FAQ
FAQ
Below are the questions we get asked most often about renting a tent, plus a section on our dry hire bartending and mobile bar service. If you do not see your question here, call or text us and we will help.
Learn About the Tent Rental Process Before Booking
Planning an outdoor event? Here is what to know before booking your tent rental with us, including how to reserve a tent, setup, delivery, and more.
How Do I Book a Tent in Massachusetts?
Booking your tent is easy with our 24/7 online calendar.
- Go to the product page for the tent or package you want.
- Select your event date using the calendar below the product image.
- Enter your event address, then click "Book Now."
- Your rental will now be in your cart. Add any extra items the same way before checkout.
- Review your cart and make sure the correct date appears under the item title. If it does not, remove the item and add it again from the product page.
If you need your tent for longer than one weekend, book each date separately.
Payment Policy
We require full payment upfront to confirm your booking. Your tent is not reserved or added to our schedule until payment is received, so please do not expect delivery until your invoice is paid in full.
How Do I Know If the Tent Will Fit in My Yard?
Measuring your space is simple.
- Our 40-person package uses a 20 ft x 20 ft tent and needs at least 22 ft x 22 ft of clear space to allow for stakes or water barrels.
- Our 60 and 80-person packages use a 20 ft x 40 ft tent and need at least 22 ft x 42 ft of space.
Still Not Sure? We Can Help
We offer a free tent layout service using our software. Just text us a few photos of your setup area along with your event address, and we will overlay your photos with a digital layout tool that uses Google Maps to measure your space within about a foot of accuracy. If that does not work, we can schedule a site visit for a small fee, which gets added to your rental quote.
Is There a Delivery Fee?
Delivery is free for all tent and tent party package rentals within 30 miles of Quincy, MA. Items rented without a tent may be subject to a delivery fee.
Outside Our Delivery Zone?
We charge $4 per mile for every mile beyond the first 30. Setup and takedown usually takes about four round trips, which is why the per-mile rate applies. For example, if you are 35 miles away, that is 5 extra miles times $4, or a $20 delivery surcharge.
Click here to view our full delivery area
Is Setup Included?
Yes, setup and takedown are included with all tent rentals.
Most parties happen on Saturdays or Sundays, so we usually set up on Thursday or Friday and take down on Monday or Tuesday. If you book a weekend rental, you typically have the tent from Friday through Monday, which gives you plenty of time to enjoy it. A pre-event cookout or a next-day brunch is a great way to get more out of your rental.
Special Setup Requests
Requests outside our standard setup window, like same-day setup and takedown or specific time blocks, are subject to a minimum $450 fee.
Do You Allow Customer Pickups?
No, we do not allow customer pickups for any of our rental equipment, including tents, tables, and chairs. All rentals are delivered and professionally installed by our trained staff. This keeps the setup safe and secure, makes sure the equipment is handled properly, and keeps us compliant with our insurance policy. Any adjustments to our tents or equipment by the customer will void our insurance and shift liability to the renter.
Why No Customer Pickups?
- To keep our tents and equipment clean and in good condition
- To stay on schedule with deliveries and pickups
- To give every customer a consistent, high-quality experience
We want every renter to get clean, damage-free gear and the safest possible setup.
Do the Tents Come With Lighting?
Yes, all of our tents include waterproof LED lighting at no extra cost. The lights run at a 2200K color temperature, which gives off a warm, cozy glow that works well for evening events and adds a nice touch to any setting.
Need More Lighting?
We also offer string lighting rentals to brighten the space outside the tent. You will need either poles or trees to hang them across, or a nearby structure to drape the lights from the tent. Let us know your setup and we will help plan your lighting layout.
What Tent Package Is Best for Me?
It mostly depends on how many guests you expect, but do not worry about getting it exactly right. We know headcounts change.
A good rule of thumb is to choose a package that seats everyone under the tent in case of rain. If you are unsure, start with a package based on your best estimate. We can always bring a few extra chairs or tables if needed, as long as you let us know ahead of time. If you want help deciding, reach out and we will recommend the best layout for your event size and style.
Do Party Packages Come With Linens?
Yes, all of our party packages include cotton linens, and the cost of cleaning them is built into your rental price. Cotton linens give a higher-end look than synthetic ones, and we maintain them carefully so your event looks its best.
Prefer Not to Use Linens?
You can now choose whether or not you want linens right during the booking process. No discount codes or extra steps, just select your preference when customizing your package.
