There are several differences between a marquee and a gazebo, with gazebos offering a more compact sheltered structure while marquees are larger, more robust, and work better for bigger gatherings and events.
In this guide, we provide an overview of the specific structures, sizes, use cases, costs, and add-ons of both marquees and gazebos.
Marquee Tent vs Gazebo: A Definition of Each
Marquees and gazebos both offer temporary event structures, but each also has its own unique characteristics that make it differ from the other.
A Marquee: A tent marquee is a premium, modular event structure held up by either a frame or pole that is used for medium-to-large gatherings.
A Gazebo: A gazebo is a light, compact, often pop-up style shelter used for smaller get-togethers in gardens and markets.
Marquee vs Gazebo: The Key Differences
| Marquee | Marquee Gazebo | |
| Size | Marquees are larger, typically hosting anywhere between 50-200 guests. | Gazebos are more compact and cater to fewer people. |
| Setup Time | Around 2 – 6 hours. | A standard gazebo takes up to around 15-30 minutes to set up. |
| Stability | Very stable, including during strong winds. | They are somewhat stable but not as robust as marquees. |
| Interior Upgrades | Many interior upgrade potentials, such as a bar, dancing floor, and stage. | Fewer interior upgrade potentials due to size limitations. |
| Typical Hire Scenarios | During corporate events, parties, and weddings. | For a garden, small gatherings, and for events/commercial purposes (such as a market stall). |
| Comfort | Gazebos provide plenty of comfort and shelter and are able to seat many people. | Gazebos provide some shelter but don’t come with as many comforts. |
| Cost | A marquee’s final cost depends on several factors, but they are typically more expensive than a gazebo. | Gazebos are cheaper. |
| Best For | Larger gatherings where you want to accommodate many guests and provide plenty of comfort. | When you need some shelter for your garden, a very small gathering, or for your market stall. |
When a Marquee is the Better Option
There are plenty of marquee benefits for all kinds of events, as it has plenty of décor potential, offers guest comfort even during poor weather, and can offer dedicated zoning for different areas, such as a bar or dancefloor. This is when to choose a marquee:
- Weddings: A marquee allows dedicated zoning (as well as the option of a clear span) to ensure wedding guests have plenty of room, whether seated, dancing, or getting a drink at the bar.
- Corporate Events: When gathering for professional purposes, a marquee makes a fabulous impression and can accommodate many guests.
- Milestone Parties: Such as an 18th birthday, a wedding anniversary, or a graduation.
- Exhibitions: A marquee’s zoning potential means easier guest glow for exhibitions.
For all of these events, a marquee truly stands out because of its ability to accommodate many guests while providing comfort, with a variety of options on heating (essential during the cold months!), flooring with lining for walkways, lighting, and furniture.
Are you planning one of these events? Hire a marquee in London that matches your exact needs.
When a Gazebo is the Right Choice
There are also some cases when gazebos are simply the better choice. If you’re not sure when to use a gazebo, here are the best gazebo use cases:
- Short Pop-ups: When you need a quick and short pop-up option, perhaps for promoting a brand.
- For a Market Stall: Gazebos work well when setting up a market stall.
- Very Small Garden Gatherings: If you’re planning an intimate gathering in your garden, a gazebo offers some shelter.
Gazebos have lightweight frames that provide a quick deployment and come in a variety of sizes, so you can get a very small one for some light shelter as well as slightly larger ones to suit an intimate gathering. Plus, you can install it yourself with little hassle.
Key Structural Differences of Marquee vs Gazebo (Frame, Anchoring, Weathering)
Here are some of the key differences between a marquee structure vs gazebo structure.
Frame & Roof: With a marquee, modular bays are used for size customisation, with the ridge height determining the highest point of the structure. On the other hand, a gazebo is a single compact frame with little customisation.
Anchoring: with marquee anchoring, you either use stakes for grass or weighted ballast blocks for hard surfaces. These options are also used for gazebos.
Weathering: A marquee has a variety of options for weatherproofing and wind resistance, including sidewalls, doors, gutters, and even heating integration – it almost compares with a building venue. On the other hand, a gazebo offers just a basic shelter.
Guest Comfort & Styling: What You Can Add to Each
There are options for making both marquees and gazebos more stylish and comfortable for you and your guests.
- Marquees: At Dynamic, we offer a range of add-ons for styling and comfort. For example, different marquee flooring depending on the room, such as a parquet dance floor. We also offer LED furniture, bar hires, drape kits, uplighters, linings, event furniture hire, and marquee heating for the entire interior.
- Gazebos: Gazebos provide a basic shelter from the wind and rain, and you can spruce them up with some simple lighting and branding. For example, you could use custom-printed fabric for the top of your gazebo.
Space & Site: Where Each Can Go (Grass vs Hardstanding)
For both gazebos and marquees, there are two main anchoring methods: one for grass and another for hardstanding. Staking is used for securing a marquee or gazebo in garden, whereas heavy weights can be used for temporarily securing a marquee on hard surface like concrete.
When it comes to the site chosen for a gazebo, you can place it pretty much anywhere where the gazebo fits. As it’s such a small temporary shelter, you can do this yourself.
On the other hand, most marquees will require a site inspection (which we here at Dynamic Marquees offer) to ensure there is enough clearance and site access for vehicles. It’s also important to check surface conditions.
Costs Explained
A gazebo’s cost is pretty straightforward, especially if you get a standard gazebo and put it up yourself.
On the other hand, there are several marquee hire cost factors, including:
- The Size
- Hire Duration
- Set Up/Takedown
- Add-On Packages (such as flooring or heating)
- Delivery/Access
- Build Complexity
There is rarely such a thing as a fixed price when it comes to a marquee – it’s all about your particular event’s needs. Here at Dynamic Marquees, we offer tailored quotes for cost transparency.
Looks Matter: How to Decorate Each Structure
Practicality and comfort are both very important, but once those are covered, you naturally want to think about how the gazebo or marquee looks! Here’s how you can add style to each one.
Gazebo: For gazebo decoration ideas, you can add some simple lighting schemes, such as fairy lights, lanterns, and small ceiling lights, which will add plenty of warmth and cosiness. For eye-catching branding, you could add some bunting.
Marquee: There are plenty of options for decorating a marquee. A marquee can have different zones with different marquee décor ideas. You may add draping, lighting, LED furniture, and even floor lining for sections such as a dance floor or bar. For seating areas, you could add centrepieces and play around with table layouts. There are even options to decorate a marquee on a budget for events!
Ready to Plan? Get Advice on the Right Structure for Your Event
As you can see, gazebos and marquees serve different purposes, and there are many differences between a marquee and a gazebo. If you are interested in a free marquee quote for your larger event, including delivery and installation, and a tailored layout, then let us help you plan the perfect one – one that will offer plenty of comfort and style. With our marquee hire London options, you can enjoy a smooth-running event in almost any location!
