The Ultimate Guide to Hiring a Marquee for Your Event: Tips from 30 Years in the Business

Planning an unforgettable event takes time, effort, and a perfect venue. For over 30 years, we at Melody Corporation have been helping clients create memorable moments with our high-quality marquee hire service. We’re not just experienced—we’re a fun, passionate, and caring team that genuinely wants to make your event as seamless as possible. Here are our expert tips to help you navigate the process of hiring the perfect marquee for your special occasion.

1. Know Your Guest Count  

Before diving into marquee styles and decorations, start with the basics—your guest list. Understanding how many people will attend is key to determining the size and style of your marquee. Too cramped and guests won’t enjoy themselves; too much space and it might feel a little empty.  

We always recommend giving each guest enough space to move comfortably: for a seated dinner, around 10-12 square feet per person is ideal. For standing, more informal events, 6-8 square feet is a good rule of thumb. The right size ensures your guests feel welcome, and the atmosphere stays intimate and enjoyable.

2. Location, Location, Location!

Your chosen venue plays a big role in marquee selection. Whether it’s a sprawling garden or a countryside field, the terrain can affect what type of marquee works best. Slopes, uneven ground, or hard surfaces all require different setups.  

Our caring and hands-on team will always do a site visit before your event to check the lay of the land, so we can offer the best solutions—whether that’s levelling with marquee flooring or adding extra supports for stability. After all, providing high-quality service is central to everything we do at Melody.

3. Pick the Perfect Style  

With 30 years in the business, we’ve seen how the right marquee style can elevate an event. Different types of marquees suit different occasions, and we’ll help you choose the one that fits your vibe: 

Traditional Pole Marquees: These have a classic look with elegant peaks, perfect for romantic weddings or formal gatherings.  

Clearspan Marquees: With no interior poles or obstructions, these versatile structures offer a modern, spacious look and are great for larger events or uneven surfaces.  

Pagoda Marquees: The Pagoda Marquee is excellent for adding a stylish and distinctive touch to smaller or segmented events. These include private parties, festivals, intimate weddings, corporate receptions, market stalls, and relief scenarios.

Stretch Tents: Ideal for those who love natural light and an airy feel, these marquees are perfect for scenic outdoor settings.  

Our team at Melody is not only focused on quality, but we love getting creative with you to make sure the marquee matches your vision—whether it’s grand or laid-back.

4. Prepare for All Weather

Let’s face it, British weather is unpredictable, but that doesn’t mean it has to disrupt your event. One of the most important things we’ve learned over the years is to always plan for every weather scenario—be it wind, rain, or an unseasonably hot day.

At Melody, we provide sturdy, weatherproof structures, as well as additional options like heating for colder months or ventilation for the summer. We genuinely care about your guests’ comfort, and we’re here to ensure that whatever the weather throws your way, your marquee stays cosy and inviting.

5. Lighting and Décor: Set the Mood 

The atmosphere inside your marquee can be transformed with the right marquee lighting and décor. From romantic chandeliers to soft fairy lights or more vibrant LED setups, lighting can completely change the feel of the space.  

Our team works with trusted partners such as Desired Occasions and event planners to create the perfect look, whether it’s a soft, elegant atmosphere or something bold and energetic. And don’t worry, our caring, hands-on approach means we’re always here to help with the finer details to make your event truly unique.

6. Power and Practicalities

One thing you don’t want to forget is your power supply. Everything from lighting to catering requires reliable power, especially for outdoor events. This is where our recent expansion into generator hire comes in. Our high-quality generators ensure everything runs smoothly behind the scenes, so you can focus on enjoying your day.

Why Choose Melody Corporation ? 

Here at Melody Corporation, we believe in more than just setting up marquees—we believe in creating experiences. Our fun, friendly team is passionate about every event we’re part of, and we genuinely care about delivering the best quality service to make your day perfect. From the initial chat to packing down after the event, we’ll be there, ensuring everything goes to plan.

Final Thoughts  

Hiring a marquee can seem daunting, but with the right guidance, it becomes an exciting opportunity to create a bespoke event space that reflects your style. At Melody Corporation, we combine our years of experience with a down-to-earth, fun approach to planning, always prioritising quality and care for our clients.  

Got questions? Want to start planning? We’d love to hear from you—our team is here to help every step of the way!

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