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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the interior lighting like?
We have several options. All tipis come with a basic 3 flood light package included. Most folks add on another lighting possibility. We have beautiful wagon wheel chandeliers! Fairy lights wrapped around the main poles look amazing. Additional flood lights are possible. Festoon lights can be strung crossways inside, or hung from peak-to-peak outside, or along the pathway to the tipi. Check out the photo gallery for examples.
Are the Native American peoples offended by this business?
Oddly, these tipis are based on the nomadic Sami people of Scandinavia. Their lifestyle is similar to the Native Americans, except the Sami follow the caribou instead of buffalo. The Sami were instrumental in the design of these Nordic Tipis, and they encouraged the manufacturer. We are proud to be part of the Authentic Nordic Tipi group.
How do you set up the tipis?
Its quite a trick! First we set up the main poles; this usually takes a crew of four. After the main poles are staked and the floor is rolled out, we pull the one-piece canvas over the top. Then we secure the sides, hang the lights, and arrange the furniture. It typically takes us the bulk of a day to set up.
How long will I have the tipi for?
The fine print says 48 hours. If your event is scheduled for a Saturday, we typically set up on Thursday. That gives you all day on Friday to decorate and add your unique touches. That also gives us a day in case Thursday is too windy. (It isn’t safe for us to work in winds above 20 mph.) We will often arrive Sunday morning to start the takedown.
How does a tipi compare to a typical plastic tent?
Of course, we believe that tipis are far superior, for several reasons! A tipi is a unique, special outdoor structure, not just another white plastic tent.Your event is supposed to be unique, so likewise should your shelter! A tipi comes naturally with style and charm; a plastic tent needs fabrics, swags, and pole sleeves to dress it up (at an additional cost). Tipis come with sides already, you tell us when we arrive if you’d like them up or down; the cost is the same. A plastic tent requires sides for inclement weather, also at additional cost. Finally, a tipi has natural ventilation during hot weather; a pleasant up-draft draws outside air in, and the hot air escapes through the top smoke-hole.
Do you have accessories?
Oh, yes! We have several lighting options to choose from. We have beautiful wooden farm tables, banquet chairs, and reclaimed wood benches. We have a dance floor, a stage, a reclaimed wood bar, and wine barrels to help set the mood. We have fireplaces, too, both propane and wood burning!
Is the tipi waterproof?
Very! We have seen water gushing off of them during heavy rains, and everyone is dry inside! They are also fireproof, meeting government requirements.
Can a tipi be set up in the winter?
Yes! Remember that these are originally from Scandinavia, where it is cold most of the year! We can supply a fireplace as a focal point that helps take off the chill. For a sit-down affair, we recommend renting portable heaters.
What is the deposit and payment expectations?
We ask for a 25% deposit at the time of booking. This is refundable with appropriate notice. About 6 weeks before your event, we will send an invoice for the balance, due 30 days prior to the event.
How flexible is everyone if plans change?
We understand that life happens! We are happy to work with you in the months and weeks leading up to your event. Changes and adjustments are all part of our customer service.
How many people fit in one tipi? This is dependent on what goes on inside the tipi, you can fit 70 people standing comfortably. When seated at tables, then 60 people can fit comfortably. If the sides are all up you can cover about 130 people standing, and seat about 80-90 people. Seating is usually 6 per table.
How big are the tipis?
A tipi is just over 24 feet tall when fully erect. Each tipi is 34 feet in diameter with the sides down. When the sides are up, each tipi is about 42 feet wide. They can be joined together into triangles, a line, a diamond, or many dozens of shapes. Take a peek at our floor plans page for examples, including seating possibilities.
How high is the lifted side?
This is almost 7 feet, so only the very tallest guests have to be careful!
Can the tent be built on a slope/uneven ground?
We can come and see the site or you can send us images of the ground. We would like the ground to be as flat as possible, but the tipis can go on slight slopes. The ideal site is well drained with cut grass. If possible, a back up site should be considered.
How much room do you need for the guy ropes?
The tent does not need any additional space once up. We like to have a bit of area around the tent to erect it, and that takes a bit more room than the footprint of the fully erect tent.
Can I have doors?
Yes, we can put doors in the tent instead of lifting some sides only. You can have window walls and solid wooden doors to create a grand opening for guests.
How many tipis can you put together?
In theory the tipis can be attached in a line infinitely, we have 4 here at the base but can get more should we need to.
Can I purchase a tipi for myself?
Yes, if you get in touch we will get the ball rolling for you. There are many sizes available, from small camping tipis, all the way up to our largest Stratus, as described.
What is the flooring in the tipi?
We use a heavy matting that is very durable and tensioned throughout. Think industrial burlap. It’s very hard wearing and high heels cannot pierce through the weave. We lay plastic underneath to hep keep out ground moisture.
Do I need power?
We provide lighting if you need it and would need a power outlet close to the tent for that. All of our lights are led, and use minimal power draw. Bands and caterers may have additional need that we cannot meet routinely. If needed, we can investigate generators for your event.
Do you have more questions about renting a tipi tent for your upcoming event, festival, party, or wedding? Interested in getting a free quote? We’d love to hear from you! Call us at (518) 419-6824, send us a message, or email us at: [email protected]