Marquee Hire for Birthday Parties

Children's parties vs adult parties

The marquee requirements differ depending on who the party is for. Children need less seated space but more room to run around outside. Adults tend to stand, eat and socialise — the marquee is the focal point rather than the entire venue.

What size marquee do you need?

If the birthday includes a bouncy castle, garden games or other outdoor activities, you can size the marquee smaller — it only needs to cover the eating and socialising area.

Budget options

Birthday party marquees don't need to be expensive. A few ways to keep costs down:

• Traditional pole marquees cost 20-40% less than frame marquees of the same size. If you have a flat lawn, go traditional.
• Skip sidewalls unless rain is likely. Open sides keep it cooler and save £50-£200.
• Hire tables and chairs from the marquee supplier as a package — bundled pricing is almost always cheaper than sourcing separately.
• Off-peak months (October, March) and midweek dates often get discounted rates.
• For very small parties (under 20 guests), a pop-up gazebo from a garden centre runs £50-£150 and you set it up yourself.

Garden setup tips

• Mow the lawn a day or two before setup. Long grass holds moisture and makes the ground under the marquee muddy faster after rain.
• Clear garden furniture, hoses, sprinkler heads and anything the crew might trip over or stake through.
• Let your neighbours know. Delivery vehicles are large and may block the road for an hour or two.
• Check for buried services — water pipes, gas lines, electric cables. Your supplier should ask, but it's your garden and your responsibility to flag these.
• Plan a path from the kitchen to the marquee for carrying food. If it crosses grass, lay stepping stones or a strip of matting on wet days.

Weather backup

A marquee is your weather backup. But having a marquee and being prepared for rain are not the same thing.

• Sidewalls keep rain from blowing in. They add cost but are worth it if there's any chance of showers. Most suppliers can add them at short notice — ask when you book.
• Without flooring, the ground under the marquee will be grass. If it rains hard, that's mud. For seated dinner parties, add boarding or coir matting. For casual parties, most people accept the grass.
• Wind is the bigger concern. Small marquees can lift in strong gusts. Make sure the marquee is properly guyed and staked. If the supplier uses weights on a patio, confirm they're adequate.
• Have a condensed indoor plan. Even with a marquee, a severe storm means everyone goes inside. Know your indoor capacity.

What it costs

Delivery and erection are usually included. Collection is the next working day. Lighting, sidewalls and flooring are extras — budget an additional £100-£500 depending on what you add.