When researching how much is a marquee to hire, there are several factors that dictate the price you will pay. ever, determining the cost of hiring a marquee can be a nuanced task, influenced by various factors. In this article, we delve into the intricacies of marquee pricing, exploring the key elements that impact the final quotation.
When planning an event, be it a wedding, corporate event, or a festive celebration, one of the fundamental aspects to consider is the venue. Marquees, with their versatility and adaptability, often emerge as an attractive option. How
Below the key factors are 2x example marquee hire costs for either a wedding marquee hire or a private party event.
Understanding Marquee Types: Before delving into costs, it’s crucial to grasp the different types of marquees available. Clearspan marquees, sailcloth pole marquees, and stretch tents are among the popular options, each offering distinct features and aesthetics. Clearspan marquees, characterised by their unobstructed interior space, are often favoured for their flexibility and modern appearance. Sailcloth pole marquees evoke a classic rustic charm with their centre poles and guy ropes. Sailcloth marquees do tend to be around 10%-15% more expensive than a clearspan marquee hire.
Factors Influencing Marquee Costs:
- Size and Capacity: The size of the marquee required directly influences the cost. Larger marquees with higher capacity naturally command a higher price tag due to increased material and labor costs. Factors such as the number of guests, seating arrangement, and additional space requirements for amenities like dance floors and stages play a pivotal role in determining the appropriate size. A 100 guest marquee for a seated event will require almost double the space of a 100 seated standing event – so choosing whether you would like none, some or all of your guests will impact the size therefore the cost of your marquee.
- Location: The geographical location of the event site can significantly impact marquee costs. Factors such as accessibility will influence transportation & labour costs. For example if your marquee site allows the marquee Company to park their vehicles right up to the marquee location – your delivery & install costs will be much lower compared to if the nearest parking location is 50 metres away. If the build of the marquee is particularly difficult (tight with space, trees inside the marquee or event a swimming pool inside) then again your delivery & install costs may increase.
- Terrain: The cheapest way of installing a marquee is by installing on grass. The marquee is secured by driving 900mm stakes into the base plates of the structure into the grass. A marquee can be installed on a hard surface such as a carpark, decking or a patio however weights must be used to anchor down the marquee as the surface is impenetrable to stake into. The cheapest way of weighting the marquee is using water weights (using water a nearby tap – typically a £150-£950 expense depending on size). However is this isn’t an option, concrete weights can be used for anchorage which is the most expensive way of anchoring a marquee (typically a £500-£2000 cost addition depending on size)
- Duration of Hire: The duration for which the marquee is required also affects pricing. Short-term hires for events lasting a day or two typically incur lower costs compared to long-term rentals spanning for several weeks. Marquee hire companies often offer packages tailored to different durations, with pricing structures reflecting the rental period. At Abacus, you typically have your marquee for 3-5 days as standard (most other marquee companies are only for 2-3 days which doesn’t leave you much time to set up, or clear away)
- Seasonal Variations: Seasonal fluctuations can exert a notable influence on marquee costs. If your event is in peak season (often June-September) you will likely be paying a higher marquee hire price (typically by up to 15% higher). Conversely, off-peak seasons may present opportunities for discounted rates and special offers (October – April). However you may need to consider adding in heating systems to marquees during the colder winter months (typically a £250-£550 cost depending on size of marquee).
- Customisation and Accessories: The best way to think about this is when you buy a car. You can buy a base spec car, or the top of the range model. Marquee interior options work very similarly to this analogy. The level of customisation and additional accessories required can significantly impact the overall cost of hiring a marquee. From flooring options and lighting fixtures to furniture, décor, and audio-visual equipment, each customisation adds to the total expenditure. A hard floor & carpet will almost be as expensive a line item as the marquee – but nearly o90% of all marquees tend to have a flooring for practical reasons. Clients seeking bespoke designs or specialised amenities should budget accordingly, as personalised touches can enhance the ambiance but also incur additional expenses.
