8 Essential Tips for Selecting the Right Event Shelter
Published Date: 9th October 2024
Last Updated: 24 days ago
The Ultimate Guide
Selecting the right tent for your event is crucial for creating a comfortable and memorable experience, whether it’s a small gathering or a major public event. A high-quality tent provides reliable shelter, defines the event space, and can even enhance the event’s atmosphere. With a range of choices available, this guide will walk you through key considerations for choosing the perfect tent, with some top recommendations for different event types.
1. Define the Purpose and Style of Your Event
Start by considering the purpose and style of your event. A tent that suits a garden gathering may not be appropriate for a corporate function or wedding.
Event Purpose: Think about whether your event is formal, casual, or somewhere in between. Weddings, dinners, or corporate events may call for a larger, more elegant tent with customisable options. Festivals, fairs, or markets, on the other hand, may require functional, durable tents that accommodate foot traffic and withstand varied weather conditions.
Aesthetic Appeal: Event tents come in diverse designs, from clear span marquees offering unobstructed views to pagodas and dome-shaped tents with unique charm. Choosing a tent that complements the desired look and feel of your event is essential.
2. Assess Your Budget
Your budget will determine the type and quality of tent you can select. Fortunately, there are high-quality options across a range of price points, from entry-level pop-up tents to premium, durable structures.
For those on a budget, pop-up gazebos like the Gala Shade Pro DX offer cost-effective solutions without compromising on quality. For events that require more advanced weather resistance, a high-grade marquee such as the Pro 50 or Pro 60 may be a better choice.
The Gala Shade Pro DX is a great, low-cost solution to event shelters. It's lightweight but holds its own in poor weather, when anchored well. We recommend strapping it down effectively to protect your investment.
Price from: £180.00 Shop
3. Understand Your Space and Size Requirements
The tent size will depend on the number of guests, event activities, and any added elements like furniture, dance floors, or stages.
Guest Capacity: For seated arrangements, allow about 1–1.5 square metres per person. Standing events need slightly less, but around 0.5 square metres per person ensures easy movement.
Event Layout: Consider additional needs such as catering setups, staging, or VIP sections. Larger tents with modular options allow flexibility for various layouts.
4. Consider the Weather
Weather is a crucial factor for outdoor events, and your tent should withstand the local conditions to keep guests comfortable and safe. Look for weather-resistant materials, reinforced frames, and solid anchoring systems.
Wind-Resistant Tents: If your event is in a windy area, opt for a tent with high wind resistance, such as the Gala Tent Pro 50 or Pro 60. These are designed with thicker poles and reinforced joints to withstand harsher conditions.
Waterproofing: Ensure the tent is waterproof with heat-sealed seams. Materials like PVC or durable polyethylene provide excellent waterproof protection.
Sun Protection: For hot weather, a tent with UV-resistant material will provide shade and keep the interior cooler.
5. Look for Ease of Setup and Portability
Ease of setup is a practical factor, especially for events with tight schedules or quick turnarounds. Gala Tent offers a range of pop-up and modular options designed for easy assembly and portability.
The Gala Shade Pro Compact, for example, is ideal for events where space and transport options are limited. It’s compact and can fit into smaller vehicles, making it perfect for small business events, markets, or trade shows with tight space restrictions.
6. Customisation Options
Adding custom touches to your tent can enhance the event’s impact, whether through branding for corporate events or elegant decor for weddings. Gala Tent’s high-quality marquees offer customisable options, including branded logos or unique design elements.
Corporate Branding: If you’re hosting a corporate event or trade show, the Gala Tent Pro 40 or Pro 50 marquee is ideal for adding logos or brand colours to create a professional, cohesive look.
Elegant Touches for Weddings: For weddings, consider tents with customisable sidewalls, clear windows, or elegant linings. Additional elements such as marquee linings and ambient lighting can transform the tent into a beautiful and memorable setting.
7. Ensure Proper Anchorage and Stability
Safety is paramount when choosing a tent, especially in outdoor settings. Ensure your tent is properly anchored to provide stability and security for guests.
Weights and Stakes: On hard ground, heavy-duty weight bags or water bases can help keep tents stable. For soft ground, metal stakes provide a secure anchoring solution.
Added Stability for Larger Tents: Larger tents, such as the Gala Tent Pro 60, may need additional anchoring systems, particularly for high-traffic or open outdoor spaces.
8. Add Accessories to Enhance Your Event Experience
Accessories like heating, lighting, and flooring can improve guests' comfort and create a welcoming atmosphere for your event.
Heating and Cooling: Portable heaters are perfect for cooler months, while fans or air conditioning can keep guests comfortable in warm weather.
Lighting Options: String lights, LED fixtures, or chandeliers add warm lighting for evening events, improving the aesthetic of your tent interior.
Elegant Interior Linings: For upscale events, satin marquee linings or decorative drapes can add sophistication, transforming a basic tent into a luxurious space.
What Makes Gala Tent Qualified to Advise?
Gala Tent is the UK's leading retailer of outdoor temporary shelters, including marquees, party tents, pop-up gazebos, stretch tents and all manner of bespoke structures. We have led the way for a quarter of a century, with our company being founded by Jason Mace in 1999. We offer genuine reliable advice to ensure you get the best tent for your needs at the right time and the right price.
Give our team a call on 01709 242454 or drop us a message via Live Chat and our friendly team will be in touch quickly.
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Ryan Bracha
Managing Director of GEM
Ryan Bacha is a passionate leader in marketing, with a strong enthusiasm for writing, creativity, and data analysis. His work is defined by a keen eye for detail and innovative thinking.
