Knowing which style of marquee to hire for your wedding can be difficult. This decision will be affected by the size you need, the style you like the look of, the space you have to place it on and your budget. There are two main types of marquee in the UK which many couples choose from, plus a few additional options to customise the space so that it’s perfect for you.

Traditional Pole Tent Marquee

This is the classic marquee design, with a high peaked roof supported by poles. It’s the type of romantic, timeless marquee you often see as the epitome of English country garden - sometimes a similar style is called a sail cloth tent and the fabric they are made with is sail cloth material rather than the vinyl material that Pole tents are made with. Pole tents can accommodate large guest numbers, and look really great with both a long table and round table layout. The sides usually roll up to create an indoor / outdoor type of dining and can also work well in the rain. Many companies will offer additional lighting, entrance porches and matted pathways to really customise your marquee and guest experience. Pole tents are marquee’s which take very well to a variety of decor, my favourite is abundant floral installations, click here to read more about wedding marquee decor and to get inspired.

Clear span Marquees

A clear span marquee has a frame structure without poles, which provides more open space for guests and allows for more flexibility in terms of layout and decoration. The clear span design means that the interior of the marquee is free from any internal pillars or obstructions, providing a completely open and flexible space that can be adapted to suit a variety of different layouts and functions. Due to it’s modular construction it can also be extended to create a flexible interior space that can be customised. Clear span marquees are very sturdy and spacious which means they can decorated with drapes, a variety of lighting, large furniture pieces and more to create a luxury atmosphere.

Clear span marquees come with many options as their weather resistant covering can be clear, opaque, or a combination of both so they vibe can be changed throughout the space. One of the biggest advantages of this type of marquee hire is that is can be erected on a variety of surfaces, including grass, gravel, and concrete. They can also be used all year round, thanks to the availability of heating, cooling, and lighting systems. As you can imagine this much customisation and flexibility can incur a higher budget fee, to read more about the cost of a marquee wedding click here.

Stretch tent marquee

A stretch tent marquee is made from flexible, waterproof fabric that can be stretched and shaped to fit any space. This type of marquee is ideal for outdoor weddings and can be adapted to suit any style or theme. They are often used for smaller events where an indoor / outdoor flow is important, they are also great as a cover for a drinks reception when it rains.

Tipi marquee

A tipi marquee, is a unique and atmospheric option for a wedding. Tipis are made from sturdy wooden poles and canvas, which gives a more DIY, rustic vibe and can be arranged in different configurations to create a cozy and intimate setting.