Tipi FAQs

1. How much does a tipi cost to hire?

There are a number of things which will determine the cost of your tents – the structure you choose, the number of guests and the time of year are all key. Plus it will depend on the choices of furniture that you put inside. We have included packages on our website for the most popular set ups but every event is unique so we will work with you to ensure that your set up suits you and your guests perfectly. For a more detailed article about hire costs check out A Guide to Tipi Hire Costs

2. When will my you erect my tipi and long does it take to set up?

The crew will usually be on site at 8am and work through to complete your job in a day. A single tipi takes approx. 4hrs, two tipis around 6-8hrs, 3 tipis 8-10hrs to erect. We guarantee that your tipi will be set up no later than the day before your event, but if you are having a wedding set up of two or more tipis, we will ensure you have your set up with a clear day for you to do your decorating at no extra cost. 😀

3. Does my site need to be flat?

In truth not for the tents, they will go up on a slope if needed, but you need to be able to put a drink on a table without it sliding off or spilling, so if you are not sure if your ground is suitable test it out by taking your table, chair and drink of choice outside.

4. How much space do I need for my set up?

A single tipi is 10.3m in diameter, so each additional tipi is a multiple of that plus a little extra for staking and strapping. The Sailcloth tent comes in a range of sizes and we will advise you of the best size for your guest numbers. You can always check your individual set up size on your floorplan.

5. Will someone come and check my site?

Most venues/sites don’t need a site visit but in order to decide whether yours does please just take a few minutes to consider whether your site meets the following criteria:

• The location for the tent(s) should be a flat, level surface with no protrusions and no overhanging trees or other obstruction
• The ground should be suitable for taking 2ft (60cm) tent pegs
• The ground should not be flooded or impervious to water
• The ground should have no underground power or utility services within 1 metre of the surface
• The grass will be cut so as to be no more than 3 inches (8cm) long
• There is a safe means of access both to the site and to within 20m of the tent(s) location for our Land Rover and trailer

If it does then a site visit is not necessary, if you are unsure of anything please give us a call or drop us an email citing your concerns and we will have a chat with you and if needs be arrange to come and see the site. (Please also refer to the floorplans to check you have sufficient area for the number of tents you require.)

6. Do you have venues where I can put the tipi?

Over the past 10 years we have worked with so many fantastic venues but from 2018 we have chosen 6 venues in the Midlands area who are truly amazing to become our Dream Venues. These six venues have each been hand picked firstly because they are gorgeous, but also each one has its own special features that may appeal to you. To find out more about how to find the perfect venue for you check out our article How To Find A Venue

7. How many tents will I need?

The answer to this is dependant on two key factors; how many guests you have (both daytime and evening) and secondly, what furnishings you’ll want in the tents, e.g. bars, fire pits (tipis) and dance floors etc. In the case of tipis, one tipi can accommodate up to 70 guests, two tipis can accommodate 70-120 guests and three tipis can accommodate 120-150 guests. If you have more than 150 guests, more tipis can be added to suit your numbers. In the case of the sailcloth tents, we have named them with their capacities in mind e.g. the sailcloth 180 accommodates up to 180 guests, the sailcloth 240 accommodates up to 240 guests and the sailcloth 300 accommodates up to 300 guests. Whatever your numbers are, we are able to create a bespoke quote for you to ensure you have the right size structure for your event.

8. Can we open and close the sides ourselves?

The simple answer to this is no. Opening and closing the tipi sides involves repegging and strapping which should you not do this correctly might be dangerous for your guests. However in our experience, throughout the summer months customers tend to have the sides up even if it rains. The only question is how big you would like the opening to be, which will be dependant on the weather forecast. Our crew chief will discuss your options and advise you on the set up day. The final decision however is yours and the opening however small or large has to remain like that for the duration.

9. Do you offer a hard floor?

No. The fact that tipi set ups vary so massively means that to put down hard flooring we would need to cut the wood fresh for every event. This would be really expensive for our customers, but even more important is that we are a carbon neutral company who genuinely care about the environment and the waste would be against our company and personal ethos.

10. What’s the difference between Tentipi™ Nordic Tipis and English made Tipis?

The key difference between the two types of tipis is that the Nordic TENTIPI™ manufactured ones are authentic. Designed and crafted in Sweden, with their roots solidly in the culture of the Sami people, these amazing structures are designed to deal with metres of snow and need no weatherproofing. The English tipis, produced many years later, are a copy of the authentic design usually using Scottish wood and a different type of canvas. For information about the difference this canvas could have to your celebration watch the canvas comparison video on the Origins of Our Tents page. But it isn’t just the fabric that makes a difference to us, the authentic tipis from Tentipi are truly special.

11. Can you customise the floorplan for my set up?

Yes. We start with the basis of the package you have chosen, but then we tailor to perfectly for your event.

12. Can we see the tipis before we book?

Yes – there are opportunities throughout the year to see the tipis and the sailcloth tent dressed to impress. We normally hold 3 open weekends throughout the year each at one of our Dream venues. Check out our open days page to find out more.

13. Do I need to take out event insurance?

When you book an outdoor event especially a wedding you are probably spending a lot of money. So our advice is to insure your event just in case something happens which means you need to cancel or postpone it. Just make sure you choose a reputable insurance company and check the terms and conditions to make sure you are getting the cover you need. (E.g. if you want a fire pit in the tents make sure that the insurance allows for that.)

14. Do I need to get a temporary events license for my outdoor event?

Events only need licensing if “licensable activities” are taking place, these include: a performance of live music, any playing of recorded music but also only if you are selling tickets for entry, or selling alcohol. Many bar providers will have their own licence but always check with them and the venue owner to be certain. If you DO need a license these can be bought from your local council for around £20.

15. What makes Elite Tents different?

Our tents are all Tentipi™ made authentic Nordic Tipis. We have an office team whose mission it is to help make your special celebration memorable for all of the right reasons. We have a highly trained onsite team, inspected by MUTA (the industry standards executive for marquees and tipis), we CAT scan when ground is unknown, we have contingency of everything needed on a job (affectionally known as the get out of poo box 😂) plus spare staff on hand, a call out service for your event and even spare tents and vehicles. Our experience and dedication means that we have never failed to deliver nor will we. And because we know that, we offer a watertight guarantee – if we don’t deliver your tipi in time for your event we will fully refund you AND give you £10,000.