What Size Tent Do I Need For 60 Guests?
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Are you planning a summer party and unsure what size tent to rent? No problem.
This article will help you determine the perfect tent size for your gathering. So, what size tent do I need for 60 guests?
Here are some tips to help you choose the right one.
What Size Tent Do I Need For 60 Guests
You need to consider the size of your venue and how many guests you expect. If you have a large backyard, you might be able to accommodate a giant tent.
For your 60 guests, you will need a tent at least 20′ x 30′ 600 square ft long for seating only.
But if you want to add a bar and Buffet table, you will need a 20′ x 40′ 800 square ft tent.
As always, it’s better to err on the side of caution and go for a bigger size. That way, you’ll have plenty of room for your guests, and your party will be a hit!
In the table below, you’ll find the minimum tent size you’ll need for your party, depending on the number of guests.
| Number of Guests | Seating Only | With Bar & Buffet | With Dance Floor & DJ | Dance Floor Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 40 | 20′ x 20’400 sq ft | 20′ x 30’600 sq ft | 20′ x 40’800 sq ft | 9′ x 12′ |
| 60 | 20′ x 30’600 sq ft | 20′ x 40’800 sq ft | 20′ x 50’1000 sq ft | 12′ x 12′ |
| 80 | 20′ x 40’800 sq ft | 20′ x 50’1000 sq ft | 30′ x 40’1200 sq ft | 12′ x 15′ |
| 90 | 30′ x 30’900 sq ft | 30′ x 40’1200 sq ft | 30′ x 50’1500 sq ft | 12′ x 16′ |
| 100 | 20′ x 50’1000 sq ft | 30′ x 40’1200 sq ft | 40′ x 40’1600 sq ft | 16′ x 15′ |
| 120 | 30′ x 40’1200 sq ft | 30′ x 50’1500 sq ft | 30′ x 60’1800 sq ft | 16′ x 18′ |
As you can see, for 60 guests, you’ll need a tent that is at least 20′ x 30′, but we recommend going for a bigger size if you can.
So that you can find more space for things like a bar or buffet table.
What Factors Consider When Determining Party Tent Size
You should consider a few factors when determining the size of the tent for your party. Here are some things to think about:
How Many People Attend The Party
First, you need to consider the number of your invitees. The final budget and level of preparation for an event hinge on the number of attendees.
When you have a solid idea of how many people will be at your party, you can begin planning the other elements, such as the size of the tent.
The Venue Size
The next thing you should think about is the size of your venue.
The dimensions of your backyard or chosen event space will play a significant role in what size tent you’ll need.
If you have a smaller space, then you’ll need to go for a smaller tent. Conversely, if you have a large venue, you can afford a bigger tent.
The Event Type
The type of event you’re hosting will also affect the size of the tent you need. If you’re throwing a more formal affair, such as a wedding reception.
Then you’ll need a larger space to accommodate things like a dance floor and bar area.
But if you have a casual backyard barbecue, then you won’t need as much space.
If you’re hosting a standing-room-only event, like a cocktail party or concert, you can invite more guests.
We can determine how much space each person needs under a tent based on the tent layout or seating arrangement:
- Theatre-style seating – 7 sq. ft./person;
- Conference style seating – 8 sq. ft./person;
- Formal dinner style seating – 12 sq. ft./person;
- Casual event style seating – 10 sq. ft./person; and
- Cocktail event style standing – 8 sq. ft./person.
Now that you know all the factors to consider when choosing a tent size, it’s time to start planning your party.
Keep these tips in mind, and you’ll be sure to choose the perfect tent for your needs.
How To Calculate Your Tent Size
You need to do some math to calculate an ideal size for the tent because you need to allow some space for movement and activities.
Depending on how your party will be structured, you’ll need a certain amount of square footage per person. So follow the below guidelines to calculate the tent size:
Step 1: Take The Guest’s Count
First, you need to determine the final Guest count that you will have at your party.
You’ll need a total area of 100 square feet per eight people if everyone is going to be seated at 60″ diameter tables (which can accommodate eight people).
For example, to seat 150 guests at eight-person tables, you will need 18.75 round tables (or 19 if you don’t want any half-tables).
To accommodate eight guests seated at long tables, you’ll need 80 square feet per table. In total, this would be 1900 square feet for 19 tables.
Step 2: Select The Type Of Event
Then, you need to decide what kind of event you will have because it will help decide the amount of space each person needs.
There are three types of events:
- Seated Dinners
- Cocktail Parties
- Concerts
For seated dinners, you need about 10 square feet per person. You only need about 8 square feet per person for cocktail parties because people will not be sitting down.
And for concerts, you’ll need about 7 square feet per person.
Step 3: Determine The Space For Activities
After that, you must determine how much space you’ll need for activities. For example, if you want a dance floor, you need about 35 square feet per dancer.
You’ll need about 3 square feet per person if you have a buffet. And if you have a band, you’ll need about 10 square feet per musician.
To summarize, you must add space for guests, activities, and tables.
For example, if you have a cocktail party with a buffet and a band, you’ll need:
(No. of guests x 8 sq. ft.) + (No. of activities x sq. ft. needed) + (No. of tables x table size in sq. ft.)
100 guests x 8 sq. ft. = 800 sq. ft.
1 buffet station x 3 sq. ft./person = 300 sq. ft.
1 band x 10 sq. ft./musician = 10 sq. ft.
Total = 1,110 square feet
This means you’ll need a tent of at least 1,100 square feet to comfortably accommodate your guests and activities.
Now that you know how to calculate your ideal tent size, it’s time to start planning your party!
Keep these tips in mind, and you’ll be sure to choose the perfect tent for your needs.
How Do I Plan The Layout Of My Tent?
Now that you’ve chosen the perfect size tent for your party, it’s time to start planning the layout.
The layout of your tent will depend on the event you’re hosting and the space you have available.
Here are some tips for planning the layout of your tent:
- For cocktail parties, create a layout that encourages mingling and socializing. Arrange furniture in small groups so guests can easily converse. Also, leave enough space for a dance floor or live entertainment.
- For seated dinners, arrange tables in a way that allows guests to move around quickly. You may want to consider a U-shaped or H-shaped layout so guests can access the buffet and bar without going through the dining area.
- Create a layout for concerts or other live entertainment events that allows for good stage visibility. Arrange chairs and tables in an amphitheater style so everyone has a clear view. Besides the stage, you’ll also need to leave enough space for a dance floor or mosh pit.
- For outdoor events, leave enough space for guests to move around comfortably. You may also consider adding shade structures, like tents or canopies, to protect guests from the sun or inclement weather.
When planning the layout of your tent, it’s essential to consider the flow of traffic and the placement of furniture and other elements.
Doing so can ensure that your guests have a comfortable and enjoyable experience at your event.
Final Thoughts
Planning an event can be daunting, but it can be a breeze with the proper knowledge and planning.
You can avoid common mistakes by following this article. We hope that this guide has been helpful and that you will be able to throw a successful event.
