Interview With: Sally Pellen
Company Name: PapaKåta
Location / Coverage: Based in the North but happy to travel
Who are PapaKåta and what do you do?
Here at PapaKåta we specialise in hiring out Kåta tents for parties, weddings, festivals and events — tipi style tents pioneered by the Sami people of Lapland. They’re utterly gorgeous, and make for a very different sort of party space than a run-of-the-mill marquee.
How and when did PapaKåta start?
PapaKåta was born in 2006, when husband and wife Directors Richard and Amanda Monaghan bought 3 giant hat Kåta tipis for their own wedding. They therefore understand the importance of your wedding day and what the details mean to you.
What wedding services do you provide?
As well as the hire of the tipis we also hire out furnishings and the finishing touches that help to make your wedding day truly magical and unique.
What is the difference between a tipi and a marquee?
As well as being beautiful natural structures, the unique rounded shape of the tipis means that they make for a very sociable party space. With no-one facing a corner and everyone being thrown back into the middle, it’s hard not to have fun partying the night away in a giant tipi.
Can couples have their wedding ceremony in a PapaKåta tipi?
Yes, many couples hold their blessing ceremonies in the tipis. However, as the tipis aren’t licensed, you would have to go through the legalities at your local registry office or church beforehand.
Why do you think tipis are so popular for weddings?
The tipis make for such a unique space and couples can have fun putting their own stamp on them. With open fires, lanterns and fairy lights it’s a beautiful, romantic and sociable space that you and your guests will remember forever.
What sets PapaKåta apart from other wedding tipi and marquee services?
For us PapaKåta is about people and the relationships that we build. We’re always at the end of the phone to answer your questions no matter how big or small, and will happily help with the planning of your wedding, from finding the perfect venue or caterer, to those finishing touches, which create a truly unique & spectacular event. Our promise is backed by a 24/7 call out service and the peace of mind that we have spare tents, crew, and vehicles, ready to go at the drop of a hat.
What type of wedding styling do you think works well in PapaKåta tipis?
Anything goes really, that’s the beauty of the tipis! From relaxed country fete style weddings with bunting and paper bag lanterns, to vintage tea parties with flower filled birdcages and heart lanterns, or for the more traditional white weddings, decadent candelabras on crisp white linens.
Where can PapaKåta tipis be used?
Wherever there is space. We’re lucky enough to visit some beautiful private residences, country homes, hotels and romantic meadows and farmers fields.
Random question… Christmas in the wintery UK or on a beach?
A wintery Christmas in the UK! Winter weddings are getting even more popular, with reindeer skins, bark lanterns and twinkly lights creating the ultimate in Scandinavian styling.
What are your top tips for couples looking for a tipi for their wedding?
Speak to us. Let us know what you want from your day so that we can put together a bespoke quote and fit in with your plans. We can also help you with finding a venue, caterer and even photographer.
Where can I find out more about PapaKåta?
Visit our website www.PapaKata.co.uk or give us a call in the office on 01904 702100 and we’ll be happy to chat through the details of your day.
