A marquee is a fantastic choice for an outdoor event, as it will impress every guest from the moment they arrive while providing a shelter from the elements. Due to the size, flexibility, and dependability of a professional marquee, many people, from happy couples to business owners, often erect the temporary shelter to take control of every aspect of an outdoor event, such as a wedding, corporate conference, or engagement party.
Of course, the marquee you choose will determine the event’s space, style, and comfort, which is why you must pick the best option for you. With many options available, we understand that you may be unsure about the perfect design for your needs. For this reason, we have taken the time to create this helpful guide on the different types of marquees for outdoor events, along with key factors to consider.
Frame Marquees
Frame marquees, also known as clear-span marquees, are among the most flexible options available, given that they can be installed on almost any surface. They are arguably one of the best marquees for summer events, made from high-quality aluminium frames with a PVC covering to prevent the need for internal poles. As a result, a frame marquee can be easily positioned over grass, asphalt, concrete, tarmac, and other surfaces, and the versatile design supports various layouts and designs to match your needs.
It is a smart choice if you have a specific vision for an upcoming event, such as a wedding, as we can easily adjust the marquee to suit your preferred design and zoning requirements. As there are no central poles to worry about, you will have complete control of your event’s floor plan, helping your vision come to life for a garden party marquee hire London.
The clean, frameless design will also exude professionalism if you are hosting an upcoming corporate or commercial event.
Traditional Pole Marquees
If you are planning a fun garden party or a classic English country wedding, a traditional pole marquee is a sophisticated choice. It is one of the most romantic marquee options for weddings and other outdoor events, as it is well-regarded for its central poles that create elegant-peaked ceilings.
Traditional pole marquees might not be as flexible as clear-span designs. However, they will create a romantic, timeless atmosphere that will impress every guest from the moment they set their eyes on it from the outside. The interior will also appear impressive, offering a light, airy feel that will ensure you and your guests feel happy and relaxed throughout the day or night. You can even remove the side walls to increase airflow on a hot summer’s day, ensuring your guests feel comfortable from start to finish.
It is, however, best suited for grass surfaces, as it will allow the stakes to be securely anchored deep into the ground.
Stretch Tents
Stretch tents are by far one of the best types of marquees for events that cater to many people, making them perfect for festivals, fun garden parties, or commercial outdoor bars.
Thanks to its lightweight, stretchy material, a stretch tent can be configured into different shapes and sizes to match your needs and vision. Therefore, it is a top choice for those who need a marquee in an unusual style or want to create a striking contemporary design that will impress guests or customers.
Our team can adapt the versatile fabric to alter its design and provide your event with the wow factor. We can also erect a stretch tent above uneven ground and can even attach it to buildings, if desired.
Small Marquees
We understand that not every event requires a large, elaborate marquee, which is why we are happy to provide smaller marquees to suit your needs. Our team will visit your address to erect a smaller design, which might be perfect for an upcoming birthday party, family BBQ, or corporate gathering.
It’s a great option if you are planning to host a small-to-medium party in your garden or have a tricky outdoor space. You can trust it will turn a fun gathering into a memorable event.
Marquee Considerations to Make
While the design and space of a marquee are important, there are other factors you must consider when choosing the best marquee type for an upcoming event.
The Marquee Size
Your guest list should determine the marquee you choose for your big day or an upcoming summer event. For instance, if you’re inviting more than 50 people to a wedding or outdoor party, you’ll need a marquee that’s at least 25 square metres to provide ample space for movement and mingling.
If you’re planning to welcome more than 100 guests, you must choose a marquee that’s a minimum of 50 square metres to accommodate guests, furniture, a bar, and a dancefloor.
However, if you’re hosting a large wedding or event with more than 200 guests in attendance, you must select a marquee that’s a minimum of 100 square metres to provide room for seating, socialising, entertainment, and catering.
Bear in mind that the furniture, seating arrangement, and additional extras you choose may require you to hire a larger marquee for improved flow and comfort. For instance, round tables will take up considerably more space than long tables with benches or rows of chairs.
You may also want to make room for a buffet table, a stage for live entertainment, a large dance floor, or a long bar.
Your Budget
We understand you will have a strict budget for a wedding or summer event, which is why we offer a range of marquee options to suit your needs. We are more than happy to provide a free quote for our marquees to help you make an informed decision, and you’re under no obligation to hire our services.
We are, however, confident we can provide a marquee to match your wedding or event budget, which is why you shouldn’t hesitate to contact us for more information. If in doubt, reach out to our team to discuss our marquee options, and we can even provide additional equipment hire to slash the costs of furniture, bar, heating, and lighting hire.
The Great British Weather
If you’re hosting a summer wedding or event, you might be tempted to opt for a smaller marquee to save money while providing a shelter for your guests. However, it is essential that the marquee you choose can accommodate all guests. As you will know, the UK weather can be unpredictable, meaning guests may want to head inside on a cloudy day or if rain or strong winds strike.
In a perfect world, the sun would shine all day long during your event, but it might not be the case on event day. A large, spacious marquee will provide room for every guest and allow the event to continue without hassle or fuss.
Think carefully about how you’ll keep your guests warm once day turns to night, too. While warm temperatures might ensure their comfort at the start of the event, they might experience a bitter chill once the sun goes down. For this reason, we are happy to provide marquee heaters to keep you and your loved ones, clients, or customers warm and cosy, so the fun can continue long into the night.
The Event’s Theme
The chances are you have a clear vision for your wedding day or summer event, which is why you must carefully choose a marquee that matches.
For instance, if elegance and a classic style matter, a traditional pole marquee should be your first choice. Perhaps you would prefer a more modern aesthetic? In this case, a frame marquee is the best pick for your upcoming event. For a more relaxed, festival-inspired atmosphere for a fun-filled event, you cannot go wrong with a stretch tent.
Our marquee types suit some themes and styles better than others, which is why we recommend carefully considering your vision before hiring our services. If in doubt, contact our friendly team for helpful advice, as they are happy to provide more information to help you make the right decision.
Hire the Perfect Marquee for You
We understand you will want a marquee that matches your theme, guest list, budget, and taste, which is why we offer a range of options to suit different events, spaces, and preferences.
Our friendly, experienced team is ready to discuss your vision and requirements, helping you create a wedding or event that will impress every guest. We even have an extensive portfolio of past marquee events, helping you pick a marquee that best matches your needs and budget. Take a look at the various examples of our frame marquees, traditional pole marquees, stretch marquees, and smaller designs to help you select the right type for your upcoming summer event or wedding day.
It is a great way to learn how we can tailor our services to match your event and showcase what we can offer within your price range. To learn more, we encourage you to contact us today or request a free, no-obligation quote via our website to make an informed decision.
