Tenting 101!! So you need a tent…. Whether you are having your reception entirely under a tent or adding onto a building to create some extra space – tents come in a ton shapes and sizes. Let’s start with the 4 main types of tents that are used to create event spaces. Pole Tents: A traditional pole tent is constructed using center poles to push up the canopy portion of the tent. The tent is stabilized with guylines, which are ropes or cables that are used to restrain the motion of the tent, at each of the side poles.  Pole tents are usually installed on grass or soil since they are staked into the ground. They need about 8’ extra feet of clearance around the perimeter to accommodate the length of the guylines. We tell our clients that a pole tent has that circus feeling with swooping high ceiling.

Sperry Tents: Sperry Tents are constructed out of sailcloth canopies that have geometric support patches and sweeping seams.  These handmade tents have support poles within the tent that are built out of solid wood. The peaks of a Sperry Tent can also be topped with pennant flags! When you light the ceiling of a Sperry they have an amazing glow.

Frame Tents:  A frame tent is a versatile and free standing structure that can be installed on about any surface! These tents are constructed with a heavy aluminum framework and are anchored down with weights. Since they are freestanding structures frame tents can be installed against an existing building to create an extension of an indoor space. Frame tents do not have center poles allowing for a clear interior space. They are not very beautiful as the ceilings are quite low. If you can afford to do some draping to disguise the poles and beams that is ideal. Navitrac Tents: Navitrac Tents and Frame tents are very similar in terms of appearance. However, the structural elements of Navitrac Tents are a bit different. Navitrac Tents are designed with thicker beams, thus eliminating the number of metal poles within the tent. Frame and Navitrac Tents come come in two forms: white top and clear top. The Navitrac is sturdier  than the frame so if weather conditions are not optimal the Navitrac is the best bet

Image 1 courtesy of Lucy O, Image 2,3,4, and 8 courtesy of Lynne Brubaker, Image 5,6,7, 10 and 11 courtesy of Patrica Lyons, Image 9 courtesy of Jen Fariello.