There are So Many Party Tents Styles to Choose From!
At face value, party tents are pretty simple. You set them up in your yard, pop a folding table and some folding chairs underneath, and there you go: you’re ready for a good time. But scratch the surface of these versatile tents even slightly, and you quickly realize there’s more variety than you may have thought initially. And each of these options has its own strengths and weaknesses, too.
There are essentially four primary types of party tents on the market today: pole tents, frame tents, high peak tents, and pop-up tents. Each of these tent types serves a similar, but varied purpose. And while all of these party tents are incredibly versatile, some are better suited to particular events or conditions than others.
Let’s take a look at these four types of tents and learn what makes each style stand out from the others. And if you have any questions after, please feel free to leave a comment below or give our sales team a call at 1-716-566-5804.
Pole Tents
The most popular style of party tent is also the oldest. Pole tents have been around for a very, very, very long time, and with good reason. They’re relatively easy to set up, they’re sturdy, and they look great too.
Pole tents stand up on tent poles, including a center pole, which are held up by taught tent ropes (called “guy ropes”) jutting out from those poles. The tent ropes are staked into the ground outside of the tent, while the center pole is freestanding and held firmly in place by the outside tent poles, stakes, and ropes.
Pole tents boast elegant classic appeal; the center poles create a classic look with their raised center. They’re more cost effective than west coast frame tents, and some argue they’re easier to set up, too.
One of their biggest drawbacks is that you need to stake them into the ground to make them stable. This isn’t a big deal if you’re putting the tent up in a backyard or a park. But if you want to set one up on pavement, you’d need permission from the property owner, and then use tent stake drivers to anchor it. You can use asphalt plugs afterward to fix the holes in the pavement, but it’s generally recommended you use frame tents on hard ground.
Pole tents are most commonly used at fairs, festivals, carnivals, and other larger outdoor events. They’re a popular option at weddings, too, especially when the happy couple are trying to save some money.
Frame Tents
The pole tent’s more modernized sibling is the frame tent. And while it may not be as aesthetically pleasing, frame tents correct a number of design flaws pole tents have.
Whereas a pole tent is erected on poles kept up by ropes, frame tents feature rigid, sturdy tent frames atop which the tent top is mounted. This structure is then mounted on tent poles. Frame tents are freestanding—they don’t need to be anchored with guy ropes and tent stakes—though you do still need to anchor them to the ground to keep them from blowing away. This can be done with water barrels, or tried and true tent stakes if the surface you’re setting up on facilitates them.
Frame tents are sturdier than pole tents. Their lack of center poles means they have more functional internal space to play with, too. Since they can be anchored without the use of stakes, frame tents are more versatile and can be set up on hard surfaces as well as grass. You can even set them up indoors, like the pop-up tents we’ll be discussing shortly.
Frame tents are popularly used at all sorts of events, including birthday and anniversary parties, graduation ceremonies and graduation parties, festivals, and more. Some couples use them as wedding tents, too, though pole tents and high peak tents are far more popular options for that.
High Peak Tents
Pole tents look great, and frame tents work great. So it’s probably ironic that marrying these two qualities together creates the perfect wedding tent, right? That’s what a high peak tent is all about!
High peak tents are essentially frame tents, but with a center pole holding up the center of the tent top. And to keep the center pole from gobbling up internal real estate, it’s elevated above the ground on tension cables, leaving your precious floor space intact.
While high peak tents have been used in just about every application you can think up, their most popular function is serving as wedding tents. Their ease of use and gorgeous style make them the perfect choice for wedding receptions. And if you’re looking for an especially swanky party tent for your backyard, a high peak tent will not let you down.
Pop-Up Tents
What if you just want a smaller tent that can be rapidly put up and taken down by just one or two people? A tent you can set up on your patio, or on the lawn, or in the high school gym when your daughter’s class decides to put together a bake sale? You need a cost effective, easy to use party tent that won’t leave you juggling a million parts or tangling yourself up in tent ropes. You need an easy up pop-up tent.
A pop-up tent is essentially a smaller, lighter version of a frame tent. Most pop-up tents feature a simple accordion-style tent top that a single person can set up fairly easily. These no-frills party tents are lightweight, super efficient with their use of floor space, and can be set up indoors or out.
Pop-up tents are popular at trade shows and corporate events, where employees can quickly and easily set them up just about anywhere and take them back down again without damaging property. They’re also a popular option for yard spaces, since they’re easy to use and don’t require lots of manual physical labor to get set up.
Frame Tent vs. Pole Tent vs. High Peak Tent vs. Pop-Up: Which is Best?
So of these four primary styles of party tents, which one is the best? Which one should you choose? That really depends on any number of factors, chief amongst them being the location you want to set up your new tent in, personal preferences, and of course budget.
If your yard space or budget are limited and you just want something you can set up quickly, a pop-up tent is probably your best bet. If you have a big yard and plan on entertaining a lot of guests, spacious frame tents are the way to go. It really boils down to those aforementioned factors.
Need help finding the perfect party tent for your function and your space? Give our team a call today at 1-716-566-5804 and tell us what you’re after. We’ll happily help you narrow down your options and find the perfect party tent for your needs. And don’t forget to ask about our sales and our free shipping, too!