The right tent can transform any outdoor site into the perfect place for a celebration. Here is everything you need to know to pull a tent wedding together.

Many couples dream of having an outdoor wedding, and tents allow you to go ahead and plan it without worrying about the season or the weather. With a tent, you can hold your ceremony and reception in any venue you like -- a botanical garden, sandy beach, or your own backyard. And today's options can fit in beautifully with any wedding design.

If you are considering using a tent, the time to contact vendors is right after you set the date. Many tent-rental firms are full-service, providing everything that's needed for a tent wedding and reception: tables, chairs, linens, and place settings, in addition to flooring, lighting, generators, heating or air-conditioning units, and portable restrooms. Most have a showroom with samples of the choices available, as well as portfolios with photographs from previous events.

Once you choose a location, the vendor should schedule a site inspection, preferably six months in advance, in order to view the grounds and determine the best place to set up the tent. He will also set a master time line for delivery of equipment as well as floor installation.