Tent Sizes for Pittsburgh Graduation and Backyard Parties
Short answer: For most grad parties, a 20×40 frame tent suits just under 100 guests. A 20×20 seats about 48, and a 20×30 seats about 72. The real question isn’t only the tent. It’s whether your yard has the room, because we need 10 feet of extra space on every side.
We’re Sunshine Party & Event Rental, a family-owned company in East Liverpool, Ohio. We deliver and set up tents across Pittsburgh, Beaver County and Weirton, WV, inside a 60-mile radius. Here’s how to plan a graduation or backyard party around the tent.
Start with your guest count
Our tents are West Coast frame tents. Here’s the quick guide:
- 10×20: small gatherings, about 24 guests seated
- 20×20: about 48 guests
- 20×30: about 72 guests
- 20×40: about 96 guests, a good fit for a grad party just under 100 people
Those numbers come from our tent packages. Want the full breakdown by layout, from sit-down dinners to cocktail parties? See our tent seating charts.
A few grad party tips:
- Count your tent, not just your guests. Grad parties tend to run long, with people coming and going. Plan for the guests who’ll sit at the same time, not the whole guest list.
- Leave room to walk. A food table, a gift table and a photo board all take floor space.
- Between sizes? Go up. A little extra room beats a crowded tent.
Not sure which one fits? Look at the 20×40 frame tent, the 20×30 or the 20×20. Our whole lineup is on the tents, tables and chairs page.
Will it fit in your yard?
This is where most backyard plans change. We need 10 feet of extra space on all sides of the tent. That means the open ground you need is bigger than the tent:
| Tent | Open space to plan for (tent + 10 ft each side) |
|---|---|
| 10×20 | about 30 x 40 ft |
| 20×20 | about 40 x 40 ft |
| 20×30 | about 40 x 50 ft |
| 20×40 | about 40 x 60 ft |
The table is simple math: add 20 feet to each side of the tent size. Then walk your yard with a tape measure.
Our crew also needs a few things from you:
- Flat ground. The tent site needs to be flat, with no holes. Tell us about the yard when you book if you’re unsure.
- A clear spot. Move toys, lawn furniture, branches and anything else in the way before we arrive. Please don’t plan on us moving it.
- Marked corners. Mark the tent corners with stakes, sticks or spray paint.
- Utility check. Call 811 so underground lines are marked, and shut off sprinklers before delivery.
Your tent can’t go right up against a house, garage or barn unless we’ve arranged it ahead of time. Tell us about the site and access on your quote, including any tight spots, steps or a long carry.
Grass or driveway?
Grass is easiest. We stake the tent into the ground. Grass setup has no extra fee.
On asphalt or other hard surfaces like a driveway, patio or parking lot, tents are held with concrete weights. Hard surfaces carry an extra charge for ballast, shown on your quote. Tell us the surface when you ask for your quote.
When the tent arrives
Tents are delivery only. We bring it, set it up and take it down. We confirm delivery and pickup times when you book.
Before pickup, clear food, decorations and trash out of the tent and stack the chairs on the tables.
What else to book
The tent is the center of the party, so build around it:
- Tables and chairs. Our table and chair rentals cover the seating. Round tables can replace rectangular ones, so choose what you like for your layout.
- Linens. See our linen rentals to match your school colors.
- Sidewalls. Windy or rainy day? Sidewalls are listed on the tent pages.
- Something for the kids. A bounce house or slide combo keeps the younger cousins busy. An adult 18 or older needs to supervise whenever an inflatable is up. Not sure which one? Our guide to choosing the right inflatable helps.
- Restrooms. For a bigger crowd, see our portable restrooms and hand washing stations.
Planning your date and the weather
Ask for your quote before the invitations go out.
Weather matters too. Very light rain is usually fine. Inflatables come down at 15 mph sustained wind or 20 mph gusts, and we wait 30 minutes after the last lightning strike. If a storm is coming, call us. Ask us about weather options when you book.
Frequently asked questions
What size tent do I need for 100 people?
A 20×40 frame tent suits just under 100 guests, which is a good size for many grad parties. For a wedding of 100 or more, we recommend a 40×60 frame tent so you have room for a head table.
Do I need an adult at my party if I rent an inflatable?
Yes. An adult 18 or older has to supervise whenever an inflatable is up.
Can you set up a tent on my driveway?
Yes. Tents are held with concrete weights on hard surfaces. Hard surfaces carry an extra charge for ballast, shown on your quote. Tell us the surface when you ask for a quote.
Is there an extra fee to set up on grass?
No. Grass setup has no extra fee.
Can I pick up a tent myself?
No. Tents are delivery only. We set them up and take them down.
Do you deliver to Pittsburgh and Beaver County?
Yes. We deliver to Pittsburgh, Beaver County and Weirton, WV, inside a 60-mile radius of East Liverpool, Ohio. If your event is more than 60 miles away, call for a quote.
Ready to plan your party?
Send your date, address and guest count on our free quote form, or visit the Sunshine Party & Event Rental home page. We’ll help you pick the right size.