Inflatable vs Pop-Up Gazebos: Choosing One for Your Event
Planning any kind of event comes with a lot of moving parts, but organising one outdoors can be even more complex. You’re at the mercy of the weather, which means you need something reliable to keep the sun, wind, and rain out. Choosing the right shelter is important for running an event smoothly and keeping your guests comfortable. The good news is there’s no right or wrong answer when it comes to picking a gazebo — it all comes down to your priorities and preferences.
Two options on the market that offer plenty of convenience are pop-up and inflatable gazebos. Let’s compare them and see what each option brings to the table.
Pop-up Gazebos: A Reliable Classic
Chances are, when you think of gazebos, a pop-up gazebo comes to mind. These are a lifesaver when you need shelter in a pinch, and you don’t have all the time in the world to prepare. It’s not unusual for things to go off track during an event, which is why you need a shelter that won’t let you down. They’re super easy to set up, thanks to their clever concertina-style frames. You can have one up and ready to go in just a few minutes with two people. No stress, no fuss — and who doesn’t love that?
Benefits of Pop-up Gazebos
Pop-up gazebos are one of the most popular options for events for a reason. Their high-peak roofs look great and do a fantastic job of keeping rain or sun off your head. Depending on your supplier, you can find gazebos in different materials, like steel or aluminium, which means there’s an option for every level of durability you might need. Here at Hercules, our pop-up gazebos have full waterproofing, UPF50 UV protection, and flame-retardant properties.
Inflatable Gazebos: A New Option
You might’ve used an inflatable mattress or a blow-up tent before, but have you ever been in an inflatable gazebo? They’re a humble unit that’s even easier to set up than your traditional pop-up gazebo. Also known as inflatable or pop-up marquees, these types of gazebos are becoming more common to see at events. At Hercules Gazebo, we use Spider Inflatable Domes. A Spider Dome package includes an electric air pump, pins, and a sandbag to provide extra stability. These high-pressure units are just as reliable regardless of the weather. See them in action!
Benefits of Inflatable Gazebos
Inflatable spider dome gazebos tick just as many boxes as regular pop-up gazebos do, but their biggest advantage is how easy they are to set up. In most cases, a spider dome can be inflated with one person and can even fit in a backpack. They’re light enough for one person to carry, making them a great portable choice. They also come in four sizes, from 3x3m to 6x6m, and can resist wind speeds up to 80km/h. Hercules Gazebo provides full sublimation printing so the crowd can spot you from a distance, helping you brand or stall stand out even more.
Spider domes are also easily scalable, with optional accessories including a tunnel connection that can be plain or printed. This means for events that require a bigger setup, you can chuck in an extra inflatable gazebo that takes up minimal space. Impress visitors and anyone passing by with a seamless gazebo experience that is customised with full-colour digital printing.
Still Feeling Stuck? Chat to Hercules Gazebo
As you can tell by now, the choice between an inflatable gazebo and a pop-up one has no right answer. Pop-up gazebos are a timeless go-to, but inflatable gazebos are just as great. Each option can be customised to your liking based on what your organisation needs and what type of event you expect to use it for. If you’re shopping for a gazebo, don’t forget to look into quality options with spare gazebo parts for easy maintenance.
No matter which option you choose, the right shelter will make your big day easier — and when done right, even more memorable. Whether you’re hosting a casual gathering or a grand celebration, our premium gazebos in NZ are designed to impress. They’re easy to assemble, sturdy, and available in a wide range of styles. Explore our collection today, or get in touch with our team to discuss your requirements. Let us provide the shelter you need to make your outdoor gathering both seamless and memorable!
