Marquee events offer one of the most flexible options when it comes to a special event. Whether you are delivering a corporate roadshow or a private function such as a wedding or birthday celebration, a marquee offers a unique, interesting and affordable solution that is a little different from traditional venue hire.

Marquees for Corporate Events

With the cost of venues continuing to increase and businesses looking for new and creative ways to deliver events, marquees for corporate events are a great option. A marquee is a good fit for any business, whether you want to deliver training, create a networking event or even host an awards night. Marquees are one of the most flexible venues because they act as a blank canvas and create a really tailored event depending on its purpose and attendees. A marquee can be completely flexible in terms of design, structure and catering. Furthermore, some businesses deliver roadshows or regular events and a marquee can be an impressive venue that can really make a lasting impression and improve client relations. You don’t have to fit in with the norm when you are working with a marquee. If your event is well planned, it can really have a positive impact on your business, demonstrating that you are creative and different but in a good way. When attendees arrive and the event is being held in a bespoke venue, the unexpected will certainly leave a lasting impression, increasing the success of your event, whatever it might be.

It’s all in the planning

When you are hosting a private or corporate event you should try to book it as far in advance as you possibly can. Marquees are becoming increasingly popular particularly in the summer season so early booking is advised so that you can choose the best marquee for your event.

One of your most important decisions is to decide the size of the marquee that you will need. This will depend on the number of guests or the size of the event. There are lots of options when it comes to choosing a marquee, from frame to traditional depending on the look that you want to achieve. An experienced marquee operator can advise on the size of marquee required. You don’t want tables to be too cramped or guests to feel as though there isn’t enough space. Don’t forget too that you will need to leave space for a stage or entertainment area as well as a dancefloor, catering areas, a bar and tables.

The more focused your planning is, the better your choices will be when it comes to choosing the right marquee for the event.

Location

The next factor to consider is where the marquee will be located. Have you got a suitable space for the marquee to sit for the event? Make sure that the site is suitable and factor in obstacles such as trees, water features, statues or buildings – depending on your style of marquee these may be included! Most marquees can be built in a variety of settings, provided that you have permission, whether it’s the grounds of a historical building, a public green or even in your own garden as an extension of your home. Will you be looking for a location that is easy to get to, in a city centre or are you looking for something that is in a rural area? Does the marquee have adequate space around it for parking? These are all important things to think about.

The location of the event can be somewhere close to where your guests live and work or it could be somewhere unusual that they would not normally have the opportunity to visit. Choosing a unique and interesting setting for your marquee can really make an impact and create an excellent impression on guests whether it’s a corporate function or a private party.

Suppliers for Marquee Events

When planning any event, you will be working with a selection of suppliers. There are lots of things to organise including:

Catering – If the event is going to run for a full day or even a couple of days you will need to provide catering for your guests. The marquee will need to accommodate space for storing and serving the food. Some event planners find it better to purchase a smaller marquee to use as a dedicated space for catering.

Toilet facilities – The practicalities of event management are important, like supplying visitors with adequate facilities to make them comfortable during the event.

Generators – If you need power at your event you will need to make arrangements for a generator. This will power everything from music and stage lighting through to catering equipment and more.

Heating – Marquees are not just an option for the summer months now, you can use them for winter events too, particularly if you hire heating. There are lots of different types of heating equipment that you can buy which will complement the marquee environment and blend in well with the surroundings. Keeping your guests warm and comfortable is important.

Entertainment or Staging

Depending on your event, you may need some form of entertainment for guests. For a private function, you may consider options such as live music, a DJ, performers, magicians, game stations, casino tables or a comedian for example. For a corporate event, you might need staging for speakers and facilities to display presentations or screens to show video content.

Styling and Décor

A marquee is one of the best options when it comes to personalising your event and adding your unique style. You can decorate a marquee however you wish, whether its using your corporate colours to creating a themed wedding or special celebration. There are so many choices when it comes to decoration from British themed events through to vintage and even beach themes.

Marquee events can be incredibly successful if they are planned properly. With a little creativity and the right team on board, you can really deliver marquee events that leave a lasting impression.