Tips on Hiring Wedding Marquees

A marquee wedding is a beautiful way to celebrate outdoors, offering flexibility, charm, and a truly personalised setting. From a rustic countryside reception to a modern garden party, marquees allow you to build a wedding around your vision and your guests. At BE Event Hire, we’ve supported hundreds of marquee weddings across the UK with furniture and accessories and gained plenty of insight along the way.

While we don’t supply marquees directly, we regularly work alongside marquee providers to furnish everything from Chiavari chairs to dance floors. If you’re considering a marquee for your big day, here are our tips for a smooth and successful celebration.

Wedding Marquee Hire Tips - BE Event Hire — Outdoor Marquee Setup at The Hill Farm House in Brigstock

Choosing the Right Marquee Style for Your Wedding

Not all marquees are created equal. The type of structure you choose will influence your day’s atmosphere, layout and practicalities. Traditional pole marquees with canvas walls and centre poles are great for heritage or country-style weddings. Clear span frame marquees offer a more modern look with no interior poles, making them ideal for open-plan layouts and larger crowds.

Sailcloth tents and stretch marquees add a light, organic touch, while tipis or yurts bring a unique, intimate feel to woodland or festival-style weddings. Each has pros and cons depending on your budget, weather expectations, and site.

The Venue and Ground Conditions

If you already have access to land, your family garden, or a private estate, you’re halfway there. If not, many marquee companies offer venue suggestions or work with rural sites that allow temporary structures.

Whichever location you choose, check the ground conditions. The area should be flat, well-drained, and accessible for large vehicles. You’ll also need to consider access to power and water. If those aren’t available on-site, your marquee company or event suppliers may need to bring in generators or mobile water units.

Structure, Layout and Practical Zones

Marquee weddings require a bit more logistical planning than fixed venues. You’ll need to think beyond the main reception space and account for supporting areas:

Catering tent for preparation and service
Bathrooms, ideally close but discreetly positioned
Bar area with lighting and storage
Lounge or chill-out zone for older guests or evening relaxation
Dance floor and DJ/band space

The more complex your setup, the more time you’ll need. We recommend allowing the marquee and all internal areas to be installed, furnished and decorated at least two to three days before the wedding.

Lighting and Power Requirements

Natural daylight will do most of the work during the day, but you’ll need a reliable lighting plan as evening sets in. Soft uplighting, festoon lights or chandeliers inside the marquee create a warm atmosphere, while brighter task lighting should be used for catering areas and bathrooms.

Sound systems, lighting, heating, and catering equipment will all need a power supply. If the site doesn’t have mains electricity, a generator will be required. Your marquee company or wedding coordinator should help plan for this, but it’s a key element to budget for early.

Furnishing the Space

This is where BE Event Hire comes in. We supply furniture and catering equipment to weddings nationwide, from compact garden setups to full-scale marquee builds.

Popular furniture options include:

Limewash Chiavari chairs for a classic look
Rustic trestle tables for banquet-style dining
Round tables paired with linen for formal layouts
Bar stools and poseur tables for drinks receptions
Lounge seating for relaxed corners

We also supply dance floors, cutlery, glassware, table linen, and outdoor furniture for mingling areas. Choosing the right furniture helps define your theme and ensures comfort throughout the day.

Weather-Proofing Your Plans

Marquees are designed for all weather, but having a few contingencies is worth it. In warmer months, opt for marquees that can be opened up for airflow. If the forecast looks chilly, consider portable heaters and enclosed sides. Entrance matting can prevent muddy shoes on rainy days, and umbrella baskets at the door are always appreciated.

The marquee structure should be wind-rated and installed professionally, especially for winter weddings. Suppliers, like BE Event Hire, may need extra time to deliver if weather affects access, so allow some flexibility in your schedule.

Ask for References and Photos

A reputable marquee company will happily show you previous weddings they’ve supplied. Request a portfolio or visit an open day to see the structure in person. Reviews and word-of-mouth recommendations are valuable too, especially if you’re deciding between two suppliers.

Ask about:

Setup and takedown timing
How they handle unexpected weather
What’s included (and not included) in the quote

Delivery, Setup and Access

Confirm early when your marquee will be erected and taken down. This will impact when other suppliers (like us) can deliver furniture, set up decor, or install a dance floor.

Make sure the site is accessible for vans or trucks, and let your hire companies know about any steep paths, narrow driveways or timed access windows. Good communication ensures everyone arrives on time and knows where to go.

The Cost of Hiring a Wedding Marquee

Costs can vary widely based on size, finish, accessories, and length of hire. A small marquee with basic flooring might start around £2,500, while a fully dressed marquee (with lining, lighting, flooring and extras) could be £6,000–£10,000 or more.

Package deals that include wedding furniture, power, toilets, and staff can offer better value, but always check what’s included. Comparing like-for-like quotes is important, as some companies separate out delivery, installation, or VAT.

Extras That Make a Big Difference

Marquee weddings are a blank canvas; the right details will elevate the experience. Think about:

Coat rails or cloakroom areas for winter weddings
Mirror and makeup stations in bathroom areas
Outdoor lighting or fire pits for evening ambience
High chairs and kids’ furniture if children are attending

These thoughtful extras make guests feel well looked after and keep your event running smoothly.

Insurance and Contingency Planning

It’s essential to understand what happens if something goes wrong. Ask your marquee provider about public liability and accidental damage cover. You might also want to take out your event insurance, which covers cancellation, damage, and extreme weather.

Good planning includes a wet weather plan, clear signage, and emergency lighting, and your suppliers can advise you on best practices.

Working With BE Event Hire

While we don’t hire marquees ourselves, we always work with marquee companies. We coordinate delivery and collection based on the marquee’s schedule, and we can help you plan furniture layouts, quantities, and styling.

We’re proud to support weddings of all sizes with:

Chairs, tables and lounge furniture
Bar setups and accessories
Glassware, crockery and cutlery
Dance floors and table linen

Our team is here to make your setup as simple as possible, so you can focus on enjoying your day.

Let’s Help You Get It Right

If you’re planning a marquee wedding and want experienced support with your furniture and event hire needs, we’d love to help. We can offer expert advice and practical solutions, from delivery planning to table layouts.

Contact BE Event Hire today to discuss your plans or request a quote tailored to your venue.