Introducing Sugarplum Tent Company

We are very excited for Barbi Richardson to talk to us about Sugarplum Tent Company, a family-owned local business with deep roots in the tent and special events industry. For over 20 years, Sugarplum Tent Co. has been providing tents for all sorts of occasions, offering everything from the tents themselves, to lighting, dance floors, staging, climate control, flooring & carpet, event fencing, podiums, etc. Along the way, they have become the preferred tent provider for parties, and is ranked as the “Top Vote Getter” among tent companies by Washingtonian Magazine and Bride and Groom. Additionally, they’ve received the “Oscar” of the special events world in Tenting Production for multiple years.

Carla David Design: What inspires you about Sugarplum Tent Company?

Barbi Richardson: It is inspiring to see our clients’ visions come to life!  It’s also wonderful getting to know our clients and to be on the “journey” with them as their special event takes shape.  They may be planning a wedding, a special celebration or even a corporate event, but with all of them, our goal is the same:  to ensure a wonderful event that meets their expectations and is as stress-free as possible!

CDD: What are some exciting or unique details about your products and services?

BR: Here at Sugarplum Tent Company, we offer many styles of tents, lighting and décor options. Clear tents have become more popular within the past couple of years, and are best in the fall and spring. They allow the outdoor landscape to become part of the décor, bringing nature in! Sailcloth tents are a creamy sheer white tent fabric with natural wood poles and beautiful nautical stitching. They evoke a nautical or vintage look and are best spring through fall. We also have the classic white tents!

Making the tent uniquely yours can be accomplished with the décor and lighting.  We offer fabric liners for our tents or custom swagging with the fabrics and colors of your choice.  Lighting also plays a huge role in setting the ambiance:  chandeliers, lanterns (rice or hanging candle lanterns in assorted finishes), uplighting, string lighting.  We have a great assortment.

We also provide dance floors, full flooring, carpet, climate control, tables, chairs, & more.

In the service department, we are unparalleled in the industry.  We cover the area’s most spectacular events and discerning clients.  Not only have we won awards for our tenting, but we have countless loyal customers who come to us for all their important family and business events.

CDD: What should potential customers take into consideration when renting a tent for an event?  And how do they know what size tent they will need?

BR: First, decide on the location! Will it be at your home or a venue? If it’s at a venue or historic property, get the date secured. Can the location handle your event inside or will you need some overflow space outside? Will you need a tent?

For the size, you need to think about the following:

— Will the event be a seated meal and if so, for approx. how many?
— Will you be seating your guests at round tables or squares or family-style?
— Will you have dancing under the tent?
— Will you have a DJ or a band?
— Will the meal be served or will it be a buffet?
— How many bars under the tent?
— Will there be dessert area and/or reception table?

With these questions answered, call us for a chat and we can give you a good idea on the size tent you will need.

CDD: Describe an event you were involved with that you view as memorable.

BR: We have planned and executed thousands of events. Many of them involved high-level political, military, government or corporate officials and agencies.  You also meet wonderful professional people from all areas of the special events industry.  But it is hard to beat the satisfaction that comes from providing support to every day brides and grooms and their families on their wedding day. From small intimate settings in backyards to large waterfront estates, it’s really about people and doing your very best to play a small supporting role in these significant occasions. Each one is memorable and unique in its own special way. So I guess you could say that we are very fortunate to have so many wonderful memories!

CDD: What makes you happiest about what you do?

BR: Seeing our clients having a memorable event.  Life is all about wonderful memories and meaningful celebrations bringing together family and friends.

Photo Credit :: Sugarplum Tent Company

Contact Sugarplum Tent Company today to book your special occasion tent and decor!