Planning a backyard barbecue, graduation party, or outdoor wedding? An outdoor party tent can elevate your event and provide much-needed shade or shelter from the elements.
You can step up from the traditional garden get-togethers and put up a better show with an outdoor party tent. Enjoy the big outdoors with your family and friends without worrying about the weather and the safety of your event.
In this article, we will help you make an informed decision before choosing a party tent. We’ll answer some crucial questions you have before getting your party tent.
10 Crucial Questions to Ask Before Buying an Outdoor Party Tent
Outdoor parties require reliable tents that can accommodate a large guestlist but also provide shelter from varying weather conditions. Before you get to it, consider asking these crucial questions so you know which outdoor party tent best fits your needs.
1. What's the Occasion and Number of Guests?
You should know by now the type of tent party you’re having. Additional questions you may ask here are:
- What is the occasion?
- How many guests do you expect?
- Would they be sitting or standing?
- What type of program will you be having?
Your tent size and features will depend on your event type and the expected number of guests. Here’s our party tent size guide:
| Party Tent Size | Square Feet | No. of Guests for Cocktail Seating | No. of Guests for Sit Down Seating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10x10 party tent | 100 | 13 | 8 |
| 10x20 party tent | 200 | 25 | 20 |
| 15x15 party tent | 225 | 28 | 19 |
| 20x20 party tent | 400 | 50 | 33 |
| 20x30 party tent | 600 | 75 | 50 |
| 20x40 party tent | 800 | 100 | 67 |
| 30x30 party tent | 900 | 113 | 75 |
| 40x40 party tent | 1600 | 200 | 133 |
| 40x80 party tent | 3200 | 400 | 267 |
| 40x100 party tent | 4000 | 500 | 333 |
2. Do I Need Shade or Full Weather Protection?
A party tent can protect you from sun, rain, and wind. Party tents provide temporary shelter to keep the party going regardless of the weather.
Still, if you want to prepare for all the unexpected turbulence the weather might give, getting a party tent is the best option to keep your party vibing.
SHELTER offers different types of party tents with various degrees of protection, perfect for all your party needs. Check them out and choose the right one for your event!
3. What Size and Layout Do I Need?
Always factor in space for your guests, furniture, and space for comfortable movement. Depending on the type of event you’re having, your party tent size would vary. Is it a cocktail party with standing guests? Or a more formal event with a sit-down setup?
Think about the number of guests and the kind of furniture you need to assemble. Will there be a catering table? Perhaps a DJ? Will you serve cocktails on the side?
Always be flexible. That way, you can troubleshoot when you need to move around seats or dance floors before the party.
4. What's My Budget?
Creating and sticking to the budget might be one of the hardest things to secure in holding a party. That’s why you need to pick the right tent for a party.
Small tents are more budget-friendly and have limited types of parties they can cater to. Large tents cost more but can give you the versatility and space that every party needs.
Set a realistic budget and explore various party tent options that fit your needs and financial limitations. Shelter Structures offers competitive pricing for their party tents.
5. What Materials are Available?
When choosing the right tent for your party, you should also factor in the necessary materials in your investment. Consider durability, weather resistance, and fire safety when choosing the tent material.
Aluminum and steel are the usual materials used as supporting frames for an outdoor tent for your party. The first one is lighter, easier to transport, and prevents further corrosion, while the latter is heavier but more durable.
SHELTER uses a galvanized aluminum alloy to increase its corrosion resistance and durability for outdoor use. Having a long-lasting material saves costs, especially when you plan to use the tent for your future parties.
6. Will I Need Anchoring or Weighting Options?
A secure anchor is the foundation of a secure tent. You should always ensure your tent is securely anchored to the ground to keep your guests safe. Consider your event venue, terrain, and weather conditions. Will you need anchoring or weighting options for your party tent?
In case you do, getting an additional ballast is good for withstanding strong winds during your event. Ballasts might be sandbags, boulders, or specifically engineered weights put strategically around the tent to guarantee its security and stability.
Meanwhile, you can also use the stake and ratchet method to secure your tent. They can prevent your tent from lifting and pulling the stakes from the ground.
