MARQUEE HIRE FAQs

Below are some of the questions we get asked again and again. We have used our experience to suggest answers that we hope you will find helpful. Please don't hesitate to contact us for further details.

How much space do I need?

• How many people do you want to invite?
• How many people do you want to seat at tables?
• How many extras would you like - dance floor, stage, chill out area, bar area etc?

Then measure your lawn, tell us the dimensions and we will create a plan to find out if the numbers you would like to invite and seat will fit into the space available.

Where do you operate

Top Hat Marquees has run weddings, parties and events across Buckinghamshire, including High Wycombe, Amersham, Beaconsfield, Chesham, Gerrard's Cross, Chenies, Aylesbury and The Chalfonts; Hertfordshire, including Berkhamsted, Harpenden, St. Albans, Tring, Watford and Croxley Green; Oxfordshire, including Thame and Oxford, Bedfordshire, Berkshire and North London.

Does it matter if my garden has a slope?

A slight slope is nothing to worry about. A more pronounced slope is not a problem for the marquee structure but may be uncomfortable for guests, especially at a seated event. The best solution under these circumstances is to use our suspended wooden flooring system.

Are marquees waterproof?

Yes, marquees are waterproof. To ensure that in heavy rain water does not seep underneath the marquee walls and into the marquee through the ground, we recommend our suspended hard wood floor with carpet.

Do we need a heater?

In winter having a heater on standby is advisable.

Do we need a generator?

Marquee lighting, heating and music don't require much power and therefore don't normally call for a generator. However, your event does need power, so if the wiring in your house or site is old and unreliable or if caterers are cooking in a catering tent using electricity rather than gas, then a generator will probably be necessary.

How much room does disco equipment take?

Allow five foot along the width of a dance floor.

Do high heels get stuck in coconut matting?

They can do. It shouldn't be a problem if the ground underneath is reasonably dry and the matting has been properly fitted. For a better surface, we recomend our suspended hard wood flooring.

What size marquee should I order?

A rough guide is eight square feet per person for a buffet event, fifteen square feet per person for a seated dinner. Don't forget to add in space for dance floors, catering tables, chill out areas, a bar and entertainment.

Do you supply just the marquee?

No. We offer a full consultancy service and will source and supply everything you need, from furniture, lighting and flooring to catering, music, photography, design and decoration. Please ask us for what you need and we will be happy to help.

Are marquees suitable for winter events?

Decked out appropriately, marquees make ideal venues for Christmas and New Year parties. Powerful heaters ensure warmth, and hard flooring, while more expensive than traditional summer matting, protects your guests from wet winter ground. So you can capture the beauty and convenience of a marquee event even in winter.

What is the difference between lined and unlined marquees?

Lined marquees are more luxurious and are an essential element of a traditional wedding-style marquee. With unlined marquees, the PVC walls and marquee structure are fully visible, making them more suitable for functional or casual events. Most of the marquees illustrated in our case studies are lined.

What colour are your marquees?

All our marquees are made of lacquered white PVC.

How safe are your marquees?

All our marquees are made from materials that conform to British Standard specifications and are fully fire resistant.

When will you put up/take down my marquee?

Typically, we erect marquees on the Wednesday, Thursday or Friday before an event; and we dismantle them on the following Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday.

Where do you operate?

We work across Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, Oxfordshire, North London and even into Berkshire and Bedfordshire. If your garden isn't suitable have a look at Venues to see places where you could have a marquee.

What sort of events do you do?

We provide marquees for all sorts of events: weddings, parties, company conferences, away days, bar mitzvahs, bat mitzvahs, funerals, birthday parties, christenings, baby showers, school balls, charity fundraisers, Christmas, leaving parties - whenever you want to entertain a number of people.

Do your marquees stand up to storms?

Our marquees are sturdy, and we always ensure that they are properly anchored. They are made in accordance with EC Safety Standards and manufactured to withstand wind loading of up to 60 mph. This is adequate for all but the fiercest of gales.

Can the marquee be connected to a building?

Yes. Our marquees can serve as an extension to a building. Because they need no pegs or guy ropes, framed marquee structures can easily butt up against the side of a house. Covered walkways are another option.

Does Top Hat have insurance cover?

Top Hat Marquees have public and products liability insurance with an indemnity limit of £2,000,000. However, each client is responsible for the company's equipment during the hire period (see Terms and Conditions). We can include a damage waiver fee at 5% of your total quotation if required.

Could a marquee damage cables or pipes running underneath the site?

If cabling or pipework is near the surface, damage is possible. So please inform us if any water mains or electrical cabling are close to the ground.

Will your marquees damage our garden?

Temporarily yes. Grass that has been covered for several days will not look its best. But recovery will be swift. And we are always very careful not to damage plants if flowerbeds are included in a marquee.

For further information about marquee hire please don't hesitate to contact us.