If you’ve come across a venue package that includes the use of a building or a static marquee, you might be wondering why a dry hire venue plus marquee hire is quoted at a higher price. In this article, we’ll explain some of the reasons for this difference. We’ll also highlight the benefits of marquee hire and provide tips on how to keep to your budget while still achieving the look you desire. Hint: get married 'out of season'!
The cost of a marquee goes beyond just the basic expenses. Several additional factors contribute to the overall cost, including the need to create a complete space from scratch. This involves installing flooring, lighting, heating, power, a dance floor, a stage, catering tents, and restroom facilities. Extra features like walkways, spill-out areas, porticos, and reveal curtains can also increase expenses.
The customisation options for marquees are endless, which is part of their appeal. Would you like to host your wedding reception in a countryside venue, a tight spot at an existing venue, or even in a family garden? Not a problem! How about a fairy light curtain and a sparkling oak dance floor complete with a disco ball? Absolutely! If you want a grand walkway and a spectacular cocktail hour area adjacent to the wedding reception, that’s possible too. You can create the wedding of your dreams with our Sailcloth and Tipi options!
There are several reasons why marquee hire can be expensive. Firstly, the type of marquee you choose significantly impacts the price. Options include clearspan, traditional pole (such as our sailcloth), yurt, tipi (like our Nordic tipis), stretch tent, and tree marquees.
Additionally, labor costs can be considerable since setting up and dismantling a marquee requires a skilled crew. Larger marquees generally incur higher labor costs. However, it's important to note that you truly get what you pay for when it comes to cost, saving a few pennies here isn't the area we suggest that you cut costs. There are some amazing and unique marquees available, including several from our own collection. To explore our marquee options, click here.
Tips:
If a marquee is a significant part of your wedding plans, there are ways to save money. Here are five tips to help you spend less on a wedding marquee, so you can have your dream wedding without overspending.
• Hiring a marquee for a wedding is becoming increasingly popular, especially since laws in the UK changed to allow couples to marry in more diverse locations. It's important to keep in mind that prices for marquees can fluctuate based on demand throughout the year, with some companies increasing their rates during peak seasons. To maximise your savings, consider booking out of season or well in advance. This approach not only increases your chances of securing suppliers who might otherwise be unavailable, but it can also help reduce costs.
• Choose a company that offers multiple services for your wedding rental needs. This will keep pricing straightforward and simplify the planning process for your special day.
• Seek supplier recommendations from other vendors. They have real-world experience and insights into the best options for your needs.
• When planning an event, it's important to keep in mind that an increased number of guests will necessitate a larger marquee. Consider how the size of the space affects not only comfort but also logistics, such as seating arrangements, dining areas, and areas for entertainment or activities. Ensuring that the space is adequate for your guest count will enhance the overall experience for everyone involved.
• Opt for a package deal. This allows the marquee company to set up a configuration that is tried and tested, which can lead to a discounted rate for you. Click here to see our Sailcloth packages or here for our Tipi packages.
The main takeaway is that the decision to invest more in a marquee ultimately depends on your priorities. If having a luxury marquee is essential, especially if you want to get married at home or in a stunning off-grid location, then the cost may be justified for your vision of the perfect wedding day. Despite the expenses, the flexibility, appearance, atmosphere, and customisation options provided by a marquee make it a valuable investment and there may be other ways to stay within your budget.
Here are some of our favourite wedding setups from 2024 to inspire you and demonstrate why our tents have such a spectacular reputation and are worth the cost.
Five of the best 2024 weddings for inspiration:
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Angela & Iain held their wedding reception near Uckfield in July 24' under our 3 Tipi set up with sides open. They had so many personal touches scattered throughout their decor and a fabulous list of suppliers. Their look was completed with a lit walkway, matching catering tent, oak barrels, long rustic tables, Oak crossback chairs, dancefloor, interior lighting and so much more. See more on our Instagram by clicking here ← Photography by Paul Gapper Photo |
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Rosie & Charlie held their June 24' wedding reception under our 12 x 24m Sailcloth Tent at their family home in Hailsham. Inside our 12x24m Sailcloth we have both a hard dance floor and carpeted area, rustic ladders under the foliage and one holding battery operated lanterns (not ours), one holding disco balls (some ours), our revamped new bar, and a fairy light curtain (as well as other extras); spectacular! See more on our Instagram by clicking here ← Photography by Lucy Carnaghan Photography |
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David & Kerry married this July (24') and held their wedding party under our 2 tipi configuration, perfect for their celebration in Smarden, Kent. Aside from the exceptional sunset which we can't provide, their set up included Interior matting/flooring, Interior downlighting, fairy lights wrapped around the poles and long rustic tables & Oak crossback chairs for their guests. They added sage table runners, paper decorations, bunting and hay bayles for outdoor seating. See more on our Instagram by clicking here ←
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Emily & Zac married on a friends land in Horsham in June (24'). When we are chosen as a supplier for another wedding suppliers wedding, it is always an honor. Emily created all of the incredible floral arrangements for their wedding, and the couple did everything themselves. Well, wow! Their set up included our 12x18m Sailcloth Tent with half sides open, our long rustic tables and benches individually set up, black festoon lighting, mirror ball, interior matting, generator and more. See more on our Instagram by clicking here ← Photography by Lilly Wilson Photography
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Ollie & Maddie held their wedding reception at the magical Great Ote Hall in June under our 12x24m Sailcloth Tent. Their day looked spectacular, what an elegant English country wedding. Their set up included white festoon lights, interior matting and walkway, Chiavari chairs, flower ring, white matching catering tents, cake table, stage, mirror ball, dancefloor oak barrels and more! We could continue....but the photos do more talking than we could ever do, take a look on our Instagram post by clicking here ←. Photography by Laura Eve |
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We're always sharing inspiration and tips on our social media, follow us on Instagram and Facebook to read more or contact our experienced team if you would like to discuss - info@holmstedevents.co.uk.