Best Tent Rentals and Options

Are you planning an outdoor event that requires tent rentals? Learn about the types of tent options suited for your party today!

Whether it is a wedding or an outdoor party, hosting an event is a tiring experience. From securing a good location to sending out invitations, there is so much involved in making the big day a success. Choosing the best tent rentals for your event is one of the most important factors to ensure a successful event. The atmosphere of the event is determined by the tent used for the occasion.  As a result, it is crucial to choose the right type of tent for the occasion. Use this quick reference guide to get started. 

Types of Tent Rentals

Tents are used for several purposes. They are used for:

  • Weddings

  • Parties

  • Political events

  • Makeshift medical facility or laboratory

  • Religious gatherings

  • Trade exhibitions

  • Conferences

  • Storage

The most common types of tent options include:

Clear Span Tents

Clear-span tents do not have poles in the center, providing a large open area for the event. This tent offers a space for guests, as well as a stage, a dance floor, a game or entertainment area, and so forth. Also, this tent can come with flooring options such as wood or carpets.

Pole Tents

Pole tents, like clear-span tents, can be modified according to the desired size and are used for occasions with a large audience. They do, however, have visible poles in the middle of them. They take up a little more floor space than a clear-span tent.

Circus Tents

The circus tent is a pole tent but covered with striped material (white and blue, red and white, for example).  Circus tents are perfect for kids' birthday parties and circus events or magic shows.

Clear Tents

Clear tents protect you from the weather – and annoying wildlife – while providing a pleasant backdrop of natural sunshine or outdoor flora. These are especially wonderful for evening events since they allow you to see the night sky overhead.

Sailcloth Tents

Sailcloth, commonly found in both pole tents and frame tents, allows light through during the day and emits a mellow glow at night, enough to create an ambiance for the event. While light can pass through, they are resistant to a wide range of elements and are waterproof.

Teepee Tents

The teepee tent provides a unique and lovely setting for an event. However, it requires extra poles to get this tent to stand. That means there are a lot more poles to navigate when decorating and partying.

Canopy Tents

The canopy tent is ideal for barbecues, beach birthday celebrations, and outings to the park. It is simple to assemble and disassemble canopy tents.

Types of Tents That Can Be Rented Out for Events

Frame Tents: The design of a frame tent is simple but pinned down with heavy blocks to resist strong winds. Frame tents are not erected with center poles and can be set up almost anywhere.

High-Peak Tents: High-peak tents require tensioned cross wires and shorter center poles to create the peak at the top. They are an excellent way to create a more premium aesthetic.

Pole tents: They are a popular option for events because they are simple to set up and take down, and they are fastened by stakes hammered into the ground. As a result, they are suitable for soft surfaces such as grass.

Structure Tents: These tents are made to look like more permanent structures and are frequently used for extended events. Structure tents are ideal for a large area.

Here is a list of nationwide tent rental providers:

Average Pricing/Cost for Tent Rentals

Renting a tent will typically cost between $0.75 and $1.50 per square foot of area. A 10x10 tent can be as cheap as $150. For larger tents between 5,00 to 10,000 square feet expect to pay more, like $2,500 to $5,000. Lighting is not included in tent rentals, so if you require lighting, a good way to estimate it is to price it at one dollar per square foot.  Heaters can range in price from $100 to $300 per unit, and are also considered add-ons.

Wedding Tent Rentals

Wedding tents are available in a wide range of sizes. The size is determined by:

  • The number of guests

  • Interior layout

  • Size and number of furniture and equipment

  • Event activities that will take place 

Plan at least 20-25 square feet per guest if dinner and dancing is on the menu. If the wedding will accommodate dinner alone, a fair rule of thumb is 18–22 square feet per visitor.

The number of guests and table size are two things to consider. If the reception uses 60 x 60 ft. round tables that seat 8 people apiece, a 10 x 10 ft. space (100 sq. ft./8 attendees) will be ideal.

The Right Time to Book a Wedding Tent

The right time to book a wedding tent is dependent on the date of the wedding. During the busiest months, it is advisable to book the tent as soon as possible. Last-minute preparations may result in unavailability.  As soon as the date has been set, get a quote and talk about the equipment you will need. Most tent businesses will want a non-refundable or partially non-refundable deposit to book the tent.

Setup Time for an Outdoor Tent Rental

The amount of time necessary to set up an event tent may vary depending on the size and design of the tent. A compact, 10x10 pop-up tent is designed to be incredibly easy to set up and move and can be done in minutes by one or two people. If you have a technician coming to set up your tent, then even a smaller tent is quickly erected. Mid-sized or larger tents take more prep time and more people to help raise it. An average tent raising team consists of six people. 

In the case of a major outdoor event, extra time and a professional setup staff is required. A big tent might take many hours to set up and secure with the necessary weights.