The Ultimate Tipi Wedding Planning Checklist
Planning a tipi wedding is one of the most exciting, and most rewarding things a couple can do. You get to build your perfect day from the ground up, in a location you love, without any of the restrictions that come with a traditional venue.
But with that freedom comes a lot of moving parts. Unlike a hotel or barn wedding where much of the infrastructure is already in place, a tipi wedding means thinking about things you might never have considered before, from generators and toilets to ground conditions and guest footwear.
At World Inspired Tents, we've been helping couples across Devon, Cornwall, Somerset, and beyond plan their dream tipi weddings since 2007. We've seen it all, the things that go brilliantly, and the things couples wish they'd thought of sooner. This checklist is everything we know, in one place.
As Soon as You Get Engaged
The earlier you start, the better, especially for tipi weddings. Popular summer dates can book up 12 to 18 months in advance, so getting the big decisions made early gives you the best choice of dates, locations, and suppliers.
✓ Set your budget: your tipi hire and catering will be your two biggest costs. Get these confirmed first and work everything else around them.
✓ Draft your guest list: your numbers will determine the size of the structure you need.
✓ Choose your location: private land, a recommended venue, or a field. We're always happy to advise on site suitability.
✓ Book your tipi hire: get in touch with World Inspired Tents as early as possible to secure your preferred date.
✓ Book your photographer: the best ones get snapped up fast. Don't leave this one too long.
12 Months Before
With your tipi booked and your location confirmed, now is the time to get your key suppliers in place.
✓ Book your caterer: catering for a tipi wedding is very different to a traditional venue. Look for experienced outdoor caterers who are used to working without a fixed kitchen. We also supply catering tents to make it even easier to plan!
✓ Book your band or DJ: entertainment makes your wedding. Don't cut corners here, it's what your guests will remember most.
✓ Sort your generator: this is one of the most commonly forgotten practicalities for a tipi wedding. Unless your site has mains power, you'll need a generator for lighting, catering equipment, the bar, and the sound system. We can recommend trusted suppliers.
✓ Book your toilet hire; another essential that couples sometimes overlook until late in the planning process. Luxury toilet trailers are a great option and your guests will thank you for it.
✓ Get wedding insurance: for an outdoor wedding especially, insurance gives you real peace of mind. Make sure your policy covers outdoor structures and all your suppliers.
6 Months Before
The big decisions are made, now it's time to work through the details.
✓ Agree your floor plan: work with us to finalise your layout. Think about where the top table will sit, where the dancefloor goes, where the bar is, and how guests will move around the space.
✓ Book your florist: tipi weddings lend themselves beautifully to wild, natural florals. Find a florist who understands your aesthetic and has experience with outdoor events.
✓ Think about lighting: festoon lights, fairy lights, chandeliers, and candles all transform the atmosphere inside a tipi after dark. Discuss your lighting, furniture hire options with us when finalising your package.
✓ Sort your bar: you can hire your bar from our furniture hire selection. Think about glassware, cooling, and how drinks will be served throughout the day.
✓ Plan your parking and access: make sure there is suitable parking for your guests and that supplier vehicles can access the site for set-up and breakdown.
✓ Think about accommodation: if your venue is remote, help your guests by providing a list of nearby accommodation options, or look into glamping or bell tent hire on site.
3 Months Before
✓ Send your invitations: include clear directions, parking information, and a note on footwear. Heels and soft ground don't mix well, a gentle heads up will be appreciated!
✓ Confirm all suppliers: check in with everyone and make sure they have your site address, arrival times, and any access information they need.
✓ Plan your catering logistics: think about how food will be kept hot or cold, where the catering area will be set up, and rubbish disposal during and after the event.
✓ Plan your ceremony space: if you're having your ceremony in or near the tipi, decide on your layout, seating, and any decorations or personal touches you want to include. You can find great options from our furniture hire options,
The Week Before
✓ Confirm final guest numbers with your caterer and any other suppliers who need them.
✓ Create a supplier schedule: a simple document with every supplier's name, contact number, and arrival time. Share it with someone you trust to manage the day.
✓ Assign a point person: choose a trusted friend, family member, or coordinator to be the go-to person on the day so you can relax and enjoy every moment.
✓ Check the weather forecast: and remember, whatever the British weather throws at you, your tipi has seen it all before. Rain, wind, sunshine: it all adds to your perfect story.
✓ Pack a wedding day emergency kit: safety pins, plasters, tissues, mints, a phone charger, and something to eat before the ceremony. Future you will be very grateful.
The Things Couples Most Commonly Forget
In over 17 years of tipi weddings, these are the things that catch couples out most often. Consider this your inside knowledge:
Bins and rubbish disposal: who is responsible for clearing up during and after the event?
Food for the bridal party before the ceremony: it's a long day and nerves mean people forget to eat
Heating: Discuss heating options with us in advance
Signage: directional signs from the road to the site are more important than you'd think
Mobile phone signal: check coverage at your site and share a site map with guests in advance
Noise restrictions: check whether your site has a noise curfew and make sure your band or DJ is aware
Extension leads: a small thing that saves a lot of stress on the day
We're Here to Help Every Step of the Way
Planning a tipi wedding might feel like a lot to think about, but you don't have to figure it all out on your own. At World Inspired Tents, we've guided hundreds of couples through every stage of the process, and we're always on hand to answer questions, recommend trusted suppliers, and make sure your day runs beautifully.
We work with an amazing network of caterers, photographers, florists, and other wedding suppliers across Devon, Cornwall, Somerset, and the wider South West, so if you're not sure where to start with any aspect of your planning, just ask.
Visit: www.worldinspiredtents.co.uk Email: info@world-inspired.co.uk Call: 01271 851160
