Introduction
Are you planning a big party and considering a marquee? Choosing the right marquee isn’t just about size. Yes, obviously, the marquee needs to fit all your guests comfortably. Still, more importantly, it should create the atmosphere you want – whether that’s elegant and airy, relaxed and festival-inspired, or warm and intimate. Since 2008, we at MGN Events have helped hundreds of clients host everything from milestone birthdays in their gardens to weddings and corporate celebrations, and we know first-hand that the marquee itself can make or break the experience.
Would you believe these are interior photos of marquees we’ve transformed?
At MGN Events, we don’t own marquees (and that’s deliberate). As experienced luxury party planners, we partner with the UK’s leading marquee suppliers so we can give you impartial advice. Our role is to assess your space, guest numbers and vision with the marquee style that genuinely works best for your event.
Most marquee hire companies specialise in one or two structures. Naturally, they’ll recommend what they stock (it’s their business afterall). What they won’t always say is whether that structure is the best fit for your celebration. That’s where our independence matters. Because we’re not tied to a single supplier, we can guide you towards the right choice, even if it’s not the most obvious one.
That’s also why we’ve put this article together — to share the advice and know-how we’ve built up over many years of planning marquee parties. Our aim is to help you make an informed decision and avoid the common pitfalls. And if you do decide to go it alone (you brave soul!), this guide will give you a solid head start and the confidence to plan a marquee party your guests will never forget.
So, if you’re planning a milestone birthday or another big celebration, we’ll happily talk you through the pros and cons of each style and help you decide what’s perfect for your party.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation with one of our marquee experts.
Stretch Tents are perfect for relaxed occasions
Stretch tents are a flexible alternative to a traditional marquee. These freestyle structures cover any shape or area you like including steps or uneven ground. They can fix onto a building to provide a transition between indoor and outdoor space, or can be set up as a freestanding structure. Striking, eye-catching while still practical, stretch tents suit all kinds of party, providing the ultimate blank canvas.
Advantages of choosing a stretch tent for your party
- Elegant, attractive and visually interesting, especially with well-chosen lighting
- Available in a huge range of sizes and colours
- Flexible space to fit any area
- Weatherproof and waterproof
- Faster to install and take down than a traditional marquee
Disadvantages of stretch tents
- Once set up the structure can’t be altered – decide in advance if you need sides, a fully enclosed tent or a simple shelter
- Set up with sides reduces the overall space inside
- Needs to be staked down or bolted to a permanent structure or tarmac floor
Stretch tent case studies
Check out our client’s 40th birthday party in a stretch tent we produced in Virginia Water, Surrey. Beautiful structure which complimented the large garden and grounds beautifully.
We also provided a stunning stretch tent for this clients 18th birthday and graduation party in Cobham, Surrey.
Sailcloth & Sperry Tents
Firstly, what’s the difference? Sailcloth Tents – The term has broadened to include many vinyl or polyester “sailcloth-style” tents. These are usually modular, made from heavy-duty synthetic fabrics and supported by multiple poles and guy lines.
Sperry Tents – The original and trademarked “true” sailcloth marquees, crafted by the Sperry family since 1975. They’re constructed using authentic Dacron sailcloth, handcrafted wooden poles, and a single-piece canopy—producing the celebrated “Sperry glow” appearance.
In short: all Sperry tents are sailcloth tents, but not all sailcloth tents are Sperry. The key lies in materials, construction quality, and iconic design.
Advantages of a Sailcloth tent
- Ethereal glow & elegant visual presence
- Clean canopy with minimal poles
- Breathable & airy interior
- Iconic, handcrafted design
DISAdvantages of a Sailcloth tent
- Higher cost & specialist installation required
- Not as waterproof
- Limited availability
Sailcloth tent CASE STUDIES
- View this stunning sailcloth marquee at a beautiful wedding reception for our clients in Richmond, Surrey.
Tipi Tents
If you’re looking for a party marquee with the wow factor or a festival feel, a tipi tent is ideal. These spellbinding structures provide an atmospheric alternative to a conventional marquee. With a distinctive cone shaped appearance, tipis come in all sizes, from small tents suitable for camping or breakout groups to large marquees to fit all your wedding guests, corporate delegates or party-goers.
Advantages of a tipi marquee
- Cosy feel even in cold weather, ideal for winter celebrations
- Great for a quirky look
Disadvantages of tipi tents
- Generally more expensive than other marquee types
- The thick fabric and enclosed structure means you’ll definitely need additional lighting
tipi tent cASE STUDIES
- One of our all-time favourite marquee parties, check out this Tipi 50th wedding anniversary setup – to die for!
- This was a festival themed party, that had epic tipi’s.
- A tipi can also be beautifully decorated with epic florals, just like this Midsummer Night’s Dream party tipi in London.
Clearspan Marquees
A clearspan marquee is a versatile structure which can be used as a temporary building for long periods of time. Many wedding or party venues may already have a clearspan marquee in place in their garden or grounds, or as an extension of their indoor space.
