How to Choose the Right Size Marquee or Gazebo Hire for Your Event

When planning an event whether its a massive celebration like weddings or a birthday party or a smaller more intimate setting for instance, a garden party or a corporate function for your office team, hiring the right size and style marquee or gazebo is essential. Having a space where your guests can feel comfortable can make or break your outdoor event especially with this unpredictable UK weather conditions. This blog can act as a comprehensive guide to help you make an informed decision and when hiring the right marquee for your event.

Why Marquee Size Matters for Every Event

The key deciding factors to marquee or gazebo size is how many guests are going to be in attendance and how much space you have to operate. Guest size is a great starting point, you want enough space for your guests not to feel cramped and maybe even extra space for a dance floor or bar area if it suits your event. Apex Canopy Hire offer clear direction when it comes to size and capacity on both marquee and gazebo service pages, but if you're still unsure our friendly expert team are more than happy to discuss over call or email.

Once you've figured out attendance, assessing the operating space is equally as important. Ensuring ample space not only for guests to move around freely but also for tables, chairs, sound systems and any more extras. Our team work closely with the clients to recommend the ideal marquee or gazebo tailored to your event we offer a 'pre-event survey' service to arrange a site visit in advance and discuss your needs, assess space and ground conditions to make a better informed decision.

Key Factors to Consider When Planning Your Marquee or Gazebo:

Guest Numbers and Layout

The main starting point and is often the dictating factor when choosing your marquee or gazebo size. For smaller gatherings and limited space a pop up gazebo may be the better choice to capitalise on the more intimate, personal atmosphere. Whereas, if you're throwing a large event with over 80 guests, a larger marquee would be more suitable paired with clever layout design to maximise the space. For instance, using long tables better suits narrow spaces with a larger guest count whereas round tables are more ideal for smaller spaces to promote conversation and easier flow.

Type of Event and Style

Different events have different requirements. Hosting a wedding is a celebration, often with large groups, food stations, sound systems, a dance floor and more. Apex Canopy Hire offer large scale marquees that would be ideal for these events with the largest being 4m x 12m at £790 with a capacity of almost 100.

For smaller scale events like a garden party, a pop up gazebo or a 3m x3m would be better suited with a capacity of around 15-20 guests. This set up provides a charming area for the occasion where your guests can gather, feel relaxed and enjoy the company.

Location and Weather Conditions

Based in the UK we understand that the weather conditions are anything but reliable. Hiring a marquee for your event provides perfect protection against the elements, a stylish weather resistant space where your guests don't need to worry about the unpredictable weather.

Another factor when finding the right marquee size is the location.

Apex Canopy Hire are extremely flexible, with a range of gazebo and marquee sizes to suit any outdoor event. Our expert team offer tailored advice based on location looking at factors such as uneven ground or garden settings we are here to make it work.

Popular Marquee and Gazebo Sizes Explained

Small Options

• Perfect size for smaller gatherings like garden parties, food stations and trade shows

• Quick, easy and reliable set up, causing minimal distraction

• 3m x 3m has a capacity of up to 15 guests for gazebo (from £100) and 18 for marquee (from £225)

• Medium size gazebos (3m x 4.5m) are perfect for up to 20 guests providing ample space for outdoor dining and similar events (from £140).

Medium Options

• The middle ground of marquee size we offer is 3m x 10m with a capacity of 60 costing from £500

• They are a great size for birthday parties, exhibitions and more

• This size marquee pairs well with many of our extras such as, table and chair hire, hard flooring and even a smoke machine.

Large options

• Our larger structure marquees are perfect for special occasions like wedding celebrations, graduation parties or corporate functions.

• The largest marquee on offer is 4m x 12m with a capacity of 96 and costing £790

• Paired with the hard floor option would be perfect for a dance floor, ample space for a sound system and food stations.

Seating, Dining, and Entertainment Consideration

Now that the sizing is worked out, finding the right layout for the best atmosphere is crucial. hiring round tables and chairs is a good starting point especially if there are food stations or buffet tables. A seating arrangement can be great to direct flow and balance dining with entertainment.

Expert Advice From Apex Canopy Hire

Apex Canopy Hire have built a trusted reputation across repeat customers for being a reliable marquee and gazebo hire across South London and Kent. Our Expert advice has helped transform empty spaces into magical nights to remember. A core value of everything we do is providing a stress free process for the customer From set-up the day before the event to dismantling the day after, we cover everything allowing you to focus on enjoyment!

We pride ourselves in the diverse range of marquees and gazebos on offer, ensuring we can cover small intimate gatherings to large scale events.

FAQs - Common Marquee Size Questions Answered

How big a marquee do I need for 100 guests?

For around 100 guests, we recommend one of our largest structure marquee (4m x 12m). This provides ample room for seating arrangements, dining, and even a dance floor or stage if needed. Our team can also suggest extras like hard flooring or lighting to create the perfect atmosphere.

How to choose gazebo size?

Choosing the right gazebo size comes down to the number of guests and the type of event you’re hosting. For a small garden party or trade show stand, a 3m x 3m pop up gazebo is ideal. If you’re catering for more space with dining or standing events, stepping up to a 4m x 4m will give you more room while still being quick to set up.

How big of a marquee do I need?

The size marquee you’ll need depends on how many guests you’re inviting and the layout you’d like to create. For example, if you want long tables and a buffet area, you’ll need more space than for a standing event with just a bar area. Our marquee size guide and pre-event survey service can help you make the right choice.

How many people can fit in a 4m x 8m marquee?

A 4m x 8m marquee can comfortably host up to 64 guests depending on layout. For standing events you can maximise the standing capacity, while dining with round tables or buffet tables may reduce the number slightly. It’s a versatile option for birthday parties, smaller weddings, or corporate functions.

Final Thoughts - Choosing the Right Size for Your Event

Choosing the right marquee size is one of the most important parts of planning your outdoor event. From seating layouts and dining options to space for entertainment, the right structure ensures your guests feel relaxed and have enough room to enjoy themselves. Whether you need a compact pop up gazebo for a garden party or a larger PVC marquee for weddings and corporate functions, Apex Canopy Hire can help you make the best-informed decision.

With our range of sizes, flexible hire options, and expert advice, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your event is in safe hands. Get in touch with our friendly team today by calling 07493 044456 or email us at apexcanopyhire@gmail and let’s create the perfect setting for your celebration.

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