Event tents: types, sizes and which fabric to choose

5 days ago

3 min read

Updated: 1 day ago

Choosing the right tent for an event is not just about size. The type of structure, the fabric that covers it and the certificates that come with it decide whether the build goes smoothly, whether the atmosphere works and whether the local authority and the insurer are satisfied. This guide sums up what we learn every season making tents and fabrics for hire companies, event organisers and wedding venues.

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Types of event tent

Dual-pitch tent (structural)

This is the classic working tent: an aluminium frame with portals every 3 or 5 metres, roof and sides in PVC fabric. It extends in modules, takes staging, lighting and climate control, and withstands wind. Large weddings, trade fairs, corporate dinners and festival catering tents.

Pagoda or peak-roof tent

Square modules with a pointed roof. Very striking for receptions, information points, cocktail areas and VIP zones. They join together with gutters to cover larger areas.

Jaima and bedouin tent

The jaima (a pagoda-style stretch tent originally from North Africa) has fabric stretched over masts, with organic shapes and open sides; locally this is known as a bedouin stretch tent. It is the option with the most character for weddings at rural venues, beach bars and brand events. It is made in many colours and can be printed.

Transparent or crystal tent

PVC transparent roof and sides. Spectacular at night with lighting and in settings with a view. It is worth combining it with opaque or translucent fabric on the roof when the event is during the day and it is hot.

What size do I need?

A simple rule used by hire companies:

Cocktail or standing event: around 1 m² per person.
Banquet with round tables: between 1.5 and 2 m² per person.
Add space for a stage, bar, dance floor and catering: easily 20–30% more.

Example: a seated wedding for 150 guests needs around 250–300 m² of tent, for instance a 10 × 30 m structural tent. If in doubt, send us the number of guests and the site plan and we will suggest sizes.

The fabric: what really makes the difference

The structure is what the installer sees; the fabric is what guests see. These are the decisions that matter:

Weight: 650 g/m² for tents that are put up and taken down every week (lighter to handle); 850 g/m² for seasonal or permanent installations, with greater tear resistance.
Translucent or opaque: translucent lets natural light through and creates a bright atmosphere by day; opaque lets you control lighting, project images and protect against heat.
Fabric with European T2 fire certificate (UNE-EN 15619): check with your local authority which fire certificate it accepts before an event open to the public. Always request it with the fabric and keep it with the event documentation.
Anti-UV and anti-mould treatment: stops the fabric yellowing and marks appearing when it is stored damp.
Finishes: keder strip to slide into the aluminium profile, windows, zip doors and skirts made to fit your structure.

Common mistakes we see on site

Buying fabric on price without checking the real weight: a 500 g/m² fabric tears in its first season of wind.
Storing the fabric damp: mould appears within weeks. Always dry it before folding.
Not requesting the fire certificate until the local authority asks for it, two days before the event.
Tensioning the roof badly: a loose fabric collects water, flaps in the wind and wears out.

Frequently asked questions

Do you make the whole tent or just the fabric?

Both: complete tents with structure and roof, made-to-measure fabric for structures you already have, and PVC fabric by the roll for repairs and workshops.

Can you make the fabric for a structure from another manufacturer?

Yes. We work from the measurements of your structure and the profile type. We show you what to measure in our guide to ordering made-to-measure fabric.

How long does an order take?

We manufacture at our facility in Málaga, so lead times are short even in high season. Tell us the event date and we will confirm the lead time with the quote.

Do you ship across Spain?

Yes, and also to Portugal, France and other European countries.

If you would like to see the materials before deciding, request our free PVC fabric sample book, and if you need fabric by the metre, see our PVC fabric rolls.

Would you like to see and feel the fabrics before deciding? Request our free sample book or ask for a no-obligation quote. We manufacture in Málaga since 1998 and ship across Spain.

Real project: PVC grandstand roofs and 288 tent side walls, made in Málaga for a major motorsport event in Madrid. See the project