Planning an outdoor event in the UK usually means having to allow for more than one version of the weather.
Part of the appeal of a stretch tent is that it feels open and airy, but the setup can still be adapted when the forecast changes. Transparent side panels, lycra sides, matting, lighting and careful layout planning can all make a big difference to how comfortable the space feels.
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This came up at my brother’s wedding over the August bank holiday weekend. After weeks of dry, hot weather, the original plan was based around sunshine: an open lounge area by the lake, a separate dining tent and the rest of the reception flowing around the garden.
By the time the weekend arrived, the forecast had turned to wind and rain, so the setup had to change with it. The lakeside lounge area was brought under cover, with a covered dance/party tent connected to the lounge tent, and the lounge tent then linked to the smaller bar tent.
The main dining tent stayed separate, but we added transparent side panels on the more exposed sides to help block the prevailing wind and rain while still keeping the view out to the garden. Lycra sides were also added along the exposed side of the dance/party tent and continued in one run along one side of the adjoining lounge tent, helping protect the DJ, sound equipment and dancefloor from getting wet.
It meant the wedding still had the feeling of an outdoor event, but with far more shelter and warmth than the original open layout would have offered.
How the layout was adapted
Rather than keeping everything in its original open-air position, the main areas were reworked so guests could still move between the dining tent, lounge area, dance/party tent and bar while staying under cover where needed. The dining tent remained separate, while the lounge, dance/party tent and bar tent formed a linked run of covered spaces.
This is one of the useful things about stretch tents. The setup does not have to be one single rectangle. Different tents can be positioned and connected around the site, depending on how the event needs to flow and where shelter is most important.
Transparent side panels for shelter without losing the view
Transparent side panels are often the best option when you want the tent to feel more enclosed without losing the view.
They help keep warmth inside the tent and give much more protection from wind and rain than an open side. Because they are clear, they still allow natural light through and keep the tent visually connected to the garden or surrounding landscape.
This makes them especially useful for dining areas, speeches and seated parts of the day, where guests are staying in one place for longer.
For this setup, transparent side panels were added to the dining tent where shelter was needed most. Guests could still see out towards the garden and lake, but the space felt much more comfortable once the weather turned.
Lycra sides for wind and rain breaks
Lycra sides can also be added where you need a more flexible wind and rain break.
They do not fully enclose the tent in the same way as transparent side panels, but they are useful for blocking exposed sides, reducing rain blowing in and giving certain areas more shelter.
At this wedding, lycra sides were added along the exposed side of the dance/party tent and continued in one uninterrupted run along one side of the adjoining lounge tent. This helped protect the DJ, sound equipment and dancefloor from wind and rain, while also giving the lounge area more shelter and making the linked space feel warmer and more comfortable into the evening.
Lycra sides are also useful for bars, bands, DJs, chill-out areas and parts of an event where you want extra shelter without fully enclosing the space.
Keeping the outdoor feel
The aim with stretch tents is not to shut everything indoors. It is to create shelter while still keeping the feel of the setting.
This is where layout matters. In this setup, the covered dance/party tent, lounge tent and bar tent were connected, while the dining tent remained separate. That gave the event distinct areas, but still allowed guests to move naturally between the different parts of the reception.
Fairy lights, festoon lighting and uplighters also helped soften the space once it got darker. Combined with matting and the right side options, the tents felt warmer and more inviting without losing the outdoor atmosphere.
What about wind?
Wind is one of the main things to consider with any temporary outdoor structure.
Every setup needs to be planned around the site, exposure, forecast, ground conditions, tent size, pole height and side layout. In more exposed locations, we may adjust the layout, lower certain sides, use additional anchoring or recommend a different setup.
A stretch tent can provide excellent shelter, but it still needs to be installed with the conditions in mind.
Planning for bad weather
The best time to think about weather protection is before the event, not once the forecast changes.
It is worth considering where the prevailing wind comes from, where guests will be seated, where the bar, DJ or sound equipment will sit, and whether transparent side panels or lycra sides are the better option for each area.
Sometimes the final setup will be fully open. Other times, adding sides in the right places can completely change how comfortable and usable the event space feels.
Final thoughts
A stretch tent can work very well in rain, wind and cooler weather, as long as the setup is planned properly.
Transparent side panels are best when you want to more fully enclose a tent, keep warmth in and protect guests from wind and rain while still keeping the view. Lycra sides work better as a flexible wind and rain break, particularly around bars, DJs, bands, sound equipment or dance areas.
Combined with matting, lighting and a considered layout, both options can help turn an exposed outdoor space into somewhere comfortable, practical and still connected to the setting.
If you are planning a wedding, party or outdoor event and want a setup that can adapt to the weather, Tent King can help work through the best layout for your site.
