The Ultimate Guide To Choosing The Right Marquee For Your Event

Marquees offer a blend of flexibility, style, and the ability to customise your venue to your specifications. However, we’ve noticed that many event organisers struggle to choose the right marquee for their event.

Worry not. As experts in this industry with over 30 years of experience at Cameo Event Hire, we know the importance of hiring marquees. Claudine’s experience with us was nothing short of spectacular. For her son’s 21st birthday, our team transformed a marquee into a stunning black and gold wonderland, complete with a black-lit dance floor and glamorous decor. Our team made the celebration unforgettable – just like how we’d love to do it for your event! Call us on 020 8659 8000 or email us at .

Meanwhile, read this blog post curated to guide you through the marquee hiring process and ensure you can make an informed decision that elevates your occasion.

How To Choose The Right Marquee For Your Event

As you’ve already learned from our recent blog, the benefits of renting event equipment are plentiful. Let’s now equip you with steps to choose the right marquee for your event:

1. Understand Your Event Needs

The first step in choosing the right marquee is defining the event you’re hosting. Whether it is a romantic wedding, a formal corporate event, a lively party celebration or a festival, each type of event has different requirements, which will dictate your marquee’s style, size, and configuration.

Once you learn about the event type, the next important consideration is guest count. Consider whether you’ll need additional space for features such as a dance floor, catering area, or bar setup, which also play an important role in selecting a marquee.

2. Size Matters: Finding The Right Fit

A too-small marquee can feel cramped, while one that’s too large can create an empty, impersonal atmosphere. Therefore, choosing the right size for your marquee matters. Here are some general guidelines:

• Seated events: If your event involves seated dining, you can go for 10-12 square feet per person.
• Standing/cocktail events: Around 6-8 square feet per person is typically sufficient for standing or cocktail-style events.
• Additional spaces: If you plan to include elements like a dance floor, bar, or buffet area, you must allocate extra space.

You can make an informed decision by looking at our marquee size guide.

3. Choose The Right Style And Layout

Once you have determined the marquee size, consider the style that best suits your event. There are various marquee styles, including traditional pole marquees, clear-span structures, and frame marquees. Each style has its own aesthetic and practical features.

• Traditional pole marquees: These look classic, with central poles supporting the structure. They are ideal for outdoor settings and can be beautifully decorated with drapes and lighting.
• Clear-span marquees: These offer a modern, unobstructed interior, making them suitable for larger events with high ceilings. They are versatile and accommodate various layouts, including stages and dance floors.
• Frame marquees: With no central poles, frame marquees allow for greater flexibility in layout and design. They can be set up on various surfaces, making them perfect for backyards or more challenging terrains.

Discussing your layout plans with a marquee rental company can provide valuable insights and recommendations.

4. Assess Weather Considerations

Weather can be unpredictable in Kent, especially for outdoor events. When selecting a marquee, consider the time of year and potential weather conditions.

• Ventilation: In warmer months, ensuring proper airflow is essential. Consider marquees with side walls that can be rolled up or windows allowing cross-ventilation.
• Heating and lighting: Consider heating options for cooler months or evening events. Some marquees come with built-in heating solutions, while others allow for the installation of heaters. Similarly, lighting is crucial to setting the right mood—think about chandeliers, fairy lights, or spotlights, depending on your theme.

5. Incorporate Essential Amenities

Your marquee can serve as more than just a shelter; it can be a fully functional event space. Consider incorporating essential amenities to enhance your guests’ experience:

• Furniture: From tables and chairs to lounge areas, the right furniture can significantly impact the comfort and flow of your event.
• Catering equipment: To serve food and beverages, inquire about catering equipment, such as bar units or buffet setups. This can streamline service and make the dining experience more enjoyable for guests.
• Dance floors and stages: If your event includes entertainment, a designated space for a dance floor or a stage is essential. Ensure there is enough room for performers and guests to mingle.

Discussing these options with your event equipment hire company in Kent can help you create a space that meets your functional needs and is aesthetically pleasing.

6. Budgeting: Finding The Right Balance

Setting a budget is a critical aspect of event planning. While finding a marquee that fits your needs is essential, balancing quality and cost is key.

• Understand pricing structures: Different marquee types and sizes come with varying costs. Discuss the pricing structure with your hire provider, including additional fees for setup, delivery, or extras like flooring or lighting.
• Consider seasonal discounts: Many marquee hire companies offer discounts, especially during off-peak times. Planning your event around these periods can save you money without compromising quality.

7. Seek Professional Guidance

Choosing the right marquee from various options available can be overwhelming. That’s why seeking professional guidance from an event hire specialist can make all the difference. Their experience can help you avoid common pitfalls, ensuring your marquee is suited to your needs and vision.

Cameo Event Hire – A Reliable Marquee Rental Company

At Cameo Event Hire, we have extensive experience and a customer-focused approach to marquee hire. Our dedicated team is here to help you create the perfect setting for your event through:

• Expert consultation and site visits: We assess your event needs and conduct site visits to ensure the right marquee solutions are tailored to your vision.
• Wide range of marquee styles: Choose from traditional pole marquees, modern clear-span options, or versatile frame marquees, with our team guiding you through the size and benefits of each style.
• Customisation and decoration ideas: We provide tailored design support, including CAD drawings, bespoke coloured carpets, and decorative options like drapes and lighting to reflect your event’s theme perfectly.
• High-quality equipment and amenities: We provide everything from furniture to heating solutions, ensuring a complete setup for your event.
• Flexible pricing and custom solutions: With transparent pricing and luxury options available, we cater to various budgets without compromising quality.
• End-to-end support: From consultation to event day logistics, we handle delivery, setup, and dismantling, just like we did for our recent client, Todd, and it helped him to focus on enjoying his occasion.

So, what are you waiting for? Call us on 020 8659 8000 or email us at to book quality marquee at the lowest possible prices.