Marquee Hire on Different Surfaces: Key Considerations

When planning an event, selecting the right venue and type of marquee is crucial for ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for all attendees. Marquees are a popular choice for outdoor events due to their flexibility, ability to accommodate large groups, and ability to offer shelter from the elements. Marquees are often associated with field settings for weddings – but they can be placed on a multitude of surfaces. This article explores how different surfaces affect marquee hire and what considerations event planners should keep in mind when selecting the right location for their event.

1. Grass Surfaces: The Most Common Option

Grass is the most common surface for marquee hire and is often the preferred choice for outdoor events like weddings, parties, or festivals. The natural surface provides a soft base for setting up the marquee – the primary advantage of using grass is that it allows for easy anchoring of the marquee with stakes driven into the ground. These stakes help secure the structure and prevent it from moving in the event of windy weather. Additionally, grass can be aesthetically pleasing, complementing outdoor events and creating a natural atmosphere.

However, one downside to grass is that it can become uneven or too soft in certain conditions, especially after rain. In wet weather, the ground can turn muddy, leading to an uncomfortable and slippery surface for guests. To overcome this, products are available to be placed on the ground to make it easier to walk on.

2. Hard Standing Surfaces:

For events taking place in urban areas or other environments with hard surfaces, such as asphalt, concrete, or paving, marquee hire can still be successful, but it requires a different approach. Unlike grass, hard surfaces cannot accommodate the traditional ground anchors, so weights or ballast are used to secure the marquee. These weights are typically made from concrete or are water filled and are placed around the marquee to hold it in place.

While hard surfaces eliminate the risk of muddy conditions, they can present challenges in terms of comfort. Without grass or soft ground, attendees may not have the same natural, relaxed feel. For this reason, event planners may choose to install flooring, such as carpet or hardwood, to add comfort and warmth to the event space. However, it’s important to note that hard surfaces often require more effort and equipment to set up properly, particularly when it comes to securing the marquee.

3. Sand and Gravel Surfaces: Challenging but Manageable

Marquees can also be set up on sand or gravel surfaces, such as beaches or outdoor spaces that feature loose or rocky terrain. While these surfaces are more challenging to work with, they are not impossible to handle. The key consideration when setting up a marquee on sand or gravel is ensuring the structure is adequately anchored. Weights may be required, but in some cases, special anchors or larger stakes can be used to secure the marquee.

However, sand and gravel can be difficult to work with because they shift over time, and ground conditions can change. This makes it vital to have an experienced team to ensure the marquee remains stable throughout the duration of the event. Furthermore, sand and gravel can also create uneven surfaces, so adding a solid floor or decking may be necessary for safety and comfort.

4. Wooden Decking:

Wooden decking is a popular option for marquee hire and can provide a stable and level foundation for the marquee, offering excellent support for the structure and any furniture or equipment inside.

Conclusion

When hiring a marquee, the type of surface is a critical factor that can affect the stability, comfort, and overall success of the event. Whether setting up on grass, hard surfaces, sand, gravel, or decking, it’s essential to choose a suitable solution that aligns with the specific surface conditions and requirements of the event.

You can discuss potential venues with your hire company – to get in touch with those in your area – visit the marquee hire page on marqueehireguide.com.