Wedding marquee hire FAQ

Common wedding marquee hire questions

Many clients have similar questions before we begin working with them. We have created a list of the most frequently asked questions to assist you.

If you have any additional questions or queries about hiring a marquee for your wedding please feel free to reach out to us.

Q. Which inquiries should you make when contemplating reserving a supplier?

A. The wedding day stands as a pivotal moment in the lives of a couple, demanding the utmost attention to detail. Ensuring the selection of a marquee company in which they can place complete trust becomes imperative.

A telephone conversation or an in-person meeting can offer valuable insights into the rapport that could develop during the months leading up to the grand occasion.

Prudent inquiries encompass learning about their past marquee weddings, seeking illustrative instances of their work, and potentially requesting references from venues or clients who can vouch for their services.

Q. What is the schedule for marquee delivery and pickup?

A. We strive to offer maximum flexibility to all our clients, and the installation and removal schedule will be contingent on the specific location and timing of your event. If you've chosen a venue that utilizes their parking area for the marquee, they may prefer it to be set up the day before and dismantled the day after. In the case of a marquee in your own garden, especially if you intend to handle a significant portion of the decoration yourself, it can be set up a few days in advance. Additionally, we're always open to the possibility of leaving the marquee in place for an extra day or two after the wedding, allowing for an additional informal gathering, a trend that is gaining popularity.

Q. What heating method is employed for the marquee?

A. The heating in most marquees is accomplished through the utilization of indirect heaters positioned outside the marquee. These heaters expel warm air through ducts and are equipped with thermostatic controls. We incorporate heating in our provided price quote, and the quantity of heating units supplied is adjusted according to factors such as the marquee's size, the season, and the anticipated weather conditions. This strategy ensures that the marquee can be effectively heated throughout any season of the year.

Q. What lighting options are available for the marquee?

A. We offer a diverse selection of lighting options to suit your preferences. Our standard lighting feature is a contemporary white globe chandelier. However, we also offer a range of lighting effects from our own inventory, including color-changing LED entertainment lighting, fairy lights, uplighters, and brass chandeliers. These options allow you to customize the lighting within the marquee to create the desired ambiance for your event.

Q. What provisions are made for access to water and toilet facilities?

A. Typically, access to water is needed primarily for the caterer's use, and if you opt for a luxury toilet trailer, it can be as straightforward as connecting a hose to a local water source.

While we have our own toilet facilities, this makes the process of planning substantially easier. Depending on your budget and the season of the wedding, it's advisable to consider housing the toilet trailers within the marquee. This space can be a simple marquee roof or can be fully furnished to seamlessly integrate with the function area.

Q. How is the marquee typically decorated?

A. The typical finish for a wedding marquee includes a wooden floor, windows, doors, softly pleated ivory lining, lighting, and heating, with the option of adding a carpet based on personal preference. Beyond these standard features, there are virtually limitless opportunities for additional decor.

We welcome clients to incorporate their own supplementary decorations, such as lanterns and bunting, allowing for a personalized touch. Furthermore, we can offer recommendations for venue dressers who specialize in enhancing both the marquee's interior and the table settings to achieve the desired aesthetic for your event.

Q. What is the expected cost for a marquee wedding?

A. The cost of a marquee wedding is a question we frequently receive, but providing a precise figure is impossible. Each marquee is priced individually, taking into account factors like the required size, interior finish, associated equipment, and the location of the event. However, with some basic information, we can promptly provide you with a quotation.

It's worth noting that it's often possible to secure special deals, especially during the early or late seasons. Thanks to email, obtaining a quotation is a quick and straightforward process. Therefore, anyone contemplating a marquee wedding should reach out to us for a rapid marquee wedding quote to obtain an approximate price.

Q. What advice can you offer couples when deciding if a marquee is suitable for their special day?

A. Assuming that financial considerations are not a hindrance, a marquee may be the right choice for your day if:

1. You have a meaningful connection to a specific location and wish to have your wedding there.

2. You desire a venue that can be entirely customized to align with your preferences and style.

3. You're eager to be actively involved in every aspect of venue theming, design, furniture selection, and related services – choices that might not be as flexible at a hotel venue (a reputable marquee company can guide you in this).

4. You seek the flexibility to adjust the size of your event space as your plans develop.

5. You have trust in your chosen marquee supplier, evident through their prompt responses to inquiries, willingness to address your questions, a track record of experience, and the readiness to provide references.

Q. What types of marquee styles do you offer?

A. All our marquees are of the modern Clearspan Style, and they are available in various sizes. Our smaller units come in 6m and 9m widths, constructed in 3m increments, and feature an internal eaves height of 2.4m. These are the most frequently chosen sizes for family gatherings and are well-suited for guest numbers of approximately up to 120.

