Lighting Basics
Tented receptions have very similar lighting needs as a reception held at a banquet facility. Most
banquet facilities use a warm, even lighting. Primarily this is accomplished by using multiple lighting
fixtures installed in high locations. We replicate banquet facility lighting in several different ways.
In pole style tents we primarily use globe lighting. Globes are strung high to spread the light out as evenly
as possible. We also can use chandeliers hung on brackets attached to the center poles.
In frame tents we primarily use chandeliers, although we can use globes style lighting. In lined frame
tents we always use chandelier style lighting. Lined frame tents should have lighting even if it is a
daytime event. This will highlight the beauty of the liner.
Chandelier lighting is always incandescent and can be dimmed with optional dimmer switches.
Globe lighting that is to be dimmed use incandescent bulbs. Globe lights that do not require dimming
use florescent soft white bulbs. These bulbs give a light that is the same tone as incandescent lighting
but only use 1/4 of the power. This makes lighting up a large tent easier. Florescent lighting cannot be
dimmed.
You should not depend on decorative lighting as a primary lighting source. Decorative lighting is
generally not bright enough to safely light up a tent. Up lights can look nice but leave your guests
tripping over obstacles due to low light conditions.
Don't overlook lighting for walkways leading to a tent.(We carry portable lamp posts)
If your looking for a disco style of lighting, talk to a your DJ or band first. Music and dance floor lighting go
hand and hand. If your interested in disco style lighting. We recommend you strongly consider the
availability of disco lighting from your DJ or band. Paying more for a DJ that has their own lighting can be
allot cheaper and effective than renting lighting packages from a party rental company.
Energy needs must be considered when choosing your lighting. Portable generators are a pain and can
be noisy. We can give you recommendations to minimize your energy requirements.
GFI protected circuits can be extremely sensitive when using allot of extension cords. Under some
circumstances you may have to install a temporary sub-panel if your GFi's become a problem(this is rare).
We will work with you so you can avoid this expense, but if you do require a sub-panel we have highly
experienced personnel that can advise you on your electrical needs.
Tent Heating
Tent heating is extremely variable. Its impossible to call weather conditions any more than a few days in
advance of your event. We can give good advice based on passed experience. This can help, but is a
far cry from exactly what you may or may not need.
- We have never had to heat a tent in late June, July or August.
- We have heated tents in late May, early June and early September. (this is rare)
- Early May and late September we recommend that you reserve a least some heat capacity to
take the chill out of the air. (You may need more heat depending on conditions)
- April and October plan on using a large amount of heat.
- The rest of the year it can be extremely difficult and expensive to keep a large tent comfortable.
Other tent heating basics you should know
Tent heaters use propane for fuel but need a small amount of electricity to operate the heaters igniter
and blower.
You can provide your own fuel (You must use the correct size tanks). Otherwise our heaters come with
about 10 hours worth of fuel. You only pay for the fuel you use.
Tent heaters normally go on the outside of the tent, but if there is plenty of ventilation you can put them
on the inside. (If its a windy day moving the heaters inside the tent makes them more effective).
Using multiple small heaters rather than one large heater makes a tent more comfortable.
Tent heaters are controlled by a thermostat similar to a house thermostat.
The heaters we use are UL listed for tent heating. They come in 2 sizes 80k BTU per hour and 170k BTU per
hour. (We have a heating specialist on staff that will assist you with your heating needs).