InTents April/May 2021 - 37

not use the tents at all. The family was
understanding but explained that, out
of consideration for out-of-town guests,
they preferred to move forward with
the event if a workable contingency
plan could be devised.

Quick thinking
The only buildings on the property
were a tractor barn and a small
farmhouse. The farm staff cleared the
barn so that it could be used for the
ceremony or cocktail area if needed.
After we assigned one of our crew
leaders to help manage the situation,
we called Pat Moughan, managing
director from Losberger De Boer, to

The day of the
wedding, the
weather front took an
unexpected turn and
was forecast to hit our
location before the
start of the ceremony.
discuss our options. We concluded
that the structures would be ϐine
given the forecast, but the chandeliers
and hanging ϐloral installation in the
reception tent could be an issue. It was
decided that, so long as the wind stayed
under 35 mph, we would use the main
tent. One of our team members would
stay outside to monitor the weather
using a handheld wind meter and our
crew leader would be inside the tent
ready to evacuate if needed.
When the guests began to arrive, the
highest wind gust we had recorded
was 25 mph, so we made the decision

to hold the ceremony in the tent. We
continued to monitor the wind and had
teams of horses with buggies ready to
move guests to the barn if needed.
While the wind never exceeded 30
mph, we did clear the areas with the
chandeliers and ϐloral installations three
times throughout the evening until the
weather ϐinally began to subside.

Hard work pays off
While it was a difϐicult and stressful
event, the only casualties were the glass
tube heaters outside the ceremony tent
that blew over despite being nailed into
the ground. Thanks to a great team of
vendors and a detailed evacuation plan,
the client had the event they wanted
and everyone went home safely.

WANT MORE?
WE HAVE IT!
Search safety
at www.InTentsMag.com

Tommy Wilson is director of event services for
All Occasions Event Rental in Cincinnati, Ohio.
A self-proclaimed " tent nerd, " he oversees tent
sales, large-scale event production and tent
purchasing. Cindy Wilson is a member of the
team at All Occasions Event Rental.

marketplace

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Tent & Awning Co. Inc., est 1873, is located
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For more information and viewing of tents
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For more information on
classiﬁed advertising contact:
Michelle Cook
800 382 0134
Fax: +1 651 225 6957
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www.InTentsMag.com

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3/29/21 7:02 PM
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InTents April/May 2021

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