How to Pick the Right Tent for your Function: An Introduction

Planning an outdoor event can be tricky even in the most predictable climates.  Many event organizers rely on tents to make all manner of outdoor event special.  Whether you are planning a formal or casual event, a tent can transform your event into a truly memorable and uniquely personalized occasion.  That being said, choosing the right tent for your function can also be challenging.  Tents are versatile and make a great choice for everything from weddings to backyard barbeques.  So then, how do you pick the right tent for your function?  In our next series of blogs, we’ll consider the three main factors that influence what type of tent will best suit your event: location, size, and vision.

How to Pick the Right Tent for your Function: Location

Location! Location! Location!  The location of your event is a fundamental consideration when choosing the right tent for your function.  Not only do you need to consider the area available for your location (stay tuned for our next blog – “Size Matters”), but you also need to think about the surface of your event.  Soil and gravel are great for securing tents, but other anchor options are available for surfaces like asphalt, stone, and sand.  Additionally, the location of your event will impact access for equipment and also guests.  Even geographic and climate concerns need to be thought through – for example, high wind areas will require special anchoring systems and you want a tent that will protect your guests from the elements.  

How to Pick the Right Tent for your Function: Size Matters

As suggested in our last post, the size of your event including the number of guests and also the area available for the tent will influence what type of tent you select for your function.  When considering size, you should allow for at perimeter of at least 3 metres around your tent to provide for adequate anchoring.  Additionally, you not only need to consider the number of guests, but also other amenities such as cooking facilities, washrooms, dance floors, etc. and how that will impact the size of your tent.  And, don’t forget about vertical clearance for your tent – if there are large trees or other overhanging structures, you need to be sure they won’t interfere with your tent.

How to Pick the Right Tent for your Function: Vision

Finally, when choosing the right tent for your function, it is imperative that you remember your vision.  This requires careful planning around things like décor, lighting, and even the type of entertainment you’ll be offering.  When selecting the tent for your event, you need to remember that you’ll likely run electricity into your tented event and you want equipment to have a power source without creating an eyesore or tripping hazards.  Not surprisingly, there are many kinds of tents that offer different options – for example, clear span tents offer open spaces whereas frame tents are elegant and romantic.  Remember, when you are picking the right tent for your function, rely on the expert advice of professionals so your event runs as smoothly as possible.