Which Marquee do I need?


A marquee, also known as a Party Tent, is an elegant outdoor shelter that is as popular with businesses looking for a purpose built temporary space outdoors as it is with happy couples who want a blank canvas for their wedding breakfast, as it is with discerning homeowners who want to create a relaxing environment in their garden that they can spend time no matter what the weather. They're a versatile and luxurious option for anybody that needs temporary outdoor shelter, but which marquee do you need? Let's explore them now.

What is a Marquee?

Marquees are large, luxurious structures, typically used for diverse purposes. Their framework is robust, usually made of sturdy steel or aluminium, and is crowned with a high apex running along the centre of the roof. The covers are often made from high-quality materials such as Polyethylene or thick PVC.

The marquee structure is characterised by walls along the side and doors at each end. However, users often create additional door sections by removing individual sidewalls. The lavish setting and open interiors of marquees make them an ideal choice for events that demand a touch of class.

They are widely popular for hosting large-scale events, such as weddings, festivals, or Christmas fairs. The spacious interiors and luxurious ambience make them perfect for accommodating a large number of guests.


Understanding the Different Types of Marquees

There are several types of marquees available in the market, each designed to suit a specific requirement.

Classic Marquees

Classic marquees are the traditional choice for weddings and other formal events. They feature a high apex roof and are usually adorned with elegant drapes and chandeliers.

Modular Marquees

Modular marquees offer the flexibility to adjust the size of the structure according to the event's requirements. Each section of the tent, including the frame and the canopy, is set in modules that can be added or removed as needed.

Party Tents

Party tents, a smaller variant of marquees, are perfect for smaller, informal gatherings. They are easy to set up and provide an inviting space for guests to mingle and enjoy the event.

Pop Up Marquees

Also known as a Gazebo or Easy-Up, pop up marquees are a quick-deployment structure that's often much smaller than the classic or modular marquee. They are built in one concertina-like frame, which expands to sizes up to around 4m x 8m. They are also usually available in many more colours and are more customisable with gazebo printing.


What to consider when choosing a marquee

When it comes to choosing the right marquee for your needs, you need to consider what you're using it for, how many people you need to cover, where you plan to set it up, and how much stability you require. Here are some things to keep in mind:

  1. The purpose of the Marquee: You should think about what you're using it for. If it's an elegant wedding, milestone birthday celebration or corporate application then you'll need something of the highest quality that is built to last.

  2. The number of people you're covering: Estimate how many people you need to accommodate, and ensure there's plenty of space for them to move around. Also consider the furniture you might need in there; tables, chairs, a bar, a dancefloor etc.

  3. Location: Measure where you plan to set up your marquee, and ensure it will fit comfortably with extra access for movement around it, as well as emergency exit routes.

  4. How often you'll use it: A superior quality marquee will invariably last much longer than a budget-friendly model.


Additional Considerations

When choosing a marquee, there are a few additional considerations to keep in mind:


  • Stabilising Tools: Consider adding extra stabilising tools such as ground bar sets to ensure your gazebo remains stable. These sets ensure that the gazebo legs remain at a 90-degree angle and protect the roof components and legs from undue stresses and strains.

  • Anchoring: Marquees are strong but not indestructible, so it's advised to use weights or heavy-duty pegs to anchor the structure. Never use a marquee without anchoring it in some way.

  • Storage Bags: If you plan to move your marquee from location to location regularly, storage bags are necessary to protect your investment.


To take the guess work out of knowing exactly which marquee is best for your needs, we have developed an amazing tool that asks a few simple questions and will offer genuine, reliable advice on the best tent and strengthening accessories for you. Simply click the link below and get started. If you have any questions then don't hesitate to give our team of experts a call on 01709 242454 or drop us a message and we'll be back in touch as soon as possible.


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