People Keep Asking If Tent Rentals Include Setup — Here’s the Real Answer

If you’ve started comparing tent rental quotes in Maryland, you’ve probably run into the same frustrating experience: two companies with similar prices, but wildly different answers when you ask whether setup is included. One says yes. One says “installation is extra.” Another charges a separate crew fee. So which is it — and does tent rental include setup or not?

The answer depends entirely on what “setup” actually means, and on the company you’re renting from. At Dreamers Event Rentals, we’ve been installing tents across Maryland for 15+ years — and we hear this question at almost every quote call. So let’s clear it up once and for all.

What “Tent Setup” Actually Means

The confusion around “setup” usually comes from the fact that the word means different things depending on what you’re asking about. When most people ask whether tent rental includes setup, they’re really asking a few separate questions at once:

• Does someone physically install the tent structure?
• Does the company put out tables and chairs?
• Is the dance floor assembled by the rental company?
• Do they hang the lighting?
• Who puts up tent walls?

These are all legitimate questions — and the answers are different for each one. The most important thing to understand is that tent installation (the structural assembly of the tent itself) is almost always handled by the rental company’s crew. Furniture placement is a separate service that may or may not be included depending on your agreement.

Let’s break down each piece so you know exactly what to expect when your delivery day arrives.

Is Tent Installation Included? Yes — Always

At Dreamers Event Rentals, tent installation is always included in your rental price. Every time. No crew fee, no “installation surcharge,” no surprises. Our professional crew arrives on-site, installs the tent structure completely, and handles the full takedown when the event is over.

This applies to every tent style in our inventory — pole tents, frame tents, sailcloth tents, and clear top tents. No matter how large or complex the tent, installation is part of the service.

There’s a practical reason this has to be this way: tent installation isn’t something a homeowner or event planner can safely do independently. These are commercial-grade structures with specific anchoring requirements, tension calculations, and safety standards. For pole tents staked into grass, we also require that you call Miss Utility to mark underground utilities before installation day — we’ll walk you through that process.

When you see a quote from any reputable tent rental company, tent installation should be part of the package. If it’s not — if you’re seeing a separate line item for “crew” or “installation” on top of the tent rental price — that’s worth a conversation before you sign anything.

What Isn’t Automatically Included in a Tent Rental

While tent installation is always included, there are several items that are not automatically part of your rental. Knowing this before your event helps you avoid surprises when the crew arrives — or when you’re reviewing your final order.

Table and Chair Setup

Delivery includes bringing your tables and chairs to the site. The actual placement — setting up each table, unfolding and positioning every chair — is a separate service available for an additional fee. If you want our crew to place everything exactly where you want it, that can be arranged when you book. If you’re comfortable handling setup yourself (or with help from family), you can save that cost and do it your way.

Tent Walls

This one catches a lot of couples and event hosts off guard: tent walls are not included with your tent rental. They’re an add-on. We rent solid white walls, windowed walls, and clear walls — but they need to be added to your order separately. If there’s any chance of rain, wind, or evening chill at your event, walls are worth considering well before your final balance is due.

Pro tip: you can add walls any time before your final balance is due (10 days before your event). After that, additions depend on availability. If you’re watching the forecast and decide you want walls at the last minute, call us immediately — we’ll check stock and do our best.

Ceremony Chair Setup

If you’re hosting a wedding ceremony with rows of chairs, setup for the ceremony arrangement is available for an additional fee. This is different from reception table/chair placement and is arranged at booking.

What About Lighting, Flooring, and Accessories?

Here’s where Dreamers Event Rentals stands apart from a lot of rental companies in the Maryland market.

Tent Lighting Installation — Included

When you rent lighting (bistro lights, chandeliers, wash lights) along with a tent, installation is included at no additional cost. Our crew hangs the lighting as part of the tent setup process. You don’t pay a separate electrician fee or lighting crew charge.

