Tents FAQ

What size tent do I need?
This depends on what you are going to do under the tent and the number of people you expect to be under the tent at any given time.  Banquet Seating (people sitting at tables) and Auditorium Seating (people sitting in chairs in rows like in a theater) are listed next to the sizes of tents.  If you are going to have a dance floor, DJ/Band, buffet tables, gift tables, etc you will need to make allowances for this by going to the next size tent or maybe even two sizes up.  Use the Space Planner link on our website to help you determine the size of tent you will need.

What is the difference between a Pole Tent or a Frame Tent and which do I need?
Pole tents have perimeter “side poles” and “center poles” going down the center of the tent.  In some 80-wide and greater widths there are another set of poles that are half-way between the center poles and the side poles (these are called “quarter poles”).  In 20, 30 and 40 wide tents there are only poles going down the center (no quarter poles).  Pole tents use ratchet straps that extend to stakes that are 6-8 feet out from each side pole.

Frame tents only have perimeter (side poles) and no center poles.  Because of the cost to purchase frame tents and the increase in labor to set up a frame tent, these tents are generally 40-50% more expensive to rent that pole tents. 

Pole tents are generally used for weddings, parties and gatherings that have plenty of space.  Frame tents are generally used in areas of limited space where you are trying to get the most tent in the smallest space and are great for parking lot sales, street parties where it is impossible to drill in the surface or where a center pole is not acceptable.

How much space do I need for each type of tent?
Pole Tents:  It is best if you have an unobstructed space 20-feet greater than the width and 20-feet greater than the length.  For example if you want to rent a 30x60 Pole Tent you should have an unobstructed space of 50x80.

Frame Tents:  Need minimal additional space – as little as 5-feet greater than the width and 5-feet greater than the length.

Does the price of the tent include set up and tear down?
Yes!

Are sides included in the price of the tent?
Sides are not included in the price of our tents.  We have several styles of sides to include Solid, Cathedral Window, Clear and Mesh.  Please see our website for current pricing of all sides.

If you want us to leave the sides in case of rain or cold we are happy to do this as it only takes a very short time for you to put sides on or take them off (they clip to a perimeter rope at the base of the tent top.

Can the tent be set up on concrete?
We routinely set pole and frame tents on concrete.  For Pole Tents we must drill into the concrete and use anchors where we attach “eye bolts” (instead of stakes) to attach our ratchet straps.  If you want to set a tent on concrete please add the appropriate “anchor charge” in the price list.  Frame tents can be anchored with concrete anchors (like pole tents) or by the use of barrels ($20 charge per barrel) which alleviates the need to drill.

What do I need to do before you set the tent up?
1. Most cities/townships require a “tent permit” – call your city hall to inquire about this requirement and what you need to get this done.  Generally this takes up to 4-weeks to accomplish so start early!  If your city requires us to get the permit we charge $200 for this service.

2. DIGS Test – call your utility company to perform a “DIGS Test” 1-week prior to us installing your tent to ensure that our 3-foot long stakes do not hit any electric or water lines.

3. If you have underground sprinklers, septic, etc. you must mark the lines with string and point this out to our installers.  We cannot see what is under the surface of the ground and take no responsibility for any damage to subsurface utilities/lines.

4. Clear the area.  Please ensure the area in which you want the tent installed is completely free of all obstructions prior to our installers arriving.

Are the tents weather proof?  
Under normal weather conditions tents provide a dry haven for outdoor events.  Tents are temporary structures and ARE NOT intended to be occupied during lightning or high winds – evacuate to a permanent structure during inclement severe weather.

How far out should I reserve my tent?
Although we have several tents of every size it is best if you reserve your tent as early as possible to ensure the size you want is available and that you have plenty of time to get required permits/testing accomplished.

When do you set the tent up?
As a general rule we like to put tents up three to four-days prior to your event and take them down the next business day.  This gives us time to postpone in case of inclement weather on the day originally scheduled for installation and allows you time to decorate!

Can we decorate the tent?
Yes!  Please do not use anything that will get next to the white tent top and possibly cause a color transfer.  Crate paper, balloons, signs, etc. are a few examples of things that may induce a color transfer which will require the tent to be professionally cleaned or possibly replaced which will be the responsibility of the renter.  If you have any questions please ask us via e-mail or in writing prior to doing anything.

How does lighting work and what is the difference?
We first run the extension cords thru the top of the tent as we install it and run it down the center poles.
We offer two types of lighting. 

Basic Tent Lighting:   ParCan 64 Lighting - Basic white lighting shined off of ceiling of your tent to create a evenly illuminated area.  

Deluxe Tent Lighting:  Theatrical lighting that is “bounced” off the top of the tent.  We can use gel in these lights so that you have an array of your wedding colors on the top of the tent. 

Can someone from Dallas Party Tent and Event look at our area and tell us the size tent we can put up?
Yes!   We are happy to come to your place and survey the area.  There is a $75 charge for this service if within the DFW metroplex.  Outside of the metroplex call for pricing.

What if I only need the tent for 1-day can I get the tent cheaper than the “1-week” rate?
Our charges are the same for 1-day or 7-days as a large part of tent pricing is the labor that is involved in setting up a tent and then cleaning it when it is returned.  Additional days/weeks/months are priced at a discount (please see price list for details).

You still didn’t answer all of my questions!
Please call our office and we will put you in touch with one of our experienced tent installers who will satisfactorily answer all of your questions.