- Additional Services: Many marquee hire companies offer supplementary services beyond mere marquee hire. For larger scaled events such as weddings you may require additional services such as power generators (typically £750), external toilet facilities (typically £750), catering tents (typically £450). If you are having your marquee in a field it is almost certain you would need these three example additional options.
How Much is a Marquee to Hire?
EXAMPLE EVENT: A Wedding
In this example we have a 100 person wedding, which entails a 100 guests to be formally seated for the wedding breakfast, with space for a bar & dance area for the evening festivities. The client is having a hot 2 course meal with the marquee situated in a field with no facilities on site. Therefore we need to consider a catering tent, generator & toilets into how much is a marquee to hire.
| 9m x 18m PVC Marquee | £1115 |
| Installed with Carpet, Hard Flooring & Pleated White Lining | £1795 |
| Lighting | |
| 2x Chandeliers, LED Uplighting around perimeter | £275 |
| Furniture | |
| 100x Folding Wooden Chairs, 10x 5’6” Round Tables | £460 |
| Misc | |
| 6m x 6m Catering Tent, 4m x 4m Dance floor & 5ft Gloss Black Bar | £705 |
| 60kVa Generator, 10 Hours of Diesel & Cable Distribution | £795 |
| 3+1 Luxury Toilet Trailer | £795 |
| Installation & Delivery Costs | £550 |
| TOTAL | £6490+VAT |
| TOTAL | £7788 |
How Much is a Marquee to Hire?
EXAMPLE EVENT: A Private Birthday Party for 75 Guests
In this example we have a well specced 18th birthday party with the marquee installed at a private house on grass. We do not require additional facilities such as toilets & generators as we can use the domestic electrical power and the toilets inside the house will suffice.
This event is an evening event so the marquee is specced with lighting with some casual furniture inside, with a dance floor and a bar
| 6m x 9m PVC Marquee | £480 |
| Installed with Carpet, Hard Flooring & Pleated White Lining | £616 |
| Lighting | |
| LED Uplighting around perimeter | £97.50 |
| Furniture | |
| 4x Glass Poseur Tables & 8x White Faux Leather Cube Seats | £200 |
| Misc | |
| 4m x 4m Dance floor | £255 |
| 1x 5ft Gloss Black Bar | £100 |
| Installation & Delivery Costs | £125 |
| TOTAL | £1873.60+VAT |
| TOTAL | £2248.20 |
Calculating the Cost: To estimate the cost of hiring a marquee, clients should engage in thorough discussions with potential suppliers, providing detailed information regarding their event requirements. Requesting itemised quotations that itemised the pricing for each component will enable you to understand the breakdown of costs and make informed decisions. Comparing quotes from multiple providers facilitates price transparency and allow you to assess the value proposition offered by each supplier.
Like many industries it certainly isn’t the best idea to go with your cheapest option. The marquee hire Company of your choice will be playing a crucial role in the success of your event. The events industry is no different when it comes to “you get what you pay for”. For larger scaled weddings & corporate events you will be leaning on your marquee hire companies’s experience a lot – so it’s important you find a Company you get on well with who have clearly presented everything to you.
A clear indication in how good quality a marquee hire company is, is by looking at how well they have presented their quote to you. Have they thought of every detail? How nicely presented is the quote? Is everything clearly defined? As that often reflects on the quality of their marquee installation & stock. We have created what differentiates us to the cheaper end of the marquee hire market here.
How Much is a Marquee To Hire?
Conclusion: In conclusion, determining the cost of hiring a marquee involves considering a multitude of factors, ranging from size and location to customisation and duration of hire. By understanding these variables and engaging in proactive communication with marquee hire companies, clients can navigate the pricing landscape effectively and ensure that their event vision aligns with their budgetary constraints. Ultimately, investing in a quality marquee rental enhances the ambiance and functionality of an event, setting the stage for memorable experiences that resonate with attendees for years to come.
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If you require a marquee for less than 40 guests you will likely be better off with our sister Company Party in your Garden Marquee Hire
