Frequently asked questions.
ARE TIPIS WEATHER PROOF?
Yes, tipis are very durable and made from a strong canvas. We have premium flooring to ensure your feet stay dry and work with you to determine the best setup to ensure your guests are kept warm and dry.
how early should i book my tipi?
We are getting enquiries throughout the next two summer seasons so recommend booking as soon as possible to secure your date.
should i book a marquee or tipi?
We love the look of a tipi to create a unique experience. In our experience, tipis provide more of a wow factor for your guests and create a unique backdrop. Tipis are very durable and can be easily decorated with options for hanging installations from the beams.
where can i SET UP my tipi?
If you have a private venue with space, get in touch and we can organise a site visit to confirm suitability for tipis. We have a list of location partners around Canterbury here.
Why should I book flooring?
While we can hope for the best weather, this is the only thing out of our control. Our sturdy flooring is almost compulsory for all our bookings to ensure your guests get the best experience. Here’s an example of what can happen: https://www.news24.com/life/relationships/weddings/bride-and-bridesmaids-dance-in-mud-after-sudden-rainfall-at-outdoor-wedding-reception-20201101
Do you organise custom floor plans and layouts?
We don’t provide floor plans that are customised to each event. We do have our floor plans and specs on our tipi setup page for you to download and use as your base for your seating chart.
You will need to keep in mind the dots on the floor plans are the tipi pillars, so you will need to keep seating away from these areas. Tables need to be set away from the canvas as the sides slope down diagonally.
We will also ask that you provide us with images of your venue and an indication of where you would like your tipi setup. We will then organise a site visit to confirm this with you and take into consideration weather conditions.
What size tipi should I book?
We always recommend going for extra room to maximise space and ensure a great experience for your guests. We would recommend a single tipi setup for a standing event or for seating up to 50 people if you don’t want a dancefloor or breakout area. A double tipi setup would be for around 80 people seated, with minimal room for a dancefloor. A triple tipi setup is our recommendation for around 100 people seated, with room for a dancefloor. A quad tipi setup is our recommendation for over 100 people with seating up to 150 and a dancefloor. Speak to us about your requirements.
Why book my tipi setup & catering together?
As we are part of Food by Fire, we can provide your tipi setup and catering all in one place. We recommend this so that it makes it easier for you - with one point of contact and it ensures that the setup & catering work together for setup and a smooth event.
Do you organise furniture?
While we have lighting and firepits available for hire directly from us, we don’t organise furniture hire on clients’ behalf. However, we work with Long Acre Hire who provides Element Tipi clients with a discount by using the code “ELEMENT TIPIS”. Their style definitely works best with the Element Tipi look.
HOW SHOULD I STYLE MY TIPI?
For inspiration, check out our previous tipi weddings on our media page here.