This article explores how much does it cost to have a wedding in a marquee? Learn about various factors affecting marquee wedding prices, including size, location, décor, and additional services.
How to Save Money on Weddings While Having a Marquee
Planning a wedding can be exciting and overwhelming. One needs to prioritise important parts of their big day while managing costs. Here are five ways to save on wedding expenses:
Use DIY & Professional Services: Blend a DIY approach with professional services according to your skill set. Arrange your décor, but leave catering to professionals.
Book Your Wedding On Off-Peak Times: Marquee hire costs can slash during off-peak seasons and days. A midweek or winter wedding might offer significant savings compared to a weekend or summer affair.
Simplify Elements: Simplify your wedding elements like décor, attire, and menus. You could use round tables instead of the more expensive banquet style ones. Simple is often just as beautiful!
Prioritise: Decide on what’s important to you in your wedding. Allocate more funds to your priorities and cut back on less essential areas.
Negotiate With Vendors: Vendors often accommodate reasonable discounts, and there’s no harm in bargaining for lower prices. Remember, making smart decisions while hiring a marquee for your wedding day can provide an unforgettable experience within your budget.
What Factors Affect The Cost of a Wedding?
Organising a wedding requires carefully managing different aspects that contribute to the total expense. One common query is the expense of a marquee wedding. This is subject to numerous factors, mainly the location, marquee size and style, and seasonality. There might also be extra expenses for catering, furniture, and decorative elements.
Location holds a remarkable significance on the budgeting of a wedding. Certain venues levy fees for the area to position your marquee, meanwhile others graciously offer this space without imposing any additional charges.
This might seem insignificant at first, but considering tight budgets and cost management, it plays a crucial, often decisive role in the planning and execution of your dream wedding.

The size of your marquee also greatly impacts the cost. The larger the wedding, the larger the marquee you'll need. Adding more space for things like a dance floor, bar, or catering tent will also increase the price. The style and type of marquee you decide on will affect the cost. Traditional marquees might be a more affordable option, but clear-span or dome-shaped marquees may provide a more unique experience.
Lastly, the time of year and duration of the hire may influence the cost. Marquee hire companies usually offer discounts during off-peak periods. Including the cost to hire things like tables, chairs, generator, and lighting within your budget is also important.
How Much Does Wedding Marquee Hire Cost?
It's common knowledge that weddings can be expensive, and marquees are no exception. But what you should expect to pay for a wedding marquee? On average, one can expect to pay a basic hire cost starting from £500. For an elegant setup with a larger, stylish marquee, tables, chairs, and a dance floor, costs can quickly increase, reaching up to £4,000 or more.
Remember, costs will vary greatly depending on your location, the time of year, and the type of marquee that you choose. Consult with a marquee hire company for a quotation. Once you decide on a hire company, keep in mind to also factor in potential extra costs such as for generators, extra lighting, dance floors, and catering tents.
Additional Aspects to Consider When It Comes to Marquee Costs
Beyond the basic marquee hire costs, there are additional aspects that you might need to consider. Here are some potential additional expenses:
Furniture Hire
Most marquee hire companies offer tables and chairs as part of their rental service. However, it's important to note that some companies may levy an additional charge for this facility. It's recommended to clarify this before finalising a deal to avoid any unwanted surprises.
Power Supply
If the location where you're planning your event does not have access to mains power, it might be necessary for you to hire a generator. This could be particularly relevant if you're hosting an outdoor event or in a remote area. Generators can provide the essential power needed for lighting, sound systems, catering equipment and heating units. It's crucial to plan ahead for this to ensure your event runs smoothly.
Catering Tent
Whenever you have a big event, particularly when food is being prepared directly at the location, a separate catering tent could be highly beneficial. It's a useful addition that offers a specific area for the caterers to operate without distracting from the main event's atmosphere. A dedicated space like this can help maintain hygiene standards and allows guests to enjoy their meals, feel relaxed and experience a smooth, orderly service. It's certainly a detail worth considering for your next event.
Decorations
Think carefully about the cost of different types of decorations for your event. You might want to use lighting, such as spotlights or string lights. Alternatively, consider hanging lanterns or fairy lights to create the perfect atmosphere. Keep in mind, the costs for these decorations can vary greatly, so be sure to include them in your budget planning. Always remember, a well-decorated event can leave a lasting impression on your guests.
Heating Or Cooling
Depending on the time of year and season you choose for your wedding, extra measures such as heating or cooling may be necessary. For instance, in colder months, we can arrange for heaters to ensure your guests stay comfortable. Alternatively, if you're scheduling a summer wedding, we could include fans or air conditioners to keep the venue cool and comfortable. Let's take every precaution to make your special day perfect.
Flooring & Dance Floor
Whether the flooring can bear the load of numerous people, chairs, and tables, significantly impacts its ability to serve as a hard wearing dance floor. This robustness, crucial for events where dancing is involved, ensures that the surface doesn't buckle or warp under the strain of vigorous human movement or heavy objects. Hence, do take into account such upgrades if the flooring isn't naturally resistant or intended for such purpose.
Wedding Insurance
Ensure the security and success of your special day against any unforeseen happenings or complications. This could include sudden cancellations, unpredictable weather, or non-arrival of key participants. Be prepared, and keep your peace of mind intact. Remember, knowing what to expect can help you better manage a wedding budget and take the stress out of wedding planning!
Choosing the Best Value Marquee for your Wedding
When it comes to choosing a marquee for your wedding, it isn't just about the cost; it's about finding the right balance between what you pay and what you get.
A marquee provides a blank canvas for your wedding, allowing you to create the wedding venue of your dreams. Still, it's crucial to consider a few things to get the best value.
You'll want a marquee big enough to comfortably accommodate your number of guests, but not so large that it overwhelms your wedding reception.
A marquee too large may be a waste of your budget. It's also important to make sure the style of your marquee corresponds with the theme of your wedding. Traditional, framed, and tepee marquees each offer a unique ambiance.

When comparing prices, assess what's included. Some companies may offer cheap hire costs but charge extra for essentials like tables, chairs, and power. Check the quality of the marquees too, and whether the hire company offers a good level of service. Research previous client reviews or ask for recommendations. Make sure the company can adapt to sudden changes like weather or guest list modifications. A cost-effective wedding doesn't mean compromising on your vision. Collaborate with a professional team and let them help you find the perfect marquee within your budget!
Are you looking for traditional marquee hire for weddings in Shropshire? We are a marquee hire company offering various options to elevate your events. With a commitment to excellence, our wedding marquees are designed and maintained, suitable for weddings, corporate events, and various special occasions.