Iain Booth
You’ve found the venue for your party, wedding or event, the date looks good, and you’re about to say yes. Then the hidden restrictions start creeping in.
Only two hours to set up? A strict 11pm music curfew? A mandatory catering supplier with a fixed menu?
If you’ve already started planning a party or milestone celebration, you’ll know how quickly excitement can turn into compromise. The venue might be beautiful, but it starts to feel like someone else’s event.
This article explores 10 of the most common venue dealbreakers our clients face, and how marquee hire puts you back in control of your space, your schedule, and your celebration.
In This Article:
- 1. How do venue access times affect event setup and takedown?
- 2. Can strict venue end times or music curfews limit my event?
- 3. What if a venue restricts my creative control over the event?
- 4. What If You’re Forced to Use In-House Catering?
- 5. What If There’s No Overnight Accommodation On-Site or Nearby?
- 6. What challenges do parking and supplier access pose at venues?
- 7. What If Venue Availability Is Limited or Non-existent?
- 8. What If The Space Doesn’t Fit Your Guest List?
- 9. Does A Venue Feel Impersonal or Overused?
- 10. What if I want my event to last more than one day?
- How Can I Create a Venue That Works for Me?
- About the Author
- Related FAQs
1. How do venue access times affect event setup and takedown?
The problem:
Many venues offer tight windows for setup and clear-out. You might get a couple of hours in the morning to decorate, and be expected to remove everything before lunchtime the next day.
The marquee solution:
When you create a venue at home or on private land, you decide the timeline. Set up the day before. Take down the day after. No rushing. No stress.
It was a pleasure to work with Lifestyle Marquees for our wedding… They were responsive and helped guide us through the whole process. – Google Review
2. Can strict venue end times or music curfews limit my event?
The problem:
Most venues have sound restrictions and fixed finishing times. You could be asked to shut down the music by 10:30pm, even if your guests are just getting started.
The marquee solution:
With a marquee on private property, the party ends when you choose. Provided local regulations are observed, you can continue into the early hours without any interruptions.
3. What if a venue restricts my creative control over the event?
The problem:
You’ve got a vision in mind, but the venue won’t allow much flexibility. No ceiling décor. No open flames. No hanging installations or bespoke styling.
The marquee solution:
A marquee is a blank canvas. Whether you want dramatic lighting, floral chandeliers, an immersive theme or something simple and chic, the space is yours to personalise as you wish.
“When I had an idea to turn jam jars into lights hanging from the ceiling they turned my vision into a reality with nothing but enthusiasm and positivity. I honestly can’t recommend them enough”
Testimonial: Mrs C, Surrey
4. What If You’re Forced to Use In-House Catering?
The problem:
Some venues insist on using their own catering team. Menus may be limited, and drinks packages inflexible. Corkage fees can also push up the cost significantly.
The marquee solution:
With a marquee, you choose your suppliers. Whether that’s a chef you love, a wood-fired pizza van or a mobile cocktail bar, you get full control without hidden fees.
5. What If There’s No Overnight Accommodation On-Site or Nearby?
The problem:
You want a destination feel or a multi-day event, but there’s nowhere nearby for guests to stay.
The marquee solution:
Host at home or choose land with flexibility. Add glamping tents, suggest nearby hotels, or create a weekend celebration with freedom over the format and facilities.
6. What challenges do parking and supplier access pose at venues?
The problem:
Many historic or rural venues have limited parking, awkward layouts, or restricted delivery access for suppliers.
The marquee solution:
Our team works with you to assess the space and ensure access for guests and suppliers is smooth. We also handle power, lighting, flooring, heating and toilets, so everything functions seamlessly on-site.
‘Scheduling suppliers the week of the each event is really important leading up to the big day. Lifestyle competed both builds well in advance and had time to work thought all the light options with us’ – Google Review
7. What If Venue Availability Is Limited or Non-existent?
The problem:
You find a venue that looks perfect, only to discover it’s booked out months (or even years) in advance.
The marquee solution:
A marquee can be installed when and where you need it. Whether in your garden or on private land, availability isn’t dictated by a rigid calendar.
8. What If The Space Doesn’t Fit Your Guest List?
The problem:
You either have too much space or not enough. Perhaps the layout is awkward for a dining area, bar and dance floor combined.
The marquee solution:
Marquees are modular. We build to suit your guest numbers, and can include additional spaces for bars, lounges, or quiet zones. The layout is fully tailored to your event.
9. Does A Venue Feel Impersonal or Overused?
The problem:
You want a celebration that feels personal and distinctive, but many venues feel overly packaged or generic.
The marquee solution:
A marquee allows you to design something truly original. You set the tone, the theme and the experience, creating an event that reflects your personality.
10. What if I want my event to last more than one day?
The problem:
Many venues only allow a single-day hire, even if you want to host welcome drinks, the main event, and a brunch or lunch the next day.
The marquee solution:
With a marquee on your own land or hired space, you set the schedule. Create a multi-day celebration with full flexibility over how and when the space is used.
How Can I Create a Venue That Works for Me?
If you’ve come up against one or more of these issues, you’re not alone. Many of our clients have been through the same frustrations. With marquee hire, you can remove the barriers and create an event space that suits your style, your timeline and your vision.
Read our article ‘Can’t Find the Perfect Party Venue? Here’s Why a Marquee Could Be the Answer’ and to find out more.
Plus take a look at a few commonly overlooked, but very important questions to ask a venue before you book, in this article.
At Lifestyle Marquees, our team brings over 30 years experience in the events and marquee hire industries. We’ve worked on everything from small garden parties to large-scale private celebrations, and our focus is always on delivering exceptional results with minimal stress.
Get in touch to explore how we can help you build the perfect party venue, on your own terms.
About the Author
Iain Booth, Managing Director of Lifestyle Marquees, has more than 30 years of experience in the events industry. Over the years, Iain has helped hundreds of clients create unforgettable parties, weddings and celebrations. Backed by a highly experienced team, Iain brings both hands-on knowledge and strategic insight to every project, working closely with clients to deliver beautifully executed events.
Related FAQs
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
