Which Printed Event Shelter do I Need?

The right event shelter is rarely about what looks best in isolation. It comes down to how you plan to use it, where you’ll use it, and what matters most to you on the day.

Printed gazebos, inflatable shelters, star shades and branded marquees all do the same fundamental job, providing covered space and brand visibility, but they go about it in very different ways. Understanding the trade-offs is the key to choosing the right one.

Below, we break down the main considerations to help you decide.

Cost and value

Price is often the first filter, but it should never be the only one.

As a general guide:

• Printed gazebos start from £446.98

• Star shades start from £1,269.99

• Inflatable shelters start from £1,889.99

• Branded marquees start from £5,449.99

The price differences reflect far more than just size.

Printed gazebos are usually the most affordable and the most popular option. They offer excellent value for money, especially for organisations that attend multiple events throughout the year. Many models are lightweight enough to be erected by one person, which keeps setup costs and effort down.

Star shades and inflatable shelters typically cost more because they rely on dye sublimation printing across very large surface areas, delivering high-impact branding and striking shapes. You are paying for visibility and ease of transport rather than sheer structural mass.

Branded marquees sit at the top end of the scale. They are large, extra heavy duty structures, often chosen for motorsport and professional applications where stability, longevity and space matter more than portability.

Portability and ease of setup

How far you need to transport your shelter, and how many people are available to set it up, makes a big difference.

Printed gazebos are compact when packed and quick to deploy. Many smaller sizes can be handled by a single person, making them ideal for solo operators, small teams and frequent events.

Inflatable shelters and star shades are among the easiest to transport. Despite their size when erected, they pack down efficiently and are quick to deploy on site. This makes them popular for touring brands, promotional teams and events where speed matters.

Branded marquees are designed for semi-permanent or professional use. They require more space, more time and more hands to erect, but in return they offer a level of robustness and presence that lighter structures cannot match.

Size and covered area

Different shelters suit very different footprints.

Printed gazebos are available in sizes up to 4m x 10m, making them suitable for compact event spaces, pit setups, market stalls and modular layouts where multiple units may be used together.

Inflatable shelters commonly reach 6m x 6m, offering generous internal space while still remaining highly portable.

Star shades are less about enclosed space and more about creating a visible, open footprint that draws attention.

Branded marquees offer the largest covered areas by far, with sizes reaching up to 6m x 12m. These are often chosen when vehicles, equipment, hospitality areas or multiple work zones need to be sheltered under one structure.

Brand exposure and visibility

If visibility is your priority, structure choice matters.

Star shades are the tallest and most visually distinctive option. Their height and unusual shape make them visible from hundreds of metres away, making them ideal for outdoor events where standing out matters more than enclosed space.

Large inflatable shelters offer a similar benefit, especially in sizes like 6m x 6m, with bold curves and uninterrupted print areas that demand attention.

Printed gazebos and marquees provide excellent branding opportunities too, particularly through valances, walls and leg branding, but their impact is more controlled and professional rather than attention-grabbing from distance.

Location and weather conditions

Where you plan to use your shelter is critical.

Gazebos and branded marquees perform best in windy conditions. Their rigid frames and anchoring options make them a reliable choice for exposed sites, circuits and long outdoor events.

Inflatable shelters and star shades are designed for ease and visual impact, but very high winds can affect stability, particularly in open environments. In these cases, site selection, anchoring and weather planning become more important.

If you regularly operate in challenging conditions, heavier framed structures are usually the safer long-term choice.

Suitability for purpose

There is no single “best” event shelter. It comes down to priorities.

Choose a printed gazebo if you want versatility, affordability and quick setup.
Choose an inflatable shelter if portability and visual impact matter most.
Choose a star shade if standout branding and height are the goal.
Choose a branded marquee if strength, space and professional-grade performance are non-negotiable.

Is it just down to personal taste?

Not really.

Personal preference plays a part, but the right decision usually comes from matching the structure to your priorities. Budget, location, transport, weather exposure, branding goals and frequency of use all matter more than aesthetics alone.

The good news is that all of these structures do their job exceptionally well when used in the right context. Check out our great guide to popular uses for printed event shelters, including some wonderful images of work we've done. 

Final thought

Every event shelter we supply is designed to perform. The difference is not which one is best, but which one is best for you.

If you are unsure, working through your priorities first will always lead to a better investment than choosing purely on appearance or price. Give our team a call on 01709 911948 if you'd like reliable, honest advice from the experts. We're always happy to help.