Outdoor events have a lot going for them. There’s more space, a better atmosphere and in many cases, a much nicer backdrop than four walls and artificial lighting. The downside is obvious, you can't control the weather.
That’s one of the main reasons marquee hire works so well. A marquee gives you a covered, sheltered space without forcing you to move the whole event indoors. It can be set up for dining, drinks, presentations, dancing or simply somewhere guests can get out of the sun if the day gets a little too warm.
Here are five events where hiring a marquee can make life much easier.
Weddings
A beautiful outdoor wedding location is great, but eventually everyone needs somewhere to eat, sit down and celebrate. A marquee can completely change what’s possible.
Private properties, gardens, vineyards and rural venues might have plenty of space but often lack a suitable building for a reception. With the right marquee, you can create your own reception area and plan the layout around the way you want the day to run.
You might need space for dining tables, a bar, a dance floor and a band, or maybe you're planning a more relaxed cocktail wedding where guests move around throughout the evening.
Either way, the marquee gives you options.
It also takes some of the stress out of watching the weather forecast in the week leading up to the wedding. You can still enjoy an outdoor setting without having everyone scrambling for cover if the weather changes.
Birthdays and Backyard Parties
Backyards are great for parties until the guest list gets bigger than expected. Suddenly, the kitchen is packed, people are standing in doorways and there’s nowhere for everyone to sit. Add a hot day or a bit of rain, and things can get uncomfortable pretty quickly.
A marquee creates a separate space outside where people can eat, drink and catch up without taking over the house.
Before organising the marquee, think about how you want people to use the space. A sit-down lunch needs a different layout from a 21st where most guests will be standing and moving around. It sounds simple, but working this out early makes choosing the right size much easier.
Corporate Events
Corporate events don't always need to happen in a hotel function room.
A marquee can work well for staff events, product launches, open days and client events, especially when you have access to an outdoor space.
The big advantage is flexibility. You can create separate areas for registration, presentations, food and drinks, rather than trying to squeeze everything into one room. For a larger event, you might even use several marquees across the site.
If you're organising an event locally, working with a company experienced in marquee hire in Canberra can also help when it comes to working out what will actually fit on the site and how the setup will come together.
Community Events
Community events have a habit of growing. A small school fete or local fundraiser can quickly turn into a full day with food stalls, entertainment, volunteers, activities and a lot more people than you originally expected.
Marquees are useful because they can serve different purposes across the site.
You might have one covering ticket sale, another providing seating and another used for performers, volunteers or event staff. They can help break up a large open space and give different parts of the event some structure.
They’re also handy for markets, festivals and fundraising events where you need covered areas but don't have access to permanent buildings.
Sporting Events
Sporting clubs often have plenty of open space but limited covered areas.
A marquee can give players, officials, sponsors or guests somewhere to gather during a tournament or club event. They're also useful for race days, charity events and outdoor competitions.
If the event runs into the evening, think beyond the marquee itself. You'll also need to consider lighting, furniture, power and access. A great setup at midday can feel very different once the sun goes down.
Planning those details together makes the space much more practical on the day.
Choosing the Right Marquee
The number of guests is a good starting point, but it doesn't tell you everything.
Fifty people sitting down for dinner need more space than fifty people attending a cocktail event. Add a bar, dance floor, stage or catering area and the required footprint changes again.
The site matters too. Look at the available space, access for installation and the type of ground the marquee will be sitting on. If you're hosting the event on a private property, don't forget to think about where suppliers, caterers and guests will park.
At Barlens Event Hire, we provide marquee hire for all types of events. If you're looking for a high-quality marquee in Canberra, our team can help you choose a setup that suits your guest numbers, location and the way you want the event to run.
Reach out to us today for a quote for all your event hire needs.
