How Early Should I Hire My Marquee?

From arranging the entertainment to perfecting the menu, event planning requires meticulous attention to detail. One key component, especially for an outdoor event, is the marquee. The question of when to secure your marquee can play an important role in the event's success. This article will provide a comprehensive overview to help guide your decision-making process.

When contemplating when to hire your marquee, there are a few primary factors to consider:

Different types of events necessitate different levels of preparation. For instance, weddings typically involve more detailed planning and hence a longer lead time compared to less formal occasions, such as garden parties.

If you've chosen a date that falls in a popular period, like summer months or around Christmas, be prepared to book your marquee well in advance. High-demand dates can be fully booked up to a year in advance, so early action is beneficial.

If you're seeking a bespoke marquee with tailored layouts or unique decor elements, you'll need to allow extra time for the marquee hire company to accommodate your specific needs.



Given these factors, it's generally advisable to book your marquee 6-12 months ahead of the event, particularly for occasions like weddings or large corporate functions.

Marquee hire companies have diverse booking policies, with some requiring several months' notice and others able to cater to relatively short-notice events. Familiarising yourself with these policies is important to secure your desired marquee.

Booking policies will differ from one marquee hire company to another. While some may need only a few weeks' notice, others may demand bookings several months ahead.

Peak seasons like summer and festive periods often see heightened demand, resulting in marquees getting fully booked. Ensuring your booking during these busy periods well ahead of time can avoid disappointment and may even lead to more cost-effective options.

Booking your marquee well in advance comes with several benefits:

You'll have a higher chance of securing your preferred marquee when booking early. This is particularly beneficial if you have precise specifications about the marquee's size, style or added features.

Early booking can often give you a financial edge. You might have the bargaining power to negotiate a more favourable deal or take advantage of discounts that marquee hire companies offer for early bookings.

With the venue taken care of, you'll have more time to focus on other aspects of your event, reducing stress and ensuring a more coordinated approach to your planning.

Delaying your marquee booking can come with its fair share of drawbacks:

Last-minute bookings can limit your options in terms of marquee style and size, potentially forcing you to compromise on your ideal specifications.

Late bookings may come with a higher price tag, as marquee hire companies might charge extra for short-notice arrangements, especially during peak seasons.

Leaving marquee hiring till late can lead to an increase in stress, detracting from the joy of the event planning process and potentially impacting the success of the event itself.

For a worry-free event planning experience, choose Grafton Hire. Contact us today to explore our diverse range of marquee options and start the journey towards an unforgettable event.