5 Mistakes We See in Tent Planning (and How to Avoid Them)

Planning a tented event, whether it’s a wedding, gala, or corporate celebration, opens up incredible design possibilities. A tent creates a blank canvas for your vision, but it also comes with unique challenges. At Bright Event Rentals, we’ve seen hundreds of tented events come to life, and we’ve also seen a few common mistakes that can derail the experience. Here are five tent planning mistakes to avoid, and how to make sure your event goes off without a hitch.

1. Underestimating the Space You Need

The mistake: Choosing a tent size that looks right on paper but doesn’t account for guest comfort, catering space, dance floors, or walkways.
The fix: Work with your rental partner to create a custom layout. Use a tent size calculator or CAD-based floor plan to visualize everything, from seating charts to staging and bars. This ensures your tent feels spacious, not cramped.

2. Forgetting About Flooring

The mistake: Assuming grass, gravel, or sand will be fine underfoot. Uneven surfaces can cause tripping hazards, ruin high heels, and complicate furniture placement.
The fix: Invest in event flooring or subflooring for a level, safe, and polished surface. Flooring also helps protect against unexpected weather and enhances the overall aesthetic.

3. Overlooking Weather Preparedness

The mistake: Hoping for perfect weather without a backup plan. High winds, rain, or temperature shifts can quickly spoil the celebration.
The fix: Add tent sidewalls, climate control (heaters or fans), and rain gutters to your rental order. Having weather-ready accessories ensures your guests stay comfortable no matter what Mother Nature brings.

4. Ignoring Permits and Logistics

The mistake: Skipping the fine print. Many cities require permits for large tents, fire safety approvals, or site inspections. Overhead power lines, underground utilities, or narrow access roads can also cause last-minute headaches.
The fix: Partner with your rental company early to navigate tent permits and site inspections. They’ll coordinate with local authorities and handle logistics so your setup is seamless.

5. Skimping on Lighting and Décor

The mistake: Treating the tent as just a cover. Without proper lighting, draping, or décor, a tent can feel flat and unfinished.
The fix: Think of your tent as a venue. Add chandeliers, market lights, uplighting, or fabric draping to create ambiance. Lounges, statement bars, and thoughtful tabletop design will transform your tent into a stunning event space.

Final Thoughts

Tented events are some of the most memorable we help create, but they require careful planning. By avoiding these common mistakes and working with an experienced rental partner, you can turn an empty space into an extraordinary celebration.

Need help planning your next tented event? Bright Event Rentals offers expert guidance, design tools, and a full range of tent accessories to bring your vision to life. Contact us today to start planning.