Hiring a marquee gives you the flexibility to create an event space around your exact requirements, but there is more to consider than simply choosing a tent and a date.

The right marquee depends on your guest numbers, event type, available space, ground conditions, furniture, flooring, power requirements, heating and several other factors.

With more than 20 years' experience supplying marquees for weddings, parties, corporate events, festivals and temporary storage, we've put together this guide to explain what you need to know before requesting a marquee hire quotation.

What Should I Know Before Hiring a Marquee?

Before contacting a marquee hire company, it helps to know:

• The type and date of your event
• Approximate guest numbers
• Available space
• Surface type
• Seating requirements
• Whether you need a dance floor, stage or bar
• Flooring requirements
• Lighting and power requirements
• Heating requirements
• Installation and removal dates
• Access to the site
• Your approximate budget

Don't worry if you don't know everything yet. An experienced marquee supplier can help determine the details and recommend an appropriate structure.

1. Do I Need a Marquee or a Gazebo?

The first question is whether a marquee is actually the right structure for your event.

Although the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, marquees and gazebos are designed for different purposes.

When is a gazebo suitable?

Gazebos are generally best suited to smaller, informal gatherings where only a limited amount of covered space is required.

Typical uses include:

• Garden parties
• BBQs
• Small celebrations
• Market stalls
• Small outdoor displays

They're generally smaller and quicker to erect than professional event marquees.

When should I hire a marquee?

A marquee is more appropriate when you need a substantial temporary event structure capable of accommodating guests, furniture and event infrastructure.

Marquees are commonly used for:

• Weddings
• Birthday parties
• Corporate events
• Festivals
• Exhibitions
• Hospitality areas
• Live events
• Large private celebrations

Professional marquees are available in numerous dimensions and can be configured around the requirements of the event.

What is a storage marquee?

Storage marquees are temporary structures designed primarily for commercial and industrial use rather than hospitality.

Businesses use them for:

• Temporary warehousing
• Seasonal stock
• Overflow inventory
• Equipment storage
• Additional workspace
• Short-term operational expansion

They can provide additional capacity without requiring a business to immediately invest in constructing or leasing permanent warehouse space.

2. What Size Marquee Do I Need?

Marquee size should never be determined by guest numbers alone.

The appropriate size depends on both the number of people attending and what needs to fit inside the structure.

Consider:

• Guest numbers
• Tables and chairs
• Dance floor
• Stage
• Bar
• DJ or band
• Catering areas
• Display equipment
• Lounge furniture
• Walkways
• Entrances and exits

For events with fluctuating attendance, such as exhibitions and festivals, consider the maximum number of people likely to be inside the marquee at any one time.

Your marquee supplier should be able to create a layout based on these requirements.

Should I allow extra capacity?

It is sensible to allow some flexibility rather than designing a layout that only just accommodates your expected attendance.

However, rather than applying a fixed percentage to every event, the additional space should be determined by the type of event, seating arrangement and expected guest movement.

Comfortable circulation space is particularly important around entrances, bars, dance floors and dining areas.

3. How Does Furniture Affect Marquee Size?

Furniture can significantly change the amount of space required.

For seated events, consider whether you want:

• Round tables
• Rectangular tables
• Banquet-style seating
• Picnic tables
• Poseur tables
• Lounge furniture

You should also consider how guests will move between tables and whether additional areas are required.

For a wedding, for example, the marquee may need to accommodate dining tables, a top table, dance floor, bar, DJ or band and decorative features.

A scaled floor plan is one of the most useful tools for determining whether everything will fit comfortably.

4. What Should I Consider for a Corporate Event or Festival?

Corporate events, exhibitions, festivals and live events can have very different requirements from private parties.

Important questions include:

• How much exhibition or promotional space is required?
• Are multiple marquees needed?
• What are the site's space restrictions?
• What capacity is required?
• How many entrances and exits are needed?
• Is a stage required?
• Are sets, props or displays being installed?
• How much space is required for professional equipment?
• What are the lighting and power requirements?
• How will visitors move through the structure?

