The ultimate marquee hire guide: Choosing the right style, size and set-up

Marquees can be configured to suit your party needs – whether that is size, layout or furnishings. For more formal events such as weddings or anniversaries, think about the function of the marquee – hosting a formal dinner, providing a comfort area for guests, or acting as an entertainment hub.

The same applies to less formal events, such as birthdays, summer parties or afternoon teas. What will the marquee be used for? Providing a space for your disco diva guests to let loose or a more sedate set up with chairs and table for the perfect spot of team.

At Time Marquees, we provide everything you need to transform your marquee into a party work of art. From lighting and floors, to furniture, luxury loos and chillers.

Now, let’s explore the types of marquees available depending on your event – our marquee hire guide breaks it down for small, medium and large gatherings.

#3 Who’s on the guest list

This leads to the next consideration which is how many guests will the marquee need to comfortably host. Again, take a look at if you need tables, chairs or other furniture under cover, or if it’s more about providing a complementary space for the revelry that is taking place in your garden.

The bijou bash (10 – 32 guests)

Pagodas, also known as Chinese or witches’ hats, are the perfect option for when you need a bit of extra cover at a smaller gathering. They are available in a 3m, 5m and 6m square or 3 x 5m rectangle forms. The 3 x 3m can fit up to 10 people standing up, and the 6 x 6m accommodates up to 32 guests seated.

Styled with high peaked roof, these elegant structures can become an eye-catching focal point at your party. If modern lines, water features and oriental blooms are key elements of your garden, they will complement that sophisticated style nicely. They can be lined if desired.

Alternatively, their smaller size means they can be a discreet addition to your main theme where some extra cover is needed.

The versatility of pagodas will appeal if you’re not sure about your guest numbers yet, because we can link these structures together to form a larger marquee if required. From a safety point of view, the sides can be lifted to allow ventilation.

Medium-sized merriment (40-50 guests)

Stretch tents are a wonderful way to show off views of your exquisite garden while still getting some protection from a spot of wet weather or strong midday sunshine.

Our smallest stretch tent is a 7.5m x 10m which is perfect for a garden party. These can fit up to 40 guests seated or up to 50 guests standing.

Instead of a single fixed point, the stretch tent allows for a variety of configurations in terms of shape and height. You can choose to have all the sides up, or a variety of some up some up and some down, allowing ample air flow.

With your garden as the stunning backdrop, décor doesn’t need to be overthought. A little up-lighting or a scattering of fairy lights will create atmosphere without stealing the show.

A gala gathering (75-200 guests)

If your philosophy is the more, the merrier, then the clearspan marquee is the ideal choice for your event.

Clearspan marquees are modular in nature, which means they can be designed to suit larger parties. The word clearspan doesn’t mean they have a clear roof or sides; it refers to the structure not having any supporting poles inside. They can extend to any length up to 15m and can be linked together to create different zones for dining, dancing, and catering, if required.

We can add an integral wooden floor and heating options such as patio heaters, infrared heaters, and extra-cosy indirect warm air heaters, because let’s face it, summer can be quite mercurial!

The plain sides of a clearspan marquee offer a canvas of infinite possibility when it comes to your party theme. You can have some sides up to reveal your garden, and others lowered. The walls and the roof can be decorated with lights, lanterns, foliage and your best of season blooms – or we can provide luxury ivory-coloured linings.

If you prefer, we can provide larger stretch tents for gatherings of this size, because that style of marquee can be joined together to create plentiful space for bigger groups of guests.

Check out our guide to marquee sizes to help you plan for the right fit for your space and guest numbers. You’ll find this especially helpful if you’re planning your event based on this marquee guide and the number of guests expected.

The team at Time Marquees can help you every step of the way – from advising on location and theming, to evaluating the size and type of marquee needed to make your party the talk of the summer.

In addition to marquee hire, we offer a range of complementary services that will help you create the atmosphere, décor and look you’re after, from lighting options and furniture, to flooring, heaters and coolers.