How Big of a Tent Do I Need for My Event?
Quick answer:
Most events need more tent space than people think. For example, 50 seated guests usually need at least a 20×30’ tent, while 100–200 wedding guests typically require a 40×40’ or 40×60’ tent, depending on tables, walkways, and extras.
At Apollo Event Rentals in Kelowna, BC, this is one of the first questions we help customers answer—because getting the tent size right sets the foundation for a comfortable, stress-free event.
If you’re just starting your planning, we recommend browsing our full range of options on our tent rentals page to see what sizes and styles are available.
Start With the Type of Event You’re Hosting
While weddings make up most of our tent rentals, we’ve supplied tents for:
- Backyard parties and family gatherings
- Corporate and community events
- Outdoor concerts and festivals
- Flea markets and special events
- Celebrations of life and memorials
Because our tents can be connected with rain gutters and fitted with solid or clear walls, we can create custom layouts for both small backyard spaces and large open venues.
If you’re hosting a local event, you may also find our guide to Event Rentals | Tents, Weddings & Parties helpful for planning your setup.
How Many Guests Will Be Under the Tent?
Guest count is the starting point for tent sizing.
Based on events we set up every season across the Okanagan and Thompson regions:
- 20–40 guests: 10×20’ tent (casual backyard events)
- Under 100 guests: 20×20’ or 20×40’ tent
- 100–200 guests: 40×40’ or 40×60’ tent
- Large events: Custom multi-tent layouts
For neighborhood celebrations and family gatherings, our guide to Backyard Celebrations & Community Events in Glenmore offers great local inspiration.
Will Guests Be Standing or Sitting at Tables?
This detail changes everything.
For example:
- A 20×20’ tent can fit about 50 people standing
- The same tent is too small for 50 people seated at tables
If your guests will be seated for dinner, you should almost always go up at least one tent size to allow room for chairs, movement, and serving staff.
What Else Needs to Fit Inside the Tent?
One of the most common mistakes we see is planning for people—but forgetting everything else.
Items that need space include:
- Dining tables and chairs
- Dance floors
- Bars and beverage stations
- Buffet and catering tables
- Gift tables
- DJs, bands, or audio equipment
A helpful space-saving tip from our experience:
👉 Dinner tables can be placed on the dance floor, then moved once dinner is finished to open up dancing space.
Most Popular Wedding Tent Sizes We Rent
From hundreds of weddings we’ve supported in Kelowna and beyond:
- 40×40’ and 40×60’ tents
- Best for 100–200 guest weddings
- 20×20’ and 20×40’ tents
- Ideal for smaller weddings under 100 guests
If you’re planning a celebration at home, you may also find our Elegant Home Gatherings & Private Celebrations article helpful for planning a comfortable and stylish setup.
How Okanagan Weather Affects Tent Size
Many people think tents are only for rain—but that’s not true.
In the Okanagan:
- Tents provide shade during hot summer days
- Seniors and kids have a cool place to relax
- Open or partially open walls allow great airflow
Even on sunny days, a tent often feels more comfortable than being fully exposed to the sun.
Common Tent Size Mistakes to Avoid
The biggest issues we see:
- Forgetting space for décor, buffets, or music gear
- Not realizing round tables need more room than banquet tables
- Choosing the smallest tent possible “just in case”
Our advice is simple: plan for comfort, not minimum capacity.
Real Kelowna Wedding Example
A bride in Kelowna originally booked a 20×20’ tent for her backyard wedding.
When she later added 50 chairs, we asked if all guests would be seated at tables under the tent. They would.
We immediately recommended upgrading to a 20×40’ tent—saving her from a major issue on her wedding day. She was relieved we caught it early.
That’s exactly why we ask detailed questions during the planning process.
How Much Extra Space Should You Plan For?
Our spacing guidelines:
- 4 feet minimum between tables
- 3 feet minimum between tent walls and tables
This ensures guests can move comfortably and enjoy the event without feeling cramped.
When Should You Book Your Tent?
Tent availability in the Okanagan fills up quickly.
- May & September: Book 9–12 months in advance
- Other months: Book 6–9 months ahead
Waiting until rain is in the forecast—often a week before the event—usually means tents are already booked everywhere.
Still Unsure What Size Tent You Need?
That’s completely normal.
At Apollo Event Rentals, we don’t just rent equipment—we help you plan a layout that works in real life, not just on paper.
👉 Start by exploring our full selection of tent rentals here, or contact our team for personalized guidance.
We proudly serve Kelowna, the Okanagan, and the Thompson region, and we’re happy to help you get it right the first time.
📍 Visit us: 860 Lanfranco Rd, Unit 18, Kelowna, BC V1W 3W9
📞 Call: (250) 826-2813
Contact us today to book your event rentals in Rutland Kelowna and experience why businesses and community groups across the Okanagan trust Apollo for seamless, professional events — indoors or out.
