Great marquee party hire ideas to bring in more customers

Marquees come in all shapes, sizes and designs, but according to Matt Burr from Elite Events in Sydney, the most important factor for fuss-free marquee party hire is location, location, location.

"Putting your marquee on private land is much, much easier than putting it on public land," he says. "On public land you've got to conform to council regulations and you'll have more hassle getting the job done. On private land, you can structure your set-up and take-down according to your needs."

The right surface

Ground surface is also important when selecting a location for your marquee, says Matt.

"Marquees are typically pegged into the ground, but if there are irrigation pipes underneath, that's not an option. Your costs can easily double if alternative methods are needed to secure your marquee."

Ask to see a floor plan

According to Matt, asking to see a floor plan for your intended marquee is important. While some companies may say they have a marquee size to accommodate a certain number of people, there are many variables involved.

"It's really good to go with a company that's got a seating plan they can show you to justify their numbers," says Matt.

Get a few quotes

Once you've got your location sorted, Matt advises getting at least three itemised quotes before you settle on one marquee party hire provider.

"Get a breakdown of the costs, not an all-inclusive price, because things can be padded quite a bit," he warns. "Ask them to individually cost things like delivery, labour, set-up, take-down, walls, lighting and flooring."

Ask questions

Matt recommends asking as many questions as possible before paying your deposit, such as:

• Will I need a silk lining? "You may need this to hide a marquee's framework, which can be a bit of an eyesore," says Matt. "This is an extra cost."

• Should I hire an event stylist? "For a big event, it's a really good idea to get an event stylist," Matt recommends. "Visually, your guests will have a better experience."

• Will I need security? "If your marquee is on public land, you'll have to pay for a security guard to protect it from vandalism and theft overnight," says Matt.

• What condition is the marquee in? "There are some really tired marquees out there, so make sure you ask how old they are first," says Matt. "Even ask if you can go out and view them when they're set up for a prior event."

Marquees that make a mark

Marquee party hire can be a logistical minefield, so make sure you do your homework. The last thing you want is for your guests to find cramped conditions and dirty walls, or for your business to be out of pocket because you didn't ask a few simple questions at the start.

Talk to a marquee party hire professional well in advance to avoid hassles on the day.