1. What size of a tent is required?
Roughly, 10-12 sq. ft. per person is comfortable. Additional space for tables, stage area, dance floor, and aisles should be included. See the charts in the Sizes for more details. An example using the above would be an event where 80 people are expected and a 10’x20’ stage in the front will be used for entertainment. The 1000 sq ft. space could be met with a 30×30 or a 20×60 pole tent.
2. What type of tent do I need?
Two basic types have typically been used, Pole and Frame. Pole tents, as the name suggests, use center poles as support, and they must be anchored to the ground with long stakes every 8-10 ft around the perimeter. Most Pole tents will have center poles for all sizes and the larger sizes will have additional poles for the “hip.” Newer types are also available. These are generally called marquee or high peak tents which have much taller “spires” than a typical Pole tent and the suspension style which minimize the number of stakes, but which require a larger area to spread out and be properly anchored. The Frame tents do not require center poles, allowing more freedom in layout of seating and other items such as dance floors. Frame tents use pipe frames to support the tops instead. They are still anchored like the pole tents, but could be alternatively anchored by weights instead of the stakes driven into the ground. They are useful for surfaces where drilling and driving stakes would be inappropriate. Anchors are recommended wherever possible since the wind can still easily move the tent with the typical weights that are used.
3. What material are the tents made of?
Currently, most newer tents are using a heavy vinyl that is sewn together with a thick canvas like material at the seams. Some of the older tents still use canvas. Both materials are treated to be flame retardant. We do not recommend fires under the canopies because they are not flame resistant. They can still melt or may collect harmful gases.
4. What accessories are available?
The primary requests are for side walls with and without clear windows inset, chairs & tables, lights, platforms, dance floor, and disposable tablecovers. All are available plus many other items to make a gathering more enjoyable and easily planned.
5. What about set up and tear down?
Set up and tear down are performed by our able crews. The cost for this part of the service is included, except for orders specially arranged for occurring outside of regular business hours or on Saturdays or Sundays. There may be a fee for special considerations such as rooftop setups, etc. If discussed prior to set up, the exact arrangement can be made on site to make everything ready for the function two or three days prior to the event. It is recommended that the customer checks with local authorities about any permits that may be required and to also call Dig Rite (1-800-DIG-RITE) to map any underground wiring or piping that may be present near the site the tent is to be located.
6. What are the prices?
We have sizes from 10’x10’ up to 60’x200’. Prices range considerably depending upon the size and function. Some events may be well served with a good economical striped tent and these would be lower in cost vs. a white tent for a formal event, such as a wedding, which would require a more neutral look. Rental costs are also affected by a rental longer than seven days or lasting through more than one weekend. Delivery fees also depend upon location. Please contact us for prices on white tents or to find out the delivery fee for your event’s area.
