A stretch tent suits weddings and events because one open, flowing canvas covers the guests, the bar and the dance floor without a fixed frame, and the same tent can be set up differently at every venue. This guide is for rental companies, event agencies and venues that use stretch tents for weddings and events.
Which size for how many wedding guests?
Start from the layout. For a seated wedding dinner, count about 0.55 guests per m²; for a standing reception, about 1 guest per m².
| Tent | Guests at dinner tables | Standing reception |
|---|---|---|
| 10.5 x 7.5 m (78.75 m²) | about 45 | about 80 |
| 10.5 x 10 m (105 m²) | about 60 | about 105 |
| 12 x 10.5 m (126 m²) | about 70 | about 125 |
| 15 x 10.5 m (157.5 m²) | about 85 | about 160 |
| 19.5 x 10.5 m (204.75 m²) | about 115 | about 205 |
| 21 x 15 m (315 m²) | about 175 | about 315 |
Plan extra space for a dance floor, bar, buffet or stage, and choose the next size up if in doubt. For a compact reception or a lounge next to the main tent, the Cocktail tents (4 x 4 and 5 x 5 m) and the octagonal Octo tents (6 and 8 m) are an option. All sizes are on the size and capacity page.
Stretch tent or marquee for a wedding?
A marquee has a fixed aluminium frame, straight walls and a pitched roof. A stretch tent has no frame: the canvas is stretched over wooden poles and anchored with straps and pegs. The main differences:
- Look: a stretch tent has a flowing shape and natural wooden poles; a marquee looks more like a temporary hall.
- Flexibility: a stretch tent can be set up high or low, open or closed with sidewalls, and adapted to the site. A custom-made tent can even be cut to fit around a tree.
- Parts: poles, straps and pegs instead of a frame. The ratchet straps set the tension quickly, without knots.
- Weather: both keep the rain out. A stretch tent is tested up to 9 Beaufort with proper anchoring and can be closed with sidewalls.
Weather, fire safety and standards
The four-layer fabric is waterproof, windproof and UV-stable, and flame retardant to M2 and B1; the sidewalls are M2/B1 certified as well. The tents are tested up to 9 Beaufort (strong gale) with proper installation and comply with EN 13782, the European standard for temporary demountable structures. Venues and local authorities may ask for this information, so keep it with the tent.
Lighting, colours and sidewalls
String lights can be hung from the tension straps with galvanised carabiners. The canvas is available in seven colours: Chino, Black, Taupe, White Opaque, Red, Grey and White. Sidewalls in widths of 2, 2.5 and 3 m, plus a 1 m door panel, close the sides when needed.
Example: weddings at Van der Valk Volendam
Van der Valk Volendam uses a custom-made stretch tent of about 360 m² in Chino as a venue for weddings and celebrations, with a built-in bar and kitchen. Read the project.
For rental companies
A rental tent goes up and down many times, so durability counts: seams that are stitched and finished with a welded waterproof strip, 800 g/m² fabric, and Douglas or Robinia poles. BT Stretchtents supplies complete sets from stock, starting at € 2.780 excluding VAT for 7.5 x 5 m, and custom sizes in 4 to 6 weeks. Rental companies and resellers can apply for the partner programme.
View all complete sets · Frequently asked questions · Contact us
