How do I hire a marquee for my
winter party?
Winter is on its way and, whilst Australia is certainly not the coldest country during the winter months, most people are looking for some kind of shelter for their outdoor party.
The good news is that with a bit of planning and by selecting the right party hire company, it is pretty easy to hire your outdoor marque affordably and with minimum fuss.
How much space do I need for a marquee?
One of the first things you need to wrap your head around is how much space you will need for your marquee. Another way to look at it is, how many people are you thinking of inviting to your outdoor party?
You need to know this information before you hire a marquee for your party because it is very easy to misjudge the capacity of the tent and the amount of space it will take up.
We are trying to avoid a) hiring a marquee that is too large for the available square meterage of your garden or outdoor space, and b) hiring a marquee that doesn't actually shelter all of your guests.
The simple way to do this is to get your tape measure out and measure your garden. For now, it will be sufficient to figure out how many metres squared your outdoor space is.
The second thing to do is to work out your guest list. This may seem premature but marquees, whilst large, also take up room meaning there may well be less space than if you just had an open air party. (Confused yet? Don't worry, by the time you've finished reading this article, all be clear.)
Now that you understand how much space your marquee will require, you can begin researching party hire companies in your local area.
Where can I hire a marquee for my Winter party in Sydney?
Marquees (and tents for events in general) fall under the category of 'party hire' and, as luck would have it, there are numerous party hire companies throughout Australia with offices in Sydney and our other major cities.
Most party hire companies will offer a selection of outdoor tents ranging from small 'sail' marquees, which are essentially just retractable covers which extend from a freestanding base and attach to the side of your house, to full blown freestanding marquees that can adequately shelter up to 100 people.
A company I have used in the past for party hire is Cocktail King. You can visit them here: www.cocktailking.com.au. They are based in Sydney and offer by far the best range of marquees and outdoor party essentials. Their service is impeccable and they operate throughout the country.
What types of marquee are available to hire?
Outdoor shelters come in many forms. This list isn't exhaustive by any stretch but it should give you a starter for ten.
1. Sails
Sails are quite a popular outdoor shelter in Australia. They aren't really tents at all, in fact they are closer to parasols. A horizontal base which is attached to the outside of your house (usually an eve) from which extends your cover or 'sail'.
This option is good for when you really only want shelter from the sky and not from the wind (as there are no sides) and have a building to attach it to. It also only really covers up to 20 people (maximum).
2. Triangular free-standing tent
Triangular tents are very similar to those you use for camping. They have a square base from which four triangular panels extend upwards to meet at a point.
These tents are really good (particularly if you leave one side rolled up) but bear in mind, the smaller your square meterage, the less head room you will have. Great option for a small gathering, not so good for a wedding!
3. Straight walled free-standing marquee
The straight walled marquee is a staple favourite and for good reason. As the walls are straight with a square roof, you get maximum volume within the tent for the square meterage of the floor. You also get the option of rolling up as many of the wall panels as you like without causing issues with the structural integrity.
This marquee is a favourite and probably the most ubiquitous across Australia.
4. Non free-standing marquee
This marquee is practically identical to its free standing cousin apart from that one sided of the tent is attached to a building. This is a great option, similar to an awning on the side of a motor home (just bigger).
So, hire ahead for your outdoor winter party
As with all party hire essentials, marquees and outdoor tents get booked up quickly in the winter months. So if you are planning a winter party, hire your marquee as far in advance as possible.
Look up a reputable marquee hire company in Sydney, like www.cocktailking.com.au, and use them to help you figure out the right option for your outdoor party.
Good luck!
