Who better to help you plan your tented event than the experts! Whether it’s a clear top tent for a small private event or a large gala underneath a glass conservatory tent, we have the experience to guide you in the right direction. So to help you, we sat down with our Sales Team and asked them to answer some of your most common questions.
What’s the most underrated upgrade or add-on that makes a big impact on the event?
“A sundeck with cable rail or acrylic railing is one of the most underrated upgrades we offer. It instantly elevates both the look and the guest experience. Visually, it creates a clean, polished, almost venue-like feel, and functionally, it provides a dedicated space for guests to step outside, take in the views, or enjoy moments like sunset cocktails or fireworks. It naturally encourages flow and gives the event a little extra “wow” factor without needing a huge footprint,” – Maddie Lesko, Jr. Sales Associate & Project Manager
Entry ways! Whether it be a simple Sperry arch or a grand staircase up to a sundeck, entry ways make a bold statement as you’re walking up to a wedding/event. Another underrated add on is our selection of railing. Our railings are often considered with safety in mind first, but to me they are an architectural statement piece that elevates the look of a tent, it defines the space and adds visual interest. We have different options depending on the aesthetic of the event and landscape and our PMs are always happy to include railing as a visual statement piece,” – Kacie Finch, Director of Sales
What’s a common misconception clients have about tent sizes, layouts, or rentals?
“There are two big misconceptions we see often. The first is that a tented event is automatically more cost-effective than booking a traditional venue. In reality, with a tent, you’re essentially building your own venue from the ground up. While it gives you incredible flexibility and allows you to fully customize the space to match your vision, it also means bringing in multiple vendors to create that environment — like caterers, florists, planners or production teams, drapery specialists, lighting specialists, and more — which can add to the overall investment.
The second misconception is that Sperry Sailcloth Tents are our most expensive option. They’re often one of the most cost-effective options, sometimes even more so than a standard white frame tent. Clients are often surprised to learn they can get that beautiful, elevated look while still being budget conscious,” – Maddie Lesko, Jr. Sales Associate & Project Manager
“It’s a common misconception that we can simply send over pricing. Each GTC event is custom tailored to the event needs, property and location. Before we even set foot on the property, there are hours of work done before a ballpark quote can be sent. We’re visually assessing dimensions and topography, calculating shipping distances and labor costs and keeping the clients requests and style in mind. Every detail is considered by our sales team to provide the most complete quote possible, the first time. We don’t like to spring surprise price hikes onto our customers, so we like to get the details right from the initial inquiry,” – Kacie Finch, Director of Sales
What’s the one question that can make or break a tented event, and why is it so imperative?
“How are we planning to handle weather?”
“Having a clear contingency plan for rain or extreme heat or cold is essential. It impacts everything — tent style, sidewalls, flooring, heating or cooling, power needs, and sometimes additional equipment or even a contingency plan tent for the ceremony. For example, if the ceremony is planned outdoors while the reception is under a tent, it’s imperative to have a tented contingency plan in place for the ceremony so the day can transition seamlessly if weather changes. Thinking through this early allows us to plan properly, protect the guest experience, and provide the most accurate logistics and pricing from the start,” – Maddie Lesko, Jr. Sales Associate & Project Manager
What separates a good inquiry from a great one, and what details matter most when making a first impression?
“The best inquiries include clear, foundational details upfront — date, timing, guest count, location, and a general sense of budget and vision. Our pricing can vary significantly depending on tent style, layout, site conditions, time of year, and overall scope, so having that information allows us to create a much more tailored and accurate quote from the beginning. When clients share both their vision and their budget, it helps us align the two and guide them toward solutions that make the biggest impact within their goals,” – Maddie Lesko, Jr. Sales Associate & Project Manager
“We geek out when our clients bring us inspo photos. Tell us what you want the event to feel like – we’ll help you figure out what fits and make recommendations to make sure the vibes fit your aesthetic and budget. It’s much harder to see your vision when we’re quoting all tent styles with all flooring options,” – Kacie Finch, Director of Sales
Did we miss any of your burning questions? Ready to jump in and start planning? Contact us today!
Images by: Heather Waraksa, Kylee Yee, Leila Brewster and Sophie Kaye
