Tent hire guide
Stretch Tent vs Marquee Tent: Which Should You Hire?
Both look great and both keep the sun off your guests – but they are built for different jobs. Here is how to choose the right tent for your wedding, party or function.The short answer
Choose a stretch tent if…
- Your event is on grass
- You want a stylish, flowing look for photos
- You mainly need shade on a sunny day
Choose a marquee if…
- There is a chance of rain – marquees are waterproof
- It is a winter or evening event
- You want a classic, enclosed feel
Important: stretch tents are not waterproof. They give excellent shade and a beautiful look, but if rain is forecast, a peg-and-pole marquee is the safer choice.
What is a stretch tent?
A stretch tent is a large sheet of stretchy fabric pulled tight over poles and pegged into the ground. Because the poles can be placed in different spots, the tent can take on lots of shapes – which is why it looks so good in wedding and garden-party photos. Stretch tents need soft ground for the pegs, so they are set up on grass only.We hire out 5m x 5m, 5m x 10m and 10m x 10m stretch tents.What is a peg-and-pole marquee?
A marquee is the classic white party tent with a peaked roof held up by poles and guy ropes. The roof is waterproof, so it protects guests from rain as well as sun. It is the practical choice for winter functions, evening events and any date when the weather is uncertain. We hire out 5m x 5m and 5m x 10m marquees.Side-by-side comparison
| Stretch tent | Marquee | |
|---|---|---|
| Rain | Not waterproof | Waterproof |
| Sun & shade | Excellent | Excellent |
| Ground | Grass only | Grass (pegged) |
| Look | Modern, flowing shapes | Classic, neat and enclosed |
| Best for | Summer garden weddings, birthdays, braais | Winter events, evenings, uncertain weather |
What size tent do I need?
As a rough guide, allow about 1.2 to 1.5 m² per guest for a seated event with tables, and about 1 m² per guest for a standing or cocktail event. Remember to leave space for a buffet, cake table, DJ or dance floor.| Tent size | Area | Seated (approx.) | Standing (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5m x 5m | 25 m² | 15 – 20 guests | 25 guests |
| 5m x 10m | 50 m² | 30 – 40 guests | 50 guests |
| 10m x 10m | 100 m² | 65 – 80 guests | 100 guests |
These are guidelines only – send us your guest numbers and venue and we will confirm the best size.
Tips for a smooth tent day
- Check the forecast a few days before. If rain looks likely, ask us about switching to a marquee.
- Make sure the grass area is clear and there are no underground pipes or cables where pegs will go.
- Add lighting for evening events – fairy lights and strip lights look amazing under a tent.
- Book early for December and long weekends – tents are the first items to be fully booked.
