Frequently Asked Questions

Step 1. Quote

We will provide a no obligation quotation for your specification. If you are unsure of your specification, we can arrange a site visit first.

Step 2. Site Visit

A site visit will enable us to measure up, discuss access, make sure everything is safe, hopefully have a cuppa, discuss plans and ideas in detail, and make any amendments to your specifications.

Step 3. Booking Confirmation

We will ask for a deposit as booking confirmation for your event date.

Step 4. The Build (the exciting bit)

We will meet you on site and re-confirm the layout and position.

Step 5. Handover

When we have completed the build, we will show you how everything works.

Step 6. Customer Service

We will be available 24/7 via telephone. Alternatively, you can arrange to have a member of our team on site for the duration of your event.

Step 7. Takedown & Aftercare

We will dismantle the equipment following the event and ensure we leave your site spick and span.

Do we provide furnishings and Lighting?

Yes of course! We have a full range of furniture, from our hand-crafted rustic tables and benches through to indoor fire pits and bars. We also have a selection of different lighting options for both inside and outside our tents and Marquees. All our furniture, furnishings and lighting options can be found in our brochure.

Can we help you with your furniture layout inside our tents?

Definitely, once you have decided to book your marquee with us, we send you through our custom made floor planning tool, we work really closely with you throughout the whole process from the initial enquiry through to laying out all of your furniture for you on the day that we build.

What flooring do we use?

We use corn coloured fibre matting, called Dandy Dura. This is laid over a protective membrane, tensioned in sections throughout the tipis meaning that there are no loose parts for anyone to trip over, it is also high heel friendly. We can also provide hard flooring.

Can I view your tents before my event?

Yes! You are more than welcome to come and visit us and any of our tents. If you would like to contact us, we can keep you up to date on when we are next in your local area.

How long is the hire period for?

Our hire period is 48 hours, however, we normally install your tent a day or two before your event and then take it down a day or two after, so you get a few days extra on us!

How do I make my booking?

Once you have booked with us by paying the 25% deposit, we will send over our handy floor planning tool, and arrange a site meeting at your convenience so I can take you through everything in detail. All the Furnishings on your Quotation can be amended up to two weeks before the big day (subject to availability), so we have plenty of time to sort out lighting and other products you may like from our range.

When do I pay the final balance?

We ask for the final balance 2 weeks prior to the big event!

Can I make changes to my booking after I have paid my deposit?

Of course! You can make any changes to your furniture and furnishings up to two weeks before the big day. (Subject to availability, T&C’s apply)

What areas do we cover?

We go anywhere throughout England and Europe.

Where are we based?

Our store is Located in Truro, Cornwall.

What should I consider when choosing a site or venue?

Does your prospective site have good access for 4×4 vehicles? How exposed is the site? Is there a backup site available? Is the ground well drained? Is the ground level? Does the site have provision of services e.g. lavatories, water, and power? If you are at all unsure about your site, please get in touch. We are more than happy to carry out a free, no obligation site visit if there are any concerns.

How much space do I need?

Our Sailcloth Marquees come in a range of sizes from 20ft through to 90ft. Our tipis measure 10.3m with the sides down, however, depending on how many tipis you require and the layout. More information on measurements can be found in our sample floor plans.

Can the tents be set up on uneven or sloping ground?

Gentle slopes or uneven ground is no problem, however for your own comfort we do recommend finding the flattest and most even part of the field.

Can we have the tents on hard standing?

YES YOU CAN! We are the only company in the UK with the approved Tentipi Ballast weighting system, which means that we can install our tipis onto hard standing without the need for drilling into the ground.

Can we suggest a venue or other suppliers?

Most definitely, we have a full list of venue and suppliers on our “Fellow Folk” & “Venues” pages.

When do we build and take down?

Our build and take down dates are done on a first come first serve basis, however, due to the fact that we are dependant on ye old weather, we are in close communication with you in the lead up to your event.

Do I need event insurance?

We highly recommend to all our clients and potential customers that you purchase your own event insurance. This will cover you for accidental damage or the loss of our equipment, cancellation or injury to your guests and a whole lot more, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us for more info.

What is the Damage Waiver?

This is a quick easy way for you to cover loss or damage to our equipment without having to pay a premium in your own insurance, more information on this can be found in our Terms and Conditions.

