Welcome to our Marquee FAQs page — your go-to resource for answers to the most common questions about marquee hire. Whether you’re planning a wedding, corporate event, or private celebration, our FAQs cover everything from setup and sizing to flooring, power, and weather concerns. If you can’t find the information you’re looking for, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our friendly team by phone or email — we’re always happy to help.
Why not give our team a call and explain what your event is and what you might like to do. They can help to guide you in your choices and can offer a no obligation quotation if appropriate. Call 01483 322070 or email enquiries@lifestylemarquees.co.uk
Choosing the right marquee size depends on the number of guests and how you plan to use the space. Whether you need room for dining, dancing, or extra features like bars or lounges, we’ll guide you through the options to find a marquee that fits perfectly.
Read our guide to marquee sizing.
The price of a marquee is determined by its size, the type of structure, and any additional features like flooring, lighting, or furniture. We offer personalised quotes tailored to your needs, ensuring a transparent and hassle-free process.
Find out more about marquee hire pricing.
With proper preparation, marquees are ideal for winter events. Features like efficient heating systems, insulated flooring, and draft-proof entrances keep the space warm and inviting, no matter the weather. Speak to us about creating a cosy atmosphere for your winter celebration.
Learn how to keep a marquee warm in winter.
We are experts in all kinds of marquee events from birthdays, to weddings to large scale corporate functions and long term hires. We can just assist you with a marquee, or we can plan and deliver the entire event – we will give you as much help as you need. See our Planning & Mangement page for more details.
We offer frame tent marquees, traditional pole marquees, stretch tents and pagoda marquees. Our frame tent marquees can be used to create house extension marquees too.
No, modern marquees can be erected on any surface, provided there is some means of anchoring. Undulating surfaces can be tackled with a standard boarded floor, slopes and troughs will require an integral raised floor.
Yes, tennis courts are an ideal space, though the surface can sometimes get marked and netting needs to be removed. A wooden floor may necessary to protect the surface and assist drainage. Find out more here.
Yes, we regularly build marquees on sloping lawns, across terraces, stepped terraces and more. We have solutions that allow us to even out undulating ground, build over garden features such as ponds and lakes and more. We are experts in finding solutions for even the most awkward of spaces.
If other marquee companies have been unable to help, contact us! We always find a way to provide a marquee – even in the most challenging of locations. Read this article to find out more.
Not really, except on soft, wet lawns where the entrances and exits can become soggy where it is well trodden. We advise a wooden boarded floor in these kind of conditions. There is generally just a slight yellowing of the grass, which quickly returns to its normal colour. You can read our article on this subject here.
Yes, house extension marquees are a specialty of ours. We construct solid house extension marquees that attach directly and seamlessly to your house or building. You can find out more about our house extension marquees, here.
In short, a gazebo is a basic, lightweight cover solution, designed to provide simple cover and/or protection against light rain or bright sunshine.
Marquees are generally large, solid structures, usable in all types of weather throughout the year. They require teams of experienced builders to construct and usually include internal linings, theming and decoration, flooring, electrics, lighting, furniture, stages, dance floors, bars and more. They provide impressive, bespoke venues for private and corporate events.
Attention to detail. We understand the importance of precision and workmanship, which naturally leads us to make our own canvas poled marquees and beautiful and elegant linings in a range of colours and styles. Our versatility and can-do approach has given us the reputation of being the leading marquee hire company in the South East.
Yes, we make marquee hire easy and stress free. We can organise everything you’ll need, from the electrical supply, to heating, fully functional catering areas, furniture hire, bar hire, stages, AV equipment, lighting, toilets, internet access and more. We can even recommend caterers, entertainers and a wide variety of other trusted suppliers too. During the marquee build phase we’ll speak to all of your suppliers, carefully scheduling deliveries and installations to ensure that everything goes as smoothly as possible.
We also offer a unique 10 point STRESS FREE service guarantee. Something that you are unlikely to find with other marquee suppliers.
Contact us and we’ll guide you through the process. Although it is a relatively simple process it is worth considering a few factors before picking up the telephone.
Some of the key factors that are worth considering are as follows:
- Approximate guest numbers
- Event type: Birthday party? Wedding? Or something else entirely?
- Will there be dining and dancing, or just one or the other?
- Are you having a band or a DJ?
- Will you require a caterers area?
- Do you need toilets?
