," says Cousins. "It follows
the frame of the tent to create a ceiling
effect-it's sort of like bringing nature
inside the tent."

Because tented weddings often go
into the evening, lighting is critical-
not only as a decorative element, but
as a functional one. Many wedding
planners incorporate several types
of lights throughout the tent, such as
chandeliers, gobo lights, candles and
bistro lights, each serving a different
purpose. Chandeliers can provide a focal
point and make a bold statement, while
candles, string lights and LED uplighting
bring a warm glow to a reception.
"Now we're seeing much more
variety in sizes and a mixing of styles
and shapes of chandeliers," Mociler
says, such as a traditional crystal
and chrome version paired with a
polyhedron brushed-metal style.
Gobo monogram lighting is another
way couples are personalizing their
receptions. LED uplights can also add
a personalized touch by featuring the
couple's wedding colors. "If they're going
to spend the money to uplight, they'll
take it in a direction that fits their look,"
Mociler says.

SETTING THE TONE WITH LINENS

ne of the first choices a couple planning a wedding makes is the color palette. The palette
sets the tone for the reception and is incorporated into nearly every piece of decor,

especially linens.
"Pastel color palettes are back for 2019 with a focus on coral, the Pantone® color of the year,
paired with celadon, mint or lavender," says Michelle Harris, business development manager for
Choice Party Linens Inc., Prospect Park, Pa. "We will also see neutral palettes paired with deep
blues and jewel tones."
Once colors are selected, wedding planners often recommend starting with the table linens.
"Luxury, whether simple or extravagant, is what our customers are asking for," says Jimmy Onello,
creative director for A1 Tablecloth Co., South Hackensack, N.J. "It can be as simple as pure linen
or as extravagant as a fancy sequin pattern on lace."
Varying textures are all the rage, Harris says. "More couples are opting for luxe linens," she
says. "We anticipate seeing a lot of velvet, lace and spandex."
Regardless of color trends, experts recommend that couples pick colors that speak to their
preferences. "There are plenty of selections and textures available in any color, whether bold
and bright or soft and warm," says Onello. "Choose what makes you happy-it's your wedding!"

28 intents

june-july 2019

InTents June/July 2019

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of InTents June/July 2019