Marquee Hire

When planning a special event, such as a birthday party, wedding, city festival, or exhibition, one of the key considerations is the need for a marquee. Marquees provide a cost-effective solution to shelter guests from the weather and create a versatile space for various types of gatherings. But when it comes to acquiring a tent, how do you do that? Marquee Hire is the transactional process of paying a third party to supply, erect, and then dismantle a marquee to take it away again. Buying a marquee means that the tent is yours to keep and use as many times as you need.

In this article, we'll explore the pros and cons of both options to help you make an informed decision. 

Why Do You Need a Marquee? 

Before jumping straight into the buying vs hiring debate, let's first understand why you may need a marquee for your event. Marquees offer a range of benefits, including: 

1. Shelter: Marquees provide protection from the elements, ensuring that your guests are comfortable regardless of the weather conditions. 

1. Versatility: They come in different sizes and styles, allowing you to customise the space according to your event requirements. Whether you need a small party tent or a large modular marquee, there is a suitable option available. 

1. Flexibility: Marquees can be set up in various locations, making them ideal for both indoor and outdoor events. They can be erected in gardens, parks, or even on rooftops, providing a blank canvas for your event design. 

Now that we understand the benefits of having a marquee, let's explore the advantages and disadvantages of buying and hiring one. 

Hiring a Marquee 

The Work is Done by Someone Else 

One of the major advantages of hiring a marquee is that all the work is taken care of by the hire company. They will handle the delivery, installation, and dismantling of the marquee, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your event planning. This is particularly beneficial if you have limited time or lack the necessary expertise to set up a marquee yourself. 

Storage Responsibility 

Another advantage of hiring a marquee is that you don't have to worry about storage. Marquees can be bulky and require ample space for safekeeping. By opting for a hire service, you can avoid the hassle of finding suitable storage solutions after your event. The hire company will collect the marquee once your event is over, saving you both time and effort. 

Cost Efficiency in the Short Term 

In terms of cost, hiring a marquee can be more affordable in the short term. You only pay for the duration of your event, without the need to invest in a long-term asset. This is particularly advantageous if you don't anticipate hosting events frequently or if you have budget constraints. 

However, it's important to consider the overall costs involved in marquee hire. Additional expenses, such as delivery fees, installation charges, and insurance, can quickly add up. Make sure to enquire about these costs upfront to avoid any surprises. 

Buying a Marquee 

Long-Term Cost Savings 

While hiring a marquee may seem cost-effective in the short term, buying a marquee can offer significant long-term savings, especially if you plan on hosting future celebrations or events. Rather than repeatedly paying for hire services, purchasing a marquee allows you to reuse the structure multiple times without incurring additional costs. 

Retain Value and Resell Potential 

A good quality marquee retains its value well, making it a wise investment. If you choose to sell your marquee in the future, you can recoup a significant portion of your initial investment. This is particularly true if you have taken good care of the marquee and it remains in excellent condition. You may even find that the resell value is high, depending on the demand for marquees in your area. 

Versatile Investment 

Buying a marquee is not just a one-time purchase; it's an investment in itself. Many marquee buyers have gone on to become professional hirers themselves after loaning their tents out to friends and family. By gradually building a collection of marquees, you can establish your own marquee hire business and generate additional income, or even quit your job and become your own boss.

The Comparison: Hiring vs Buying a Marquee 

To help you make a more informed decision, let's compare a couple of the costs of hiring a marquee for a few days versus buying one to keep forever. The prices for rental marquees are an approximate guide only, and costs can be higher or lower, depending on the hirer, location, application and time of year that you're hiring. Most marquee hirers prefer to hire for a weekend, setting up on a Friday and then dismantling the tent on a Monday. There also additional costs to consider, including damage penalties or additional equipment hire, but we'll focus purely on the marquee hire prices.

4m x 6m Marquee Hire

A 4m x 6m marquee will cover around 24 people, and is ideal for home and garden celebrations.

Hiring an unlined 4m x 6m marquee can cost around £725 for the weekend. Additional days will incur additional fees.

Buying a 4m x 6m marquee from Gala Tent to keep forever will cost from £589.99 including VAT.

Verdict: Why hire when you can buy for less?

6m x 12m Marquee Hire

A 6m x 12m marquee will cover around 60-120 people, depending on whether they're standing or seated, and is a very popular size for more commercial uses like weddings and venue extension.

Hiring an unlined 6m x 12m marquee can cost around £1250 for the weekend. Additional days will incur additional fees.

Buying a 6m x 12m marquee from Gala Tent to keep forever will cost from £1574.99 including VAT.

Verdict: After just two events your marquee is cheaper to buy than it is to hire.

Gala Tent: Professional Marquees to Buy 

If you are considering buying a marquee, Gala Tent offers a range of professional marquees suitable for various events. From small party tents to large modular marquees, we have options to accommodate your specific requirements. 

Here are some of the marquee options available: 

At Gala Tent, we pride ourselves on supplying high-quality marquees that are trusted and used by professional hirers throughout the UK. Our marquees are durable, weather-resistant, and designed to withstand the rigors of frequent use. 

If you are still unsure about whether to buy or hire a marquee, our team at Gala Tent can provide expert advice tailored to your specific needs. We can also connect you with customers who hire our superior products, allowing you to explore the option of hiring before making a long-term commitment. You can get in touch with the team on 01709 242454, or drop us a message via Live Chat. Alternatively, you can request a callback from the team via the form below and we'll be in touch quickly.