- Are you having a bar?
- Will you want/need heating or cooling equipment?
- Location: Where will the event be held?
- What surface will the marquee sit upon? Lawn, hard-standing etc.
But don’t worry if you don’t have all of the answers as yet! Our team are more than happy to talk through your event and to start out by offering you a ballpark estimate, over the telephone, based upon the planning stage that you are at when they speak to you.
If you are happy with the estimate then the next step is for us to come and visit you to conduct a site survey. At this point we will discuss your event with you in person and in more detail, before providing you with your fully itemised and comprehensive quotation and floor plan.
We are proud to have been trading for over forty years. We don’t just supply marquees in Surrey, we cover the whole of the Southeast of England too.
In general, Lifestyle marquees provide luxury marquee hire. Our services extend beyond simple marquee provision and include high levels of customer service, third party supplier coordination and more.
That said, we offer a range of marquee packages individually tailored to your needs. We can supply everything from unlined traditional pole marquees to state-of-the-art frame tents, suspended flooring and bespoke linings made to order.
Very much so. We offer comprehensive corporate marquee hire services. AGMs, conferences, meetings, product launches, exhibitions and more are regularly serviced by Lifestyle Marquees. Discover more about our corporate marquee hire services, here.
Yes, we consider ourselves to be experts in long term marquee hire. We have supplied marquees for long term hire to retail outlets, cafes, bars and restaurants, as well as to sports clubs, schools, colleges and more. Visit our long term marquee hire page for more information.
There are many different kinds of marquees available and also a wide variance in quality or materials, build and service. Watch out for hidden extras and corner-cutting including an insufficient power supply which could potentially ruin your party. We have a 10 Point Guarantee to ensure that you get quality, safety, and reliability with no nasty surprises
We recommend cutting the grass a couple of days prior to the arrival of the marquee to allow it to dry out.The aim is to erect the marquee on a dry surface to limit condensation and damage to lawn.
Most venues impose rules around access times, early finish times, mandatory use of in-house caterers, and limited scope for décor or theming. These restrictions can make it hard to create the event you really want.
Yes. On private land, you set the finish time (within local noise regulations). Unlike many venues with strict music cut-off times, a marquee allows you to party into the night. However, it might also be a good idea to let your neighbours know of your plans well in advance.
You’re free to choose all of your own suppliers, including catering, entertainment, bar services, and décor suppliers, or we can recommend trusted partners. No mandatory menus, no corkage fees, and no restrictions.
It depends on the event, but marquee hire isn’t a ‘cheap’ option. While marquee hire involves infrastructure costs, there are no hidden fees like corkage or compulsory catering. It’s the flexibility, and opportunities for personalisation that make marquees the better option for a truly bespoke event.
A marquee gives you control over your event. You set the timeline, choose the suppliers, design the layout, and decide how long the celebration lasts, all without the common restrictions imposed by traditional venues.
Yes. We cover the whole of Surrey, and we regularly provide marquees across the county and beyond, including Weybridge, St Georges Hill, Cobham, Esher, Walton-on-Thames, Virginia Water and surrounding areas. If you’re unsure whether we can reach you, just get in touch, we’re happy to confirm.
Yes. Many of our Surrey clients host events at home, and we’re very familiar with the challenges of driveways, lawns, and uneven ground. We’ll visit your site in advance to assess space, access and layout, and offer solutions that work for you.
Yes. We’ve worked with a wide network of trusted suppliers across Surrey and the South East and can recommend caterers, florists, entertainers and more, depending on the type of event you’re planning. See our supplier directory here, or speak to us directly for recommendations for suppliers in Surrey, tailored to you and your event.
Yes, we offer no-obligation site visits throughout Surrey. It’s the best way for us to assess your space, talk through ideas, and give you an accurate quotation. Contact us for an initial chat and an estimate, and then we’ll be very happy to come out and visit you.
Yes, we offer free, no-obligation site visits to assess your space, discuss ideas, and make tailored recommendations.
Yes, we’re happy to liaise with venues and private estates to make sure everything runs smoothly from setup to pack-down.
We can. In fact we have a comprehensive list of suppliers in our supplier directory, which you can view here. We know and work with lots of suppliers in Cobham and across Surrey, so feel free to speak to us for recommendations.