Sharing these requirements with your marquee company at an early stage makes it easier to design the appropriate structure and layout.

5. What Should Businesses Consider for Temporary Warehousing?

Temporary storage structures have different requirements from event marquees.

Before requesting a temporary warehouse, consider:

• Required floor area
• Stock volume
• Racking requirements
• Required internal height
• Vehicle access
• Roller shutter doors
• Loading and unloading requirements
• Number of people using the building
• Equipment operating inside
• Required clearance around existing buildings
• Ground conditions
• Expected duration of use

Commercial structures may also be subject to different planning, safety and regulatory requirements, so these should be assessed for the individual site and intended use.

6. What Surface Can a Marquee Be Installed On?

Marquees can be installed on a range of surfaces, but the surface determines how the structure is anchored and whether additional flooring may be beneficial.

A professional supplier should assess the installation area before recommending an anchoring system.

Can a marquee go on grass?

Yes. Grass is one of the most common surfaces for marquee installations.

Ground conditions still need to be assessed, particularly after prolonged wet weather.

Consider:

• Drainage
• Ground firmness
• Underground services
• Slopes
• Vehicle access
• Recent rainfall

Flooring is often recommended for weddings and formal events because it provides a more stable and consistent surface for guests and furniture.

Can a marquee go on concrete or hardstanding?

Yes. Marquees can often be installed on concrete and other suitable hard surfaces.

Where conventional staking isn't appropriate, alternative anchoring or ballast systems may be required.

The exact method should be determined by the marquee supplier following an assessment of the site and structure.

Can a marquee be installed over a stage?

Marquees can sometimes be installed in conjunction with staging for festivals, performances and live events.

This requires careful coordination between the marquee and staging providers to ensure dimensions, clearances, anchoring and structural requirements are compatible.

7. Do I Need Marquee Flooring?

Flooring isn't necessary for every event, but it can make a significant difference to comfort, accessibility and appearance.

It is particularly worth considering when:

• The marquee is installed on grass
• Wet weather is possible
• Guests are wearing formal footwear
• Dining furniture needs a stable surface
• A premium interior finish is required
• The ground is uneven

Wooden flooring can also be combined with carpet to create a more finished interior for weddings, parties and corporate hospitality.

8. Does a Marquee Need Electricity?

Most modern events require electricity.

Power may be needed for:

• Lighting
• DJs
• Live bands
• Catering equipment
• Refrigeration
• Bars
• Heating
• AV equipment
• Displays
• Charging equipment

An existing electrical supply may be sufficient for some events, while others will require dedicated generators and power distribution.

Power requirements should be calculated based on the equipment being used rather than estimated solely from the size of the marquee.

9. Can a Marquee Be Heated?

Yes. Marquees can be heated, making them suitable for events throughout much of the year.

Professional marquee heating systems are designed to distribute warm air throughout the structure while the heating equipment itself can be positioned appropriately.

Heating requirements depend on factors including:

• Marquee size
• Outside temperature
• Number of guests
• Flooring
• Linings
• Number and position of entrances
• How frequently doors or sides will be opened

For autumn and winter events, heating should be discussed during the initial planning stage rather than added as an afterthought.

10. What Lighting Can You Have in a Marquee?

Marquee lighting can be both practical and decorative.

Popular options include:

• Chandeliers
• Fairy lights
• Festoon lighting
• Uplighters
• Coloured event lighting
• Stage lighting
• Exterior lighting

Think about how the marquee needs to function after sunset as well as how it will look during the day.

Entrances, pathways and surrounding outdoor areas may also require lighting.

11. How Much Does Marquee Hire Cost?

There is no single price for marquee hire because every installation is different.

