Wedding Blog
A tented reception the week after the wedding. Doesn’t sound hard does it? Just get a tent, throw some chairs, tables and food inside and it’s a party. At least, that is what I thought. And then I realized that I live in the middle of nowhere.
That cute little crown marks the approximate spot where I live. A tiny little town of 3,000, if you count every single person (and possibly a few pigs and cows) living in a 25 mile radius. It’s a 3 hour drive one way into Seattle, and the closest mall is 1.5 hours one way to Tri-Cities.
Some google searching led me to a rental company that should be able to provide everything we need, and for a great price IF we want to drive 2 1/2 hours one way to pick it up, and set everything up ourselves. The driving would be worth it though, as it would cost an additional $500 to have the company transport everything, set it up, take it down, and come pick it up again. Poor farmers like my father like to save every penny they can, and so we plan to go with the self help option.
We are anticipating having approximately 150 peole show up to an open house type reception in the middle of October where no formal dinner will be served. The average temperature in my town for that time of year, for that time of day, (according to my handy wedding planner on weather.com) is 62 degrees. Chilly.
All of the little details that are popping up all over the place (heating, tables, chairs, lighting, food, drinks, tent, tent panels, parking, linens, just to name a few) are making my head spin. The guy on the phone says I can rent a 30’X40’ tent and fit everyone in just fine. My dad feels like a 30’X75’ would be better (although I think he would prefer something even larger!).
An example of a 30’X60’ tent according to this site.
So I turn to all of you married ladies for help (and all of the brides planning tented receptions). How many people (a few tables and chairs included) can a tent really hold? Is there a fantastic tented reception planning resource out there that I have not yet heard about?
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Are you planning on an open-sided tent? If you had one with side panels, you could use patio heaters to warm it up a little (as you seem worried about the temperature). Another option might also be a grange or church hall. Although I don’t know exactly where you are, I could guess… we went to a cousin’s wedding in Othello last weekend, and they have a very nice grange (where the reception was held). Most of those little towns have something of the sort. I also have several cousins who were married in Warden and had their receptions in the church hall.
FYI, DH and I are just getting ready to drive to Soap Lake for the weekend. I’ll wave in your general direction!!
Wait, I thought you were having the reception at the hotel?
Ok just FYI, setting up those tents is really really hard work. Like, using huge mallets to drive the stakes and whatnot. If you insist on DIY for the tents, you might want to give yourself leeway of a couple of days to have it set up and not just try to do it the day before.
We had a 30×60 foot tent and it held about 200 comfortably, but only people and tables and chairs. All the food, DJ, and everything else was not under the tent.
I don’t want so scare you but I have to agree with Jessie that setting up a tent is no joke! My mom and I sat back while our rental company set ours up, and it took HOURS of hard work from 3 big and strong types. We had a 40×120 tent for 185 people (but that also held a band, stage, buffet tables and a bar in addition to the tables, chairs and guests). Your best bet is probably to find a rental company you really trust and ask them for their advice on sizing. Good luck!
@suzanno: Where was this place in Othello? I live in Royal City, right next door, and the only place we know about that is a possibility is the Lodge. I would love to get another lead if you have one!
@Lisanne: I’m actually having both. Kind of ridiculous I know.
@Jessie: You are exactly the kind of person I was hoping would comment! I’ll pass that info on to my dad. He is the one who will be in charge of setting things up. I’ll warn him what he is signing up for 
@Mrs. Tiramisu: Thanks Tiramisu! It sounds like our 40X75 should work out just fine. Maybe even be a little roomy!
Miss Avocado - I’ll be darned if I can figure out exactly WHAT the hall was called, but the WHERE is 915 S 1st Ave. It is a big facility (probably holds over 200 easily) although sort of a blank slate, if you know what I mean, as far as decor goes. Which does mean that you can do whatever you like. I’ll call my aunt tomorrow and ask for more info about the facility.
I’m glad that suzanno has a recommendation, because it sounds like an indoor venue will be more comfortable, convenient, and economical in the long run.
Sorry for totally sounding like a party-pooper!
Miss Avocado - it turns out that the very large room is the Assembly of God church Youth Hall. Not actually at the church - but a few blocks away. While I know that you’re not affiliated with that church, I would think that they would be willing to talk with you - or maybe you know someone who is, who could arrange it if you decide to go that way.
I agree w/peachypear - and I’ve certainly read on this website - that the outdoor thing only seems inexpensive. By the time you rent the tent, tables, and whatever else you need (dishes? glassware? a generator for the lights?) it adds up. Often to the point that the facility fee for an assembly hall or even a nice banquet room may be quite economical, considering that all that stuff comes included.
@Suzanno: Thanks for researching this for me Suzanno. I’ll definitely look into it!
@peachypear: You actually sound exactly like my Grandma, haha. She think I am thinking a little too “grand” for the entire wedding.
This is a vendor near me. They have a page that seems pretty informative. Hopefully you’ll find it helpful!
http://www.maineventspartyrental.com/Seating Guide.htm
@Christinajg: Oh wow! I can’t believe how useful this site has been. It’s so nice to have something to show my Dad!
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Mrs. Avocado, Seattle
Age and Occupation: 23, Student
Fiance's Age and Occupation: 26, Consultant
Engagement Date: July 27, 2008
Wedding Date: October, 2008
Blogging Since: June 30, 2008
Venue: LDS Seattle Temple & Hotel 1000
About Me: Somehow this little farm girl found herself a genuine Pole to fall in love and eventually move away to Poland with. I am an LDS bride attempting to plan a private religious ceremony, ring ceremony, seated reception for 100, and an open house while coordinating for guests flying in from across the United States and as far away as Poland. I try to avoid fads, excess waste, and saturated fat. I strongly endorse photography, DDR, calorie counting, rss feeds, cooking, and utilizing your resources.
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