Does having the Damage waiver mean I don’t need insurance?

Unfortunately not. Our damage waiver only covers loss or accidental damage to our equipment.

How many Tipis or what size Marquee will I need?

The Size of your tent or the number of Tipis that you will require depends on the number of guests that you will be having for your event. We can either talk this through with you on the phone, or you can find more information in our sample floor plans.

Can I decorate the tents?

Of course you can! We always aim to leave everyone with enough time after we have finished building for them for you to come in and add your own personal touch to the space. All that we ask is that you refrain from fixing anything to the actual material of the tents.

Can we provide power and loos for your event?

Yes we can, we have a comprehensive list of third party suppliers that we work with closely on a very regular basis. We can take care of booking these amenities in for you for a small admin fee so that you don’t need to worry about them, we arrange for them to turn up on the same day as us so that everything can be installed and signed off at the same time making everybody’s lives as stress free as possible. Essentially clockwork.

Do we provide a space for your caterers?

Our 6x6m Pagoda Marquees make for the perfect catering space, these come with matting, power and lighting and are even joined onto the main tent so that your caterers do not need to keep going outside with your food. We even colour match your catering tent to the main structure for the best aesthetics possible.

Can we heat your tents and do you need heating in the summer?

We do recommend at least one form of heating even in the summer as it can get chilly in the evening and early hours of the morning. Whether you use our indoor Tipi fire pits our direct diesel heaters is your choice.

Do I need a member of staff present on site throughout my event?

Not at all, we always have one member of staff on call throughout the duration of your event in case of any problems. We can offer a member of staff on site as an added extra.

What happens if the weather is really bad?

If it does look like there are going to be high winds for the time of your event or during the time that we are planning the build, we will discuss with you the best time for us to come out and build your tents. We always recommend having a backup location if your event is to be held in an exposed area such as on a cliff top or in an area prone to becoming waterlogged.

Are our Marquees and tents suitable for Winter events?

Very much so, they are really cosy when combined with our indoor fireplaces and space heaters. We can also add on our clear tipi window extensions to shut out the cold winter weather if you are using our Giant Hat Nordic Tipis or our Sailcloth Marquees come with windows and walls as standard.

Can we open and close the entrances of our Tipis and Sailcloth Marquees?

Our Sailcloth Walls and windows can all be opened and shut really easily depending on the weather. Unfortunately the tipi sides can’t be changed, however, our on-site crew will assess with you what will be best to be opened with the weather that is forecast for the duration of your event. We do however have our Tipi Windows and Extensions which are a brilliant add on for closing out bad weather.

How much does it cost to rent a tipi?

Prices to hire a Tipi start from £1,331.67 plus VAT. Sailcloth Tents / Marquee Hire prices start from £299.17 + VAT.

What is the ideal location for a tipi?

The ideal location for a Tipi or Sailcloth Tent is a nice flat grassed area with easy access and good drainage. Gentle slopes or uneven ground is no problem, however for your own comfort we do recommend finding the flattest and most even part of the field. We can now build your Tipis on hard standing terrain without driving in tent pegs. We are the only company in the UK and Cornwall with the approved Tentipi Ballast weighting system, which means that we can install our tipis onto hard standing without the need for drilling into the ground.

What sizes do tipis come in?

Our tipis measure 10.3m (34ft) in diameter with the sides down and 13m (42ft) with the sides up in diameter. Multiple interlinked tipi dimensions can be found in our sample floor plan brochure. Our Sailcloth Marquees come in a range of sizes from 6m (20ft) through to 28m (90ft).

What are the advantages of a tipi over a venue?

