Top 10 tips from the marquee experts, Out Is In.
We have been hiring marquees in South East England for more than 8 years. Below are some tips to make your event stress-free and happy.
1 Book your marquee as soon as you know your dates. The peak periods are May to September with Friday, Saturday and Sunday being the most popular days. It's always worth checking for cancellations if you need a marquee at the last minute. We also Tweet any late availability so please follow us @outisinmarquees
2 Try to see the type of marquee you are hiring erected so you can get an idea of size and the type of marquee you want. (If you are within driving distance of Parson's Green in Sussex, it is worth giving us a call on 01403 253 864 or 01403 470099 as we often have display marquees up at our premises) As a guide, our smallest Capri marquee is 20ft x 20ft which is great for a small party of around 25 people. A 38ft x 28ft marquee fits 80 to 100 hundred guests. Larger events use several marquees linked together.Venue, seated, standing, dancing, relaxed, formal will make a difference to the size of your marquee.
3 Marquees vary hugely in the way they are constructed and the materials they are made from. Some are heavy duty plastic which come with industrial scaffolding and take time to construct. Others are lighter weight. Make sure you hire the right type for your venue. It can take anything from 3 hours to 3 days to erect a marquee so make sure you have access to the site if it isn't your own place. Capri marquees take a lot less time as they are lighter and don't require the heavy duty framework of rigid marquees.
4 Hiring a marquee for a wedding can be stressful. Make sure you select a company with a good reputation and that they are prepared to answer your calls. They may need to work with other suppliers such as catering and utilities.
5 Ask the company how they maintain and clean their marquees. Marquees need to be dismantled, cleaned, stored and transported with care so that they look the part on the day. Also try and book a marquee company which is based within 50 miles of your venue so that it is delivered in time.
6 Most events need power for lighting. Music systems, heaters and catering are other extras to think about. If the marquee isn't close to a building with power, you'll need to hire a generator.
7 Don't forget about portable toilets if there are none in the vicinity. Out Is In often erect marquees in fields by agreement with local landowners where there isn't a loo in sight. We advise 1 toilet per 15 guests. Again, you want clean, well maintained toilets which are delivered and removed on time. The toilets will arrive on a large trailer so they will need access.
8 Your marquee will require reasonably dry, flat ground and be free of overhead obstructions. Think about access and facilities you will require. Health and safety of your guests is paramount so make sure that your marquee provider gives you advice.
9 Local farms, National trust and English Heritage often allow party marquees on their land. Get in contact with us if you would like to know about available venues in Kent, Sussex, London, Hampshire and Surrey
10 Choose a marquee which will look fabulous day and night. Our marquees take on a completely different character as darkness falls which really adds magic to the occasion.
And of course, relax and enjoy your event. If you would like more information about hiring a marquee in Hampshire, East Sussex, West Sussex, Surrey and Kent please call 01403 470099
I just wanted to personally send you this and to thank you MASSIVELY for all your hard work in getting the Capris up for our wedding and also taking them back down again......it was an amazing day and night and everyone commented on the marquees and how amazing they were and how beautiful the setting was.
Sarah and Matt, Haywards Heath
Call us: 01403 470099
Email info@outisin.co.uk
- Experienced and friendly service
- Flexible, clean, elegant Capri marquees
- Beautiful as they come but easy to add your theme
- Fit almost all venues, from large grounds to back gardens
- No heavy structures or cumbersome scaffolding