7. Are Sidewalls Included or Optional?
Sidewalls can give you protection, privacy, and luxury in your event space. Depending on the type of party you’re having, different types of sidewalls are available for you.
They are optional but you can choose from opaque, clear, mesh, and faux windows. The most popular sidewall options are opaque and windowed styles.
If you want your party to be more formal or intimate, you should get a party tent with sidewalls. Sidewalls not only keep the party private, but they also protect electrical fixtures, lights, sound equipment, and other electronics from the elements. They are useful for outdoor events where unexpected weather conditions can arise.
Consider if you need sidewalls for additional weather protection or privacy. Optional as they can be, it sure is a great addition to your outdoor party tent.
8. What Lighting Options are Available?
If your event extends into nighttime, you might need to consider your lighting option. Ask your provider if they can help you with the electrical setup for your event. Know where the energy source is so you can set up lighting accordingly.
Consider which time of day your outdoor party is happening. A daytime party extending into nighttime might have different lighting needs than an evening event. Typically, night parties require more light fixtures to illuminate the tent.
You should equip your party tent with the appropriate lighting, set the right brightness, and create a great ambiance through different types of lighting–LED lamp string, ground lights, and more.
9. Is the Tent Easy to Clean and Maintain?
Part of the job is to clean up afterward. Choosing a tent made from easy-to-clean materials will save you a lot of trouble after the event.
Canopy materials like vinyl and polyester are easy to wipe down and repel dirt. Polyester, the most commonly used one, is durable and water-resistant. Meanwhile, vinyl is waterproof and blocks fires. Invest in low-maintenance outdoor party tents for a stress-free experience—from setup to cleanup.
10. Can I Rent or Purchase the Party Tent?
Aside from choosing the size of your outdoor party tent, deciding whether to rent or buy is another dilemma. Consider your budget and frequency of use. Will you use it for more parties moving forward, or is it an occasional thing?
If you need shelter for more outdoor parties, it would save you money if you buy a party tent. Plus, you can add branding elements and choose your color when you own it.
Remember, the price varies depending on size, type, and location. Ensure your plans before you lock in to renting or buying your next outdoor party tent.
Shelter Structures Outdoor Party Tents
Still on the verge of deciding? Here is the variety of high-quality outdoor party tents:
● Clear Span Party Tent
This is the show-stopper. The clear span party tent is ideal for large gatherings and features an open space perfect for big events and occasions. It’s built with materials that are proven to withstand diverse weather conditions.
If you want a weather-proof tent with maximized interior space suitable for large-scale events, this tent is your choice.
● Frame Party Tent
Frame party tent offers a solid metal framework for hefty decorations and equipment. It is also perfect for customized floor plans and is suitable for different ground surface areas.
● Marquee Party Tent
When you’re eyeing a party tent perfect for interior design and styling, go for the marquee party tent. You can alter the tent’s interior depending on the occasion. It also has a large coverage while embracing that innovative look.
● Canopy Party Tent
The canopy party tents are designed for quick assembly with the help of minimal tools. It can protect from sunlight and rain. For added comfort, it’s open-sided to enhance ventilation and ensure an airy environment throughout the event.
● High Peak Event Tent
The high peak event tent’s tall peaks give that openness and elegant ambiance—which is best for official events. It also promises peak performance stability with wind resistance brought by its structural design.
● Pagoda Event Tent
Want to stand out with its height and square base? Our pagoda event tent might be perfect for you! It can easily be connected with other units for a wider scale event area. It also has a strong build quality suitable for repeated use throughout events.
Choose The Best Outdoor Party Tents. Choose Shelter Structures.
Great job planning your party! Now that you know what to consider, you can pick the perfect outdoor tent that best suits your needs. It will shield you from the weather and add a touch of style to impress your guests.
Shelter Structures is dedicated to creating top-notch outdoor spaces. Our sustainable, modular commercial tents are known for being strong, waterproof, and easy to set up. We specialize in designing and building high-quality temporary and semi-permanent tent systems.
Looking for outdoor party tents? Connect with us so we can give you a quote for free!
