Planning an event involves creativity, flexibility, and attention to detail. The venue plays a crucial role in its success, and hiring a marquee has become an increasingly popular choice for various occasions. This guide highlights the benefits, types, and essential considerations when looking to hire the perfect marquee for your event.

1. What is a Marquee?

A marquee is a large, temporary event structures used for hosting outdoor events. It’s made from durable, weather-resistant materials and offers a blank canvas for personalizing the event. Marquees can be set up in various locations such as gardens, parks, or beaches, allowing hosts to create a unique and memorable experience.

2. Benefits of Hiring a Marquee

• Flexibility in Location

Marquees can be erected on various terrains, whether it’s your backyard, countryside, or beachside, wedding venue and even some hotels, allowing you to select the best location to match your event’s theme. When you hire a marquee for your event, you can also expand your event venue, and this guide will help you with all the important decisions.

• Customization

A marquee is a blank slate for creative freedom. From the layout to decor and furniture, you can tailor every detail to reflect your desired ambiance and theme.

• Scalability

Marquees come in different sizes to fit any number of guests, ensuring the space is neither overcrowded nor wasted. They offer scalability depending on your needs.

• Cost-Effectiveness

Hiring a marquee can be more affordable than traditional venues, especially as it provides flexibility in organizing catering, décor, and entertainment without relying on a venue’s services.

• All-Weather Solution

Modern marquees are designed to endure various weather conditions, featuring heating, air conditioning, and weatherproof sides. They are reliable year-round options for any season.

3. Types of Marquees

• Frame Marquees

These structures have an aluminum frame without internal poles, providing maximum usable space. Ideal for events needing a clear, open layout.

• Traditional Pole Marquees

Classic and romantic, pole marquees feature central poles and guy ropes. They’re often used for weddings and formal events but require flat ground and sufficient space.

• Clearspan Marquees

These offer a clean design with no interior poles, providing unobstructed views. Perfect for corporate events, exhibitions, and large celebrations.

• Stretch Tents

Flexible and modern, these tents are molded into creative shapes, making them perfect for informal events like festivals or garden parties.

• Pagoda Marquees

With a peaked roof, pagodas are smaller structures ideal for intimate gatherings or additional spaces within large events.

4. Factors to Consider When Hiring a Marquee

• Event Type

The nature of the event will influence your marquee choice. Weddings may require an elegant design, while corporate events need a professional layout.

• Guest Count

Choosing the right size is vital for ensuring guests have enough space without overcrowding.

• Location and Terrain

Consider the terrain’s stability and access. Some marquees perform better on flat surfaces.

• Weather Conditions

If the event is outdoors, ensure your marquee can handle any weather changes. Discuss weatherproofing, heating, and cooling with your supplier.

• Budget

Establish a budget for the marquee, as prices may vary depending on style, size, and additional services.

5. How to Make the Most of Your Marquee

• Plan the Layout

Plan a layout that considers dining areas, dance floors, and stages, ensuring a comfortable flow for guests.

• Creative Lighting

Lighting sets the mood. Consider fairy lights, chandeliers, and uplighting to transform the space.

• Invest in Quality Décor

Since marquees are customizable, you can decorate them as any other wedding or event venue. You can completely cover your marquee with newly trending dramatic drapery or interesting floral installations, such as tree or forest-like installations or floral clouds. Certainly don’t forget to design creative table settings to add elegance. Check this guide before you hire a marquee for your event venue, as you can customise the floors and heights to include the venue’s garden features like short palms, rose bushes or even fountains!

• Incorporate Outdoor Areas

Extend the experience by adding lounge seating, fire pits, or garden games for guests to enjoy the outdoors.

• Ensure Accessibility

Make sure the marquee is accessible to everyone, including those with mobility issues, with ramps and marked pathways.

6. Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Underestimating Space

Ensure there’s enough room for essential areas like dance floors, catering setups, and stages.

• Ignoring Permits

Check if permits are required, especially if the marquee is erected in a public space.

• Overlooking Power Needs

Discuss power requirements for lighting and equipment with your supplier and arrange generators if needed.

• Neglecting Weather Preparations

Even with summer events, always have contingency plans for unpredictable weather, such as extra heating or waterproofing.

7. Finding the Right Marquee Supplier

Choosing the right supplier is crucial for a successful event. Research companies with strong customer reviews and a good portfolio. Ensure they conduct site visits, discuss customization options, and have proper insurance. Good communication is essential to ensure everything goes as planned.

Conclusion

Hiring a marquee offers unparalleled flexibility and customization, allowing you to create a memorable and unique event experience. Whether it’s a wedding, corporate gala, or festival, marquees combine elegance with practicality, ensuring your event is truly special.

Get this look:

Photography: Dimitris Giouvris @dgiouvris
Official Host hotel: @mitsisalila @mitsishotels
Organiser of @dwp_congress is @qnaintl
Marquee Partner: @organicconcept
Event Production Partner: @amuse.bespoke
Floral Partner: @pavlos_the_flower_workshop
Furniture Partner: @zazoo_event_rentals
Evening Function AV Partner: @fyeforyourevent
Conference Decor Partner: @ltbl.be
Videography partner: @onedayproduction_
Media Partner @ellwedmag

Article for Ellwed Blog by Brandon Simons