sailcloth

Introduction to Tents

Hi everyone, welcome back! Today we are talking about a very big passion of ours here at SOHO, tents. When it comes to event tents there are many options, so we thought it would be helpful to break down the different types of tents and give y’all just a little bit of information about each one. The first thing you should understand is that our tents fall into certain categories based on their build and structure. The three categories of tents we work with at SOHO; pole tents, frame tents, and engineered structure tents.

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So let's start with a pole tent. As you probably guessed, these tents are named this because they are supported by poles on the perimeter of the tent as well as in the center. They are secured through the use of stakes in the ground and ratchet straps that tension the tent tops as they are tightened. The tent tops are laced together to create a full canopy. There are different ways to secure different tents, but a pole tent requires the use of stakes. This means you are limited in where you place these tents as they must be staked into the ground. Because these tents are supported by the center poles, you can go larger than a frame tent. Pole tents have a lot of character and style, like high peaks and flags. Our favorite pole tent here at SOHO is the sailcloth tent. They have natural wood poles and give off a beautiful glow when lit up at night!

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Next is the frame tent. This tent is the type most of y’all are familiar with from events you've attended, such as; Arts & Crafts, Mardi Gras, or festivals. These white vinyl tents are supported only by perimeter poles with no poles in the center. The frame is assembled and then the tent top is placed on top of the frame and secured to the frame. Because of this, frame tents are limited in size to a maximum of 50’ wide. With a frame tent you have two options for securing; stakes or concrete. If we are unable to stake your frame tent to secure it, we will then use concrete blocks. The size of the tent will determine how much weight is required to safely secure the tent. A perk of the frame tent is that it is a very open layout with lots of room to work with since there are no center poles to contend with. Because of this, these tents are used in a variety of environments for a multitude of events.

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The final tent type we work with at SOHO is an engineered structure tent. These tents are supported by perimeter poles with no need for center poles or extra supports. This allows for a clean looking event space. Losberger tents are the structure tents we work with. The tops of these tents are attached through the use of keder tracks, allowing them to easily slide in and be pulled into place. With the use of keder tops this helps give a very tight fit to help keep the elements out of your event. These tents are professionally certified by an engineer to be structurally sound and safe. They are able to handle weather, such as heavy rain, snow, and they are even wind rated up to 100+mph. Because of this, these tents are often put up for extended periods of time. You can get these tents tops in clear, all white, or a mix of clear and white tops. This gives you flexibility of style when you are designing your event. A factor to keep in mind is that the clear tops can get hot during warmer months. The combination of the Losberger tents strength and safety as well as style flexibility make it an extremely versatile tent, and one of our favorites!

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We hope that this general overview of our types of tents has helped you understand a little more about them and will aid you in deciding which type of tent is best for your event. If you have any questions, we would be happy to answer them!

Until next time, cheers!

Weather Worries

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Hey y’all, welcome back! Today's topic is one that can cause stress on anyone planning an out event. You guessed it... weather. Due to its unpredictable nature, weather can be difficult to plan for. Because of this, event professionals have adapted and created what the industry refers to as a “weather backup plan”.

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No matter where your event is located geographically, you will need to take the weather into consideration when planning your outdoor event. Here in the South, our weather is especially unpredictable. We contend with heat, humidity, and thunderstorms. These weather conditions are heightened in the spring and summer months. If you are planning an event during the fall or winter seasons, you will need to consider cold temperatures and the potential for rain.

Our goal at SOHO is to assist you in developing a weather backup plan from the very beginning that still works with the vision for the event. Once we have an idea of your vision for your special event and the details of when and where it will be held, we will discuss the potential need for a weather backup plan. The first step is to understand your different tenting options. We have the largest tent inventory on the Gulf Coast and pride ourselves on having a variety of different options and sizes when it comes to tenting! We understand the importance of keeping your event design intact, even if you decide to move forward with your weather backup plan. 

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Once you have selected your tent option, we will walk you through other potential rentals you may need when considering different weather factors. Again, the location and season of your event will influence these selections. These could be numerous options including: sidewalls, gutters, lighting, draping, walkways, heaters, fans, or even thermostat controlled heating or cooling.

Until next time, Cheers!

Sailcloth Tent Rental

Sailcloth Tent Rental

Sailcloth Tent Glowing in the Evening

Sailcloth Tent Glowing in the Evening

Most tents are designed with a primary focus of shelter. They help block out the sun, keep rain out and can be heated or cooled. Then there is the Sailcloth Tent.

LET THERE BE LIGHT!

Traditional vinyl tent tops, which are made with white vinyl and have a blackout material in the middle of the fabric to "blockout" the sun and not allow light to pass inside or outside. Sailcloth tents on the other hand are made from a lighter (10 oz vs. 16oz) translucent sail cloth fabric. These tent tops do not have the blackout material in the middle of the fabric, which allows for some amazing light displays for your wedding or special event.

Traditional Frame Tent

Traditional Frame Tent

Sailcloth Tent

Sailcloth Tent

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Sailcloth tents are designed to have a hint of nautical flare with sculpted peaks and eaves, which create beautiful well lit space like nothing you have experienced before. During the day the translucent sailcloth tent fabric has a warm, natural light and then at night you the tent dramatically glows for evening weddings and events.

Sailcloth Tent Rental Tallahassee, Fl

Sailcloth tent rentals are especially popular on the Gulf Coast from Mobile, Al to Destin, Fl and have transformed backyards from Pensacola, Fl to Montgomery, Al. The inside of the tent has graceful lines from the sailcloth fabric, which is both waterproof and strong to protect your event from the elements. We also have specialty flooring, lighting and custom decor so that all the elements of your event come together.

When you're ready for your next tent rental in Mobile, Al, call SOHO Events and Rentals and ask for our sailcloth tent. We are based in Fairhope, Al, serving everywhere - with an emphasis on Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida.