Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Renting Pipe and Drape for Your Event

Renting pipe and drape is one of the easiest ways to create professional backdrops, trade show booths, and event partitions without the high cost of custom displays. However, many event planners and exhibitors make common mistakes that lead to last-minute issues, unexpected costs, and poor presentation.

At Georgia Pipe & Drape, we provide high-quality pipe and drape rentals for trade shows, conventions, corporate events, and more. To help you get the most out of your rental, we’ve compiled the top five mistakes to avoid and how to ensure a seamless setup.

Mistake #1: Not Measuring Your Event Space Correctly

One of the most frequent mistakes is underestimating or overestimating the space required for pipe and drape setups.

How to Avoid This Mistake

• Confirm your booth dimensions before placing a rental order.
• Ask the venue for exact measurements of your reserved space.
• Allow for extra room if your setup includes sidewalls, banners, or additional partitions.

At Georgia Pipe & Drape, we can help you calculate the right dimensions for your setup to avoid spacing issues.

Mistake #2: Choosing the Wrong Drape Height and Material

Selecting the wrong drape height can make your booth look too short or overwhelming, while choosing the wrong material can affect the aesthetics and functionality of your space.

How to Avoid This Mistake

• Standard trade show booths typically use 8-foot high drapes.
• Sidewalls are usually 3 feet high to allow for visibility.
• If branding or aesthetics are a priority, choose the right material:
  • Banjo drape for standard trade show booths.
  • Velvet or poly premier drape for high-end corporate events.

If you’re unsure about which height or fabric to choose, our experts at Georgia Pipe & Drape can guide you to the best option for your event.

Mistake #3: Waiting Until the Last Minute to Reserve Rentals

Many event planners delay booking pipe and drape rentals, only to find limited availability, higher costs, or difficulty securing the right setup.

How to Avoid This Mistake

• Book rentals at least 2-4 weeks in advance for trade shows and large events.
• For peak event seasons, secure your rental even earlier.
• Work with a provider that offers fast delivery and setup services.

At Georgia Pipe & Drape, we recommend booking as early as possible to ensure the best selection and availability.

Mistake #4: Not Considering Setup and Takedown Time

Some exhibitors assume that pipe and drape setups can be assembled instantly, but failing to plan for installation time can cause delays or rushed setups.

How to Avoid This Mistake

• Allocate at least 30-60 minutes for a standard 10×10 trade show booth.
• Plan for additional time if setting up multiple booths or large backdrops.
• Work with a rental company that provides setup and takedown services.

Georgia Pipe & Drape offers professional installation services to ensure your booth is set up on time and to your exact specifications.

Mistake #5: Ignoring Venue Regulations and Fire Code Compliance

Some venues have strict guidelines on pipe and drape setups, including fire-resistant materials, height restrictions, and structural requirements.

How to Avoid This Mistake

• Check with the venue for any fire code requirements before booking rentals.
• Use flame-retardant drapes, which are standard in most venues.
• Ensure your setup complies with event regulations and booth spacing guidelines.

At Georgia Pipe & Drape, we provide fire-rated, event-compliant pipe and drape solutions to meet venue safety requirements.

Why Choose Georgia Pipe & Drape for Your Event Rentals?

Avoiding these common mistakes ensures that your event setup is seamless, professional, and stress-free. At Georgia Pipe & Drape, we offer:

• Affordable pipe and drape rentals for trade shows, conventions, and corporate events.
• Professional setup and takedown services to save you time and hassle.
• A variety of drape styles, colors, and sizes to match your event needs.
• Reliable service and fast delivery throughout Georgia.

Get a Free Quote for Your Pipe and Drape Rental

Renting pipe and drape is a cost-effective way to enhance your event, but avoiding common mistakes is key to a successful setup. Whether you need a trade show booth, stage backdrop, or event divider, Georgia Pipe & Drape has the right rental solutions for you.

Get a free quote today at GeorgiaPipeAndDrape.com and let us handle your event setup with ease.