A Guide to Choosing the Right Marquee Size

By Ross | 1 Entertainment on Apr 05 2022

You've selected the perfect reception hall for your wedding, with a scrumptious menu catered by a famous restaurant. But how can you ensure that the weather will cooperate? A sturdy tent will save your event if it rains. How big should it be? In this tent size guide, we'll show you guidelines to help you figure out the right size tent.

Marquee Types

Different kinds of tents require different sizes. You can choose from:

1. Canopy tent

This is the typical wedding tent. It is shaped like an upside-down pyramid and has no sidewalls. The ceiling is generally made of waterproof material, like polyester. This tent is usually 10 feet by 20 feet, although some are as large as 15 feet by 25 feet.

You can also get a tent with walls. The walls are usually made of nylon or polyester. The walls can be opaque or can be made of a translucent material.

2. Frame tent

This type of tent has a steel frame. The frame is covered with a sturdy waterproof material, like polyester. It is also shaped like an upside-down pyramid.

Frame tents come in standard sizes. They can be as large as 20 feet by 20 feet. The type of flooring is also common. You can choose from grass or dance floor material. Frame tents usually have sidewalls. You can select the transparency of the walls, which can be opaque or translucent.

3. Dome tent

A dome tent is usually 20 feet by 30 feet and made of waterproof or water-resistant material. The sides are translucent material that allows light to pass through. You can choose from several colours.

Factors to Consider

1. The Number of Guests

Your wedding tent size should be proportional to the number of guests you expect. Here are some general numbers:

Smaller tent (300 square feet): Ideal for parties with less than 50 guests
Medium-sized tent (500 square feet): Ideal for parties with up to 100 guests
Large tent (700 square feet): Ideal for parties with up to 150 guests
Huge tent (1000 square feet): Ideal for parties with up to 200 guests

2. The Type of Event

Your wedding tent size should also be proportional to the kind of event you are hosting. An indoor wedding with an indoor reception will likely require a smaller tent than an outdoor wedding with an outdoor reception.

3. The Space Available for Setup

You can have a tent of any size. However, the size of the space you have for setup and breakdown will determine whether you can use a tent of a specific size.

So before you choose a tent, measure the space you have carefully. Take note of the existing trees, buildings, and other structures that you'll have to manoeuvre around while setting up or taking down the tent.

If you're having a ceremony on the lawn outside the tent, your tent size should be at least twice the size of the reception area. For the ceremony and reception to be in the same spot, you'll need a tent at least three times the size.

Conclusion

A too big or too small tent will not meet your needs. Make sure you get the right size tent by following our tent size guide. A tent that's too big will not fit into your chosen venue. A tent that's too small will not be able to accommodate all your guests.

1 Entertainment is the UK’s number one entertainment company, providing the best in DJs, dancefloors, marquee hires, bar hires, wedding planning, event management, etc. Prepare to be amazed on your special day as a magician wows your guests and creates the most fun atmosphere possible. If you are looking for a wedding marquee for hire, we’ve got you covered! Get in touch with us today and let us know how we can help!