Yes, we’re very familiar with the exclusive estates in Weybridge, including St George’s Hill. Our team can assess access restrictions and recommend suitable marquee structures and installation methods to ensure a smooth setup with minimal disruption.
In most cases, private garden events in Weybridge don’t require a permit. However, if you’re planning amplified music, road access changes, or large guest numbers, we can advise on any council considerations or neighbourhood requirements.
Many Weybridge properties have split levels or landscaped gardens. We can install raised flooring systems to create a level surface, ensuring both comfort and a seamless finish for your event.
Weybridge is a popular location, especially during summer months. We recommend booking at least 3–6 months in advance to secure your preferred date and ensure time for site visits and custom planning.
Yes, we regularly work with properties in and around Esher, including more compact gardens and tighter residential plots. We can adapt marquee layouts to suit your space without compromising on style or functionality.
We’ve supported events at private schools, sports clubs, and other local venues in Esher, and can advise on the best set-up based on your requirements and the site.
Yes. We’re experienced working in Esher’s more exclusive areas, and take extra care when it comes to access, ground protection, and maintaining the look and feel of high-end residential locations.
We recommend booking as early as possible, particularly for peak summer dates. Availability in and around Esher can fill quickly, securing your marquee early ensures the best choice of styles and configurations.
We regularly work on uneven lawns and can install levelling floors or platforms where needed to ensure a safe and even space inside your marquee.
We do. Our team is familiar with the logistics and access requirements for private estates in Virginia Water and will liaise with estate management if needed.
We can show you examples from similar events in Virginia Water and other Surrey locations, and we’ll also talk you through different design and layout options to help you choose with confidence.
In most cases, temporary marquees don’t require planning permission. However, if you’re in a conservation area or planning a long-term installation, we’ll advise you on any local considerations and liaise with the council if needed.
Setup usually takes 1–2 days, depending on the size and complexity of your marquee. We’ll schedule this in advance and work around your timeline to ensure minimal disruption to your household or venue.
We offer insulated marquees with heating, lighting, and weatherproofing – perfect for Christmas parties or winter weddings. We’ll ensure your guests stay warm, dry and comfortable regardless of the season.
Yes, we know multiple venues and hireable locations around Dorking and the surrounding area. We’re happy to liaise directly with your venue to coordinate access, layout and timing, ensuring a smooth installation and takedown.
We recommend booking 3–6 months ahead, especially for peak times, to secure your preferred dates and marquee style. That said, we welcome late enquiries and will do all we can to accommodate a marquee hire, even just weeks in advance.
Yes. Many of our Dorking clients have rural or semi-rural properties, and we’re experienced in working on fields, paddocks, and large gardens. We can adapt marquee layouts for open countryside settings while ensuring access, ground protection, and utilities are properly managed.
We’ve supplied marquees for private celebrations and corporate events at venues in and around Dorking, including Surrey’s vineyards and country estates. We can liaise directly with venue staff to coordinate setup, layout, and event day logistics.
We advise securing your date 3–6 months in advance, particularly if you want to ensure that your preferred caterers, and other suppliers are available.
Yes. We partner with trusted local providers to deliver lighting, staging, bars and AV solutions—especially well-suited to Walton’s evening events on private properties or alongside historic landmarks.
Whether yours is a sloped Oatlands garden or a compact town-centre courtyard, we use bespoke flooring, sensitive access planning, and thoughtful layout design to protect your property and surroundings.
We’re accustomed to navigating estate protocols, restricted driveways, and garden preservation concerns to deliver discreet, professional setups.
Yes. We regularly handle varied terrain, from slopes around Pewley Down to riverbank gardens, and install level flooring to ensure safety and elegance.
We design with sensitivity to heritage homes and conservation guidelines, ensuring you’re compliant and your event looks tasteful.
Peak demand is very high in summer. We recommend booking 4–6 months in advance to get your preferred date, especially in desirable locations like Abbotswood or near Guildford Cathedral.
Yes, we supply generators, heating, lighting, and AV setups, coordinating with your other suppliers to ensure seamless delivery.
Need More Information?
We hope our Marquee FAQs have helped guide you through the essentials of marquee hire. For more in-depth information, download our free 32-page Marquee Hire Guide — the ultimate companion for planning your event. Packed with expert tips, layout advice, and setup checklists, it covers everything from choosing the right marquee style to understanding site access and logistics.
If you have any further questions — we’re here to help make your event seamless and unforgettable.