Alternatively we do offer celeste pole tents also available in 12m widths and able to accommodate upto 200 Guests.

Q. Do we need a separate power source for the marquee?

A. For our lighting and heating, minimal electricity is needed, and it can typically be sourced from a nearby building or house. However, if your catering needs are substantial, a generator might be necessary.

In our quotations, we include provisions for managing any required power distribution, ensuring that your event has the necessary electrical supply.

Q. How can I determine the right marquee size to order?

A. We possess extensive experience in sizing wedding marquees and prioritize ensuring there is ample space to accommodate all guests throughout the day and evening, even in the event of inclement weather when everyone may be indoors.

To determine the appropriate marquee size, we engage in discussions about guest numbers for both the day and evening portions of the event, and gain an understanding of how you intend to use the marquee. For instance, whether it's for the ceremony only, a sequence of ceremony, drinks, dinner, and dancing, or just dancing.

As a general recommendation, we suggest keeping the dance area clear throughout the event so it can be utilized for the ceremony, drinks reception, or buffet setup. Using the entire space for dining and then clearing furniture for dinner afterwards can lead to tight quarters if the weather takes a turn for the worse and might impact the guests' enjoyment of the wedding.

Q. What kinds of windows are available for the marquee?

A. Clear PVC Windows: These windows are referred to as "panoramic" because they consist of full square panels designed to maximize the view.

Q. What can I anticipate in a typical marquee package?

A. In our standard marquee package, you can expect:

1. The Marquee: Sized to suit your specific needs.

2. Flooring: Tailored to the site and your preferences.

3. Formal Doors: Providing an elegant entry point.

4. Kitchen Area: A designated space for catering.

5. Pleated Ivory Lining: Enhancing the interior ambiance, with ivory swags for added decor.

6.Chandelier Lighting: Illuminating the marquee with a modern and elegant touch.

7. Heating: Keeping the space comfortable, no matter the season.

8. Internal Power Distribution: Including sockets for catering, bar, phone charging, and other essential features.

Q. Can I opt for additional upgrades to the marquee?

A. 1. Star Cloth Ceilings

2. Various Chandeliers

3. Entertainment and Dance Floor Lighting

4. Pea Lamp Roof Canopy

5. LED Uplighters

6. Carpets

7. Colored Swags and Overlays

For more extensive upgrades, you have the option of including additional function areas, such as a separate ceremony area/marquee, chill-out zones, or a night club area to enhance the overall experience of your event.

Q. Is it possible to utilize marquees for weddings year-round?

A. Certainly, there's no intrinsic limitation preventing the use of marquees for weddings during any season of the year. Nonetheless, it's prudent to consider the influence of weather conditions and site-specific factors. If a site is notably susceptible to prevailing winds, it's advisable to have a contingency plan (Plan B) in place to address potential challenges that may arise due to inclement weather.

Q. What are the possible locations for setting up a marquee?

A. Marquees can be assembled in virtually any location, although the most cost-effective and ideal choice is a flat, level, grassy site with convenient vehicle access. Nevertheless, it is still feasible to erect marquees in challenging locations by utilizing specialized flooring systems and trackway, even though this might entail additional costs.

We are committed to accommodating our clients' needs by installing marquees in diverse settings. Over the years, we have encountered various challenges, such as constructing marquee foundations using steel sub-based floors to cover outdoor ponds or on steeply sloping terrain. Typically, a brief on-site visit can help determine the feasibility of the installation.

Q. Can we guarantee that marquees will be sufficiently heated for winter weddings?

A. Modern marquee heating systems are highly efficient, ensuring that guests remain comfortably warm even during the colder months.

Our pricing model for heating is not based on the number of heating units supplied; instead, we charge for the amount of fuel consumed. This means that during colder weather, we install additional heaters strategically placed throughout the marquee, and we always have a backup heating unit on-site, providing assurance that the marquee will be adequately heated for winter weddings.

Q. What's the recommended timeframe for booking in advance of the wedding date?

A. Providing a precise lead time for bookings can be challenging. Peak summer dates tend to be in high demand, but many marquee companies have the capacity to accommodate multiple weddings each weekend.

If you have received a price quote and are contemplating a specific date, it's advisable to stay in touch with the marquee company. They can inform you if a date is nearing capacity and offer you the opportunity to secure it if you're interested.

Dates during the early and late seasons are often available with shorter notice, offering more flexibility for last-minute arrangements.

Q. Do you have suggestions for wedding marquee locations or venues?

A. We can offer recommendations for venues and locations that are known to welcome marquees, provided we have information about the specific area you're interested in.

