Tipi & Glitter Ball Weddings

Yorkshire Tipi Weddings

Give Me A Huge Glitter Ball

I’ve been photographing weddings all over Yorkshire and the UK for over 10 years and have had my fair share of incredible Yorkshire tipi weddings. The magic of tipis for your wedding creates a spectacular venue for the most important day of your life! A tipi can stand proudly against the gorgeous Yorkshire countryside, creating a magical setting for your special day. I want to mention that I love glitter balls quickly; yes, glitter bills. More on that later.

Should I have a tipi wedding?

Deciding on any wedding venue and style can be daunting. Choose something that fits well with you as a couple and reflects who you are. Tipis are an excellent choice if you love the outdoors and lean toward the boho, festival and whimsical kinda vibe. Here are some of my top tipi tips.

Whether it’s a rustic gathering, a festival of celebrations, or a touch of vintage charm, it all boils down to the same essentials: your budget and logistics!

TIPI TOP TIPS

No one enjoys discussing money, but starting with your budget is essential. Your Tipi structure and catering for your guests will be the two most significant expenses, so allocate your budget accordingly and stick to it. Most tipi structures start around £5k. Tipis are interconnected to form a single event space, with each configuration offering its own capacity. The number of intercepting tips will depend on your guest numbers.
One top tip is that most tipi weddings are held in the great outdoors, and with our typical British weather, having a structure big enough for mingling is something to consider. Your guests will be celebrating with you, and you want them to feel dry and comfortable, so an extra room, some other canopy, or a bar area is a great idea.

Tipi Site

Now that you have a good understanding of your tipis, the next step is to find the perfect location. Tipi and marquee companies typically have recommended sites they have previously worked with. If you’re looking for additional options, consider asking your family and friends if they know of any local fields, holiday cottages, or sports grounds that could serve as suitable venues. It’s also a good idea to check with your local council, as they may have land available for rent.

When selecting a site, there are several important factors to consider. First, ensure there is good access to the field. It’s essential to check for any overhead or underground services; the landowner should be able to provide this information. Additionally, the area must be large enough to accommodate the tipis and allow space for setting up the canvas over them. Ideally, the land should be relatively flat, although a slight slope or gentle undulations are acceptable.

Function & Catering

Once you have found the perfect field, the next step is ensuring it meets your functional needs. If the site lacks power or restrooms, that’s not an issue; you can hire a generator and a luxury toilet block. Get an estimate from your tipi company regarding the cost of toilet and generator hire, and include this in your budget. There’s no need to book these services at this stage, but having the budget allocation is helpful in the long run. Your tipi supplier can book these for you, or you can ask them for recommendations of companies they have worked with.

Now that you have your tipis and site set up, it’s time to think about feeding your guests! One of the significant advantages of a tipi wedding is the flexibility in your menu; there are no strict guidelines dictating what you must serve. Consider the foods you both enjoy and contact a few local caterers to see what menu options they can propose for you. When selecting a caterer, remember to consider where they will be cooking. Will they need to hire a catering tent from your tipi supplier? If so, be sure to add this to your tipi quotation. Some caterers may have a tent or van for cooking.

How about adding some fun street-style vendors to keep things casual? Think pizza vans or curry vans instead of formal service! Plus, check out these fantastic bars below; they really know how to create a great vibe. Here are the links if you want to see what they offer. Enjoy! I’m partial to a cheeky G&T!!

Weddings In The Great Outdoors

Utilize the surrounding areas and incorporate them into your day. If you are having a rustic-style wedding, it’s fair to say you love the outdoors. Consider providing games for your guests to enjoy at the reception. Think sack racing, wellie throwing, badminton, giant pick up sticks, egg and spoon races, or there are some great places to rent classic outdoor games. Click here for the link. You could also think about a magician to keep your guests entertained.

Plan For Cool Evenings & Potential Rain

Make sure to have a few cozy fire pits scattered around to keep everyone warm when the temperature drops. It’s a great idea to have some comfy blankets on hand for guests to snuggle up in if they feel a little chilly. You might also want to provide some fun disposable ponchos just in case it rains, imagine the cute group photos with everyone sporting those! Ive written a useful article incase it rains on your wedding day – read here.

Create a designated area with umbrellas where people can mingle and chat, separate from the main dining area.

And don’t forget to bring your wellies or dockers! Set them aside; they not only look great in pictures but are also a must if the ground gets muddy while you’re off capturing some wonderful portraits.

Don’t Forget The Marshmallows

Also Consider…

Think about creating a cosy atmosphere with fairy lights and lanterns when the sun goes down! It’s a fun DIY project; you can even let your guests take some home after the wedding. Plus, it’s a great way to keep a few for yourself!
Also, consider how your guests will find their way to the restrooms and back to their cars. A little planning goes a long way! Fields in the great outdoors will be pitch black once it goes dark.
It’s a great idea to have a master of ceremonies. If your tipi or catering service doesn’t provide one, ask an outgoing friend to help guide everyone to their seats. Gathering everyone for the meal often takes longer than expected, so having a sound system will really help amplify their voice. If you have entertainment, you can usually use their microphones, too!

Tipi Portraits

Your portraits provide an excellent chance to escape the chaos of your wedding day and enjoy some quality time together. Whether your tip site is a woodland, golf course or simply a field, we can create stunning portraits. Over the past decade, my approach to wedding photography has evolved. I’ve come to appreciate the beauty of natural and candid moments, which truly reflect a couple’s essence. As a documentary wedding photographer, I aim to minimize time spent on couple portraits during a wedding day. So a quick ten minutes is the perfect amount of time we need to get some fantastic photos of you both. For more tips on portraits please read this article I wrote.

Glitter Balls & Dancing

Did I mention I love glitter balls! Who doesn’t!!!

Plese please give me a huge glitter ball!!!
For me, wedding tipis come alive at night. Glitter balls look amazing, and catch all the twinkles. This, mixed with some excellent lighting for your entertainment, can make the evening party go wild. How stunning does Bronwyns & Lewis tipi look below?

And Finally

Here are some useful links to great tipi companies.

Garden Weddings Yorkshire

Serentipi LTD

The Yorkshire Tipi

If you are on the hunt for a kick-ass wedding photographer in the West, North or South Yorkshire region with lots tipi experience then say hello below.

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