Trying to figure out what size tent you'll need for your next wedding or event may seem like a daunting task. Luckily, the rental industry has developed standard formulas to help make this job easier.

A few things to consider before doing the math are:

• What type of event is it? For weddings, will ceremony or row seating be required?
• What is the maximum number of guests that could be present at the same time?
• Weather is a big factor. If it begins to rain, everybody will want to be under cover & dry.
• Is there going to be a bar or beverage station?
• How will the food be served or eaten? The shapes and sizes of buffet and dining tables must be considered.

The standard formulas for determining square footage are:

• Dance floor - 5 square ft per person (not everyone will dance, so allow for half of the guests).
• Bar area - 100 square ft.
• Buffet/beverage station - 100 square ft. for every 50 people.
• Seated dinner 8' Banquet Tables - 10 square ft. per person.
• Seated dinner 5' Round Tables - 12 square ft. per person.
• Band area - 10 square ft. per person
• DJ area - 100 square ft.
• Ceremony/Row style seating - 7 square ft. per person.

These formulas will help to give a clearer picture of the size and layout of what you will need, as well as the impact on your event's budget.