Find a marquee that fits the site and seating plan
Tell the marquee company how guests will use the space. A standing reception has different needs from a seated wedding breakfast with a bar, dance floor and service area. Give the approximate site dimensions, surface, slope and vehicle access, then ask whether a site visit is needed before the supplier confirms size and price. Discuss flooring, hard access routes, heating or ventilation and what the supplier needs to know about underground services before the team arrives.
Build a furniture and equipment hire list
Ask the venue what is already included before pricing tables and chairs. Sketch the room zones for dining, lounging, drinks, registration or a buffet, then note quantities and practical details such as chair covers, table linen and spare settings. For a conference, establish whether the hire company or the venue provides lecterns, staging or barrier equipment. Share your list with the caterer or production supplier to check which items are already in their quote and who supplies any specialist kit.
Compare delivery, set-up and collection separately
Give hire companies the site postcode, available delivery times and details of stairs, gates, lifts or distance from unloading to the event space when they are preparing a quote. Ask what arrives ready to use and what the crew installs. Confirm the hire period, collection time, weekend charges and how changes to quantities are handled. If several deliveries share one loading area, agree the running order with your venue so the structure, furniture and lighting crews can work in the right sequence.
Frequently asked questions
What size marquee do I need for my event?
Share your guest count and how many people need to sit down together. Mention a dance floor, bar, buffet, stage or separate service area, then ask the hire company for a proposed layout to confirm the footprint.
Can I just hire tables and chairs for a venue?
Look for event furniture hire and include table shapes, seating quantities and your hire dates. Check whether the supplier carries the furniture into position or delivers it to one agreed unloading point.
Which equipment details affect the hire quote?
The list and quantities matter, as do delivery access, build time, crew requirements and collection hours. Ask where flooring, heating, power, linens and any damage deposit are accounted for if they apply to your booking.