8 Types of Tents to Rent: A Guide for Your Next Party

So, you are having a party. And, you would like to have it outdoors. You know that you need to have some sort of cover to protect your guests from outdoor elements, but you aren’t sure of your options. If this sounds like you and you are trying to discover what types of tents will work best for your situation, look no further.

We’ve put together a list of the 8 most popular types of tents used for parties around the world. You are sure to find the one that best suits your needs.

8 Popular Types of Tents

Tents are used for many reasons around the world. They are used for parties, events, tradeshows, construction, storage – the list goes on. Some of the most popular types of tents include:

• Canopy tents
• Clear span tents
• Pole tents
• Sailcloth tents
• Clear tents
• Teepee tents
• Circus tents
• Marquee tents

However, before you can choose your tent, you will need to have an idea of the following information.

• Where do you intend to use the tent? Is it going in your backyard? A local park or another large public area?
• How many guests do you intend to have?
• What will the tent be used for? Are you requiring room for any special equipment or activities?
• Do you require sidewalls?
• Do you need flooring for your tent? Or do you prefer the grass?
• How much time will you have to setup/breakdown?

Once you have an idea of the answers to the above questions, you can determine the types of tents that will work best for you.

Canopy Tents

If you are looking for a tent that will allow your guests an easy spot to catch shade while in the sun or a dry spot from a quick rain shower or a place to keep food covered, then a canopy tent may be your ideal tent. It is easy to set up and easy to dismantle. This type of tent is great for barbecues, birthday parties at the beach, or trips to the park. It is also the perfect size for most backyards.

Canopy tents are not necessarily designed to house your entire party and all the other items that come along with it. These are smaller tents that are to be enjoyed by your party – not for your party.

Clear Span Tents

Clear span tents are for the big parties. Or, the small ones, too. They can be customized to meet your exact party needs. These types of tents have no poles in the middle, leaving a wide open area for your party. There is room for your guests, a stage, a dance floor, a game or entertainment area, etc. Plus, clear span tents can come with flooring that allows you to choose from things such as wood floors or even carpeting.

This is an incredibly sturdy building that allows for sidewalls to be opened or closed, as needed. If the weather is an issue, then clear span tents can keep you, your guests, and your party moving forward without worry.

The best part about these tents is that there are no center poles. The frame is on the outside – allowing you to have use of the entire space under the tent.

 

Pole Tents

Pole tents are similar to clear span tents, as they can be customized in size and are often used to house full parties. However, as the name states, they do have poles visible throughout the center of them. This is how they get their high peaks, too.

Pole tents have been around for years and will likely continue to be for years to come. They require a bit more space than, say, a clear span tent, due to the staking required during the erection process. Sidewalls are also available for these tents, too.

Sailcloth Tent

Ever heard of a sailcloth tent? Most types of tents are made of fabric, but sailcloth tents are made of, well, sailcloth. This fabric allows a bit of light to penetrate the cloth and shine into the event. Generally available in both pole tents and frame tents, the sailcloth allows light through during the day and a soft glow at night.

It is important to know that even though the light can get through, sailcloth tents are protective against many types of weather and are waterproof.

Clear Tent

If you feel like having an outdoor party that is safe from outdoor elements – and pesky creatures – but you want to have the natural sunlight or outdoor greenery as your backdrop, then you will want to seek a clear tent. These also work great for nighttime parties, too, allowing the night sky to be viewed overhead. Most clear tents are available with sidewalls, as well.

You never know what mother nature has in store for you on the day of your party. A clear tent allows you and your guests to enjoy the outdoors while being protected.

Teepee Tent

This tent replicates the Native American teepee. Using the basic design of a pole tent, the teepee tent is formed to look like a teepee – or two, or three combined together. It offers a unique and beautiful space to have a party.

Unfortunately, though, it takes many extra poles to give this tent its teepee look. That means there are many more poles to work around when decorating and partying.

 

Circus Tent

Does your kid deserve the coolest birthday party ever? Circus can transform a normal party into one that is under the big top! Match this tent with all things circus, and you’ve certainly got yourself a winner. In reality, however, this tent is simply a pole tent with striped red fabric. It has all the perks – including customizable size and the possibility of sidewalls.

If you want to see a kid’s eyes sparkle at the birthday party under the circus tent, then you won’t want to bypass this option!

Marquee Tent

If a clear span tent and a pole tent had offspring, it would be the marquee tent. These types of tents are built with a frame, but has peaks in the middle, mimicking a pole tent. Its study, customizable, and can be erected and dismantled with ease.

There are many types of tents available to choose from. So, whether you are having a birthday party for yourself or your kids, you are celebrating an anniversary or engagement, or you just want to throw a party for the holidays, you will absolutely find the perfect tent to meet your needs.