What Most People Forget to Ask When Booking a Venue

The overlooked questions that can derail your celebration plans

You’ve found a venue that looks promising.
It’s got a lovely setting, a decent drinks package, and a website full of glowing reviews.

But before you get too attached, ask yourself: Have I really asked the questions that matter?

At Lifestyle Marquees, we’ve supported clients through dozens of milestone events, weddings and parties. Again and again, we see the same pain points come up when people first start looking for venues, and very often, the venue they first fall for ends up falling short.

This guide walks you through the most commonly forgotten questions. Each one is based on real conversations we’ve had with clients and real-life events we’ve delivered, so you can avoid disappointment, and plan with total confidence.

In This Article:

1. How much time will I actually have to set up?

Venues often advertise styled spaces, but what they don’t always highlight is how little time you’ll have to prepare it.

Some venues offer just a few hours for setup on the morning of your event. That’s often not long enough for florists, furniture providers, caterers and AV technicians to do their work properly, especially for a luxury event.

At Lifestyle Marquees, we build our schedules around your event. Most of our clients have access the day before to set up, and the day after to break down. This flexibility is key to delivering a calm, well-run event.

Real life example:
When we created a bespoke marquee for a 80th birthday party in Surrey, the client was able to take their time with decoration and supplier setup, ensuring every detail was just right.

2. What are the rules around music and timings?

A beautifully decorated venue is no use if the party has to end by 10pm, but many traditional venues come with strict curfews or sound restrictions.

This is especially frustrating for clients planning entertainment-heavy celebrations, like birthdays or weddings, where live bands or DJs are involved.

With a marquee on private land, you’re typically free to set your own timings (within reasonable limits). You decide when the party starts, when it ends, and how loud it gets.

Real life example:
For a 21st birthday celebration in Surrey, we worked with the family to install a full AV setup, including lighting and sound equipment. The client had total freedom to build their dream party, and the energy continued well into the night.

“It was perfect! It looked sensational, the finish was excellent — it allowed for a great and easy flow of guests throughout the night. The shape and structure worked wonderfully.” – Testimonial

3. Are we restricted to the venue’s suppliers?

Some venues require you to use their in-house caterers or bar service. Others charge corkage if you want to supply your own drinks. And many have preferred lists that may not align with your tastes or standards.

With Lifestyle Marquees, there are no restrictions. You’re free to work with any caterer, florist, stylist or entertainment provider you choose. We can also recommend trusted suppliers we’ve worked with over the years, but the choice is entirely yours.

Real life example:
For a Fabulous Garden Room Wedding, the couple wanted to bring in their favourite caterer. We provided the catering marquee, kitchen space, power, and logistics support, and they had exactly the dining experience they wanted.

4. What’s included, and what isn’t?

Some venues look affordable at first glance, but once you add on essentials like heating, toilets, furniture, and lighting, the cost can spiral.

At Lifestyle Marquees, our quotes are clear and detailed. We explain what’s included, what’s optional, and what you might need based on the event you’re planning. You get honest advice, and no unpleasant surprises later on.

Real life example:
For a split-level wedding marquee we built in Sussex, we delivered a fully bespoke setup across a sloping garden, complete with luxury toilets, raised platforms, walkways, and full interior styling. The client was able to visualise and understand everything from the outset.

5. What’s the contingency plan for bad weather?

It’s one of the most important questions, and often one of the most overlooked. Venues that rely on outdoor space can be lovely in the sunshine, but awkward and uncomfortable if the weather turns.

We design every marquee to be weather-ready: from solid flooring and heating to protected entrances and seamless guest access between zones. Whether it’s a breezy spring wedding or a chilly October party, we ensure your guests stay warm and dry.

Real life example:
The couple from our Fabulous Garden Room Wedding wanted to bring the outdoors in. We built a glass-sided structure with panoramic views of the garden, complete with built-in heating to ensure comfort regardless of the weather.

The marquee really did look magical. Thank you for all your hard work and planning. The baubles and tealights really added to the whole atmosphere!” – Testimonial

6. Can we personalise the space?

Many venues have a long list of dos and don’ts: no hanging décor, no open flames, no themed setups, limited lighting options.

Marquees, on the other hand, are blank canvases. You can design them to reflect your personality, your tastes, and your event style, from elegant to eccentric.

We’ve created marquee interiors with mirror balls, festival flags, flower clouds, LED dancefloors, vintage furniture, and even ceiling installations. If you can dream it, we can usually make it happen.

Real life example:
For the 21st birthday garden party, the client opted for a sleek, contemporary interior complete with statement lighting, a custom bar, and luxury lounge furniture, creating a high-end look that rivalled any hotel suite.

7. Is there enough space for the full event?

Traditional venues are often fixed in layout and size. That means you may have to squeeze elements together, or worse, cut things you wanted to include.

When we build a marquee, we design the space around the experience. Need separate dining and dancing areas? Want a bar, breakout zones or a kids’ corner? No problem. We tailor every build to suit your guest count and your party format.

Real life example:
For the special 80th birthday party, we created distinct areas for reception drinks, a formal dinner, and an after-dinner dancefloor, all within a beautiful bespoke structure that fitted perfectly into the client’s garden.

Better Questions. Better Events.

When you’re planning a high-end celebration, whether it’s a 80th birthday, a wedding anniversary, or a multi-day family gathering, the right questions make all the difference.

“Absolutely loved the whole process and the final result was stunning. A huge thank you to this wonderful team”  – Google Review

With Lifestyle Marquees, you’re not locked into someone else’s rules. You don’t have to adjust your plans to fit a fixed space. Instead, we help you build a venue that suits your event, timeline and style, with complete transparency from the first conversation.

Ready to find out if a marquee is right for your event?

Let’s talk. Call 01483 322070, email enquiries@lifestylemarquees.co.uk or click the button below to submit and enquiry form.

Further reading:

10 Venue Dealbreakers (and how a marquee can solve them all)

Can’t Find The Perfect Venue? Here’s Why A Marquee Could Be The Answer

The Ultimate Marquee Hire Guide

About the Author

Iain Booth, Managing Director of Lifestyle Marquees, has more than 30 years’ experience in the marquee and events industry. From large-scale weddings to intimate garden parties, Iain has helped hundreds of clients create unforgettable celebrations. His experienced team brings creative vision, technical skill and calm professionalism to every project.

Click here to connect with Iain on LinkedIn