How to Choose the Right Tent for Your Event
​
Stretch tent or marquee? Yurt or bell tent? Here’s how to pick the perfect structure for your celebration.
​
Planning an outdoor event is full of exciting decisions — and one of the biggest is choosing the right kind of tent. The structure you choose sets the tone, frames the layout, and shapes the experience for your guests. But with so many beautiful options out there, where do you start?
​
At Delightfully Lavish, we offer a curated range of handmade Indian marquees, South African stretch tents, yurts, and bell tents — each with its own character, layout advantages, and ideal uses. In this guide, we break down the key differences to help you choose the right tent for your event style, guest count, and space.
Indian Marquees: Classic Elegance with Cultural Charm
​
These beautiful, handcrafted tents are rich in detail and steeped in history. Made with block-printed cotton linings, teak or bamboo poles, and decorative trim, our Indian marquees are available in a variety of sizes and configurations — from the intimate Raj to the showstopping Sultan.
​
Best for:
-
Weddings, especially those with a boho, cultural or vintage aesthetic
-
Formal dinners, ceremonies, and VIP events
-
Styling with ornate furniture, floor cushions, and warm lighting​
Strengths:
-
Stunning interiors and soft draping
-
Traditional structure with visual impact
-
Works beautifully with finishing touches like Indian ornaments and festoon lighting
Stretch Tents: Sleek, Flexible and Modern
​
With flowing lines and open sides, stretch tents offer a contemporary, sculptural feel that adapts easily to different landscapes. These are great for more casual or creative events and can be set up in a range of shapes and configurations — even on uneven ground.​​​
Best for:
-
Corporate events, summer parties, brand activations
-
Garden parties or receptions with a modern twist
-
Adding an informal or festival-style vibe
Strengths:
-
Modular and flexible for tricky or compact spaces
-
Available in bold colours or classic white
-
Works well with modern furniture and atmospheric lighting
Bell Tents: Simple, Stylish, and Super Versatile
​
Bell tents are a favourite for guest accommodation, glamping villages, and sleepover parties. They’re quick to pitch, easy to scale, and look great in groups. We offer ten beautifully maintained bell tents, all available with soft furnishings and hire extras.
Best for:
-
Wedding glamping villages
-
Garden parties, hen/stag weekends, or kids' sleepovers
-
Flexible layouts for camping or lounging
Strengths:
-
Light, airy, and low-maintenance
-
Easy to personalise with furniture and accessories
-
A charming addition to any marquee or festival setup
Yurts: Warm, Round, and Wonderfully Cosy
​
Our yurts are spacious, circular tents that create a calm and welcoming atmosphere. With high ceilings and a timber frame, they feel both rustic and luxurious — ideal for overnight glamping or relaxed indoor spaces within larger events.
Best for:
-
Luxury glamping and overnight accommodation
-
Chillout lounges, dressing rooms, or breakout spaces
-
Festivals, retreats, or intimate gatherings
Strengths:
-
Comfortable and insulated
-
Stylishly furnished interiors with optional bedding and decor
-
Easy to mix and match with bell tents or stretch tents
Still Not Sure? We Can Help.
​
Choosing the right structure is about more than aesthetics — it’s about understanding the space, flow, and feel of your event. We’re always happy to chat through your options and help design a layout that works beautifully from both a visual and practical perspective.
Explore our full range of marquees & tents, discover our finishing touches, or get in touch with your guest numbers, venue ideas, and vision — we’ll help you make it happen.
