All you need to know about marquees

Hiring a marquee is expensive and for most people an unfamiliar experience. Below, we attempt to help you answer some basic questions about marquees that we hope will help you decide if a marquee is the right option for you.
1. How much does it cost to hire a marquee?
How long is a piece of string?
The prices for marquee tents vary and working out how much your marquee will cost isn't totally straightforward.
  • The quickest way to get an rough idea of prices is to use our online marquee quote. It is fast and accurate, and includes common extras. You can print or email yourself quotes with no obligation.

  • Another simple way is to use the typical cost of a marquee per person.
    So pick a number that seems about right for the sort of marquee you want and then multiply that by the number of guests you expect. That will give you a rough idea of the cost of a marquee.

  • A more accurate method is to measure your site or work out how big a marquee you need (see next question). You can then enquire about the pricing from Tentickle Stretch Tents. You will then need to add furniture and accessories on top of that.
2. How big a marquee do I need?
The answer depends on a number of factors:
  • How many guests you are expecting
  • Any extras - typically dance floors or tables to serve food
  • Whether you would like extra space for milling about
Armed with these facts, you can work out your space requirements in a number of ways:
  • Price list: use a price list that shows the approximate guest capacities for seated and buffet events for all the sizes and types of marquees.
  • Rendered planning: use a 3D drawing service that will render the perfect layout, tent size etc. based on your venue and event needs.
  • Work it out:
    • For a buffet event you will need a minimum of 8 square feet per person
    • For a seated event you will need a minimum of 15 square feet per person
    • Then you will need to add on space for extras like dance floors
3. How does the marquee hire process work?
Hiring a marquee from a marquee tents company is simple.
  • If you would like one, such companies often offer free no-obligation site visits where they will inspect and measure your site, and offer suggestions to help achieve the type of marquee, size, layout, and look that you want.
  • Following a confirmed booking, they will contact you before the event to arrange dates for putting up and taking down. Normally, they put up a marquee a few days before your event, and dismantle it a few days after.
  • They put up the marquee. How long put-up takes depends on the size of the marquee. In most cases, it will take less than a day. Larger marquees may take two days or even more.
  • After the event, they take down the marquee and ensure that the site is left clean and tidy. Typically, this will take less than a day.
4. Will you make a mess of my garden?
Reputable tent hire companies have a fantastic team of trained marquee erectors who all know how important it is to leave a site clean and tidy.
5. What sort of marquee do I need?
Here are some of the types of marquees you can hire:
  • Frame marquees: rectangular shaped tents that need no extra space around them so they are good for smaller spaces and as an extension to a building. They can also be combined for flexible space planning. Frame marquees have no inner poles so sight lines are great.
  • Traditional marquees: pretty tents with curved tops and inner poles. Need more space around them so require slightly larger venues.
  • Chinese hat marquees: Attractive pointy-topped tents, with a maximum size of 6m x 6m (20' x 20'). Good for making a splash at smaller party, or as porches, chill-out areas etc at larger events.
  • Stretch tents: Eye catching shape and good for fixing on all different surfaces, stretch tents are incredibly flexible and can morph into different shapes to suit your space.
  • Bell tents: Great for glamping, bell tents are 5m in diameter and comfortably sleep four.
Article source: https://www.countymarquees.com/marquee_essentials.html