When planning an event, you may wonder: what is a marquee tent, and why might it work best for your party? A marquee tent is a temporary structure that can be quickly and easily erected to create an indoor space for all kinds of events, including weddings, corporate get-togethers, and parties.
You naturally want the best of the best when it comes to your marquee space, and we here at Dynamic Marquees offer exactly that. Offering top-quality marquees for events all throughout London, our structures go above and beyond expectations, catering to all sorts of events – big and small.
What is a Marquee Tent?
A marquee tent is a temporary event structure (either frame or pole-supported) used to provide a sheltered, indoor space during weddings, parties, and corporate functions. They can be placed on all sorts of surfaces, including fields, tarmac, and concrete, and provide strong weather protection from the beginning to the end of the event. Plus, there are flexible marquee tent layouts to suit the specific event; you can find event shelters that are larger and cater to over 100 wedding guests, as a venue alternative.
It’s important to note the difference between a marquee and a tent. A marquee is the UK definition of a temporary yet rigid structure for events, whereas the term tent is used more generically worldwide to define a portable, temporary shelter made of fabric. Here at Dynamic Marquees specialise specifically in marquee hire London, so you can put on a party or function to remember, without worrying about rain or wind.
Marquee vs Tent: What’s the Difference?
Here, find out the specific key differences between the marquee (the temporary event structure) and the tent (the broader term for temporary outdoor shelters).
| Marquee | Tent | |
| Formality | Commonly used for more formal events due to its larger size and structural integrity. For example, a marquee may be used for weddings. | The term tent, while having a broad definition, does not typically refer to a formal temporary structure. Instead, people often use tents for camping or festivals. |
| Size | A marquee’s size depends on the occasion, as they are flexible. They tend to be quite large to cater to the number of guests. | Tents come in all types of sizes, from small one-bed camping tents to larger event structure tents. |
| Interiors | A marquee offers customisable interiors, including the possibility of a reception area and a bar. | Tents tend to have simplistic interiors; however, as tent is a broad term, there may be some that offer customisable interiors. |
| Weatherproofing | A marquee uses specific materials to ensure it is 100% weatherproof for events. | Tents are built to be waterproof, specifically from rain and wind. |
So, what about a gazebo – what unique features does it have compared to marquees and tents? Check out our guide on the difference between a marquee and a gazebo.
Common Marquee Types (and when to choose each)
Traditional Pole Marquees: Classic Aesthetic, Rustic Appearance
This type of marquee is the most traditional and is supported by central poles, which hold the entire tent in place. They provide a nice vintage and airy appearance.
Choose if: You’re hosting a garden party, wedding, or fair and want a vintage atmosphere.
Clearspan Marquees: Unobstructed Spans, Easy Customisation
Clearspan marquees offer a pole-free structure and offer plenty of customisability regarding interior space.
Choose if: You want a more flexible configuration with your marquee; perhaps a dancing area for a dinner dance, or a reception area for a wedding.
Stretch Tents: Organic Shapes, Adaptable Layouts
Stretch tents use a waterproof fabric stretched out over load-bearing poles, which means they are able to create completely unique shapes. There is no frame involved, which means they can be adapted even to uneven ground. Oftentimes, this also means there aren’t any sides.
Choose if: You want flexibility with your marquee design, don’t mind open sides, and have a ground that is uneven.
What Can You Use a Marquee For?
- Weddings: Many outdoor weddings use marquees so that the day goes smoothly, no matter the weather, with the couple able to embrace nature while staying dry and warm. A wedding marquee can include a layout with a dance floor and reception area.
- Corporate Functions: A marquee works well with corporate functions, especially corporate marquees that can adapt to specific interior necessities, such as a dinner dance for a special event, a bar or a runway for a fashion show!
- Private Parties: Whatever kind of private party is being held, a party marquee ensures complete flexibility and protection from the weather.
- Exhibitions: A marquee can even be used for exhibitions, with the inside catering to a specific layout, perhaps with a stage, catering tent, and bar area. It offers a modern, professional look.
Key Components & Add-ons
The marquees we offer here at Dynamic Marquees already offer a high-quality sheltered space for your party, as well as awesome extras. Here’s what to expect from a marquee from us:
- A Flexible Structure
- High-quality Marquee Flooring such as lining, carpets, or hard flooring.
