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Guide to renting tents for your next event
    The process of hosting your next party event or taking your wedding outside is simple when you can rent tents. But how do you choose the right tent for your event and what else do you need to know about renting tents before visiting your rental store? Here’s your guide to help you rent tents for a seamless event planning experience.

    Why you should consider renting a tent?

    If you can’t decide between hosting your party or wedding event indoors or outdoors, you may want to make a pros and cons list to help you determine which option is right for you. Some of the benefits of hosting an event outdoors you may want to consider is giving you the space to host a larger group of guests and also serve as scenic background for your event, such as a backyard or garden setting. Keep in mind weather also plays a factor in determining an outdoor or indoor event. By renting a tent, you can be confident your guests will be protected, rain or shine.

    Tent Sizes

    Not sure what tent works best for the size and scale of your event? Begin by deciding how many tables and chairs you will need to accommodate for your total guest count. After you’ve determined how many guests will be seated per table, estimate how much square footage you’ll need for full tent coverage. Most tent rental sizes are standard across rental stores but the most common sizes are 20’x20’ tent which can cover up to 400 square feet, a 40’x40’ tent which can extend to 1600 square feet, or a larger tent at 80’x80’, covering 6400 square feet. No matter the size of your event, your rental store can help provide you with their best recommendation based on your guest count and square footage.

    Event Layout

    It’s also important to keep in mind your event layout when selecting a tent to rent. Will you be including other tables in addition to your guest tables? Do you need to make space for a dance floor or stage area? Do you need to squeeze in a photo booth area or backdrop? All of these are good questions to ask yourself before walking into a rental store. By sketching out what you envision for your event set-up, you can help decide how much space you’ll need to work with to find the best tent rental for you.

    Type of Tents

    Along with the many sizes that are available for tents, there are also several tent options. The most common type of tent structure for rent is a canopy tent or commercial frame tent. Party tent rentals are also available in simple colors with white being the most common. Other colorful colors are a little trickier to find but another alternative to a white tent rental, is a transparent or clear tent. A transparent or clear tent can brighten up the interior of your event space with some decent natural lighting.

    Best Practices

    Before you rent a party event tent, review the tips below and read all manufacturer warnings and instructions. Your local, ARA-affiliated rental store professional can provide complete instructions.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How much does it cost to rent a party tent? Pricing for party event tent rentals varies from rental store size and location. Don’t hesitate to give your local rental store a call so they can provide you with an estimate of their tent prices and service rates. What size tent do you need for 100 guests? Tents come in a variety of sizes but a 20’x50’ is typical for 100 total number of guests. Make sure to consult with your rental store for a more accurate number for tent size. How do you keep a party tent warm in the winter? Keeping a tent warm in the winter is easy when you rent a heater. Heaters are fueled by propane and powered by generators so make sure you have both items in addition to tent flooring to preserve the heat inside your tent. A fan is also another item you can use to help circulate the air throughout the tent. Contact your local, ARA-affiliated, rental store for information on available rental products and services to meet your party machine needs. To locate the rental store nearest you, use the Rental Store Quick Locator. Related articles: What You Need to Know About Event Rental