How to Choose a Bell Tent Hire Supplier for a Wedding or Event
I'm Sarah, founder of Ysella Glamping in Cornwall, and I've spent the last ten years pitching, fixing, packing away and (occasionally) rescuing bell tents in all weathers. Our rental fleet has grown to more than 50 tents, and I'm usually the person who answers your enquiries, so I've heard just about every question there is about hiring them.
Over that time we've pitched and maintained almost every bell tent brand, fabric and size on the UK market. We've also taken a close look at other bell tent hire companies across the UK event scene: what they offer, how they set up, and how they treat their customers. I'm not telling you this to boast. It's because it means I can say what most suppliers won't.
So here's an honest guide to choosing a bell tent hire supplier for your wedding, party, corporate retreat, glamping site or festival. It covers the details that decide whether your guests have a magical stay or a miserable one, and the things first-time hirers almost always overlook. Grab a cuppa; it's a long one, but it could save you a lot of money and stress.
In a hurry? Skip to the quick checklist near the end, featuring a list of suggested Bell Tent hire suppliers by region.
Step 1: Work Out Your Tent Numbers (and Choose a Supplier With 5m Models)
Start with your guest list and work out how many tents you need. Then look closely at tent size, because it makes more difference than almost anything else.
I'd always choose a supplier that stocks 5-metre bell tents. A 5m tent comfortably sleeps up to five, but even with two or three people inside, the extra metre of diameter over a standard 4m tent changes everything. Guests can move around, get dressed and get out of bed at night without climbing over their partner. It turns a cramped camping setup into a proper glamping treat.
Even better, find a company that hires out only 5m tents. Booking is then simple: you tell them how many tents you need, and you don't have to juggle mixed sizes, patchy availability or couples' tents selling out. It also avoids "tent envy" on arrival, because every guest gets exactly the same spacious space.
Cornish suppliers offering exclusively 5m bell tents: Ysella Glamping and Pitch 'n Go.
My tip: Decide up front who will share. Families, couples and groups of friends all use space differently, so give your supplier a rough breakdown and ask them to confirm sleeping capacity in writing.
Step 2: Check the Bell Tent Fabric (and Why It Matters)
Are your bell tents waterproof? It's the question I'm asked most, and it's the right one to ask any supplier. The answer depends on the fabric.
We've pitched and looked after everything on the market, from Oxford polyester and 100% cotton canvas to polycotton blends. The "best" fabric does depend on where you're pitching, how long for and what time of year. But for the unpredictable British climate, 285gsm polycotton is the sweet spot for me. It's well waterproofed and also breathable, so it copes with a heavy downpour without trapping condensation inside. That matters when a tent full of wedding guests is breathing out moisture all night. It also looks gorgeous in photos, with that classic canvas feel.
Fabrics to be wary of
Oxford (100% synthetic): I'd steer clear of hire companies using it. It traps heat and moisture, it can smell of plastic, and it holds creases that look cheap on camera.
100% pure cotton: Traditional and breathable, but prone to mould and mildew staining. If a rental company doesn't re-proof it between seasons, rain can eventually come straight through.
Questions to ask your supplier
What fabric and weight (gsm) are your tents?
How often do you clean, re-proof and inspect them?
What happens if a tent leaks during my event?
Step 3: Check the Furnishings, Bedding and Lighting
Once you've narrowed your shortlist by tent size and fabric, look at what's inside. A great supplier delivers a complete, hassle-free setup. Glamping is meant to be a treat, and nobody wants to haul sleeping bags and camping kit across the country alongside their wedding outfit.
Look for fully furnished tents with proper beds, crisp linen and cosy bedding, so guests can arrive, unpack and relax. Lighting matters just as much. Ask what's provided inside each tent and around the site, because a beautiful tent is hard to find at midnight in a dark field. Tent suppliers offer reflective guy ropes on their tent models are handy for remote camping with no lighting!
Step 4: Beds: Why I'd Avoid Airbeds
In my experience, the best decision you can make for guest comfort is a supplier that provides raised, metal-framed beds with real mattresses. Airbeds bring the classic problems: slow leaks, cold floors and a guest who wakes at 3am on the ground. Raised beds mean guests sleep warm and well.
Real mattresses do cost a little more to deliver and set up in a field, so expect to see that reflected on the invoice. Having seen the alternative many times, I think well-rested guests are worth every penny.
Looking for a Cornish supplier that skips airbeds entirely? Ysella Glamping equips every tent with proper raised beds and real mattresses.
Step 5: Confirm Every Inclusion and Watch for Hidden Fees
Before you commit, check exactly what your quote includes.
Confirm the exact number of beds provided.
Check whether full bedding and linen is covered. Some suppliers quote a low base rate and add expensive "bedding packs" later.
Ask whether delivery, collection, pitching and dismantling are separate line items.
We keep it simple at Ysella with one clear, all-inclusive price per guest. It covers fully furnished 5m tents, real beds, complete bedding, delivery, setup and strike-down, so there are no surprises on the final invoice.
Red flag: Steer clear of any company that can't give you a fully itemised list of inclusions before you book.
Step 6: Ask About the Weather Plan
This is Britain, so the weather will have an opinion about your event. A good supplier doesn't pretend otherwise. Ask:
What happens if it rains heavily or the wind picks up on the day? A good supplier will add instructions inside the tent for guests to follow to maintain and protect the tent if the weather doesn't play ball.
