Choosing the Right Tent for Your Event
- Sterling Brooks
- Mar 31
- 8 min read
Updated: Apr 11
With so many different styles of tent to choose from, how do you choose the one that's right for you and your event? We get asked this question frequently, so we thought we'd make a helpful guide on the matter.
There are essentially 6 common styles of tent to be aware of when choosing a tent for your event: pole tents, frame tents, high peak frame tents, sailcloth tents, structure tents, and garden tents. Each has their own list of pros and cons to consider based on the type of event you are hosting. It is also important to be aware that, within these styles of tents, not all tents are made equally. Be sure that you are working with a properly insured tent rental company that is using commercial grade tents that are wind rated and certified to avoid any unpleasant surprises. Let's dive into the details.
Pole Tents
You may come across a few other names for these including tension tent and century tent, but they are all tents held up by tension on a vinyl fabric with one or more center poles lifting the center of the fabric. Most tent companies carry these in 20', 30', 40', and 60' widths and they can be extended to virtually any length, typically in 20' increments. Larger tent companies will carry even wider options such as 80', 100', and 120' widths, but the use case for these massive tents is more limited. A wedding, for example, will virtually never need something wider than a 60' wide tent.
All tent companies will carry pole tents in white. Many will also carry pole tents with colored stripes. Here at Herriott's Rentals, our largest tents all come in white, while our smaller pole tents come in white, stripes (green, blue, red, or orange and blue), or rainbow.
Pole tents must be anchored into the ground, so they must be installed over a grassy surface. Alternatively, stakes can be driven through asphalt which can be patched after tent removal. Most tent companies will patch the asphalt for you for a fee. Pole tents cannot be safely installed over concrete without drilling holes for the stakes. Pole tents cannot be ballasted with concrete weights.
The height of the center poles can vary from 14' for smaller pole tents all the way up to 40' for the largest tents. Your average small backyard party will use tents with center poles 14' up to 19'. Once you get to pole tents at 40' and 60' wide, you'll see the center pole height range from 22-25'. Center pole height makes a dramatic difference in the appearance of a your tent. Taller center poles give a vaulted ceiling sort of look that makes your tent feel much roomier. Note that the center poles for tents 60' wide or more become "dual center poles" that are 10' off center in each direction. I.e. a 60x100 pole tent will have twice as many center poles as a 40x100. See picture below for reference.
Large pole tents (40' wide or larger) are perfect for any event needing a classic, elegant look. A pole tent is most often the correct choice for weddings and upscale events. They are also less expensive than frame tents because they are easier to setup. There are a few drawbacks, however. The center poles block lines of sight, and can get in the way of the placement of things such as stages and dance floors. Pole tents also have a limited capacity for hanging decorations. Without framing, there are fewer places to attach decorations, and heavy objects such as chandeliers can cause excessive strain on the vinyl and poles.
Frame Tents
A structure built with aluminum or steel framing with sheets of vinyl fabric covering the structure. These typically require guy ropes, cross cabling, and bracing, but they don't require the center poles found on pole tents which means you have clear, open lines of sight throughout the tent. Frame tents offer a more modern look than pole tents and are thus ideal for corporate events and festivals. Because of the exposed framing of this style of tent, they often require more draping, tent liners, hanging decor, florals, etc. to soften their appearance. However, it is much easier to hang such decorations on a frame tent.
Frame tents commonly come in 30' and 40' widths. Larger companies may carry wider options. They can be extended to virtually any length, usually in increments of 20'.
Unlike pole tents, frame tents can be ballasted with concrete weights, so you can install them on any surface. Keep in mind that concrete ballasts will incur an additional cost.
Frame tents usually come in white or clear vinyl. Here at Herriott's, we also carry orange and blue striped frame tops, which are popular for our local university game days. Clear vinyl tops are popular for weddings. Keep in mind that clear tops will create a greenhouse effect and increase temperatures inside the tent. For this reason, it is not recommended to use clear tops in the hottest months of summer, especially with sidewall. For an added fee, some tent companies will keep your clear top covered with a sheet until the start of your event to avoid heat from accumulating in your tent.
High Peak Frame Tent
High peak frame tents feature a distinctive peaked roofline with an appearance similar to pole tents, but without the center pole to take up valuable floor space. The peak is created by a pole suspended on a cross cable system attached to a highly durable metal frame. They are incredibly versatile and can be installed on any surface, staked or weighted.
They have a sleek and impressive look making them ideal for sporting events and competitions, parties, and small, intimate weddings. These tents come in set, standard sizes that are smaller than other styles of tents. They come in various shapes and can be connected to make visually interesting spaces. Common sizes include 10'x10', 20'x20', 20'x30' and hexagonal (~40'x35'), When these tents are connected, gutters are run between the tents to redirect rain flow and give the appearance of one continuous structure.
