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A garden-inspired reception combines fabric, crystals, lighting and drama.
Tent design continues to evolve as innovative companies and event planning professionals achieve greater creativity for their clients. What was once lightweight material supported by a metal framework is today’s blank canvas for an event designer’s masterpiece. Whether an event is a wedding reception, fundraising gala or corporate occasion, tents are transformed into elegant spaces by way of brilliant palettes of fabrics, draping, lighting, floral design and dramatic design elements.
The Allison Sargent Events team recently created a one-of-a-kind, midsummer night wedding reception at the home of the bride’s parents in Rumson, N.J. The backdrop for the reception was the landscaped grounds and gardens created by the bride’s mother, a master gardener. Inspired by this lush setting, we designed, with the bride and her mother, a tented environment that melded dramatic visual elements with the colors, shapes and forms of the surrounding gardens.
The entrance to the reception was elaborately designed, featuring a black and white striped marquee entrance tent. The cocktail tent’s interior was highlighted by a circular, custom drum shade with black and white stripes that was hung from the draped ceiling. Custom fabrics, which featured a Greek key cornice to mirror the architectural details of the home, appointed the interior of the tent. Black and white design elements were also incorporated into the table linens and tabletop design.
Gold stitching, masterfully draped across the entire ceiling, embellished the reception tent. Seven chandeliers were hung from the tent ceiling, and lighting accentuated the mood and magic of a midsummer evening. Custom silk pink table linens, monogrammed lime green runners and rose petal shades created an unforgettable experience. The process required days to complete, as skilled craftspeople transformed the space.
To end the evening, the black and white cocktail tent was transformed, with the dramatic use
of lighting, into a colorful dessert and after-party tent. Finally, moss-covered boxes and English lanterns led guests to the valet. As guests drove away, they could admire the spectacular silhouette of the estate, as each tree was dramatically lit against the sky and full moon. It was truly a midsummer night’s dream.
By Allison Sargent, founder of Allison Sargent Events, Montclair, N.J. The full-service custom events and production company serves Fortune 500 companies in a range of industries, from hospitality to biopharmaceuticals, along with nonprofits and private clients nationwide.