Marquees are one of the most flexible options when you’re hosting an event. They can be used for weddings, private parties, corporate events, community gatherings, school functions, festivals and seasonal occasions. They also give you far more freedom than many fixed venues, and the space can be tailored to your exact needs. This flexibility is one of the main reasons people choose to hire a marquee, but it also means there are a few important decisions to make before booking, all of which affect how well the marquee works on the day.
If you’re comparing marquee companies, it can be hard to know what to ask. Some quotes may look similar at first, but they actually include very different things. Some companies may simply provide the marquee, while others can help with site planning, furniture, heating, and other practical details. Before hiring a marquee, these are the most useful questions to ask.
What Type of Marquee is Best for An Event?
One of the first questions to ask is what type of marquee will suit your event. Traditional marquees are often chosen for weddings, garden parties and private celebrations where a more classic look is wanted. Clearspan marquees are usually better suited to larger events, exhibitions or layouts that need open space. Since they don’t have internal poles, they can make it easier to plan seating, bars, dance floors, staging and walkways.
The best option depends on the style of your event, the number of guests, the site conditions and the layout you need. At BSW Marquees, when we advise clients, we consider both the appearance and the practical setup so the marquee works properly from start to finish.
What Size Marquee Do You Need?
This is usually one of the most important questions people have. The size of the marquee you need depends on several factors. Guest numbers are a good starting point, but you also need to think about the layout. Will guests be seated at tables? Are you having round tables or long tables? Do you need a dance floor? Will there be a bar inside the marquee? Is there a band, DJ, stage, or catering area to accommodate?
For example, 100 guests at a seated wedding breakfast will usually need more space than 100 guests at a standing drinks reception. While we provide general capacity guidance on our website, we always encourage clients to talk through the full event before choosing a marquee size. It’s better to plan the space properly at the beginning than to realise later that there isn’t enough room for everything you need.
What is Included in the Marquee Quote?
This is one of the most important questions to ask when comparing marquee companies. A quote should clearly explain what’s included and what isn’t. Some quotes may only cover the marquee itself. Others include flooring, lighting, furniture, delivery, installation and collection.
If you’re not comparing the same items, it can be difficult to understand which quote offers the best value. Before booking, we always suggest asking for a comprehensive quote to avoid any nasty surprises. Remember, a cheaper quote isn’t always the better option if essential items have been left out. It’s much easier to compare suppliers when everything is listed clearly from the very start.
Do you Need a Site Visit Before Booking?
In many cases, yes. A site visit is one of the best ways to ensure the marquee will work properly within the available space. Photos and measurements can be helpful, but they don’t always show the full picture. A site visit allows us to assess access, ground conditions, slopes, nearby trees, walls, buildings, overhead obstructions, and the best position for the marquee.
It also gives us a chance to talk through how the event will work. Where will guests arrive? Will suppliers need to reach the marquee before the event? Is there suitable access for vehicles and equipment? These details can make a big difference. A marquee might technically fit in a space, but that doesn’t mean it is the best position for the event.
What Flooring Do You Need?
Flooring is another question worth asking about. Some events may only need simple flooring, while others may benefit from a more structured surface. The right option depends on the ground, the time of year and the type of event. If the marquee is going on grass, flooring can help create a more comfortable surface for guests. If the ground is uneven, a proper subfloor may be the most suitable solution.
Flooring also affects the overall feel of the marquee. It can make the space look more refined and help guests move around easily, especially if they are wearing formal shoes or if the weather has made the ground damp. For weddings, corporate and larger events, we discuss flooring as part of the overall marquee plan rather than treating it as an afterthought.
Will the Marquee Be Warm Enough?
Marquee accessories like heating are something people often forget about until closer to the event, but it’s worth discussing at the start. Even in spring or summer, the evenings can be cold, especially if guests are sitting down for a long period. If your event is taking place in autumn or winter, heating is often essential. It can make the difference between guests feeling comfortable and guests leaving early because they’re cold.
When asking about heating, it’s worth checking what type of heating is suitable, where it will be positioned and how it will be managed safely. We can advise on this based on the marquee size, layout and time of year. The same applies to air conditioning if you’re worried about it being too warm during summer events.
What Happens if the Weather is Bad?
One of the main reasons people hire a marquee is to protect an outdoor event from unpredictable UK weather. However, it’s still important to ask how the marquee company plans for wind, rain and colder conditions. The details are important, such as the site, anchoring, flooring, heating and access routes, all of which play a part in keeping the event on track.
You might also want to ask about side panels, entrance positioning and how guests will move between nearby areas such as toilets, catering vans or car parking. If the weather changes, these practical details become even more important. The aim is to be as prepared as possible, so your event can still run smoothly, no matter the weather.
What Accessories Can You Add to the Marquee?
Furniture and accessories help turn a marquee from a plain structure into a practical event space. They can also reduce the number of separate suppliers you need to manage. Depending on your event, you may want to ask about: tables and chairs, lighting, bar units, dance floors or staging, window sections, and screens.
The right accessories depend on how the marquee will be used. A wedding might need trestle tables and chairs, a black-and-white checkered dance floor, and a large disco ball. A corporate event may need staging for talks and informal seating areas for networking.
How Long Does Installation Take?
It’s always worth asking when the marquee will be installed and collected. This helps you plan around other suppliers, decorating, catering and venue access. The installation time will depend on the size of the marquee, the complexity of the layout and the accessories involved. For instance, a larger marquee with flooring, lighting, heating, and furniture will naturally take longer.
You should also ask what access the installation team will need. If the marquee is being installed in a garden, field, or private property, it’s helpful to consider gates, driveways, parking, and anything that could make access more difficult. Forward thinking and clear timings help the whole event run more smoothly.
Are You Insured and Properly Accredited?
Before booking, it’s beneficial to ask about insurance, safety procedures and any relevant accreditations. A marquee is a temporary structure, so it needs to be installed and secured properly, and backed by suitable public liability insurance.
You might also want to ask if the company follows recognised industry standards or belongs to any relevant trade bodies. This is one of the reasons we always recommend choosing a supplier based on more than price alone. The right company should be able to answer these questions clearly and provide reassurance before you commit to hiring a marquee.
Speak to BSW Marquees About an Upcoming Event
Ultimately, hiring a marquee gives you the freedom to create an event space that suits your plans, but asking the right questions makes a big difference. Before booking, it’s important to understand what size marquee you need, what’s included in the quote, which accessories are available, and how weather, flooring, heating, and access will be managed.
At BSW Marquees, we help clients plan marquees for weddings, private celebrations, corporate events and outdoor functions of all sizes. We can talk through your plans, advise on the right structure and layout, and provide clear guidance so you know exactly what to expect. If you’re comparing marquee companies, contact BSW Marquees today. We would be happy to answer your questions and help you plan a marquee that works for your event from start to finish.