The advantages of a Tipi and Sailcloth Tent venue is the flexibility and creativity you gain over a venue. A Tipi and Sailcloth Tent field-based event often takes away the worry of neighbours and noise levels. Although you’ll still need to check the noise level requirements for your chosen location. A Tipi and Sailcloth field event gives you space, exclusivity, and flexibility over a venue. It also gives you the ability to plan a logical flow for your event over a venue. Often, the more traditional venues are limited by the confines of brick walls and the architects overall design, not to mention the 11pm curfew, shh. That is where a Tipi or Sailcloth Tent in a field comes into its own! You are not limited by someone else’s idea of logical flow either, this provides a blank canvas for you to create the space and flow that suits you. Looking for an event venue can be both daunting and frustrating! Half the time, the amount of space you need is cancelled out by the huge price tag, as is the exclusivity. Then you worry about the practicality of the location – where guest can park and where to put those who want to stay over. And that is before you even start worrying about neighbours and noise levels! When it comes to organising an event, the right venue is a critical part of the process. A field-based event with Tipis and Sailcloth Tents gives you a social and intimate one. The beauty of a field-based event is versatility. You can create one big structure for your social event, whilst also having space for breakout areas, eating and dancing. Alternatively, you can create several smaller intimate areas, perfect if you’re looking to separate out the different spaces. And let’s not forget your guests: overnight accommodation can easily be catered for, by creating your own little bell-tent village (bell-tents can be hired from our recommended supplier – Bella Kernow). An event that is truly enjoyed by everyone present is, in our eyes, the definition of a perfect event. When it comes to unconventional venues, a field may not naturally be your first choice but, once you realise the benefits, it really should be your main choice!

What is a wedding tipi?

A tipi wedding is when you have your wedding reception under one or multiple interlinked tipis. A Tipi wedding is essentially a very very good thing indeed.

What is the best location for a tipi wedding?

The best location for a Tipi wedding is one that is special to you. Ideally a flat field with good drainage.

Can you get married in a tipi?

Yes you can get married in a Tipi. We have lots of options for this including a naked Tipi!

How do you decorate a wedding tipi?

You can decorate your wedding Tipi by adding flowers, bunting and decorative lighting inside and out. The possibilities are endless. Please get in touch to let us know your ideas.

How do you plan a tipi for a wedding?

The best way to plan for a tipi wedding is by contacting us. We will help you every step of the way. Wedding planners are always a good idea too: Jenny Wren and Fern Godfrey are both excellent Wedding planners.

How does catering work in a tipi?

Catering works in a tipi by adding an additional catering tent to your tipi. We have custom 6m x 6m pagodas made from tipi canvas with an interlinking tunnel to your tipi.

Do you supply flooring?

In a word… Yes, we do supply flooring. As standard we use a corn coloured fibre matting called Dandy Dura. This is laid over a protective membrane, tensioned in sections throughout the marquees; meaning there are no loose parts, reducing the risk of tripping over. Our matting is also high heel friendly! We can also provide hard flooring.

Can you provide electricity? Yes we provide electricity for your event. From power distribution inside and around your Tipi and Sailcloth Tent to inside power sockets for caterers, bands, and photographers. All our electrical equipment is PAT tested. We can even hire a generator in for you. We have a comprehensive list of third-party suppliers that we work with closely on a very regular basis. We can take care of booking these amenities in for you for a small admin fee so that you don’t need to worry about them, we arrange for them to turn up on the same day as us so that everything can be installed and signed off at the same time making everybody’s lives as stress free as possible. Clockwork!

Can you provide heaters?

Yes, we provide heaters, in a few forms -indoor Tipi open fireplaces or thermostatically controlled space heaters. We do recommend at least one form of heating even in the summer as it can get chilly in the evening and the naughty early hours of the morning. Tipis and Sailcloth Tents are even great in the winter, they are cosy when combined with our indoor fire pits or space heaters. We can also add on our clear tipi window extensions to shut out the cold winter weather if you are using our Giant Hat Nordic Tipis. Our Sailcloth Tents come with windows and walls as standard.

Do you supply furniture?

Yes, we do supply furniture. We have a full range of furniture, from our hand-crafted rustic tables and benches through to indoor fireplaces and bar units. We also have a selection of different lighting options for both inside and outside our tents and marquees. All our furniture & furnishings can be found in our brochure.

What about lighting?

We can provide lighting for your event, with a wide selection of different lighting options for both inside and outside your Tipi tents and marquees. From long strings of festoon lighting to powerful spotlights we have everything you need to make sure your event carries on into the night. All our lighting options have a very high-quality light temperature for a warm and photogenic finish.

Do you offer insurance?

Yes, we do offer insurance, however we highly recommend to all our customers that you purchase your own event insurance. This will cover you for accidental damage or the loss of our equipment, cancellation or injury to your guests and a whole lot more, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us for more info.