Hosting a garden party in a small space can be a challenge.

If you are eager to host a party celebrating an engagement, an anniversary, or even a new baby, you will want the event to be special. Of course, you may also want something more intimate, prompting you to look to your own (or a friend’s or a relative’s) back garden. Indeed, small garden parties are becoming increasingly common as they offer a more relaxed atmosphere for guests and, frankly, those who attend will at least have a vague idea of where everything is. Plus, there are no restrictions on pets, for those friends and family members who may want to bring along their four-legged friends.

Even if the space you have available feels a bit tight, there are many ways you can make sure the party is a success, and the first step (especially in the UK) is to look into marquees for gardens.

Marquee Hire for Small Gardens: Space-Saving Ideas & Setups

Now, you may be wondering why you should hire a marquee for your small garden party? Here are a few reasons to think about-

• Weather protection– in the UK, even in the peak of summer, can be incredibly unpredictable, and should it rain, you can keep everyone dry, without needing to rush back into the house to continue the activities.
• Class- even a small marquee can add a touch of class to your garden party and can truly make the event you are celebrating special. Any photos taken at the party will also look amazing.
• Privacy– even if you get on really well with your neighbours, by having a small garden party marquee put up, you create a boundary and prevent unwanted eyes from peering in.

Think your garden is too small? At Dynamic Marquees, we have marquees of all sizes, even extremely small ones, that can help you add class and some much-needed protection from the elements. Don’t worry about setting it up. Our team can set up and dismantle it for you, so you know you are getting a secure structure.

On a side note, we always recommend that our private party clients seek to have their marquee erected at least a day before the party. That way, you will have time to decorate it without rushing.

Things to Think About when Hosting a Garden Party

If this is your first time hosting a garden party, there are a few things you need to consider to pull it off that aren’t necessarily related to the space.

Noise Level

Going back to your neighbours, in the UK, there are laws relating to noise levels. When hosting an event in a small space, it is likely that it may get pretty noisy. So, if you are not planning to invite your neighbours, you should let them know in advance that you will be having a party. Put the date, the time it is due to start (and finish), and thank them in advance for being understanding. You can also give them a phone number to call you on if they are concerned about the noise level. Try to advise your guests not to get too loud and, if you can, try to make sure that no one gets too inebriated. Volume control is one of the first things to go when that happens.

Insects

Summer sun, outside food and drinks, plus bare skin, equate to insects. Lots of insects.

There are some ways you can try to prevent the local flies, wasps, and mosquitoes from descending on you and your guests. You can run a cable and have a fan blowing near the food, as well as making sure the food is covered when it is not being eaten. This will help with temperature control and will also prevent flies or wasps from getting too close. Incidentally, if you are planning to host your event during a heat wave, you can talk to our team about our cooling options for your marquee to help keep the temperature manageable. Even our compact marquees UK can get toasty in the British summer, and we want you and your guests to feel comfortable.

Also, if you have any standing water nearby, such as a pond, try to cover it, as standing water is a proverbial hotbed for mosquitoes and flies.

Activities

As is the way with planning a party, you will likely need to come up with some activities to keep your guests entertained.

Depending on exactly how much free room you have (and the theme of the party), this could be Pictionary, charades, or even more adult-themed games like Cards Against Humanity. If you have younger guests attending, then it can be worth setting aside a small play area for them, where they can play with their toys.

Lighting

Hosting a garden party usually means that it will go on late into the evening. So, you will need to think about lights that are safe, functional, and don’t cost a packet.

When looking into marquee hire for small gardens with our team, why not look into the lighting we can offer? We do offer the standard fairy lights, which can be an ideal addition to a marquee that is going to be up well into the evening, but we also offer LED chandeliers and LED furniture like seats.

Seating

Even with a small garden party, you will need seating for yourself and your guests. This can be a bit of a pickle, as few people have access to multiple chairs that can be used without having to buy more. Luckily, our team at Dynamic Marquee are able to offer our clients a range of different seats and chairs that can blend seamlessly into your garden party and offer comfort to you and your guests.

When you contact us about your marquee, tell us the size of your garden, how many guests are due to attend, and we will do the rest.

Ways to Save Space with Your Garden Party

Even in a small garden, with a bit of mental planning, you can use the space to make your party one to remember.

Create Zones

Even in a small space, you can create zones, which will help you and your guests to mentally separate the areas and to use them accordingly.

For example, you can have a seating area, a dancing area, and even space for games and activities. Try to plan ahead for the layout and, if necessary, try to extend some of the events or games into the surrounding garden.

Get a Garden Bar

Speaking of areas that don’t necessarily have to be inside the marquee, if you are hosting the event for adults, why not look into setting up a bar? You can even hire bars now, which our team at Dynamic Marquees will be happy to discuss with you, especially if you want to have a bar that lights up.

Having a bar will create a space for chatting among your guests, as well as give them a reason to move around the garden space.

Buffet

We know that a smaller garden party doesn’t necessarily equate to the event being cheaper, but if you hire a catering team to serve hot food, this can take up quite a bit of space, especially as they walk back and forth.

For smaller garden parties, it can be worth setting up a small desk or table with a buffet. If you are so inclined, you can invite your friends and family to bring along their own food, which can add a fun element to the dining. Try not to spread the food over multiple areas, as this will take up space and add to a cluttered look: not great when you are already short on room.

Clear Clutter

It sounds obvious, but if your garden is a bit cluttered, try to move as much of it as you can into your shed, or into a part of the garden that won’t be used. Try to create clear walkways from your house to the marquee for your guests, to help add to the flow and prevent accidents and trips. Your older relatives and those with toddlers will thank you.

Choosing the Right Small Marquee for Your Garden Party

Even if you are short on space with your garden, that doesn’t mean you can’t host a truly memorable party. You need to get your hands on a marquee that blends comfort with your theme, while also being practical.

If you are planning a smaller garden party and you want to add a touch of class, then our teak at Dynamic Marquees can help you. We can help you to select the right marquee for the space, as well as your budget, helping to turn your party into something that all of your guests will enjoy. So, call us today for a chat about our marquees and let’s bring your vision to life.