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.

The Value of Doing Site Surveys for Tents

The Value of Doing a Site Survey for Tents – Part 1

As part of our exceptional package of tent services, Elite Tents offers our clients a free site survey with tent rental.  But, what is the value of doing a site survey for tents?  In this two part blog, we’ll highlight the benefits of site surveys not only for safety but also to enhance communications between the client and the tent rental company.

Safety

A site survey includes a comprehensive environmental check including grounds, utilities, and other features of the location of your event.  It is an extremely important process that allows us to address any potential hazards (consider overhead obstructions) while ensuring the safety of our staff and your guests.  Plus, a site survey is essential to ensure the proper installation of tents and equipment for your event.

The Value of Doing a Site Survey for Tents – Part 2

As a follow-up to our previous blog, the value of doing a site survey for tents extends beyond safety.  Indeed, a site survey represents an excellent opportunity to develop effective communication.  The professional staff at Elite Tents will conduct a comprehensive site survey wherein the inspector will highlight safety concerns but can also make suggestions and recommendations for tent location and features depending on the nature and location of your event.  Moreover, the site survey allows the client to communicate their specific needs and to adapt those needs depending on environmental conditions.

In short, the site survey allows the client and the rental company to carefully consider event needs and tent safety so that your event goes off without a hitch.  Plus, when you work with Elite Tents, the site survey is included so there’s nothing to lose.