The cost is typically influenced by:

• Marquee dimensions
• Hire duration
• Location
• Installation requirements
• Ground conditions
• Flooring
• Carpet
• Interior linings
• Furniture
• Lighting
• Heating
• Power
• Accessories
• Installation and dismantling requirements

Larger marquees will generally cost more, but size isn't the only factor.

A smaller marquee with premium flooring, furniture, heating and lighting may cost more than a larger basic structure.

How Do I Get an Accurate Marquee Hire Quote?

The more information you provide, the more accurately a supplier can quote.

Before requesting a price, try to establish:

• Event date
• Event location
• Available installation area
• Surface type
• Guest numbers
• Required marquee size, if known
• Furniture requirements
• Flooring and carpet requirements
• Interior lining
• Lighting
• Heating
• Power requirements
• Toilets
• Installation date
• Removal date
• Any particular theme or design requirements

If you don't know the marquee dimensions you require, provide your supplier with the other information and ask them to recommend an appropriate size.

12. What Marquee Sizes Are Available?

Marquees are modular and can be supplied in numerous widths and lengths depending on the system and supplier.

At Marquees for All Occasions, some of our commonly supplied dimensions include:

• 15m wide structures with lengths from approximately 10m to 50m
• 10m wide structures with lengths from approximately 10m to 30m
• 9m wide structures with lengths from approximately 9m to 27m
• 3m wide structures with lengths from approximately 3m to 18m

The best size isn't necessarily the largest structure that will fit the site. It should provide sufficient space for your guests and event requirements while using the available area efficiently.

Marquee Hire Checklist

Before contacting a marquee hire company, try to answer as many of these questions as possible:

• What type of event am I organising?
• What is the event date?
• Where will the marquee be installed?
• How many guests am I expecting?
• What is the maximum available space?
• What type of surface is available?
• Is vehicle access available?
• Do I need tables and chairs?
• Do I need a bar?
• Do I need a dance floor or stage?
• Do I need flooring or carpet?
• Do I need interior linings?
• What lighting will I need?
• Will heating be required?
• Where will electricity come from?
• Will a generator be required?
• Do I need temporary toilets?
• When can installation begin?
• When does everything need to be removed?
• What is my approximate budget?

You don't need to have every answer before making an enquiry. These questions simply give your marquee company the information needed to start recommending the most appropriate options.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hiring a Marquee

How far in advance should I hire a marquee?

Booking early is recommended, particularly for weddings, large events and popular spring and summer dates. Availability varies according to marquee size, event date and supplier capacity.

Can a marquee go on concrete?

Yes, marquees can often be installed on concrete or hardstanding. Alternative anchoring or ballast systems may be required where staking into the ground isn't appropriate.

Can a marquee go on grass?

Yes. Grass is one of the most common surfaces for marquees. Ground conditions, drainage, access and underground services should still be assessed before installation.

Do I need flooring in a marquee?

Not necessarily, but flooring can improve comfort, appearance and stability. It is particularly useful on grass and for weddings, dining events and formal occasions.

Can you heat a marquee in winter?

Yes. Professional marquee heating systems can make winter events comfortable, although the required heating capacity depends on the structure, weather and event.

Do marquees need generators?

Not always. Some events can use an existing suitable electrical supply. Events with substantial lighting, catering, heating or entertainment requirements may need a dedicated generator and distribution system.

Can I have a dance floor, bar and stage inside a marquee?

Yes. One of the main advantages of marquee hire is that the internal layout can be designed around features such as dance floors, bars, stages, dining areas and entertainment.

Planning Your Marquee Event

The best marquee isn't simply determined by the number of guests attending. Your site, event layout, ground conditions, furniture, power, flooring, lighting and heating all contribute to choosing the right structure.

Planning these elements together from the beginning can prevent compromises later and help you make better use of both your marquee and your budget.

At Marquees for All Occasions, we've spent more than 20 years helping customers plan marquee events and temporary structures. If you have your event date, location, approximate guest numbers and an idea of what you'd like inside, that's usually enough information to start the conversation.

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