You’re planning the party of the year and everything needs to go perfectly. With so many things to do before the big day, you have a lot of important decisions to make—and renting the perfect party tent is one of them. 

Whether you’re looking for a climate-controlled tent for your big corporate event in New York or a pole tent for your cozy backyard wedding in Fairfield, you’ll want to consider a few factors to determine the type of tent you’ll need. One question we hear often is: “What size tent do I need for my party?”

We’ll answer that question and more in our ultimate guide to party rental tent sizes.

Tent Sizes for Parties: What Size Tent Do I Need? 

No one understands your vision for this party better than you, but there are some important details you need to nail down before you can decide on tent size.

Guest List

It’s important to know exactly how many people you expect at your upcoming party. If you’re having an intimate gathering with only 20 people, then your tent size can be a lot smaller than a larger party with a guest list of 300.

Create a list of exactly how many guests you expect to attend to determine how big of a tent space you’ll need.

Layout

Once you have your guest list, you can plan the layout of the party. The more tables and seating you have, the bigger the tent you’ll need. 

For example: If you’re having a cocktail party, you won’t need as much space as you would if you were having a formal sit-down dinner. 

In addition to dining and cocktail seating and tables, you may also need to fit:

• A gift table
• A cake table
• A bar area

Activities

You’ll want to ensure you have enough space for any activities you have planned, too. This will determine the size of the tent you need. 

You’ll need a larger tent if your event includes:

• A dance floor
• Lawn games
• An area for performers or speeches

You should also take into consideration if you are encouraging your guests to explore the venue area around the tent or to stay close to the party center. If your guests will wander around the venue, you may not need a large tent, but a smaller one to accommodate those who are not interested in roaming the area.

Decorations

Every party needs decorations, but decor often requires more space than you might think. If your party will feature some grand decor features, you may need a larger tent so that the space doesn’t feel too crammed or crowded.

Large decor items that may require a bigger tent include:

• Plants and floral arrangements
• Statues
• A chocolate fountain
• A balloon archway
• Photo backdrops

Location

Sometimes the answer to the question “What size tent do I need for my party?” lies with the venue you choose. Not every outdoor locale will have enough space for a large tent. A party tent also needs to be in an open and level space. Contact the owners of the venue for the dimensions of the available lawn space so that you can plan accordingly.

Plan for Weather

Once you have a good idea of the size and details of your party, you’ll want to consider the weather. Even if you plan your party for a clear day, make sure you consider what could happen if the rain rolls in. 

To be on the safe side, choose a tent large enough to accommodate all your guests should the weather dictate that the entire event needs to be held under the tent.

Cabaret Party Rental Has Every Option You Need

With Cabaret Party Rental, you can have your dream event in a beautiful outdoor location. We have over 100 different sizes in a variety of styles, including traditional pole tents, clear-top tents, canopy tents, and more. When you’re ready, contact us and request a quote. We’ll help you find the perfect-sized tent for your special occasion.