Tipis, Marquees & Stretch Tent FAQs
Our no frills guide to planning a tipi event.
General
DO THE Structures HAVE TO BE INSTALLED ON GRASS?
Not at all. We are proud to say that we are the only tipi company that can install on hard-standing surfaces too!
Our one-of-a-kind steel frame and flooring system enables us to build on a multitude of hard surfaces making this ideal for corporate events, such as, outside of office buildings and shopping centres, as well as market squares and farmers’ markets. It is because of this unique structure that no staking is required. This avoids the use of unsightly concrete weights.
WHAT HAPPENS ON A SITE VISIT?
This is where an experienced member of the team will come to meet you and review your event site. This is a great opportunity to talk through all the elements of your day where you will receive lots of experience and great advice obtained from our years of experience and knowledge. At the site visit, we will also be able to look at the practical issues of access, such as, ground conditions and the geology of the site.
HOW DO I CHECK YOUR AVAILABILTY?
We have the widest range of structures and lots of capacity where others might struggle. Please get in touch as we are more than happy to help, with absolutely no obligations.
DO THE CREW MEMBERS NEED ACCESS TO A TOILET FOR THE SET UP AND TAKE DOWN?
Yes please, the crew will need access to a toilet and preferably water.
Booking
HOW MUCH IS THE DEPOSIT?
A 10% deposit is required for bookings a year or more in advance.
A 25% deposit is required for bookings for the year ahead.
HOW DO YOU PAY?
Once you have requested to book, we will send you an electronic invoice where payments can be made online.
We also accept, credit cards and payment by BACS.
Cash is also accepted and can happily be made in person and in advance of your event.
CAN I ADD EXTRA ITEMS TO MY BOOKING LATER ON?
Yes, you can add and subtract items where availability allows.
We can make changes 4 weeks up until your event (apart from the structures) where availability allows.
WHEN SHOULD I BOOK ANY EXTRAS BY?
To ensure availability, book as soon as required, and we can make changes 4 weeks up until your event.
Please view our love vintage furniture selection.
WHEN DO I NEED TO CONFIRM FINAL TABLE NUMBERS BY?
Final table and seating numbers will be confirmed with you before your final invoice is due (1 month prior to the event). So, we recommend that you let us know as soon as possible if the numbers change so that we can make sure to reserve this for you.
CAN I REMOVE EXTRAS FROM MY BOOKING?
You can remove furnishings and furniture up to 1 month before your event.
WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION POLICY?
Deposits are non-refundable in the event of cancellation; however, we may be able to postpone your event for a small charge.
There is a cooling off period of 14 days after booking and charges may apply depending on the length of time until your event date. For the full terms, please see section 11.1 of our terms and conditions.
WHAT IS THE NEXT STEP AFTER BOOKING?
The next step after booking is to arrange a site visit. At the site visit we will meet you at your venue to discuss your plans in greater detail. We will also evaluate the site access and surrounding area that will enable us to come up with a site plan. Then next time we’ll be back at the venue will be for the site build for your special day.
If you require a second site visit, you may incur a second charge.
Capacities & Layouts
How many people can you fit in my structure?
With tipis it depends on the number of lifts you have. You can fit 120 standing with the front open and up to 80 seated.
For a small sailcloth tent, you can fit approximately 80 standing for a cocktail party and 70 seated with a floating canopy. For a large tent you can fit approximately 240 standing and 130 seated.
Our sailcloth tents come in various sizes and can hold anywhere in the region from 54 to 252 guests seated.
Please note that this is all dependant on your event and what items you are looking to put in it. Click here to see our structures page for floorplans and layouts.
WHERE CAN I FIND LAYOUT IDEAS?
Example floor plans can be found on each of our structure pages.
If, however, your structure isn’t within those examples, please get in touch and we will send over some other examples for you.
CAN YOU CREATE A TABLE PLAN FOR US?
First of all, we can send you some example floor plans based on the specific requirements for the event you are planning and then we can create a bespoke table plan for you.
CAN I HAVE ROUND TABLES INSTEAD OF LONG TABLES
Yes, you can have any table you would like, and it doesn’t have to be from Love Tipis. Our handmade rustic tables are expertly built from our in-house master craftsmen, and we have a great range of stock and sizes.
Are the structures waterproof?
Absolutely, all or structures are fully waterproof and capable of handling heavy rain as well as long days in the sunshine.
Are the Structures clean?
Yes, they are. Our structures are hand cleaned after each use and our specialist Dandy Dura matting is pressure washed by the crew before each event.