Will Applying for Shop Pay Installments Affect My Credit?
Shop Pay Installments let you break up your tent rental into four equal payments, either bi-weekly or monthly, depending on what you qualify for.
According to Affirm, Shop Pay's payment provider, bi-weekly payments will not affect your credit score even if you are denied. Monthly payment plans might be reported to credit bureaus, especially if payments are missed.
Shop Pay is a separate service from BZ Tent Rentals. We are sharing this based on the most recent guidance available to us, but Shop Pay's policies can change without notice. For the most accurate and current information, review Shop Pay's official terms and FAQs before applying.
What Should I Know About Setup?
General Setup Requirements
We need a completely unobstructed, level area to safely install your tent.
- Tents can extend over patios, shrubs, or small plants.
- The ground where the tent legs rest must be reasonably level (grass, dirt, or concrete).
- Clear the space of furniture, toys, or yard decor before setup day.
Tent Footprint Dimensions
- 40-Person Tent: 20 ft x 20 ft (needs about 22 ft x 22 ft of clear space)
- 60 or 80-Person Tent: 20 ft x 40 ft (needs about 22 ft x 42 ft of clear space)
Allow extra clearance around the tent perimeter for stakes or water barrel ballasts.
Underground Hazards
We use a sledgehammer to drive stakes about 3 feet into the ground. If you have any underground elements such as septic systems, sprinkler lines, electrical or gas lines, or pool piping and drainage, please tell us in advance. Even if hazards are marked, we cannot guarantee they will be avoided, and we are not responsible for any underground damage caused during installation.
Call Dig Safe (811)
If you are concerned about underground gas, electric, or utility lines, call Dig Safe at 811 at least two weeks before your event. They will come mark your utility lines for free. The legal minimum is 48 hours notice, but we strongly recommend 7 to 14 days.
Can You Set Up Tents on Concrete, Asphalt, or Patios?
Yes, we can set up tents on hard surfaces. If we can reach nearby grass or mulch within 10 feet of the tent legs, we use heavy-duty straps to anchor the tent safely. If no grass is accessible, we use 50-gallon water barrels, which weigh over 400 lbs when filled, to secure the tent.
What You Will Need to Know
- You must provide hose access on setup day so we can fill the barrels.
- We charge $50 per water barrel for the weekend rental.
- You will need 2 barrels per tent leg that cannot reach grass.
Tents secured with water barrels cannot be installed with sidewalls. This is part of our safety policy and helps prevent wind hazards.
Need water barrels? Add them to your cart during booking: Rent Water Barrels Here.
How to Avoid Damage Fees
We want every customer to have a great experience, and that means keeping our equipment clean, safe, and ready for the next event. Follow these guidelines to avoid damage fees.
Please Do Not:
- Use tiki torches or open flames within 50 feet of the tent. The soot leaves permanent marks.
- Grill or cook under the tent. Our tents are flame-resistant but not meant for cooking beneath.
- Use tape, staples, or adhesives on tents, tables, or chairs. They leave residue or cause damage.
If you plan to hang anything like signs, lights, or decor, ask us first how to do it safely.
Only Use Approved Lighting
Please only use the LED lights provided by BZ Tent Rentals unless you have discussed other options with us beforehand. Some unapproved lighting is a fire risk or can damage the tent.
Respect the Setup
Do not move or adjust the tent, straps, stakes, sidewalls, or dance floor for any reason after we have installed it. Doing so voids our insurance coverage, transfers all liability to you, and may result in fees or denial of claims if damage or injury occurs.
If you want a specific tent placement, you can send us a photo of the desired spot before setup and place markers in each corner of where the tent will go, or have someone present on the day of installation to help guide placement.
If Something Goes Wrong
If something happens that is truly out of your control, like a tree falling or severe weather causing damage, you will not be held responsible. We are fully insured. We only assess damage fees when items are neglected or misused. If you are unsure about anything, call Dig Safe at 811. It is free. You can also call or text us anytime.
Do I Need a Permit?
Private Residences
In most cases you do not need a permit to set up a tent at a private residence or in your backyard, especially if you expect fewer than 100 guests and the tent is under 400 square feet. Always double-check with your town if you are unsure, especially in a dense residential area.
Public Spaces or Rented Venues
If your event is in a public park, a town-owned space, or a commercial or rented venue, a permit is usually required, and you may also need to provide a certificate of insurance.
