Power source for outdoor wedding

Lots of advice. Been there, done that, many times. Please check this blog: http://rickryan.wordpress.com/2012/07/12/stuff-to-know-how-to-power-a-tent-wedding-reception/

In a nutshelll, you'll want an inverter-style generator for the electronics (music). These can be rented fairly cheap. After you've added up the full power draw, plan on having a generator with AT LEAST double the capacity. You never want to run a generator anywhere near close. Also, make certain you have fuel capacity to handle roughly twice as long as you anticipate the event. On the ceremony by the lake, I often use a marine battery (a deep-cell) with a 400-watt inverter. This is enough to run a laptop, powered speaker and mixer. I wouldn't suggest you try to run the reception (multiple hours long) off a powerpack. Again, you might have a powerpack that 's rated for 4 hours but their calculations are often based on best-case scenarios and what you'll find is the thing poops out halfway through the event. One more

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thing, make certain you plan for enough ambient light. The most common mistake we run into on DIY tent weddings is the client doesn't realize how much light they'll need, after it gets dark. For a 50X100 tent you can get away with a couple of 600-watt par64 cans, if you'll diffuse them against the tent roof. Even better would be a few strands of Italian String Lights. Hope this helps.

@superlative - Those generators at Harbor Freight & Tool are NOT inverter-style units. They will wreak havoc on electronics, ask me how I know. Of course, maybe you don't mind having the laptop fritz out in the middle of your First Dance. Yes, that has happened to me (it's why I'm so passionate about education on this subject).

The industrial-style, inverter units are typically tow-behind units, will have 8-12 circuits (with breakout panel) and run $200-$300 per day for rental. Most use diesel fuel with run times in the 8-12 hour range.

And be sure the generator is well away from people -- you don't want to kill anyone with the exhaust!

Rick Ryan - Could you possibly provide a link of where one might be able to rent this type of generator?

Where would you suggest looking to rent these units?

Thanks