Decorating Outside

Decorating a tent isn't easy. This is my conclusion after my first attempts at gathering inspiration. My design goals are something sleek and modern, without all of the coldness that modern decor can project. The Iron Horse does a wonderful job of this inside, but how does one take a giant vinyl tent, complete with rain barrels for support and giant poles, and class it up a bit? For this, I think I'm going to need a little help.

Let's start with the basics: After the ceremony and every one is ushered inside, we'll be setting up a few tables for mingling. Something like 2-3 larger rounds on each side of the entrance to the dance floor, and 3-4 high top bar tables along each side. So, I'm thinking we need some center pieces. My latest craze is Manzanita branches, they're really beautiful, and really expensive. So Mark and I might be taking a hike in the woods on the hunt for similar branches. Or, my ficus just kicked it, maybe we can harvest that for some mangy branches. Either way, the center pieces here all show flowers affixed to the branches, or some other ornamentation. I love the hanging votives below.

These clear glass center pieces are also pretty awesome, they're all from CB2 and relatively inexpensive. I like the look, elegant and classic, with a nice twist.

As for the the tent itself, I have no idea really, how to decorate. Do I skip all of the hassle and just rent some colored lights to warm it up. There's a great little theatre supply store where I can rent some cans and gels and cast a nice hue on the vinyl. So far, I am leaning away from what the wedding industry is apparently calling "twinkle lights." I call them the Aco Christmas Special. I love this fabric design, but have no idea where I can rent such a thing in Milwaukee, at least not without hiring a super expensive event decorator. Also, these branches could tie in well with the center pieces I like. Time to email Sarah the horticulturist and figure out what the heck they are.