This matters more than it might seem. Some companies charge separately for lighting installation, or they deliver the lights and leave you to figure out hanging them inside the tent. At Dreamers, it’s all handled together.

Dance Floor Installation — Included

If you’re renting a dance floor, installation is included at no extra cost. Our crew assembles and places the floor as part of your delivery and setup. When the event ends, we break it down on pickup. The dance floor can go on grass, asphalt, or indoor surfaces — we’ve done it in all three settings.

Tent Heaters and Fans

Our propane tent heaters are positioned outside the tent, with a vent that directs warm air into the tent interior. This setup is handled by our crew. Similarly, tent fans are placed by our team. One important note: the propane tank itself sits outside the tent perimeter — no open flame inside the tent structure.

As a general guide, plan for approximately one heater per 1,000–1,500 square feet of tent space. Our team can help you calculate this based on your tent size and expected temperatures.

When Does Delivery and Setup Happen?

We typically schedule tent delivery and installation 1–3 days before your event date. This gives you time to decorate, finalize arrangements, and make sure everything is exactly right before your guests arrive.

You or a representative must be present to accept delivery and direct the crew on placement. If no one is available, you may accept the order as-is — but it’s always better to have someone on-site to confirm the tent position and answer any questions before installation begins.

Pickup typically happens within 1–2 days after your event. For pickup, items need to be accessible, stacked (chairs should be restacked as they were delivered), and protected from rain. You do not need to be present for pickup as long as items are accessible.

Need a specific delivery window? When you book, let your event specialist know any timing constraints — we’ll do our best to accommodate around your schedule.

Your final balance is due 10 days before your event. That’s also the deadline to add items like walls, additional chairs, or lighting — after that point, changes depend on what’s available in inventory.

How to Confirm What’s Included Before You Book

The clearest way to know exactly what’s included in your tent rental quote is simple: ask. A reputable rental company will walk you through every line item and explain what’s installation-included versus what requires a separate service fee.

Here are the specific questions worth asking any tent rental company before you sign:

• Is tent installation included, or is there a separate crew fee?
• Are tent walls included, or are they an add-on?
• If I rent lighting, does installation come with it?
• Does table and chair setup cost extra?
• How far in advance do you deliver?
• What’s the deadline to add items to my order?

At Dreamers, we answer all of these before you ever sign anything. Our free planning consultations are exactly the right place to go through your event needs line by line. There’s no pressure and no obligation — just a real conversation about what your event requires and what everything will cost.

You can also browse our full rental catalog to see every item we carry — from tent styles to chairs, linens, dance floors, lighting, games, and more. When you’re ready, request a free quote and we’ll build an itemized proposal around your specific event.

We serve Carroll, Baltimore, Frederick, and Howard counties, Baltimore City, and surrounding areas across the DC/Maryland/Northern Virginia region. If you’re planning an outdoor event anywhere in our service area, we’d love to help you make it happen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does tent rental include setup at Dreamers Event Rentals?

Yes — tent installation is always included in every tent rental at Dreamers Event Rentals, at no extra charge. Our professional crew handles the complete installation and takedown for every tent style we carry, including pole tents, frame tents, sailcloth tents, and clear top tents.

Are tent walls included with my tent rental?

No. Tent walls are a separate add-on rental item and are not automatically included with your tent. We carry solid white walls, windowed walls, and clear walls. If you think you might need walls — especially for weather protection or privacy — add them to your order before your final balance is due, 10 days before your event.

Does table and chair setup cost extra?

Yes. Delivery includes transporting your tables and chairs to the event site. Actually placing each table and chair in position is a separate service available for an additional fee. If you’d like our crew to set up all furniture for you, let us know when you book and we’ll include it in your quote.

Is lighting installation included when I rent tent lights?

Yes. When you rent lighting (bistro lights, chandeliers, or wash lights) along with a tent, installation is included at no additional cost. Our crew hangs the lighting as part of the tent setup process — no separate lighting crew fee.