Event and Party Tents: Should You Rent or Buy?

Party Tent
February 01, 2022

Event tents are an excellent shelter for turning an otherwise good party into a great one. Whether it’s for a corporate event, tailgate party, or an epic backyard barbecue, party tents are always a hit with guests and help create a memorable day that won’t be forgotten anytime soon. But should you rent or buy event tents?

Well, there are pros and cons to both renting and buying your party tent, and so in this article, we will look at everything you need to know about event tents so that you can decide if you want to rent your tent for a legendary one-time party or buy your tent so that you can have awesome parties for years to come.

What is an Event Tent?

Before we go over the pros and cons of buying a party tent vs. renting one, we should first explain that the terms event tent and party tent are used interchangeably. You probably already guessed it, but a party tent is a large outdoor tent or shelter that you put up for your guests to party in.

Buying a party tent for an outdoor eventBuying a party tent for an outdoor event

Why are Party Tents Necessary for Outdoor Events?

There are several excellent reasons to use an outdoor party tent at your next event. So, let’s look at some of the main benefits you’ll enjoy when you have an event tent, whether you choose to rent or buy it.

Protection from the weather

Party tents protect you and your guests from the elements so that your party can go off without a hitch regardless of what mother nature has in store for you that day. Party tents provide shelter from the heat, the cold, the rain, and even from snow so that rain or shine, your big day can proceed as planned.  

Protection from the sun

Harsh UV rays from the sun can put a damper on any party. During the hot summer months, shade is essential if you want your guests to have a great time, and so by using an event tent, you can ensure that everybody is protected from the sun and enjoying themselves.

Create a more intimate setting

Another great reason to use an outdoor party tent is because they provide a much more intimate space, creating a unique ambiance and allowing your guests to party all they want while still having privacy from the prying eyes of nosey neighbors.

Versatility

Event tents can be used with or without wall panels so that if you want a more open-air feel, you can provide that, but if you want more privacy or shelter, you'll have that option as well.

A party tent set up for an outdoor event held near a lakeA party tent set up for an outdoor event held near a lake

Use Cases for an Event Tent

Party tents can be used to enhance all sorts of events. So, let’s briefly go over some of the events you’ll be able to host when you're buying a party tent instead of renting one.

Corporate Events  

Retirement parties, team building functions, Christmas parties, you name it. Any kind of corporate event being hosted outdoors will be much better with a party tent than without one.

Tailgate Parties

Friends, family, a few drinks, and some homemade food. Who doesn’t love a good tailgate party? Every Sunday can be SuperBowl Sunday when you have an outdoor party tent.

Backyard Barbeques

Speaking of family, friends, and good food, what's better than an all-American backyard barbecue? Buying a party tent means you can entertain in your own backyard or elsewhere while providing the shade and privacy needed for people to let loose and have a great time.

Birthday Parties

Have a birthday coming up? Or maybe you want to host a birthday party for someone special. With a party tent, you'll be able to throw an awesome birthday party from the comfort of your own backyard.

School Events

All sorts of school events are made better with a party tent. Whether it’s for a university graduation, an after-prom reception, or just to celebrate the end of another school year, you can do it in style with an event tent.

Farmers Markets

If you like to grow and sell your own fruits and vegetables at the farmer's market, then you can step up your game with an awesome event or party tent that will keep your patrons warm, shaded, and coming back for more.

Restaurants

Event tents are also a great way to enrich your restaurant's outdoor dining space. You can add additional seating, provide shade, or cover your patio with an event tent, so that your customers can dine indoors or outside regardless of the weather forecast.

a party tent set up in front of a mansiona party tent set up in front of a mansion

The Pros of Buying an Event Tent

Now, let’s go over some of the pros that come along with buying a party tent rather than just renting it for a one-time event.

Overall cost

The overall cost of buying a party tent is much more cost-effective than renting in the long run because you only need to pay for it once, and you'll be able to use it as many times as you want for years to come. 

Value

Because you can use your tent as many times as you want, the cost per use is considerably lower than renting. In fact, every time you use it, the value for money increases, so it's an investment that’s guaranteed to get better and better over time.

Quality

You really never know what to expect when you rent a party tent. Sure, you might get a nice new tent, but chances are you’ll get one that’s been used hundreds of times by other people. When you own your tent, you’ll know for certain that you’ll have an excellent, high-quality unit that’s been carefully maintained by you.

Convenience

When you buy your own party tent, you're free to host an event whenever you want to. Your tent is always there, just waiting to be used, and you'll never have to worry about arranging another costly rental again.

a green and white party tent set up in a parka green and white party tent set up in a park

The Cons of Buying a Party Tent

There are many upsides to buying a party tent, but there are still a few cons to consider; let's look at them now.  

One-time Cost

The upfront cost of buying your tent will be considerably higher than renting, so if you only plan on using the tent one time, then renting will almost always be better for your wallet.

Skillset

Party tents can be tricky to set up, especially if you don’t have help. It’s possible to assemble and disassemble your event tent on your own, but it’s certainly not an easy thing to do.

Research

When buying, you'll need to conduct all of the research and do your homework yourself, whereas when you rent your tent, the rental company can provide a comprehensive list of estimates for you, which will save you some time and effort in the short term.

Conclusion: Purchasing an Event Tent Will Pay Off in the Long Run

All things considered, it's almost always better to buy than rent anything, and this is true of party tents as well. Sure, if you really only need the tent once, then, by all means, rent it, but by buying, you'll be able to host as many parties and events as you want for many years to come.

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2 Comment(s)
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Mia Stewart
Jul 22, 2019 15:48
I like how the article explains that you can rent an outdoor tent for a birthday party to have games and an area to eat food. My daughter is turning 16 and wants to have an outdoor party but we don't have anywhere to have food or shelter.
Staff
Jul 26, 2019 18:19
We are glad you found the article informative!
Make sure to thoroughly review the pros and cons of renting vs. buying. Your 16 year old may want to throw more parties!
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