Is there a cut-off point at which you'd move or reinforce tents, and who makes that call? 45mph is the typical cut off for high winds that can affect the performance of a bell tent.
Step 7: Check Safety, Insurance and Compliance
It's not the exciting bit, but it matters at an event with other people's families sleeping in the tents. Ask for:
Public liability insurance: ask to see a certificate, not just a promise.
Fire safety: What guidance you'll get about candles, heaters and open flames. Venues often have their own rules, so check with yours.
Venue approval: whether they've worked at your venue or will contact the venue about access, ground conditions and any restrictions.
If a supplier gets defensive when you ask for paperwork, move on.
Step 8: Ask Who Pitches Your Tents and When
The people setting up are as important as the tents. Find out:
How long before your event do they arrive, and when is strike-down?
Can you visit the field with them before the day, or at least share photos and a site map?
A site visit or video call to walk through the layout (tent positions, access routes, where the lighting goes) is worth its weight in gold. It's far easier to move a tent on paper than at 4pm the day before your wedding.
Step 9: Look Beyond the Tent: Facilities and Extras
Guests will judge the stay by more than the bed. Check whether the venue can provide, or will coordinate with you on:
Toilets and washing facilities
Lighting and power for pathways, communal areas and the tents themselves
Accessibility, including step-free routes and tents positioned closer to facilities where needed
Ask what's included and what's an add-on, so those costs are in your budget from the start.
Step 10: Read the Reviews and the Small Print
Finally, do some detective work before you pay a deposit.
Reviews: read Google and independent reviews, and look for recent ones that mention weddings or events similar to yours. Pay attention to how the company responds when things went wrong, not just to the five-star ratings.
Real photos: look for photos of actual set-ups, not just styled shoots.
Booking terms: check the deposit, payment schedule, cancellation and postponement policy, and what happens if you need to change guest numbers.
Communication: a quick, clear and friendly reply to your first enquiry usually predicts how they'll behave when you have a question on the big day.
Bell Tent Hire Suppliers by Region
Not getting married in Cornwall? These are bell tent hire companies in other parts of the UK. I haven't hired from them, and not all of them match my own checklist (5m tents, raised beds, polycotton), so use the ten steps above to question each one before you book. Details come from their websites and directory listings and may have changed.
Region | Supplier | Based in | Worth knowing |
South West (Cornwall and Devon) | Bideford, Devon | Serves Devon and Cornwall and covers weddings; a directory listing mentions 5m bell tents with bedding and lights available. | |
South West (Bristol and nationwide) | Bristol | 4m and 5m bell tents, furnished to suit your needs, with weddings and festivals among the events they supply. | |
South East (Sussex, Surrey, Kent) | Near Lewes, East Sussex | Packages from blank canvas to deluxe with real framed beds; honeymoon, pamper and chill-out tents for weddings. | |
South East (Kent to London) | Kent | Covers Kent, Hampshire, Surrey, Berkshire and London; beds come with memory foam toppers and linen as standard. | |
East of England (Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, Cambridgeshire) | Dereham, Norfolk | Bell tents and giant hat tipis, with a long record of weddings; bed details aren't listed, so ask. | |
East and West Midlands | Higham Ferrers, Northamptonshire | Bell tent villages for weddings; a tent-only standard package and a furnished Gold package with bedding. | |
Lincolnshire and nationwide (England, Wales, Scotland) | Hatton, Lincolnshire | 4m and 5m tents, from bare tents to real beds with luxury bedding, plus wedding villages and online guest booking. | |
Scotland and the Borders (UK-wide) | Scottish Borders | Tents up to 8m, a bridal bell, and a personalised page for guests to book. |
Your Bell Tent Hire Checklist
☐ Tent size confirmed (5m preferred) and sleeping numbers agreed
☐ Fabric and weight confirmed (285gsm polycotton ideal)
☐ Raised beds with real mattresses, not airbeds
☐ Bedding, linen and lighting included
☐ Fully itemised quote with delivery, setup and strike-down
☐ Weather plan explained
☐ Public liability insurance
☐ Setup team, timings
☐ Facilities and extras costed
☐ Booking terms understood
Frequently Asked Questions
How many bell tents do I need for my wedding guests? Divide your guest numbers by how many will share each tent. A 5m tent sleeps up to five, but most couples and small groups prefer two to three per tent for comfort. Ask your supplier to confirm capacity in writing.
Are bell tents waterproof? Good ones are. Well-made polycotton tents, properly cared for and re-proofed, handle heavy British rain. Always ask what fabric the supplier uses and how they maintain it.
How far in advance should I book bell tent hire? Book as early as you can once your date and venue are fixed, especially for summer weekends, when the best suppliers fill up first.
What's the difference between 4m and 5m bell tents? The extra metre of diameter gives far more floor space, so guests can move around, get dressed and get out of bed more easily.
What should be included in a bell tent hire quote? Beds, bedding, delivery, setup, strike-down and lighting at the very least. Ask for an itemised list so you can compare quotes fairly.
Final Thoughts From Someone Who Pitches Tents for a Living
Choosing a bell tent supplier is really about trust. The right company gives you comfortable, spacious tents, tells you plainly what's included, and has a calm answer ready for every awkward question. If you ask the ten questions above, you'll quickly see who's serious.
If you're planning a wedding, party, retreat or festival in Cornwall, I'd love to hear about it. Get in touch with Ysella Glamping for a clear, all-inclusive quote, and I'll answer your questions myself.
Sarah, founder of Ysella Glamping
