WA Carr & Son Blog

What To Consider When Choosing A Marquee For Your Event

Written by Izzy Tully | 22-Oct-2025 13:09:55

Make your event unforgettable by selecting the perfect marquee tailored to your needs and style.

What to Consider When Choosing a Marquee for Your Event

When planning any kind of celebration, the marquee often becomes the foundation for the entire event. It defines the space, sets the tone, and gives you the flexibility to design a layout that fits your vision perfectly. Whether you’re hosting a wedding, private party or corporate celebration, marquee hire gives you a blank canvas to build the experience you want. It’s a practical and elegant solution that works in every season, for intimate gatherings or large-scale productions.

Marquee hire allows you to control everything from the size and structure to the flooring, lighting, and finishing touches. It’s also one of the most adaptable event options available, which is why it remains so popular for weddings, mitzvahs, summer parties, Christmas celebrations and corporate events. At WA Carr & Son, we provide clearspan marquees and full event production services, ensuring everything is delivered, installed and managed seamlessly.

 

Understanding Marquee Hire

Hiring a marquee isn’t just about booking a tent. It’s about creating a fully functioning venue that can be built on your chosen site. A professional event hire company in London will help you choose the right structure, measure the space, plan the layout and ensure all practical elements are accounted for. Clearspan marquees are particularly popular because they offer a clean, open space with no interior poles, making it easier to plan furniture layouts, dance floors, stages, or catering areas.

With the right support, marquee hire can include everything you need — flooring, linings, lighting, heating, furniture, and event logistics. The process often begins with a site visit and a conversation about your guest numbers, event type, and style. From there, we build a tailored plan that fits both your vision and your budget.

 

Choosing the Right Size and Layout

The right marquee size depends on guest numbers, the type of event, and how the space will be used. For a wedding or formal dinner, you may need more space for tables and a dance floor. For a corporate event or drinks reception, a more open layout can work better. Clearspan marquees allow for multiple configurations, from long banquet layouts to mixed lounge and dining areas. They can also be extended or sectioned off to create bar areas, catering spaces, and lounges.

A professional event planning approach ensures no space is wasted and the guest experience is smooth from start to finish. A well-planned layout makes room for entrances, flow between areas, entertainment zones, and storage or behind-the-scenes areas. By choosing a structure that matches your event size, you can ensure a comfortable and functional setup for every guest.

 

Flooring, Structure and Practical Considerations

Flooring is one of the most important elements of any marquee. Solid flooring creates a stable base for furniture and production equipment and keeps guests comfortable regardless of ground conditions. It also adds a polished finish to the overall look. We offer a range of flooring solutions to suit different event styles and seasons, from standard wooden floors to fully carpeted finishes.

The structure itself is just as important. Clearspan marquees are ideal for modern events because they’re strong, weather-resistant and free of interior poles. Traditional marquees can be used if you prefer a more classic look. Side walls, linings, lighting, heating, and production equipment can all be tailored to your needs. These practical details are what turn a simple marquee into a fully functional venue.

 

Weather Readiness and Seasonal Planning

A well-designed marquee can work in any season with the right preparation. In winter, solid flooring, heating, enclosed walls and warm lighting create a cosy and welcoming atmosphere. In summer, open sides, shaded areas, good ventilation and light flooring help keep guests cool and comfortable. Seasonal planning is key to ensuring guests enjoy the event, whatever the weather decides to do.

Weatherproofing also protects your event setup and logistics. This includes ensuring the structure is secure, electrics are protected, and entry points are accessible in wet or cold conditions. By planning for the season, you create a space that looks good and functions reliably throughout the event.

 

Furniture, Lighting and Styling

Once the marquee is in place, the internal styling makes the biggest impact. Event furniture hire allows you to transform the space into a complete venue, with coordinated seating, tables, bar units, and lounge areas. Lighting design plays a big role too — from uplighting and chandeliers to festoon or fairy lighting for atmosphere. Each element contributes to how your guests experience the space.

Styling options are almost limitless. You can create a clean, contemporary look, a soft and romantic setting, or a bold and branded corporate space. The beauty of marquee hire is the freedom it offers. With the right furniture, lighting, and production support, your event can be designed exactly as you imagine.

 

Timings, Logistics and Event Support

Timing is crucial in event setup and logistics. We typically deliver marquees and equipment a few days before the event and collect a few days after, giving plenty of time for setup, styling and finishing touches. This flexibility means everything can be installed, tested and ready well in advance, avoiding last-minute stress.

Working with an experienced event hire company means every detail is managed. From power supply to lighting checks and catering space, we make sure the infrastructure supports your event smoothly. Good planning behind the scenes allows you to focus on the celebration itself.

 

Bringing It All Together

The right marquee gives you the freedom to design an event exactly the way you want it. With careful planning, the right structure, flooring, seasonal preparation, and well-chosen furniture, your event can feel just as polished as any purpose-built venue — but with far more flexibility. Whether it’s a wedding, private party, or corporate celebration, marquee hire gives you total control over the space.

At WA Carr & Son, we provide complete event space solutions including clearspan marquees, flooring, lighting, heating, furniture, and production. We work closely with you to plan and deliver a setup that fits your event perfectly. If you’d like to discuss your event or get a quote, our team can guide you through every step.

 

 

Frequently asked questions