# EventCriteria

> Guides to wedding and party supplies: balloon arches, backdrops, linens, lighting, photo booths, PA speakers, tents and event furniture, for hosts and professional planners.

EventCriteria publishes event supplies reviews, buying guides and reader discount codes. Every review states who the product suits, the current price from the brand's own store, and any active reader code.

## Key pages
- [Reviews](https://eventcriteria.com/reviews): every product we recommend
- [Buying guides](https://eventcriteria.com/guides): how to choose
- [Glossary](https://eventcriteria.com/glossary): event supplies terms defined
- [How we test](https://eventcriteria.com/testing-methodology)

## Topics
- [Decor & backdrops](https://eventcriteria.com/category/decor): Balloon arches and garlands, backdrop stands, wedding decor, banners and centerpieces.
- [Tables & linens](https://eventcriteria.com/category/tables-linens): Tablecloths, runners, chair covers, chargers, serveware and folding event furniture.
- [Light, sound & photo](https://eventcriteria.com/category/light-sound): String lights, uplighting, LED candles, portable PA speakers, microphones and photo booth setups.
- [Outdoor events](https://eventcriteria.com/category/outdoor-events): Party tents, pop-up canopies, weights, patio heaters, fans and weather gear.
- [Celebrations](https://eventcriteria.com/category/celebrations): Supplies and ideas for birthdays, baby and bridal showers, graduations and holiday parties.
- [Pro & DIY supplies](https://eventcriteria.com/category/pro-supplies): Balloon inflators, cutters, installation kits, storage, transport and bulk supplies for decorators and planners.

## Buying guides
- [Balloon Arch Sizing: Count, Layout and Air vs Helium](https://eventcriteria.com/guides/balloon-arch-kit-guide): Start with the finished length and design density, then treat any per-foot count as a planning estimate because balloon sizes and spacing vary. Air-filled garlands need a secure frame or strip; helium lift depends on balloon size, material and conditions. Check setup instructions and local rules before planning an outdoor display.
- [Balloon Arch Kit vs Buying Supplies Separately](https://eventcriteria.com/guides/balloon-kit-vs-sourced-supplies): A kit can simplify a small arch when its balloon sizes, colors, strip and frame match the plan. Buying components separately gives more control over palette, scale and spare quantities, but requires checking fit across parts. Compare the included pieces and finished-size guidance before checkout; our balloon arch planning guide covers balloon counts and layout.
- [LED vs Incandescent String Lights for Events](https://eventcriteria.com/guides/led-vs-incandescent-event-string-lights): LED string lights generally use less electricity and produce less heat than comparable incandescent sets, while incandescent bulbs create a familiar warm point of light. The exact wattage, brightness, bulb spacing and maximum connected run are product-specific. Check the manufacturer's label and outdoor-use rating; our event string-light guide covers layout and power planning.
- [Party Tent Size Guide: Square Feet per Guest](https://eventcriteria.com/guides/party-tent-size-guide): Allow about 6 to 8 square feet per guest for standing cocktails, 10 to 12 for rectangular banquet seating and 12 to 15 for round tables, then add space for the dance floor, buffet, bar and DJ. A 20 × 40 ft tent (800 sq ft) seats about 55 to 65 guests at round tables. Weight every leg, choose fabric rated to CPAI-84, and check whether your city requires a permit.
- [Pipe and Drape vs Arch Backdrop for Events](https://eventcriteria.com/guides/pipe-drape-vs-arch-backdrop): Pipe-and-drape is adjustable across a broad span and gives continuous fabric coverage; an arch is a defined focal shape with a smaller, more specific silhouette. Check stand dimensions, base footprint, fabric compatibility, transport and venue restrictions before choosing. Our backdrop stand guide covers sizing and safe setup checks.
- [Polyester vs Linen Tablecloths for Events](https://eventcriteria.com/guides/polyester-vs-linen-tablecloths): Polyester is a practical choice when repeat washing, consistent color and straightforward care matter; linen gives a natural texture and softer drape but needs care that matches its fiber and finish. Fabric blends and rental stock vary, so read the item label and laundering instructions. Use our tablecloth size chart to match the cloth dimensions to the table and desired drop.
- [Pop-Up Canopy vs Party Tent for an Event](https://eventcriteria.com/guides/pop-up-canopy-vs-party-tent): A pop-up canopy is convenient for a compact shade footprint and quick setup; a larger party tent can cover seating, dining and event circulation but needs more planning, anchoring and installation space. Compare the exact frame, fabric, wind and weather limits and setup instructions. Our party tent size guide helps estimate area and flags permit checks.
- [Portable PA Speakers for Weddings and Parties: How to Choose](https://eventcriteria.com/guides/portable-pa-speaker-for-events): Start with the event's speech and music needs, room size, background noise, power access and whether you need a microphone. Compare published maximum SPL and coverage guidance for the exact model; advertised wattage alone cannot predict audience coverage. Check wireless-mic support and the exact permitted frequency band.
- [Portable PA vs Bluetooth Speaker for an Event](https://eventcriteria.com/guides/portable-pa-vs-bluetooth-speaker-events): A portable PA is designed to accept microphones and provide event inputs and controls; a Bluetooth speaker can be simpler for background music in a small space. Models differ, so check mic support, wired inputs, battery mode and coverage guidance rather than relying on advertised watts alone. Our event PA buying guide covers setup, wireless mic bands and room planning.
- [Outdoor Event String Light Layout and Power Guide](https://eventcriteria.com/guides/string-lights-for-outdoor-events): Measure each run and account for sag or zigzags, then check the exact set's outdoor rating, wattage and maximum connected length. Use a GFCI-protected outdoor outlet and follow the product instructions for support, connections and weather exposure. Compare bulb types in our LED vs incandescent event light guide.
- [Tablecloth Size Chart for Banquet, Round and Cocktail Tables](https://eventcriteria.com/guides/tablecloth-size-chart): For a floor-length look, add about 60 inches to each table dimension (a 30-inch drop on each side of a standard 30-inch-high table). A 6 ft banquet table takes a 90 × 132 inch cloth, an 8 ft table 90 × 156, a 60-inch round a 120-inch round, and a 72-inch round a 132-inch round. For a lap-length drop, add twice the desired drop; a standard 70-inch cloth on a 48-inch round gives about an 11-inch drop.
- [Backdrop Stand Setup and Safety: Sizes, Fabric and Bases](https://eventcriteria.com/guides/wedding-backdrop-stand-guide): Check assembled height and span, base footprint, crossbar, attachment method and fabric weight against the manufacturer's limits. Ask the venue about flame-performance documentation, floor protection and rigging rules. For the style choice between continuous drape and an arch, see our backdrop comparison.

Contact: info@eventcriteria.com