When most people think of marquee events, summer weddings and spring festivals come to mind. But winter marquee hire can bring a unique, cozy charm to any event, offering an enchanting setting with the right planning and setup.
Whether you’re organizing a holiday party, a winter wedding, or a corporate gathering, here’s a comprehensive guide to hosting a magical winter event in a marquee.
1. Choosing the Right Marquee for Cold Weather
The first step to a successful winter marquee event is selecting a marquee that can handle the season’s elements. Marquees should also be durable easy to heat and built to withstand wind, rain and snow in winter.
Our Tip: Look for marquee providers like us with expertise in winter setups, as they’ll know how to install the structure so it’s warm and minimises exposure to cold air.
2. Heating and Insulation
Heating is, of course, a top priority for a winter marquee event. Marquee companies often provide heaters designed to maintain warmth even in open areas. These heaters are typically placed outside, with ducts bringing warm air inside, ensuring that guests stay comfortable without visible equipment.
For added insulation, consider double-wall or insulated marquee linings that retain warmth more effectively. Floor coverings, like carpet or wooden flooring, also help trap heat and make the space more inviting.
Our Tip: Place heating units strategically around the marquee to create even heat distribution. And don’t forget to set aside a bit of budget for extra fuel if your event runs for several hours or into the night.
3. Lighting for Ambiance and Practicality
Lighting takes on an even more critical role during winter events when daylight is limited. For a cozy and festive atmosphere, consider a combination of fairy lights, chandeliers, uplighting, and lanterns. Warm lighting creates an inviting ambiance, especially in the evening, and sets a magical, winter wonderland scene.
LED uplights can be used to wash the interior walls of the marquee with soft, warm colors, while lights draped across the ceiling or around the marquee’s perimeter can bring a festive sparkle. Floor lighting is another excellent addition to illuminate walkways and entrances, keeping guests safe as they navigate the space.
Our Tip: Use candles (real or battery-operated) as centerpieces for a touch of winter romance. LED candles are also a safe option to avoid any fire hazards.
4. Keeping the Weather Out
With winter comes unpredictable weather, so it’s crucial to prepare for rain, snow, or wind. Ensure that your marquee is equipped with waterproofing and reinforced sidewalls to keep out moisture and wind. Raised flooring can prevent wet or muddy feet, especially if the ground is damp or there’s snow.
If possible, select a location with natural wind protection, like a treeline or hedge. And always confirm with your marquee provider that the structure can withstand gusty conditions.
Our Tip: A sturdy, raised wooden floor or waterproof carpet is an excellent investment for any winter marquee, as it keeps guests’ feet warm and dry.
5. Winter Décor Ideas to Set the Scene
One of the joys of winter marquee events is the opportunity for unique seasonal decor. For a holiday feel, opt for evergreen garlands, wreaths, and pinecones. If you’re aiming for a winter wonderland aesthetic, use white, silver, and icy blue accents, combined with faux snow and frosted branches.
To make the space feel extra cozy, add plush throws and blankets on seating areas for guests to wrap up in, which can also double as decorative touches.
Our Tip: Set up a hot drink station with options like mulled wine, hot chocolate, and spiced cider to keep guests warm and in the winter spirit.
6. Menu Tips for Winter Marquee Events
The winter season is perfect for hearty, comforting food that warms guests up. Consider offering a menu with hot, satisfying options like soups, roasted meats, or seasonal root vegetables. A live cooking station, such as a soup or fondue bar, not only adds warmth to the room but can also create a cozy, interactive experience for guests.
For dessert, winter treats like warm apple pie, sticky toffee pudding, or spiced cakes add a delicious seasonal touch. And don’t forget hot drinks, such as coffee, tea, or mulled wine, to keep everyone feeling cozy.
Our Tip: Buffets can be practical for a winter marquee event, allowing guests to enjoy warm food on demand. Make sure there are enough warming stations to keep the food hot throughout the evening.
7. Planning for Power and Logistics
Winter events may require more power than summer gatherings due to heating, lighting, and possibly catering needs. Check with your marquee hire company to see if they provide generators or if you’ll need to arrange one yourself. Having a backup generator is wise, especially in case of extreme weather.
Also, communicate with all vendors about the winter setup, including caterers, DJs, and photographers, so they’re prepared to work in a marquee environment and know about power sources and logistics.
Our Tip: Arrange for an accessible path to the marquee in case of snow or ice. Lay down mats or rugs to prevent slipping and provide stable footing for guests.
8. Budgeting for Winter Marquee Hire
Winter marquee hire can sometimes cost more due to the additional equipment and considerations like heating, insulation, and weatherproofing. However, many marquee companies like us might offer discounts in the off-season, so it’s worth asking about potential deals or package options.
While it’s essential to plan for extra costs, a winter marquee event can be a unique and memorable experience, often at a lower base cost than in peak seasons.
Making the Most of a Winter Marquee
Hiring a marquee in winter can transform any event into a cozy, beautiful experience, giving you the freedom to create a unique space while celebrating the charm of the season. With thoughtful planning for heating, lighting, weatherproofing, and decor, a winter marquee can be a warm, welcoming haven that guests will remember.