These large marquees are a popular choice because unlike traditional marquees or other kinds of tent, they have no poles on the interior to obstruct proceedings, and don’t require ropes or guy lines externally. They can be lined to look just like a permanent building and dressed to suit your party theme. Whether you want windows, a clear roof or even coloured walls, anything is possible!
Advantages of choosing a Clearspan Marquee
- Ideal for large events
- Available in a variety of colours and styles
- Solid and sound structure, designed to be weatherproof
- No poles, ropes or guy lines to get in the way
- Modular design places no limit on size
- The ideal blank canvas with lots of add-ons and personalisation options
Disadvantages of Clearspan Marquees
- The can look abit functional from the outside, rather than a beautiful structure. So always speak to an expert and see what effect this will have on your guests first observation when they see the structure. Is it going to be hidden from view, or could you change the panels to glass windows or clear to make it visually more appealing
Clearspan Marquee CASE STUDIES
- One of our favourite all time parties – this is an Opulent 60th birthday in a clearspan marquee in our clients garden in Buckinghamshire!
- This private members club themed 50th was infact inside a clearspan marquee in our clients garden in Cobham
- This was an elegant 18th nightclub party inside a clearspan marquee in our client’s garden in Kent
- This was a huge Bollywood themed joint 18th and 21st on our client’s large farm in Cheshire.
Chinese Hat Marquees
Also known as pagoda marquees, Chinese Hat marquees are named for their distinctively shaped roof. They are an attractive and modern style of tent, ideal for small, intimate events or to be used in combination with a traditional marquee as a bar, reception area or entrance porch for larger celebrations. Pointy-topped Chinese Hat marquees can be open, roof-only structures, or have sides with or without windows for ultimate flexibility.
Advantages of choosing a Chinese Hat Marquee
- Can be joined to other marquees and linked to create larger spaces
- Use without sides for sunshade or weather protection
- Add sides for an enclosed space
- Don’t need guy ropes
- Suitable for use on a variety of surfaces
- Inexpensive to buy or hire
Disadvantages of Chinese Hat Marquees
- Restricted to a small range of sizes – for large events this is unlikely to be your main party tent
Capri Marquees
Capri marquees offer a spacious and modern design which has no need for ropes or guy lines. They can be linked together to create a large and flexible party area with removable walls for weather protection. If you’re looking for a funky and alternative outdoor venue for your party, Capri tents are a cost-effective and eye-catching solution to add style and drama to any occasion.
Advantages of choosing a Capri Marquee
- Significantly more cost-effective than other marquee types
- Simple to dress or leave plain for a sleek contemporary effect
- Walls can be added or removed after installation
- Quick and easy to install and dismantle
- Modular design means flexibility in layout options
Disadvantages of Capri Marquees
- Can be cold in winter without additional heating
Big Top Circus Tents
Big Top marquees are a popular choice for the larger outdoor events with large guest numbers. Apart from looking visually stunning, they also hold a very practical use for covering a huge circular area and with a blackout effect inside, perfect for the summer festivals in the sunshine!
Advantages of choosing a Big Top Marquee
- Ideal for large events
- Available in a variety of colours and styles
- Can be dressed to suit your occasion, formal or funky!
- Plenty of roof space for lighting, decoration or sound rigs
- Stunning and memorable party location
Disadvantages of Big Top Marquees
- Installing and taking down is a major undertaking requiring a professional team and lots of extra time, which all adds to the cost.
Image courtesy of: bigtopmania.co.uk
Marquee Size Guide For Parties
Size is important!
Too many people crammed into a small place is both uncomfortable and unsafe; conversely too large a space can make your event seem empty.
We have created our rough guide for approximations on what size marquee hire you might require for your event.
Contact us today, and we can book a complimentary site visit at your garden to show you what is possible!
(These figures are to be used as a guide only)
Don’t forget, you need to allow room for a stage, dance floor, DJ, catering, reception, cloaks, toilets etc. Try to keep the length of the marquee to no more than three times the width to ensure maximum stability and to avoid a “tunnel” effect.
Final Things to Remember When Booking a Marquee
Here are a few final things to consider when your host your event in a marquee:
Things to consider:
With us as your event planners you won’t need to worry about any of the above. We’ll take care of everything, so you don’t have to!
Speak to us about your marquee party
Have a question about marquees? Get in touch with us today, and we’ll happily advise and help you decide whats right for your next big event.
You can fill out the form at the bottom of this page, call 01932 22 33 33 or email hello@mgnevents.co.uk
Kat,
Head of Event Management
Kat’s the person you call when you need clarity, a plan, or just someone to tell you it’s all going to be fine (and actually mean it). Known for her thoughtful leadership, avocado enthusiasm, and tendency to invent the occasional word, she strikes the perfect balance between creative flair and operational precision.
