With the proper preparation, you can use an event tent to create a magical winter wonderland experience for your guests, while still keeping everyone comfortable and warm inside your tent. If you have been dreaming of an outdoor winter event but can’t figure out how to make it work, here’s everything you need to know on planning a winter tent event.
Which Type of Tent Should You Use for Snowy Weather?
You don’t want to pick just any tent for a winter party, where premium shelter and warmth are a must for your guests. American Tent event tents, for example, are manufactured with high-quality materials that can withstand harsh conditions. Whether you choose American Tent or another manufacturer, here are the qualities you should search for when it comes to finding the perfect outdoor party tents for cold weather:
- 100% waterproof vinyl that won’t leak if it snows;
- Fire-resistant vinyl that will be compatible with any heaters;
- Weather-resistant coated buckles and framing that won’t rust in rain/snow;
- Vinyl and framing material that can withstand cold temperatures.
Of course, the type of event tent you choose is also important when it comes to hosting an outdoor winter event. A few tents can meet your needs for a cold-weather event, including:
Frame Tents
The quintessential event tent, the frame tent is a powerhouse of versatility and can accommodate just about any event, in and outdoors. Frame tents make the perfect winter party tent because they don’t have to be staked down, so you don’t have to worry about complications in the frozen ground or snow, and they’re easy to set up and tear down but provide ample long-term shelter once set up.
Clear Top Tents
If you are planning a winter event and want to give your guests the full, snowy wonderland experience, then a clear top tent is the only way to go. These gorgeous, see-through tents are meant to enjoy the great outdoors around you and conveniently withstand temperatures of -20F, so your guests can watch the beautiful swirling snowfall over-head as they dance the night away from the warmth and comfort of your event tent.
Pagoda Tents
With stylish keder walls and stunning peak, pagoda tents are a wonderful way to keep your guests extra warm and sheltered without sacrificing looks or style. While pagoda tents are generally smaller in scale, they are perfect for smaller outdoor events or can be combined to create a completely unique outdoor venue for your guests.
Pop-Up Tents
Trying to create a shelter for a smaller-scale or less-formal outdoor winter event? Pop-up tents can make an optimal shelter for check-in areas, medical testing locations, ice fishing stands, and more!
How to Set Up a Party Tent in Winter?
Once you’ve decided which event tent to use for your event, make sure you take the proper steps to set up your tent correctly. When setting up your outdoor winter party tent, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
-
Utilize a drop cloth
At American Tent, we always recommend using a drop cloth when unrolling your tent top and setting up your event tent. It’s especially important to protect your tent when setting it up in the winter from any jagged snow, dirt, and more. This will keep your tent clean and hole-free, which you definitely need in cold weather. -
Shelter from the wind
Choose your event tent placement carefully. Even an extremely sturdy event tent can struggle to maintain perfect performance in gale winds. While you might not be able to escape windy, snowy weather, choose a spot to set up your event tent where it isn’t terribly windy or shaded if you can help it. -
Perform checks throughout the event
It’s important to ensure your event tent is maintaining proper performance throughout your event, especially in harsh weather conditions. Simply keep an eye on your tent, walls, frame, and canvas to ensure everything is working properly. If you catch something early, you can keep a small problem from ruining your tent or event.
How to Heat a Party Tent in Winter
Of course, the biggest question when it comes to a winter outdoor event is how the heck to keep your event tent warm in winter. Luckily, there are many ways to keep your guests warm and happy all throughout your event, even if it’s snowing just outside your tent. Here’s how:
-
Propane Heaters
Propane heaters are the most cost-effective way to heat your party tent in winter. Luckily, there’s a huge variety of options when it comes to heaters for your event, whether you want to rent or buy. -
Diffuser
If you want to get the most bang out of your buck for the propane heater you use to heat your winter event tent, getting a diffuser can help push the hot air further around your event, warming it more efficiently and saving you money in the long-run. -
Flooring
You don’t necessarily need flooring for your event tent, but hosting an outdoor event in winter means the ground is likely going to be hard, possibly snowy, and of course, cold. Not only will uncovered ground leech your tent of the precious heat you’re paying to get pumped in, but it will make it impossible for your guests to fully get comfortable. Installing event tent flooring will ensure your winter event is perfect and warm from top to bottom. -
Sidewalls
Last but certainly not least, you’ll want to invest in sidewalls to provide the ultimate shelter and warmth for your guests. Sidewalls are easy to install to your event tent and can be made to match your event style. This will help heat your event tent and the cold out and will keep snow, sleet, wind, and rain from getting in your tent as well.
Conclusion
Even in the cold and snow, it is possible to pull off an amazing outdoor event. At American Tent, we are passionate about helping our clients create the best event for themselves and their guests. If you are planning an outdoor winter event and need help finding the perfect tent for you or want more information on how to set up and heat your event tent in the winter, contact American Tent today!
