Summer Outdoor Parties WWYD/WDYD?

For those that had outdoor parties in the summer, did you purchase a party tent for shade? I want to order a tent if I have to in case it rains but not sure if I should just to have shade.

Thing is in my backyard if I start the party at 2pm the sun will go just behind these HUGE pine trees I have. I know this because in the summer if I'm not in my backyard to tan by 1:30pm that's it. I mean I feel the heat but there is no sun. If I plan the party at 12 people will feel the sun for at least 2-3 hours.

WWYD buy a tent anyway for shade? Just trying to save $ where I can. If I start my party at 2pm I think I can pull it off without a tent (that is if it doesn't rain).

Re: Summer Outdoor Parties WWYD/WDYD?

I wouldn't rent a tent. Maybe start the party at 1-1:30 and it will cool off in an hour or so. It is summer, people know it will be hot

Re: Summer Outdoor Parties WWYD/WDYD?

I would rent the tent in case it gets too hot and people need shade.

Re: Summer Outdoor Parties WWYD/WDYD?

We have nice afternoon shade in our backyard too....for that reason, we usually start DD's b-day parties at 2pm. It works out perfectly! I've never rented a tent (though last year the threat of rain made me SUPER nervous!) and I definitely wouldn't rent one just for shade when you WILL have shade in your backyard in the afternoon.

Re: Summer Outdoor Parties WWYD/WDYD?

rent a tent

Re: Summer Outdoor Parties WWYD/WDYD?

We always set the tent up too even though we have shade. We bought a tent a few years ago and has been well worth the money.

Re: Summer Outdoor Parties WWYD/WDYD?

Re: Summer Outdoor Parties WWYD/WDYD?

We had Charlie's 1st b/day in our backyard last year and rented tents for shade. While our backyard is lined with 20' hemlocks, we have no other trees to provide shade in our yard.

I was hesitant to rent the tent but I'm glad DH insisted as her party was in the middle of the 'monsoon-like' weather we had in mid-June last year! The tent housed most everyone and the food.

Re: Summer Outdoor Parties WWYD/WDYD?

Message edited 3/25/2010 9:46:36 AM.

Re: Summer Outdoor Parties WWYD/WDYD?

We bought 2 or 3 of those 10X10 tents (I think one has walls) from Waldbaums and Rite-Aid. They have always worked for us. The year before we got them....of course it rained We learned the hard way

eta pic:

Message edited 3/25/2010 10:06:27 AM.

Re: Summer Outdoor Parties WWYD/WDYD?

DEF Tent.....

Shade is an added bonus...it is a life send if it rains..not a lot of people go out but enough so they are not ALL in your house at once! We had a tent for both a sunny day and a rainy day (2 diff parties) and both cases, I was glad we had it!

Re: Summer Outdoor Parties WWYD/WDYD?

I would never have an outdoor party without a tent. I have DS party late June and always rent. To me it is worth it. I have no shade and the sun can get strong at 4pm. I remember cutting his cake at 5 and sweating my butt off bc we were on the deck with no tent.
Plus, you never know if you will get a drizzle.

Re: Summer Outdoor Parties WWYD/WDYD?

First year we borrowed a tent. After that we bought one. It's more cost effective than renting one if you plan on having regular summer outdoor parties.

Re: Summer Outdoor Parties WWYD/WDYD?

I wouldn't get a tent. Save the $$ where you can. I would just start the party a little later.