Q. Can you provide guidance on the various marquee shapes, sizes, and layouts suitable for our space and guest count?

A. Certainly, we can offer recommendations that align with the available space and your guest count. However, it's essential to consider that having guests in separate spaces can lead to a less cohesive event. Additionally, the process of linking and guttering multiple marquee structures can result in increased costs. We can help you find a balance between space and guest comfort to create the best solution for your needs.

Q. What if my guest count changes? Can I adjust the marquee size accordingly?

A.We aim to offer maximum flexibility to our clients and are open to modifying the marquee size as guest numbers become more definite. It's advisable to maintain regular communication with us so that we can be informed of any potential changes in size requirements. This way, we can work together to accommodate your evolving needs.

Q. Can I have my wedding ceremony in the marquee?

A. Absolutely, in modern times, marquee weddings offer the flexibility to host various types of ceremonies, including those conducted by religious officiants, celebrants, and registrars. Even if you initially plan an outdoor ceremony, we can reserve sufficient space within the marquee to hold your ceremony if the weather takes a turn for the worse. This way, your special day can proceed smoothly, regardless of the weather conditions.

Q. What are the terms regarding deposits, payments, and cancellations?

A. We provide our Terms and Conditions along with every quotation, ensuring that you have a clear understanding of the payment terms, the implications of cancellations, and the due dates for payments. Typically, we require a 30% deposit at the time of booking.

Q. Can I utilize the marquee for a family gathering the day after the wedding?

A. Certainly, we are pleased to allow you to use the marquee for a family get-together on the following day.

Q. Who is responsible for decorating the marquee – the marquee provider or me?

A. We incorporate a pleated ivory lining in the marquee to provide an attractive internal finish. However, any additional decorations or decor arrangements would be the responsibility of the client to organize according to their preferences.

Q. Am I allowed to hang the decor of my choice in the marquee, like hanging foliage, and how is it attached? Can you communicate directly with my suppliers?

A. We are more than willing to collaborate with clients or their chosen suppliers to accommodate your specific decor preferences and requirements.

Q. How does my caterer function within the marquee? Do they have a separate marquee?

A. Caterers typically require a designated "behind the scenes" area, the size of which depends on the menu and the caterer's specific needs. The most efficient approach, both in terms of cost and logistics, is to extend the marquee and create an internal partition to establish a kitchen area. If there isn't sufficient space within the length of the marquee site, it may be feasible to add a kitchen extension to the side of the main structure. This ensures that your caterer has the space and facilities needed to operate effectively.

Q. Can I open the marquee walls if the weather is pleasant, and is it a simple process?

A. Certainly, the PVC windows in the marquee can be opened, and the process is relatively straightforward. We can provide instructions to a member of the wedding party on how to do this, ensuring that you can enjoy the pleasant weather when conditions allow.

Q. We'll need restroom facilities – can we rent toilets through your service, and what size is appropriate for our guest count?

A. We can coordinate restroom facilities for your wedding using established suppliers with whom we have a long-standing relationship. Typically, for a wedding with approximately 150 guests, a 3 + 1 Trailer is the ideal choice. This trailer includes 3 ladies' cubicles, 3 gents' urinals, and 1 cubicle. For smaller guest counts, you can consider a smaller trailer, but it's important to note that this might result in queuing during peak times. We can offer you various options and guidance to help you select the most suitable restroom solution that aligns with your wedding and budget.

Q. Does the marquee installation require a grass surface?

A. Marquees can be installed on a range of surfaces. If ground-pinning is not feasible, we have the option to use weight ballasting to secure the marquee in place, making it adaptable to different ground types.

Q. Will the marquee impact my garden or grass?

A. The marquee is not expected to result in any permanent damage. While the flooring may create temporary indentations, the grass should recover relatively quickly. If the marquee remains in place for an extended period, it's possible that the grass may turn yellow, but it should also rejuvenate with time.

Q. Is insurance required for the marquee?

A. Yes, we recommend that our clients take on the responsibility of insuring the marquee. Typically, it can be included in a wedding insurance policy if one is already in place.

Q. Where will the bar area be located? Will it require a separate tent or space?

A. Typically, basic bar counters can be integrated into the main function area. However, if you're planning for a more elaborate or feature bar area, it may require additional space, which can be designated as a separate bar or chill-out area within the marquee.

Q. Can you provide me with a visual plan of how my marquee will be set up?

A. Certainly, following a discussion about your preferences and ideas, we can create a drawing that offers a visual representation of the available space and how your marquee will be arranged. This can help you envision the layout and design of your marquee.

Q. Do you provide furniture and tableware?

A. We typically supply tables and chairs, although some caterers may prefer to handle this aspect. However, linen, tableware, glassware, and similar items are usually the responsibility of the caterer. If you wish to arrange your own furniture and tableware, we are more than willing to offer guidance and advice.