Stretch tent hire is the choice when you want shade and shelter without closing your guests in. The stretch (or Bedouin) fabric is pulled tight between poles and pegs, so the tent can curve round a tree, step down a slope or wrap a pool deck. It suits weddings, garden parties and braais where the view matters. Tell us the guest count, the site and the date, and we pass your request to independent tent firms near you. They quote you directly. The request is free, with no obligation.
What a stretch tent is
A stretch tent is a single sheet of strong, stretchy fabric, usually in white, sand, mocha or charcoal, raised on poles and tensioned with straps and pegs. There is no fixed frame, so the crew can shape it to the site: high peaks over a dance floor, low edges for shade, one side lifted for the view. Sizes are described by the fabric size, such as 10 x 15 m, and the usable floor is smaller once it is tensioned. Unlike a frame tent, it is open-sided by design.
Sizing a stretch tent from your guests
Use the same rough floor space per guest as any tent: about 1.2 to 1.5 m² seated at rounds, 1 m² at long tables, 0.6 to 0.9 m² standing at a cocktail party. Because the edges slope down, the area under full head height is less than the fabric size, so give the firm your guest count and layout rather than a tent size. Add space for the bar, a buffet and lounge furniture, which suit stretch tents well.
Ground, wind and weather
Stretch tents are pegged, so they need ground the pegs can hold: lawn, soil or sand. On paving or a deck, ask whether the firm can use weights or anchors. Tell them about irrigation, cables and pipes. The fabric sheds light rain, but the open sides let in wind and sideways rain, so ask about fitting side panels or dropping one edge low on the weather side. In the Cape south-easter or a Highveld storm, wind is the main risk; ask how they handle it on the day.
What affects stretch tent prices
Fabric size and colour, the number of tents, poles and access, flooring, lighting, and travel distance. A site visit is common for tricky sites. Many firms add tables and chairs to the quote. Ask when the crew pitches and strikes, and what happens if the wind is too strong.
What to include in your request
- Number of guests and the layout
- The ground: lawn, sand, paving or deck
- Space available, trees and slopes
- Fabric colour you prefer
- Flooring, lighting and side panels
Stretch Tent Hire for different events
- Families and home celebrations: a stretch tent over the garden for a 21st, a milestone birthday or a big braai
- Weddings and engagements: a curved stretch tent over the reception with one side open to the view
- Funerals, memorials and unveilings: shade over a memorial gathering or an unveiling where the family wants open sides
- Companies, conferences and functions: a stretch tent for a product launch, a sundowner or a team day on a lawn
- Churches and faith gatherings: open shade for an outdoor church service, a baptism or a festival meal
- Schools, colleges and universities: shade for a matric farewell photo area, a fundraiser or a sports day
- Municipalities, clubs and communities: a shaded area at a festival, a market or a community celebration
- Venues, caterers, decorators and planners: stretch tents for wedding venues and planners who need extra covered space
Frequently asked questions
What do stretch tent hire prices depend on?
What size stretch tent do I need for 80 guests?
Can a stretch tent go on paving or a deck?
Is a stretch tent good in the rain?
Stretch Tent Hire by province and city
- Johannesburg
- Pretoria
- Centurion
- Midrand
- Sandton
- Randburg
- Roodepoort
- Krugersdorp
- Randfontein
- Germiston
- Boksburg
- Benoni
- Kempton Park
- Alberton
- Vanderbijlpark
- Vereeniging
- Durban
- Pinetown
- Pietermaritzburg
- Richards Bay
- Newcastle
- Ladysmith
- Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)
- East London
- Kariega (Uitenhage)
- Mthatha
- Cape Town
- Bellville
- Paarl
- Stellenbosch
- George
- Worcester
- eMalahleni (Witbank)
- Middelburg
- Secunda
- Mbombela (Nelspruit)
- Rustenburg
- Brits
- Klerksdorp
- Potchefstroom
- Mahikeng
- Polokwane
- Tzaneen
- Kimberley
- Upington
- Bloemfontein
- Welkom
- Sasolburg