- Atmospheric Marquee Lighting like uplighters and fairy lights.
- Marquee Heating to keep your guests warm.
- Marquee Furniture Hire like LED furniture to dazzle the party.
- Bar Hire
- Added Décor (to fit your specific event)
We organise it all, from ensuring proper power distribution throughout your whole event space to providing accessible walkways both in and out of the marquee.
Where Can You Install a Marquee?
When it comes to versatility, marquees are ideal, as they can be secured on a variety of different surfaces, including:
- Grass
- Patios
- Car Parks
When choosing where to put a marquee, it’s important to consider how you will secure it to the ground. Anchoring a marquee on grass involves stakes that can be driven deep into the ground, depending on the ground conditions, whereas anchoring a marquee on hard surface like patio concrete requires weights.
When planning on where to have your marquee remember to consider site access for installing the marquee, and make sure there is enough clearance around the structure.
Sizing: How Big Should Your Marquee Be?
So, how big is a marquee, and which is best for your event? At Dynamic Marquees, we have a wide range of marquee sizes to match your exact needs – here’s a marquee size guide to help you pick the right one.
Marquee for 50 Guests: a 5x5m or 3x9m marquee
Marquee for 100 Guests: a 5x10m, 4x14m, or 6x10m marquee
Marquee for 200 Guests: a 12x18m or 15x15m marquee
Keep in mind that the floorplan and table spacing arrangement will also play a significant role in the size of your marquee – if you want more round tables, for example, you will likely need a larger capacity marquee. Also consider any extra features you may want that will bump up the space required, like a head table, caterer area, stage or dance floor!
Marquee vs Venue: Why Hire a Marquee in London?
When planning an event, you have two major options for hosting guests: a marquee and a venue. These marquee hire benefits will show you why a marquee is often the better choice.
- Flexibility: Marquees come in all shapes and sizes and can be fixed in a variety of locations, which means practically endless flexibility for your event. A marquee is also a blank-canvas venue that can be customised to your specific layout.
- Control of Guest Flow: Most marquees are designed to help guests move naturally from A to B through the tent – plus the bespoke design of the marquee means you have complete control over guest flow.
- Install Almost Anywhere: You might think you can only install marquees on soft ground, but that isn’t the case, as you can set one down on both hard (like concrete) and soft (like grass) ground.
- Weatherproof: Marquees are a fantastic alternative weather contingency, specifically designed to withstand the unpredictability of British weather. Come rain or shine, your marquee will hold up.
- Cost Control: A large portion of a marquee’s cost is the size of it, if you are only having a small gathering, then you only pay for a smaller size marquee, which saves money and space.
On the other hand, with the logistics of fixed venues mean you don’t have flexibility when it comes to size or location, so you might find yourself paying for more space than what you need, and being unable to fill it.
If a marquee sounds right for your upcoming event, then take a look at marquee hire London, see what we offer here, with complete flexibility and durability, as well as unique options for fantastic add-ons.
Costs & What Affects Your Quote
At Dynamic Marquees, we offer high-quality, affordable marquee hire prices London, and we are always 100% transparent when it comes to price.
Naturally, the price differs event to event, with the main marquee cost factors including:
- The Size
- Type of Marquee
- Flooring Used
- The Lighting
- The Heating
- Furniture
- Hire Duration
- The Location and Site Survey
- Delivery, Set Up, and Take down
- Any Add-Ons
So, for example, if you want a large marquee for 200 people up for several days, that will likely cost more than a smaller marquee that only needs to stay up for an evening.
If you want an accurate quote for your marquee, get in touch with us today.
Planning, Power, and Practicalities
You might know the perfect size of your marquee and the type of layout that will best suit your event, but what about other parts of planning? Here’s a marquee planning checklist to ensure you’ve got it all covered.
- Marquee Power Requirements (such as a generator)
- Cable Runs
- Site Access Route
- Neighbour Considerations
- Rain/Wind Contingency Plan
Ready to Plan Your Marquee?
Allow your event to run smoothly by contacting our team for a free marquee hire quote. Our London marquees are durable and able to be tailored precisely to your event; we offer a tailored layout, a site visit to determine suitability, and full installation. Whether you’re planning a wedding, party, or corporate event, we ensure your marquee works perfectly for the event date from beginning to end.
