Party tent-rent or buy?

JerseyLuv

Hi, ladies. I could use your advice here.  We have a large extended family & a small home.  This means parties could be a tight squeeze.  We have dd's baptism next month and we are planning on around 50 people and so were going to rent a tent (around $400). 

Dh is suggesting that we buy a tent instead, with the idea that we'd use it fairly often (her bd is in May and we'd probably use it then as well as a number of other events if we had it).  Anyone have any recommendations for a tent online?  Think this is a bad idea? TIA  

lsgarver

Do you have the space to store it when not in use?  How big are we talking?  Does rent include set up and tear down?  It seems to me $400 should rent way more tent than I'm willing to buy and set up/tear down myself.

TarHeels&Rebels

$400 is a BIG tent!  To rent one of those giant white ones, like a mini-circus tent, for FSIL's wedding is $400!  Whatever she ordered is big enough for 150 guests.

You can get these 10'x10' tents at Big Lots for about $60 each. With four of them set up in a big square, you can fit about 30 people with 15 camping chairs and  2 folding tables and 4 coolers.

JerseyLuv

Yes, it's a HUGE tent - like 20x20 or 20x30.  That will only hold (according to the tent people's website) 40-60 people for a meal.  This price does include setup and delivery, and to buy it would be around 900-1200 dollars, but we'd have to set it up, and I have NO CLUE where we'd store it - attic?

TarHeels&Rebels

20'x20' is the same size I recommended by putting together 4 of the little inexpensive ones.  We do it every football season and it works well.  Plus they fold up neatly into 5'x8" pouches.  If the poles for the four tent corners in the middle concern you, they actually make a good spot to hang a trash bag or lantern. 

I think $400 to rent a tent that size is ridiculous.  Like I said, my FSIL is renting one big enough for 150 people for that much money.  If you want to own one, they're not near as expensive as you've been led to believe.

Setting up these types of tents is VERY simple.

erosa

there is a big difference between one of those tents you want to rent and the $60 one you are being advised to buy.  Its up to you.  If you're willing to spend $$ for a REAL tent, then it may be worth it in the long run.  i've bought one of those cheap tents & they just blow away or collapse very easily.  Total waste of money.

JerseyLuv

Thanks.  I appreciate it - I've never used google shopping before and it is super helpful.  I think I am going to buy a 10x30 one for under $200.  If I even just use it a couple times it'll be perfect.  Thanks!

Lisa07033

JerseyLuv:

Yes, it's a HUGE tent - like 20x20 or 20x30.  That will only hold (according to the tent people's website) 40-60 people for a meal.  This price does include setup and delivery, and to buy it would be around 900-1200 dollars, but we'd have to set it up, and I have NO CLUE where we'd store it - attic?

Ok I work in the party rental business....a 20 x 20 will seat approx. 40 people....the 60 is seated theatre style ( think movies). You need a 10 x 10 space for every 60" round table which will seat 9 people at 20 x 30 would seat 60. The "frame tents that you rent are not as sturdy as the "E-Z up " style that the PP mentioned... they also have 3 sides ( at our place) inclided in the price. They can stand up to a hard rain not like the E- Z up style they will not hold up to rain.

That price does seem very low to me,,,, make sure that it is a frame tent and not a canopy or e-z up and includes delivery and set up.