Please follow this simple guide to choosing the right size of marquee...

1) Decide on the Type of Event
Choose from the descriptions below, the nearest to the type of event you are planning.

2) Basic Size Calculations
Multiply the square footage given in the description by your number of guests.

3) Space for Tables=Space for Guests
Another way of checking the size you need is to calculate the number of tables you need. If your event includes a sit down meal then you need to make an allowance of 100sqft for each 5’ round table, regardless of the number of people sitting at it. For self service 10 people to a table maximum, for silver service 8 people per table – check with your caterer for special requirements.

4) Dancefloor and Entertainment Space
Allow space for a dance floor of 2 – 2.5 square feet per person and do not forget about a stage for the band (normally 12’ x 18’) and an area for a DJ.

5) Bar and Reception Areas
Make an allowance of an extra 2 square feet per person for a bar area. You might want to include extra space as a reception area for your guests, away from the tables.

6) Catering and Other Services
Caterers have their own requirements, but as an average, a catering area of between 300 and 400 square feet is sufficient for most events.

Comparing marquee quotes can be likened to comparing fruit - ensure that you are comparing apples with apples and not apples with oranges!

Marquee contractors often quote different size marquees for the same number of guests. To avoid confusion follow the guide enclosed on calculating the marquee size. Further confusion can also arise between using a 9m wide marquee and a 12m wide marquee. As a general rule it is not advisable to use a 9m wide marquee when the marquee needs to be more than 21m long. This is to avoid a tunnel effect being created. The ridge of the 12m marquee is almost a meter higher than the 9m structure so when a large marquee is needed, it is advisable to use a 12m marquee as the roof is higher.

Example
A wedding for 120 people would require 2400 square feet (20 sqft per person, including a dance floor and bar area). One could use a 9m x 24m (30' x 80') marquee or a 12m x 18m (40' x 60') marquee. As seen from the diagram below the 12m would be the marquee of choice as it provides better proportions.

One must be very careful when sparing the extra expense of a hard floor. Laying the carpet directly onto the grass is an enormous risk if it rains. How ever carefully one plans an event one can never predict the weather. Your event could be spoilt and will always be remembered as the one where the furniture and guests needed flippers to move around in the marquee! Laying a plastic sheet onto the grass will not help, especially if it has rained before the marquee is erected. Hard flooring levels out slight unevenness and lifts the furniture and guests off the grass - an absolute necessity in the British climate!

Yorkshire Marquees has written a useful Marquee Price Comparison Chart, which includes details of options and accessorieoptionss that you may require for your event.

The Comparison Chart is an 'Adobe PDF' document and requires Adobe Acrobat software to be viewed or printed. If you do not have this software, please click the link to download it from www.Adobe.com.

Please use the link shown below to view and download or print the Marquee Price Comparison Chart.