We Can Help
We are happy to provide the required documents for you to file the permit, or file it on your behalf for a $200 minimum fee, which varies by town. If you have questions about whether you need a permit, contact us and we will guide you through it.
Dry Hire Bartending and Mobile Bar Rental FAQ
Along with tents, BZ now offers premium dry hire bartending and mobile bar rental for weddings, milestone celebrations, corporate events, and private parties across the South Shore and Greater Boston. Here are the questions we get most about the bar service.
What Is Dry Hire Bartending?
Dry hire means you buy your own alcohol and we provide everything else: the bar, the bartenders, premium mixers, fresh-pressed citrus, housemade syrups, ice, and full setup. Because we do not sell the alcohol, you avoid the steep liquor markups a full-service caterer would charge, and you still get a true craft cocktail experience. We even give you a free shopping guide so you know exactly what to buy.
How Does Mobile Bar Pricing Work?
Pricing is based on your service hours and guest count, starting at $1,650 for a 3 to 4 hour event, $2,500 for 5 to 6 hours, and $3,400 for 7 to 8 hours, plus a per-guest charge for premium ingredients. There is a 20-guest minimum. You can build your full package and see real-time pricing using our mobile bar quote calculator.
Do I Have to Provide My Own Alcohol?
Yes, and that is the point. Under our dry hire model you supply the alcohol, which saves you money, and we handle the bar, the bartending, and all the premium non-alcoholic ingredients. We send you a detailed shopping list based on your guest count and selected cocktails so there is no guesswork.
What Is Included With the Mobile Bar?
Every booking includes our custom 8 foot mobile bar, TIPS-certified bartenders, three signature cocktails personalized for your event, premium mixers, fresh-pressed citrus, housemade syrups, garnishes, bottled water, cups, ice, a printed menu, setup and breakdown, and general liability plus liquor liability insurance. You can see the full included list and add-ons on the mobile bar page.
Can I Just Hire a Bartender Without the Full Bar?
Our service is built around the full mobile bar experience, since that is what delivers the premium craft cocktails we are known for. If you have a specific bartender for hire request, contact us and we will see what we can do for your event.
Are Your Bartenders Licensed and Insured?
Yes. Our bartenders are TIPS-certified, and every event is covered by general liability and liquor liability insurance. Venues that require a certificate of insurance can be added as an additional insured.
Can the Bar Serve Past Five Hours?
Yes. Because we operate under a dry hire model and do not sell alcohol, we are not subject to the 5-hour service cap that applies to licensed caterers in Massachusetts. Your event can run as long as you need, and additional hours beyond eight are available.
What Areas Do You Serve for Bartending?
We provide mobile bar rental and dry hire bartending throughout the South Shore and Greater Boston, within roughly 30 miles of Quincy. Bundle your mobile bar with a BZ tent rental and we waive the travel fee.
How Far in Advance Should I Book?
The sooner the better, especially for weekend dates in the busy spring through fall season. You can check our availability and reserve your date right on the mobile bar page with a $1,000 retainer.
Where Does the Name "BZ Tent Rentals" Come From?
BZ Tent Rentals LLC is owned and operated by Brett and Zach, lifelong friends from Marshfield, Massachusetts.
Hi, I'm Zach, co-owner at BZ Tent Rentals. Brett and I grew up on the South Shore. We know this area like our own backyards, so you can trust us in yours. After watching friends and family struggle to book rentals for graduations and other events, we stepped up. One of their biggest complaints was the time wasted cold-calling businesses and adding up quotes, only to find out a company was unavailable for their date. I wanted to make planning your event as easy as possible. That is why our party packages include everything you need based on your guest count, and why I synced our calendar to the website so you can check available dates and book your rentals in minutes right from BZTentRentals.com.
What Makes Us Different
We designed our packages to include everything up front: delivery, setup, taxes, lighting, and even sidewalls, so there are no surprises or hidden fees. We want you to spend less time chasing quotes and reading fine print, and more time enjoying your event with friends and family. We are also the ones who show up to set up your tent, so when you book with BZ Tent Rentals, you are booking directly with the owners.
Areas We Serve
BZ Tent Rentals proudly serves the South Shore of Massachusetts, including Quincy, Braintree, Milton, Weymouth, Marshfield, Scituate, Norwell, Hanover, Pembroke, Duxbury, Kingston, Plymouth, and Bridgewater.