Frequently Asked Questions

CORT Party Rental is a full-service event rental company headquartered in the Pacific Northwest, serving Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Northern California. Founded in 1968 and part of the CORT family of companies (a Berkshire Hathaway subsidiary), CORT Party Rental provides tents, tables, chairs, linens, lighting, flooring, staging, audiovisual equipment, and catering supplies for events of all sizes. The company operates showrooms and production facilities in Everett and Fife, Washington. Whether you are planning a backyard gathering for 20 guests or a multi-day festival for thousands, CORT Party Rental offers end-to-end support including consultation, delivery, professional installation, and takedown.

CORT Party Rental offers seven main tent categories: frame tents (pole-free interiors, suitable for hard surfaces), pole tents (classic peaked design for grass installations), clearspan structure tents (engineered aluminum frames for large-scale events), sailcloth tents (translucent fabric with wooden poles for weddings and upscale events), high peak tents (dramatic pagoda-style silhouettes for focal points or VIP areas), Platinum Series marquee structures (refined finishes for luxury events), and Midnight Series pavilions (black-frame, modern aesthetic for brand activations and destination-style events). Tent sizes range from small canopies for intimate backyard parties to large engineered structures exceeding 10,000 square feet for festivals, corporate conferences, and public gatherings.

Tent size depends on guest count, seating style, and any additional features like dance floors, buffets, or stages. As a general guide: seated dinners require approximately 10 to 12 square feet per person, while standing cocktail events need about 8 square feet per guest. A dance floor adds roughly 4.5 square feet per dancer, and a buffet station requires an additional 100 to 200 square feet. For example, a 150-guest seated dinner with a dance floor, live band, and buffet typically needs 2,600 to 2,700 square feet of covered space. Round tables require more room (12 to 14 square feet per person) than rectangular layouts. A CORT Party Rental specialist can evaluate your guest count, event format, and site conditions to recommend the right size.

Tent rental pricing is customized based on tent size, style, rental duration, installation complexity, and accessories. Key cost factors include the tent footprint (larger tents require more material and labor), the tent style (sailcloth and clearspan structures cost more than standard frame tents), site conditions (sloped terrain, hard surfaces, or limited access may require additional equipment), and add-ons such as sidewalls, flooring, lighting, and climate control. Multi-day installations and events requiring permits or specialized anchoring also affect pricing. Because every event is unique, CORT Party Rental provides tailored quotes rather than fixed packages. Contact a rental specialist for a detailed estimate based on your event goals, venue, and budget.

CORT Party Rental recommends booking your tent rental 6 to 12 months before your event date. Peak season (spring, summer, and early fall) fills up quickly, and popular tent styles and sizes are often reserved well in advance. Early booking ensures you get the tent that fits your event rather than adjusting plans around limited availability. It also allows time for site evaluation, layout design, vendor coordination, permit applications, and customization of lighting, flooring, or climate control. Securing your tent early helps establish costs upfront so you can allocate your remaining budget across other event elements.

In many cases, yes. Seattle requires permits for tent installations depending on the tent size, event duration, location, and construction method. Larger tents, tents with sidewalls or electrical systems, and structures on public property or near buildings are more likely to require permits and fire department inspections. Factors reviewed include tent square footage, occupancy load, proximity to buildings, fire access lanes, and temporary power use. The event host or property owner is typically responsible for securing permits, but CORT Party Rental provides guidance on tent specifications, site planning, and safety requirements to support the process. Plan ahead, as permitting can take several weeks, especially during peak event season.

Yes. Every tent rental from CORT Party Rental includes professional delivery, installation, and takedown at no additional charge for standard setups. The process starts with a pre-event consultation to confirm tent type, size, layout, and any accessories (lighting, flooring, climate control, sidewalls). For larger or complex events, a site evaluation is conducted in advance to assess terrain, access points, and anchoring requirements. On setup day, a trained crew assembles and secures the tent using methods appropriate to the surface, whether staking, weighted systems, or engineered anchoring. After the event, the crew dismantles and removes all equipment, leaving the venue in its original condition.

Rain does not have to disrupt your event. CORT Party Rental plans for weather from the start of every consultation. Commercial-grade tent structures provide reliable overhead protection, and optional sidewalls, gutter systems, and weighted anchoring keep the interior dry and stable. Flooring systems prevent mud and moisture from reaching the event space, while climate control (heaters or fans) maintains guest comfort. If forecasts change close to the event, CORT works with clients to adjust setup timing, add sidewalls, or modify configurations where feasible. Building weather contingencies into the initial design means your event is protected without last-minute scrambling.

Beyond tents, CORT Party Rental offers a full inventory of event equipment: tables (round, rectangular, cocktail, and specialty), chairs (folding, formal, and specialty styles), linens (tablecloths, runners, napkins, chair covers), dinnerware, flatware, and glassware, catering equipment (chafing dishes, warming units, beverage stations, coffee service), lighting (string lights, chandeliers, uplighting, accent lighting), dance floors and staging systems, audiovisual equipment (sound systems, microphones), decorative elements (arches, backdrops, draping), and heating and cooling systems for climate control. Renting all equipment from a single provider simplifies coordination and ensures a consistent look across your event.

