Romantic Tent Wedding Decor: Olivia & Cal’s Dream Conway Farms Celebration

When it comes to creating a wedding day filled with breathtaking beauty and unforgettable details, nothing compares to a tented celebration. Olivia and Cal’s Conway Farms wedding was the perfect example of how romantic tent wedding decor can transform a venue into a dreamlike setting. The day was expertly coordinated by The Creative Planners, led by Holli, who ensured every detail—from vendor coordination to the flow of events—came together seamlessly. Their thoughtful planning allowed Olivia and Cal to enjoy every moment, while giving MDM Entertainment and the other vendors the foundation to bring the couple’s vision of a romantic tent wedding to life.

With a talented team of vendors and the design expertise of MDM Entertainment, every detail—from dramatic draping to glowing rattan lanterns and custom backdrop walls—came together seamlessly to create a one-of-a-kind celebration.

This real wedding was more than just an event, it was a true design inspiration for couples planning a luxury tent wedding in Chicago. From the sailcloth tent provided by Blue Peak Tents to the breathtaking floral arrangements by Steve’s Flower Market, the entire space was elevated by thoughtful design, layered textures, and carefully planned lighting, creating unforgettable romantic tent wedding decor. As the sun set over Conway Farms, the atmosphere shifted from a warm, elegant dinner setting into a vibrant after party, showing how intentional design can carry guests through every moment of the celebration.

 

Romantic Tent Wedding Decor: Setting the Stage for Romance

Olivia and Cal chose a sailcloth tent from Blue Peak Tents as the heart of their wedding reception. Sailcloth tents are known for their elegant silhouette and light-diffusing fabric, creating a soft, romantic glow both during the day and at night. This spacious tent became the canvas for MDM Entertainment’s design team, who layered in draping, lighting, and décor elements to create a truly customized space filled with romantic tent wedding decor.

The set-up was carefully planned to ensure every detail was perfectly executed. The tent was transformed into a dream venue, ready for guests to experience an evening filled with celebration. The clean white sailcloth provided a neutral backdrop for both florals and drapery, while thoughtful styling created an atmosphere of sophistication and romance. From cocktail hour to fireworks, the tent remained the central gathering place, proving why so many couples in Chicago are drawn to tent wedding reception styling as a way to personalize their big day.

Draping Details: Bringing Softness and Drama

One of the defining features of this wedding was the draping. MDM Entertainment created a dramatic double entry drape behind the head table, combining white sheer fabric with cadet blue velvet accents. The design featured a criss-cross top and loose side panels that framed the head table beautifully. These drapes not only added visual impact but also contributed to the romantic tent wedding decor, softening the tent space and drawing the eye toward the couple’s seating area as the focal point of the night.

To further enhance the tent’s design, the tent legs were dressed with white sheer fabric cuffed in cadet blue velvet, echoing the color palette and tying in seamlessly with the overall aesthetic. Draping in a tent serves a dual purpose—it hides structural elements while creating intimacy and elegance. In Olivia and Cal’s celebration, the draping was both architectural and romantic, contributing to the overall romantic tent wedding decor and offering inspiration for couples seeking elegant tent wedding ideas that feel timeless.

Lighting That Set the Mood

Lighting played one of the most important roles in transforming Olivia and Cal’s tent wedding. MDM Entertainment provided a layered lighting design that moved seamlessly with the flow of the evening.

A highlight of the design was the rattan lantern wedding decor installation. Over the two long guest tables, twelve rattan lanterns were hung in perfect symmetry along rigging bars. Steve’s Flower Market added greenery to these lanterns, creating a natural yet elevated look that blended beautifully with the florals and contributed to the overall romantic tent wedding decor. Over the dance floor, clusters of lanterns in three distinct styles created a dramatic, textural centerpiece above the heart of the party. Guests couldn’t help but look up as the warm amber glow cascaded over the floor, adding a touch of intimacy to the expansive tent.

Smaller rattan clusters were placed over the bars, each with three lanterns of varying styles. These clusters not only lit the bar areas but also created a sense of cohesion, tying the lighting design into every corner of the tent and enhancing the overall romantic tent wedding decor. Along with the lanterns, uplights were placed strategically throughout the space: warm amber lights on the tent legs and entry draping, cool white lights to accentuate the blue velvet panels, and dynamic color-changing lights in the after party room inside the club. For couples looking for wedding uplighting ideas, Olivia and Cal’s celebration offered the perfect example of how subtle lighting details can transform a venue.

