Hints on hiring

For a seated dining function you should allow floor space of just over 1.5 square metre per person. This is the minimum you should allow and only allows space for the dining area. To this you will need to add space for dancing, buffet tables, a bar, a band, entrance ways and a catering area, to name a few. For larger events it is not uncommon to require at least two square metres per guest.

For a more casual event where some or all of the guests will be standing it is quite possible to reduce you space ratio down to half a square metre per person.

If your site is exposed and likely to be windy, a Hoecker Pavilion is going to be much more secure than a traditional marquee. Having the peace of mind in knowing that your structure is able to stand up to just about any weather will be money well spent.

A level site is always an advantage and the more formal the event, the more important this is. Our flooring systems can be leveled on sites with a gentle slope or undulations but on steeper sites it is not always possible. Keep in mind that people are more used to sloping grass than a sloping timber floor. So what feels fine as a lawn may be quite disconcerting once it is floored.

When measuring your site allow at a minimum of 2 metres on each side for the guy ropes on a traditional marquee. If you use a Hoecker pavilion you will only need around 200mm on each side if the structure can be pegged down, and slightly more if it is to be weighted down.

The most efficient sized table for seating guests is a 2.4m rectangle table with 10 settings, so if space is a bit tight this is your best option. Tables are available in round or rectangular and come in a number of sizes. The number of guests that can be seated will depend on your place settings and the size of the crockery that you choose.

Having enough glasses is vital. If you are setting your table with glasses it is easy to work out the right number but always allow a few extra as spares. For cocktail functions or pre-dinner drinks it is a bit more complex. On average allow 2 drinks per person for the first hour and around 1 for every hour after that. This means that for a 3-hour cocktail party for 100 guests you could serve around 400 drinks.

Lighting can be the making of your event. Naturally for evening functions you will need to light your venue and we have some great ideas for that but don’t forget about outside the marquee. Lighting special features in your garden will really make an impact on your guests