A marquee has the power to transform any location into a bespoke function venue, perfect for weddings, parties, corporate events, and more. However, the surface on which you set up your marquee can greatly affect its stability, functionality, and the overall success of your event. Whether you're dealing with lush, green grass, rugged gravel, sandy beaches, or hard concrete, it’s important to follow these helpful to tips to ensure your marquee looks and performs as it should.
Setting Up on Grass
Grass is one of the most common and idyllic surfaces for a marquee. Its natural beauty can enhance the ambiance of any event, but there are some key considerations to ensure a smooth setup.
- Use ground protection sheeting or proper marquee flooring systems – this does two things, protects the grass underneath and prevents your guests from sinking into the soil, especially if the ground is soft or damp.
- Grass allows for easy staking, so ensure your marquee is securely anchored with stakes or pegs to withstand wind and weather.
Gravel - Stable Yet Challenging
Gravel surfaces provide a stable base but can come with their own set of challenges. Ensure the gravel is clean and free of sharp objects that could damage the marquee or cause tripping hazards.
- Anchoring - Stakes might not work well in gravel. Instead, you may have to use weighted anchors or water barrels to secure the marquee into position.
- Flooring - Use thick flooring or interlocking tiles to create a comfortable walking surface for your guests, preventing any discomfort from the gravel underneath.
Sand - Beachside Beauty
A marquee on a stunning sandy beach creates a magical, picturesque setting for any type of event, but it requires careful planning to handle the shifting sands.
- Sand Stakes – Traditional stakes may not work well in soft sand. Use long, screw-like stakes to anchor the marquee securely.
- Flooring – Unless you’re opting for a ‘barefoot’ event, sturdy flooring will be needed to provide a stable surface for your guests to walk on.
- Wind Protection - Beaches are often windy, so ensure your marquee has sidewalls and additional wind bracing to ensure maximum safety and guest comfort.
Concrete - For Urban Events
Concrete surfaces are common in urban settings and offer a solid base, but securing a marquee on such a hard surface requires different techniques.
- Weighted Anchors - Use heavy ballast weights or water barrels to anchor the marquee, as traditional stakes cannot be driven into concrete.
- Flooring - Add carpeting or rubber flooring to soften the hard surface and create a softer environment for your guests to walk and dance on.
- Check for Permits - In urban, public areas, you may need council permission to erect a marquee, so make sure you check if these are required and apply for any permits if necessary. Failing to do so can result in hefty fines or cancellation of your event.
Sometimes, you might need to set up a marquee on mixed terrain, combining grass, gravel, and concrete. In this case, you may need to use a variety of anchoring methods and modular flooring that can adapt to different surfaces, providing a consistent walking surface. If you are unsure or have any questions, consider hiring a professional marquee setup team to assess the site and recommend the best solutions for a safe installation.
Whether you’re planning a wedding, anniversary, birthday party or other outdoor function, a marquee provides excellent weather protection and a beautiful backdrop that can be customised to suit any theme. With the right preparation, techniques, and equipment, it’s possible to create an incredible event venue on almost any surface.
With almost 60 years’ experience in the event hire industry, Barlens is here to help with high-quality marquees for any occasion. Our team will deliver, set up and pack up your marquee so you don’t have to worry. We can also help with table and chair hire, catering equipment, styling décor, fencing and more. Get in touch with us today for a quote and let us bring your next event to life!