This careful layering of lighting demonstrated how a Chicago wedding design can be both functional and atmospheric. Candlelight amber hues created a romantic glow during dinner and first dances, while vibrant color-changing lights energized the crowd after fireworks. The transition highlighted how good lighting is not just about visibility but about shaping the entire experience.

Custom Decor Elements that Elevated the Space

Beyond draping and lighting, MDM Entertainment provided an array of custom wedding backdrop walls and décor elements to fully transform the space. A stunning band backdrop wall was built from Seville wall sections, painted to match Fleur Ash Blue linen with white trim. These walls not only framed the band but also served as a stylish background for photos and video.

To complement the backdrop, custom pony walls and end caps were added throughout the tent, featuring inset panels from BBJ La Tavola. These details created continuity in the design, offering visual layers that elevated the tent beyond standard rentals and added a touch of romantic tent wedding decor. The round Britten bars were also customized with branded insets from BBJ La Tavola, curving elegantly on each side of the space to provide stylish gathering spots for guests.

On the back patio, the “19th Hole Bar” became a standout feature. Adirondack chairs were styled with white pillows, and a Tuscany bar was branded in a custom green with matching artwork. A gold Aimee Etagere provided a chic back bar display, while a custom putting green flag—emblazoned with the couple’s event logo and name—added a playful and personalized touch. Together, these details showcased the power of tent wedding reception styling in creating an immersive and unique guest experience.

A Romantic Reception Flow

Olivia and Cal’s wedding was carefully planned to create seamless transitions from one moment to the next. The ceremony took place offsite at a nearby church, with guests arriving at Conway Farms for a romantic wedding reception experience they would never forget.

The tent glowed with candlelight amber uplighting as loved ones gathered for cocktails and conversation before entering for dinner. Heartfelt introductions and first dances unfolded beneath the rattan lanterns, followed by a beautiful meal surrounded by soft uplighting and pinspotted centerpieces. Later, guests moved outdoors for a spectacular fireworks show by Johnny Rockets Fireworks, then returned for dancing under vibrant, color-changing lights. 

The celebration continued with an after party inside the club, where MDM Entertainment transitioned the atmosphere with bold, lively lighting that carried the night forward. This thoughtful flow of design made the event a true showcase of romantic tent wedding decor.

The Vendor Dream Team

Behind every unforgettable wedding is a team of talented vendors, and Olivia and Cal’s Conway Farms celebration was no exception.

• Planner: Holli Volkert Events and The Creative Planners
• Photography: Olivia Leigh
• Videography: Jet Kaiser
• Floral Design: Steve’s Flower Market
• Tent: Blue Peak Tents
• Band: Lakeshore Encores
• Hair: Erin Graham Hair
• Makeup: Jose De Leon
• Vintage Car: Celeblux Limos
• Fireworks: Johnny Rockets Fireworks
• Decor & Lighting: MDM Entertainment

This collaboration of creative professionals ensured every detail was executed with excellence, from the draping to the music to the jaw-dropping fireworks.

Inspiration for Your Own Tent Wedding

If you’re planning a Chicago wedding and dreaming of an outdoor celebration, Olivia and Cal’s big day is proof that a tent wedding can be both elegant and deeply personal. With romantic tent wedding decor, you can transform a blank canvas into an atmosphere filled with charm, beauty, and unforgettable details. Whether it’s through draping, custom backdrop walls, lighting design, or thoughtful styling, a tent offers endless opportunities for creativity.

At MDM Entertainment, our team specializes in bringing these visions to life. From custom wall facades to immersive lighting designs, we work hand in hand with planners and vendors to create cohesive, one-of-a-kind events. If you’re inspired by Olivia and Cal’s Conway Farms celebration, we’d love to help you craft your own dream wedding.

Ready to design your own unforgettable wedding? Contact us at 773.253.4986 today to start planning. Whether you’re envisioning a chic tent wedding, an elegant ballroom reception, or a vibrant after party wedding decor, our team can bring your dream to life with custom décor, draping, and lighting design!