Fundamentally the difference between Tipis and Bell Tents comes down to this. Tipis, Giant Tipis, Kata Tipis, Giant Teepees whatever you call them are large structures and used for events like weddings, festivals, parties and Corporate events. A single giant Tipi can seat 70 people easily.
Bell tents are primarily used for accommodation purposes, providing a comfortable and stylish space for sleeping and relaxing. They are a popular choice for festivals, outdoor events, glamping experiences, and private celebrations because they combine practicality with a unique aesthetic.
Bell tents come in a variety of sizes to suit different needs, but the most common diameters are 3m, 4m, and 5m. At Brilliant Bell Tent Hire we use 4m and 5m tents to provide more generous space, comfortably accommodating groups of friends, families, or larger parties.
In addition to sleeping, bell tents can also be furnished to create a Getting Ready Tent or a Chill Tent making them a versatile and practical solution for outdoor accommodation.
How do we know so much about Giant Tipis and Bell Tents?
It’s simple—we’ve been living and breathing luxury outdoor accommodation for years. From running Cotswold Tipis to our current venture, Brilliant Bell Tent Hire, we’ve spent over a decade planning, pitching, and managing countless events with both tipis and bell tents. This hands-on experience means we know exactly what works—and what doesn’t—when it comes to creating unforgettable outdoor celebrations.
We wrote this article to clearly explain the difference between tipis and bell tents because it’s a question we get asked all the time. Many clients and potential customers mix them up, and understanding the difference between tipis and bell tents is key to choosing the perfect tent for your event. Tipis and bell tents each have their unique charm and practical benefits, and knowing the distinctions ensures your celebration is stylish, comfortable, and perfectly suited to your guests.
By sharing our insights into the difference between tipis and bell tents, we hope to guide you in making the right choice. Whether you’re planning a large festival-style event or an intimate glamping experience, understanding these differences ensures your event runs smoothly and leaves a lasting impression.
So what is the difference between Tipis and Bell Tents
Giant Tipis
Tipis are large 10.3m diameter structures made of heavy duty waterproof canvas and use 9 main poles. They can be connected together to form large structures. Tipis have no central pole as the 9 poles are around the edge of the tipi. A single giant tipi needs a minimum of 3 crew to erect and normally take 2-3 hours to get fully ready. The central point is almost 7m above the ground and long ladders and harnesses are used.
The canvas alone weighs 90Kg. The main poles are over 8m long and a specialised trailer is required for moving the Tipis from A to B.
For example 4 Giant Tipis joined together can seat 200 people for a wedding breakfast with a dancefloor, a bar and stage.
Bell Tents
Bell tents are much smaller structures and designed for sleeping in. They have formed the basis of glamping set ups in the UK for the past decade. They are perfectly suited for creating wonderfully luxurious Bell Tent Villages at events.
All Bell Tents have a central pole and an inverted V shaped pole around the door. Bell tents can easily be erected by one person in 20mins.
A 5m Bell tent weighs around 30Kg including the poles depending on the thickness of the canvas. The packed down tent can easily fit in the boot of a small car.
Conclusion
I hope we’ve managed to explain the difference between Tipis and Bell Tents. Both are used in the event industry. Both are used extensively for Weddings, Corporate Events, Parties and Festivals. However, that’s where the similarities end!