Yes. Backyard tent rentals are one of the most common requests CORT Party Rental handles. Tents are available in sizes that fit small residential yards to large private properties, and the selection is tailored to your available space, surface conditions, and guest count. Frame tents are especially popular for backyard events because they do not require center poles and can be installed on grass, concrete, or patio surfaces. CORT handles delivery, professional installation, and takedown, and the crew evaluates access, terrain, and anchoring requirements to minimize impact on your property. Sidewalls, lighting, flooring, and climate control can be added to enhance comfort and appearance.

Yes. Renting is inherently more sustainable than purchasing single-use event materials. CORT Party Rental operates a reuse-driven model where tents, flooring, lighting, furniture, and accessories are designed for repeated use across hundreds of events. This reduces manufacturing demand, waste, and landfill impact compared to one-time event builds. CORT also reduces environmental impact through consolidated deliveries, efficient route planning, and professional installation that avoids overbuilding. Durable flooring and lighting systems are designed for long-term reuse rather than disposable alternatives, and site-appropriate setups help protect lawns, parks, and urban spaces from permanent damage.

Start with lighting, which sets the mood and defines the scale of the space. Options include string lights, chandeliers, uplighting, or layered combinations. Next, select flooring, tables, chairs, and linens to anchor the design and create visual consistency. CORT Party Rental offers coordinated furniture, linens, tabletop items, and decorative accents that can be matched to styles ranging from casual backyard gatherings to formal weddings and corporate events. For complex layouts, CORT works alongside planners and designers to ensure decor choices align with tent size, ceiling height, and structural elements, avoiding overcrowding or blocked sightlines. All decor elements are installed as part of the coordinated setup and removed during takedown.

You can view our most up-to-date list of rental offerings on our website by creating an account. Once logged in, you can browse product collections, save favorites under My Account, add items to your cart, and submit a quote request. After your request is submitted, our team will review it and confirm product availability for your event date. You will then receive an email with next steps to confirm your reservation, including completing an electronic signature and securing payment. If you prefer to place your order by phone, our Event Specialists are available Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM and Saturday from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM.

You are encouraged to reserve your rental items as soon as you have a confirmed event date and location. Reserving early helps ensure availability, and most customers place orders six months to one year in advance. Changes can typically be made within the allowed timeframes outlined in your rental contract.

A quote provides estimated pricing and does not secure inventory. A reservation confirms pricing, product availability, delivery and pickup details, and authorizes fulfillment of your order.

Rental pricing varies based on the type of items selected, quantities, event date, rental duration, delivery location, and service requirements. Because every event is unique, pricing is customized rather than fixed. Submitting a quote request allows our team to review your needs and provide accurate pricing.

All reservations require a completed electronic signature, a valid credit card on file, and the applicable deposit before inventory is secured. To confirm your reservation, you must complete an electronic signature (E-sign) on the contract, maintain a valid credit card on file, and submit the required deposit based on the type of rental. Once these steps are completed, inventory is secured and your reservation is confirmed.

For non-tenting rentals, you are required to submit a $1 non-refundable credit card deposit to convert a quote into a confirmed reservation. Tent rentals and tent-related products require a 50% non-refundable deposit. Custom or special-order items require a 100% non-refundable deposit. All customers are required to maintain a valid credit card on file, even when choosing to pay via ACH or bank account login.

You may change or cancel non-tenting rentals up to seven (7) days prior to your scheduled delivery or will-call date. Changes or cancellations made within seven (7) days may incur full rental charges. Tent rentals and tent-related products require a non-refundable deposit. Changes or cancellations made up to seven (7) days prior to delivery will forfeit the initial deposit. Changes or cancellations made within seven (7) days of delivery will incur the full rental rate. Reductions or cancellations of custom or special-order items will incur full rental charges.

The standard rental period includes the day of delivery, the day of the event, and the day of pickup. Depending on availability, location, and season, this period may be extended. Long-term rental needs should be discussed with an Event Specialist.

For after-hours emergencies, call 877-939-7368, select option 2, and leave a message with your name, phone number, contract number, and details of the issue. A manager on duty will return your call.

Delivery is available throughout Washington State. CORT Tenting Solutions services are also available in Idaho, Oregon, and Northern California. Availability, access requirements, and service fees vary by location. Please contact an Event Specialist for additional details.

Standard delivery includes curbside delivery and pickup during business hours. Delivery windows are non-timed and calculated by zip code. Delivery services and fees are based on location, access conditions, timing requirements, and the scope of your rental order.

Rental pricing includes the use of equipment for the standard rental period. Delivery, setup, breakdown, labor, taxes, and additional services are priced separately and clearly outlined on your contract.

Yes. Delivery fees are calculated by zip code and reflect the most cost-effective service option for most events. Time-specific or after-hours delivery may result in additional fees.