\SPECIALTY TENTS
Sailcloth Tents
A variation of a pole tent in which the vinyl is made from a semi-translucent sailcloth or sailcloth-like material. The poles on this tent are typically wood or wood veneer. These have recently exploded in popularity for weddings due to their unique, soft appearance and their striking evening glow. Sailcloth tents are more expensive than traditional pole tents, but they require fewer decorations such as draping and florals to lift their appearance.
Sailcloth tents are largely associated with weddings, but they are ideal for any upscale event that will carry on into the evening. Consider adding shadow-pattern up-lighting as shown in the picture below for an extra dramatic effect. It is also common to see flooring underneath sailcloth tents because brides seeking this style of tent typically have higher-end expectations. Be aware that flooring is at least as expensive as the tent itself.
Sailcloth tents come in similar sizes to traditional pole tents, but their size is measured in meters rather than feet.
Structure Tent
An engineered structure built with aluminum or steel framing with sheets of vinyl fabric covering the structure. You will also hear these referred to as Clearspan Tents. These tents do not require cross cabling and the additional interior bracing found near the peaks inside frame tents. These also do not require exterior guy ropes which gives them a cleaner look and saves space. Structure tents are typically measured in meters instead of feet and offer more robust wind ratings. This type of tent is ideal for long-term installations, high-end commercial use such as temporary warehousing, auctions, or high-end event use such as galas and fundraisers. Unlike frame tents, the optional sidewalls on a structure tent can be made of glass. The legs of a structure tent are also taller (10'+) than that of a frame tent.
Similar to a frame tent, structure tents can be staked or weighted with ballasts. The tops can also be either white or clear. Structure tents have a significantly higher load capacity than frame tents and are therefore amenable to more complex and heavier hanging decorations. On the cost side of things, structure tents tend to be among the most expensive options, second only to the next tent on the list.
Garden Tent
Also called a greenhouse tent, this tent is the newest offering in the tenting arsenal, and it is designed for sophistication and luxury. Your average tent company may not carry this in stock, but they will likely have partners in the industry who do. This will be your priciest option, but it's the best choice for those looking to astonish their guests and create a truly unforgettable experience.
Tops are available in clear, translucent white, or white. Just like with frame tents, be aware that clear tops will cause your tent to build up heat in the hottest months, making this tent ideal for Spring and Fall weddings.
This tent has all the same pros and cons as a frame tent except one. The tent is impressive enough that you can leave it unadorned, but add chandeliers, up-lighting, and fill it with florals to turn in into a luxurious greenhouse conservatory.
Garden tents predominantly come in 40' and 50' widths, though larger options are available. They can be extended to virtually any length.
Sizing Your Tent
One final consideration in choosing the right tent for your event is ensuring you book the right sized tent. The size of tent you will need will vary dramatically based on what you intend to use the tent for. For example, to maximize seating, you may fill the entire tent with rows of seats. For a speaking event or concert, you may have the same rows of seats, but leave room for a stage. If food is being served, you may add tables, which will significantly reduce the number of guests who can fit in the tent. Adding bars, dance floors, a serving station, etc will also reduce the number of people who can fit under a tent. We suggest discussing these details with your event rental consultant as you book your tent and they will help you find the right size tent. In general, however, we recommend about 10 sq ft per person for ceremonies, 15 sq ft per person for dining, and 20 sq ft per person for seating, buffet, bar, and dancing.
Final Words & Summary
While there are many options to fit your tenting needs, choosing the right tent for your event comes down to several key factors: the style and aesthetic of your event, the surface the tent will be installed on, and your budget. We hope this guide has simplified the choice for you. See the table below for a summary of each tent style.
Need expert guidance? At Herriott’s Rentals, we have over 70 years of experience helping clients find the perfect tent for their event. Our team is happy to walk you through your options and ensure you get the right size, style, and setup to make your event a success. Call us at 217-356-9713 to speak with a Tent Specialist today!
Pole Tent | Frame Tent | High Peak Frame Tent | Sailcloth Tent | Structure Tent | Garden Tent | |
Price | $$ | $$$ | $$$ | $$$ | $$$$ | $$$$$ |
Method of Securing | Staked | Staked or weighted | Staked or weighted | Staked | Staked or weighted | Staked or weighted |
Appearance | Classic | Modern | Contemporary, sleek | Boho or coastal | Minimalist, modern, industrial | Sophisticated, natural, biophilic |
Features | Simplicity | Open interior | Look of a pole tent with the function of a frame tent | Translucent top | Engineered, long-term installation | Uniqueness |
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