The ultimate guide to hiring a marquee

Peacock and Bow's guide to marquee hire for your luxury event

Are you envisioning a breathtaking wedding, milestone birthday, or grand family celebration? A beautifully styled marquee allows you to create a stunning, bespoke venue in your dream location—whether it's a stately home, a historic estate, or the picturesque grounds of your own property.

However, choosing the right marquee hire company can be overwhelming. A quick Google search will flood you with options, making it hard to know where to start. That’s why we’ve created this comprehensive guide to help you define your wish list, ask the right questions, and make an informed decision when hiring a marquee for your wedding or special event.

What kind of event are you planning?

The first step is identifying the type of event you are hosting and how the marquee will be used. Many marquee hire companies specialise in specific events, such as weddings or corporate functions. It’s important to choose a company experienced in providing marquees tailored to your particular occasion.

Marquees for weddings and private celebrations

A marquee wedding offers an elegant, relaxed atmosphere with complete flexibility in design. Weddings often have three distinct phases:

• The ceremony

• The seated reception

• The evening celebration

  
  

Each requires thoughtful planning to accommodate varying guest numbers and activities. If you’re hosting a party, the main consideration is whether you want a formal seated dinner or a more informal gathering.

Marquees for corporate events

Corporate marquee hire needs to cater to staging, product displays, breakout areas and social spaces. Your supplier should be adaptable, as corporate events can present unique challenges. For instance, we proudly provided a marquee for a prestigious event at Westminster Abbey's historic College Garden—a location that demanded the highest level of professionalism and compliance with strict regulations.

Choosing the perfect location

Marquees are highly versatile but require a suitable site. At Peacock and Bow, we operate across Lincolnshire, Leicestershire, Rutland, Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, and London. If your location falls outside these areas, we can connect you with trusted partners offering the same luxurious Wills Marquees.

Your chosen site should meet a few key requirements:

• A level, lawned area

• No overhead trees or underground services

• Ample space for the marquee size required

We always offer a site visit to assess the location and provide expert recommendations.

Key considerations when hiring a marquee

1. Marquee size and guest capacity

Understanding your guest count and additional space needs is essential. Use these guidelines to estimate your marquee size:

• Cocktail or buffet-style event: Minimum 8 sq. ft per person

• Seated dinner with round tables: Minimum 15 sq. ft per person

• Additional space for bars, dance floors, and staging

  
  

Here are our marquee size recommendations:

• Up to 150 guests: 12m x 27m marquee

• Up to 200 guests: 12m x 34m marquee

• Up to 250 guests: 12m x 42m marquee

  
  

2. Marquee styles

There are various marquee styles, including clear-span, pagoda, stretch tents, and tipis. At Peacock and Bow, we specialise in traditional pole and canvas marquees, renowned for their timeless elegance and luxury.

3. Quality and condition

A reputable marquee hire company should provide pristine, high-end structures. Always inspect quality through show days or previous client testimonials.

4. Flexibility and customisation

Your marquee should be adaptable to different layouts, themes and guest list changes. We pride ourselves on our flexibility and ability to accommodate last-minute adjustments to ensure your event runs smoothly.

5. Additional equipment and services

Enhance your marquee with:

• Bespoke flooring (wooden, coir, or carpeted options)

• Dance floors, bars and staging

• Elegant lighting and luxury bathrooms

• Stylish furniture to complement your event theme

  
  

6. Installation and dismantling

Timely setup is crucial. We typically install wedding marquees midweek (completed by Thursday) to allow suppliers time for styling, with de-rigging on Sunday or Monday.

7. Insurance and safety

Ensure your supplier has public liability insurance and robust safety measures, including fire exits and structural stability checks.

8. Sustainability

Eco-conscious choices matter. Our traditional canvas marquees are a low-impact alternative to PVC, and we prioritise responsible waste management and energy-efficient lighting.

9. Testimonials and reputation

Check online reviews and ask for client testimonials to gauge the company’s reliability and service quality. We take pride in our glowing feedback from couples, event planners and industry professionals alike.

10. Cost and transparency

Marquee hire costs range from £30-£70 per guest, depending on luxury level and furnishings. Always request a detailed quote covering:

• Delivery and setup

• Additional services (lighting, flooring, furniture)

• Payment terms and cancellation policies

  
  

At Peacock and Bow, we offer clear pricing with no hidden fees and personalised consultations to tailor your marquee package to your needs.

Pitch perfect: Your next steps

Hiring a marquee is a significant investment and making the right choice ensures a seamless and magical event. Before contacting a supplier, consider:

• Venue and guest capacity

• Different spaces required (dining, dancing, lounge areas)

• Furniture and decorative elements

• Additional services needed

  
  

At Peacock and Bow, we are passionate about crafting unforgettable marquee events. Our dedicated team, led by owner Katharine, provides personalised support from start to finish.

If you’re interested in hiring a fine English marquee for your celebration, get in touch with us today to begin planning your spectacular event!