F.A.Q : ASK AND ALL WILL BE EXPLAINED
ASK AND ALL WILL BE EXPLAINED
Hiring a marquee, for most people, is an unfamiliar experience, so, naturally enough, you need specialist advice and guidance. Angela at Top Hat marquees is only too happy to help - in fact you can hire her as planner/project manager and leave it all to her if you prefer!
Below are some of the questions we get asked again and again and again, the facts you need to know about marquee hire. We have tried to give straightforward and honest answers, outlining the cons as well as the pros, to help you decide whether a marquee is the right option for your event. Please don't hesitate to contact us for further details or guidance.
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.
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 [anchored link The Ideal Marquee page to suspended hard floor section] system.
Are marquees waterproof?
Yes, marquees are waterproof. But...In heavy rain, water pouring off the roof of a tent may not soak into the ground fast enough if soil drains poorly. Water may then seep underneath the marquee walls and into the marquee. To be absolutely certain of a dry floor, hard floor with carpet is a safer (though more expensive) option than coconut matting.
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. But you may need one if the wiring in your house or site is old and unreliable. And if caterers are cooking in a catering tent using electricity rather than gas, then a generator will probably be necessary.
How much room does a disco 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.
What size marquee should I order?
A rough guide is eight square feet per person for a buffet event and, for a seated event, a minimum of around 15 square feet per person. Don't forget to add in space for dance floors, catering tables and music centres etc.
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.
How long is the hire period?
For weekend events, the marquee is yours for both Saturday and Sunday. During the week, the length of the marquee hire period is by arrangement.
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 winter marquee 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.
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, if the space is suitable. 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?
Damage waiver against damage to persons or equipment caused through negligence by Top Hat Marquees is included in all our quotes but we would advise that you insure against cancellations.
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 please don't hesitate to contact us.