August 17, 2024
August 17, 2024
There are lots of reasons why people rent party tents for large outdoor events. Whether it’s protection from the elements, an aesthetic choice, or required for function, party tents are the perfect way to hedge your bets against unfavourable weather or create an eye-catching centrepiece.
But have you ever thought about how to keep your perfect party firmly planted on the ground?
In wet cities like Vancouver, most people have the foresight to plan for rain with a party tent rental. However, wind is often overlooked because it’s just assumed that these hefty structures can handle it. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case.
How Much Wind is Too Much Wind?
Large party tents are sturdier – and heavier than your typical popup tent. But even so, these tents were designed to be anchored securely to the ground. Gusts reaching even 15 to 20 KPH can be more than enough to lift a canopy tent, causing major damage to your event and putting your guests at risk.
However, when anchored correctly, a canopy tent is designed to withstand winds up to 60 KPH. Anything more than that and you probably wouldn’t want to be outdoors anyway!
How to Secure Your Party Rent
Buy Sandbags Online
Sandbags are a quick and versatile way to secure your party tent on any surface. These weighted bags can be easily attached to the tent’s legs, providing extra stability without the need for ground penetration making them especially useful on asphalt or gravel where staking isn’t possible. You can buy specialty sandbags online or at local hardware stores, and they’re a worthwhile investment if you frequently host outdoor events.
Use Guy Ropes
Most large party tents come with attached anchors called guy ropes. These ropes are super handy in keeping your tent grounded in windy conditions, however, they must be staked into the ground or tied to fixed objects like railings or trees, which makes them only suitable for specific setups.
Cinder Blocks
Cinder blocks are another solid option for anchoring your tent when anchoring into grass isn’t possible. While they might not be the most aesthetically pleasing, they’re effective in a pinch (like if you forgot to order sandbags online before the day of your event!). By tying your tent’s guy ropes to cinder blocks, you’ll be adding enough weight to keep your tent from lifting in strong wind. To add to the visual appeal, consider wrapping the blocks in fabric or covering them with decorative elements to blend them into your event’s theme.
Deadweights
Other weighted options to secure your party tent in the wind include deadweights, such as large buckets filled with rocks (and tied to your guy lines) or actual weighted plates. These weights are versatile and easy to find for a last-minute fix but will cost more and look less professional than other options like sandbags.