Additional fees may apply if delivery teams encounter stairs, long-distance portage beyond 50 feet from the truck, access delays, or the need for additional on-site labor. Fees are assessed based on site conditions and service requirements.

Delivery outside of standard business hours may be available based on location, access, timing requirements, and order complexity.

Certain rental items, including tents, tent accessories, staging, dance floors, bars, specialty tables, and select cooking equipment, include setup and breakdown by our delivery crews. Delivery service fees apply. Additional services such as chair unbagging, cushion placement, and table setup or breakdown may be available at an additional cost. These services must be arranged in advance and require a complete diagram submitted at least seven (7) business days prior to delivery or pickup.

Some venues or municipalities require permits or approvals for tents, staging, or large installations. Permit requirements are the responsibility of the customer, but our team can provide information to help support the process during planning.

During peak seasons, delivery service may require minimum rental amounts based on zip code. Minimums do not include delivery service, labor, tax, or additional services.

Delivery service may be available to local islands with ferry access. Delivery fees and minimums vary depending on location, access conditions, and seasonal schedules.

From delivery through pickup, you are responsible for securing rental products, protecting them from weather or sprinkler systems, and repacking items in the same carts or containers in which they were delivered. You assume full responsibility for the products until they are loaded onto our trucks at pickup.

Delivery vehicles are similar in size to a large commercial delivery truck and require clear access free of trees, structures, and overhead obstacles. You are responsible for ensuring that access routes can safely accommodate delivery equipment.

Depending on the items selected and order size, customer pickup may be available. You are responsible for providing a properly sized vehicle and securing all items for transport. Some products require delivery service.

A deposit is required to confirm your reservation. Final payment must be completed according to the selected payment method and required deadlines. All reservations must be paid in full before delivery or will-call pickup, unless otherwise approved in writing.

You may pay using ACH bank transfer, secure bank account login, or credit card. ACH and bank login payments are fee-free. Credit card payments are subject to a 3% non-refundable processing fee effective April 1, 2026.

ACH or bank account login payments must be completed at least seven (7) business days prior to your scheduled delivery or will-call pickup date to avoid charges to the card on file.

If final payment remains outstanding within seven (7) days of delivery or pickup, the credit card on file may be charged. The card on file may also be used for post-event charges.

Non-tenting rentals may be canceled up to seven (7) days prior to delivery or pickup. Tent rentals require a non-refundable deposit. Changes or cancellations made within seven (7) days of delivery may incur full rental charges.

Quantity minimums refer to the minimum number of items required to rent certain products, such as chinaware, drinkware, flatware, and napkins. Certain rental items are subject to quantity minimums to support sanitation standards and order accuracy.

Product photos, descriptions, and dimensions are available on our website. For select items, showroom visits or samples may be available depending on location and availability. Please contact an Event Specialist to learn more.

When renting china, glassware, flatware, serving pieces, trays, bowls, and other food-related items, you are asked to remove excess liquids and debris and rinse items with water prior to returning them. All products should be repacked as delivered in their original containers. When renting linens, you should shake out food, paper goods, and debris before placing items in the provided linen bags. Linens or fabrics that are wet or damp should be allowed to air dry before being enclosed in the bags. When renting cooking equipment, you are responsible for removing food, grease, and oil prior to pickup. Deep fryers require the removal of customer-provided oil, and charcoal barbecues require the removal of customer-provided charcoal. When renting candle holders or lanterns, you must remove tea light candles and all wax prior to repacking. Flameless candles are recommended. When renting chairs, you are responsible for removing cushions, covering, and stacking items unless setup and breakdown services have been prearranged. Rental products must be returned in the condition and packaging provided to avoid additional charges.

Lost or misplaced items may result in replacement charges at retail value. Items returned within seven (7) days may be eligible for a refund.

Rental Product Damage Waiver helps protect you from unexpected costs if rental equipment is accidentally damaged while in your care during the rental term. This service is non-refundable, is not available for third-party sub-rentals, and does not cover missing items, improper use, vandalism, or items left outside unprotected.

Rental charges are based on confirmed reservations and the time products are out on rental. Refunds are not available for unused products.

If an issue occurs during business hours, please contact our office at 877-939-7368. For after-hours issues, call the same number, select option 2, and leave a message with your details. A manager on duty will return your call.

All rental products are professionally cleaned, inspected, and sanitized before and after each event to meet safety and sanitation standards.

Yes. You need an account to request quotes, save favorites, and manage your rental planning online.

Creating an account gives you access to enhanced planning tools. You can create and save up to five favorite lists, group products by theme or event, move favorites directly to your cart, share lists with collaborators, and save multiple delivery locations for faster checkout.

After creating an account, browse products and select your favorites to save them to a list.

You can reset your password from the sign-in screen by selecting Forgot Password.

You can pin our website to your mobile device's home screen for quick access. The CORT Party Rental website is mobile-friendly and accessible from desktop and mobile devices.