Throwing any kind of event can be an expensive affair. With venues and accommodations becoming increasingly more expensive, finding the perfect place to host an event can be a daunting task. But what if we told you that you could create a unique and memorable event in your own backyard, on rented land, or even on crown land? Enter the event tent, a unique alternative venue for any occasion.
Canvas and event tents are extremely versatile and can be used for a variety of events, both large and small. They're perfect for weddings, concerts and festivals, receptions, birthday parties, family reunions, retreats, etc. They are easy to set up and take down, making them a great option for events that are on a tight timeline or require flexible spaces. Additionally, high-quality canvas and event tents, like those we offer via CanvasCamp (shameless plug), are incredibly durable and can withstand strong winds and rain, making them the perfect choice for outdoor events and gathering spaces.
You can choose from a wide array of décor options and accessories to match the theme of your event — from whimsical bohemian to countryside rustic. If you don’t fancy yourself a decorator, always remember that you can turn to Pinterest and rent furniture and décor from a local event venue.
Below is a collection of some of the coolest ways the CitizenCanvas community has used our tents to throw their own events.
How to Use and Style a CitizenCanvas Tent for your Next Event
Unlike a conventional venue space, canvas and event tents provide you with the freedom to create a unique atmosphere that is personalized to your event. Here are some functional ideas for using canvas tents at events.
Accommodations
Fellow citizen Chris Lloyd and his now wife Lauren were months away from their wedding day when the venue they had chosen canceled on them. Lucky for them, they had recently purchased a cabin and some land in the Foothills of Alberta, so they had a pretty sweet ‘plan b’. To accommodate their guests, they set up nearly 30 tents on their property.
“The tents were a really amazing part of the wedding, especially with the backdrop of our cabin. Even the non-campers enjoyed them!”
The added bonus - the tent doubles as the ideal photo studio.
To manage costs, Chris and Lauren kept the interiors modest and cute with fun sheets, homemade signs, etc. And following their big day, Chris and Lauren sold their tents after to wedding goers and on online marketplaces like Facebook – genius!
Many of our customers also use their tents as ‘pop up’ accommodations, like fellow citizen and cowboy @quintonblair. Quinton and his daughter run Woodside Trail Horse Company, providing custom horseback experiences on the Assiniboine River in Manitoba. As part of the interactive guided tours exploring windswept ridges, as they put it, they provide an overnight glamp camp.
Photo Booth
And then you can take your photo booth even a step further. Anything you can dream up to match the theme of your wedding including string lights, banners, garland, plants, rugs, DIY art installations, etc. Fellow Citizen and photographer @janadoucetphotography uses her canvas tent as a studio including for weddings and other special life events.
Lounge Area
Every good event needs a chill zone. Think plush rugs, low-rise couches, throw pillows, draped curtains….No rules apply. Our favourite way to make the space cozy is with a coir area mat, which work nicely in glamping set ups as well.
Dining & Party Space
This is where you can create a really intimate atmosphere. Our Mess tent can fit up to 16 dinners, a long table, and even a stove to set the mood. We also sell a collection of top-of-the line flex event tents, ranging from 400 square feet to 2400 square feet! Our flex tents can be set up in an endless variety of shapes and are the ideal choice for both temporary and permanent setups for weddings, festivals, bars, and other outdoor events.
If you’re looking for a space dedicated to just dancing (which we totally get) you can kick it up a notch with one of our Starshade 1300 or Starshade 1700 tents which hold up to 70-140 people standing (or grooving).
Retreat Space
Our larger canvas tents - including our 500-800 sizes - are ideal gathering spaces for yoga events, retreats, educational seminars, etc.
@jessejoy — a close friend and family to all of us at CitizenCanvas — is a mindfulness-based psychedelic guide specializing in Cannabis Assisted Psychedelic Therapy. Jesse uses her 500 ProTech canvas bell tent to facilitate her grounded medicine work, offering clients a soft landing space in an immersive nature-based experience outside of the more traditional or clinical wellness spaces - helping clients disconnect from the busy outside world and reconnect with themselves and nature. Check out @___softlandings____.
Accommodations for overnight retreats are also common. Fellow citizen @katelynbrownlee and her partner Melissa have opened their property up to others by offering different types of opportunities to immerse in nature. From one of a kind “nude campouts” – a rejuvenating and recharging 3 day reclaim of unplugged forest living with movement, meditation, and quiet reflection, to all inclusive packages for private retreats, as well as public camping via Hipcamp and Airbnb. Hosts Katie and Melissa are making room on their property for their new 400 ProTech canvas bell tents which will be used as retreat accommodations.
Backyard Jam and Festival
Who says you need a specific occasion to throw up your tent? @quintonblair and his crew out in Manitoba orchestrated a backyard jam with some close friends and family leading up to Christmas. Quinton serenaded his friends over an open fire while serving up hot toddies.
CitizenCanvas Tents for Your Next Outdoor Function
One of the main advantages of using a CitizenCanvas tent for your event is cost savings. Venue space can be expensive, with the average cost of a wedding venue (for example) in Canada being $22.5K, according to Slice. By using canvas or event tents tents, you can keep costs down by getting thrifty at second hand stores, using items found in nature, and borrowing from friends and family. This will give you more room in your budget to focus on other aspects of your event, such as high-quality food and drinks, ambiance, and entertainment.
Of course, not everyone is a DIYer. While tents may require more upfront work, it can be a unique, memorable, and cost-effective way to go for your outdoor function. Whether it's a wedding, festival, retreat, or backyard jam, canvas and event tents offer a versatile and customizable space for guests.
Browse our selection of canvas tents and event tents and start planning your next outdoor gathering.