Toilets & Power
CAN YOU HELP WITH POWER?
Reliable power for your event is one of the most important factors for you to consider as this is vital to your event.
We can provide generators through our trusted supply network and excellent advice where required. Our many years of industry experience means we can take this challenging element of the planning stage away from you if you require.
Each job comes with its own set of unique challenges that we will happily discuss with you either over the phone or on an in-person site visit.
Can you advise on a toilet supplier?
Yes, we can put you in touch with one of our reliable suppliers or if you are sourcing these yourself, please remember to approach a local and reliable supplier.
Setup & Takedown
HOW LONG DO I HAVE THE STRUCTURES FOR?
Our standard hire period is 48 hours. This is the minimum time you will have the structures for.
WHEN DO YOU BUILD THE STRUCTURES?
Usually (for a Friday or Saturday event), we build our structures on a Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday.
WHAT TIME DO YOU ARRIVE TO BUILD THE STRUCTURES?
We start at 7am and a member of the office team will call to inform you when the crew is on their way.
WHEN DO THE TAKEDOWNS HAPPEN?
We dismantle the structures on a Monday or Tuesday.
We try to be as flexible as we can with your set-up and takedown days depending on your venue’s requirements.
HOW LONG DO THE STRUCTURES TAKE TO SET UP?
We aim to get the smaller and local jobs up in 1 day, so from 9am – 5am (weekdays). If it looks like the build may take longer due to unforeseen circumstances, then we will stay later to finish the job that day.
DO I NEED TO BE THERE FOR THE SET UP AND TAKE DOWN OF THE STRUCTURES?
It will be good to meet you in the morning of the set up to go through positioning and again at the handover. So, you should have most of the day to be available to organise any other elements of your special day.
Venue
DO YOU HAVE A LIST OF VENUE YOU HAVE WORKED WITH?
Yes, a full list of the venues we work with can be found on the venues page. We can also work with any venue that you would like to work with.
OUR VENUE HAS PUBLIC ACCESS, DOES THIS MATTER?
No not at all. This will all be assessed at the site assessment and if this is the case, we will strongly advise you have someone always present with the structures (including overnight) to act as a deterrent to passers-by.
CAN I HAVE THE STRUCTURES ON UNEVEN OR SLOPING GROUND?
The structures are best placed on level ground; however, we can erect them on uneven or sloping ground if you so wish. It is worth noting that furniture and dance floors work best on level ground, so picking a venue with this in mind is highly recommended.
WHAT VEHICLES DO THE STRUCTURES COME IN?
We can assess the most suitable vehicles for your location on the site visit.
DO YOU NEED VEHICLE ACCESS TO THE SITE?
The ideal situation would be for us to be able to park our vehicles next to or as close as possible to the build site. This will be determined when we carry out the site visit with you.
IS THERE ANYTHING THAT YOU NEED TO CHECK AT THE VENUE?
At the site visit will we carry out an exercise for any site-specific hazards.
Weather
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN IT IS RAINING?
UK weather can be unpredictable; however, all our structures are waterproof.
All our structures come with wind loading figures and this is something we can discuss on your site visit to ensure they can be used in all weather conditions.
WHAT HAPPENS IN HIGH WINDS?
In the event of extremely high winds our tipis can become more vulnerable when the sides are raised.
Therefore, if the weather forecast is looking particularly windy for your event, we may have to limit the number of sides that are raised, or the worst-case scenario will be to drop the sides completely.
CAN THE WEATHER AFFECT YOUR SET UP AND TAKEDOWN DATES?
We will closely monitor the weather forecast in the build up to and during your event.
In cases of extreme bad weather (and in particular, high gusts of wind), we may decide on safety grounds to move set up and takedown dates depending on the level of risk associated with that particular job. Enabling us to safely provide you with a quality service and end product.
Decorations
Can I decorate the structures?
Yes, you can, we just ask you discuss this with us first please.
Are candles allowed in the structures?
Damages
What happens if the structures get damaged?
The structures come fully insured, however, there is a £500 access on any claim. Part of the insurance element is in the damage waiver, you can opt out of this, however, we require proof you have taken out your own event insurance and this cover must be adequate. For more information, ask us for details.
Get in touch
Get a fuss-free quote
Whatever your requirements, whether it’s a festival vibe, shabby chic or sleek and sophisticated, our tipis can be transformed to fit the bill. We hire tipis for Weddings, Outdoor events, Parties and much more. Our friendly, experienced team are on hand to help you create your perfect day.
Check out our range of tipis, stretch tents and sailcloths. Alternatively, contact us to find out how we can help.
