We go to a nice event and just can’t stop talking about the thoughtful arrangements for several days, be it the magnificent marquee under which the celebration was hosted, the impeccable taste of the food that was served, or the efficient service staff that ensured that your glasses are never empty. Behind every successful event, there is the perfect amalgamation of the right choices, days of planning and oodles of effort.

In case you have an event coming up and haven’t been able to go past deciding the type of large marquee or tent that is required, we are here to answer all your queries, so that you can make an informed decision. Both these setups have their own advantages and disadvantages that you need to be aware of while making the final call. You also need to consider the type, purpose and size of your event in order to choose the perfect shelter and brush up your image as the complete host. So, let us start by understanding the differences between a tent and a marquee and help you choose the best fit for your particular requirement!

What is a Marquee?

Structured like a large tent, a marquee is widely used to host important outdoor events like weddings, corporate celebrations and festivals. Large marquees feature a sturdy construction using materials like PVC (polyvinyl chloride), steel and aluminum to act as a durable safety net against various elements and weather conditions. Because of their uniqueness and openness to customization, these heavy-duty marquees also make a great choice for indoor venues.

As far as their look and feel is concerned, marquees can add beauty, grandeur and magnificence to any space by adding the right decorations and accessories including drapes and lighting. You can easily customize your event marquees as per your taste and theme of the celebration. For instance, you can add air conditioning or heating to the marquees according to the weather. They come in a variety of sizes to fit every structure and number of attendees, from a handful of guests to hundreds and thousands. So, if you do not just want to cover space for a gathering, but create a special ambiance that can make the guests go gaga, you can choose a small, medium or large marquee (preferably a 6×6m marquee or a 4×8m marquee), depending on the size of your guest list.

What is a Tent?

In contrast to a marquee, a tent is made using lightweight materials such as polyester, nylon and canvas. It provides a portable shelter for emergency situations and outdoor activities like camping. Tents are usually available in a plethora of sizes to fit all types of occasions — from one-person camping to large-size family gatherings. Being lightweight in nature, they are easy to transport, set up and take down.

Tents are actively used to cover outdoor settings but as compared to a 6×6m marquee or a 4×8m marquee, they rank lower on the spectrum of durability and availability of sizes. Hence, tents are a preferable choice for customers when it comes to picnics and backyard parties.

Marquee vs Tent: A Detailed Comparison

• Space

For larger setups that can accommodate more entertainment activities (like dancing and catering) and guests, it is best to go ahead with marquees. However, you can make use of tents when a gathering with fewer people and smaller spaces is concerned.

• Weather

It doesn’t matter what time of the year it is or what the weather forecast says, it is always best to be prepared for untimely rain or wind while organizing an outdoor event. A weather-resistant and durable marquee provides better protection from the elements as compared to tents.

• Budget

As marquees involve more equipment and labour for efficient setup and maintenance, they are usually more expensive than tents. It is easier and cheaper to invest in tents since they are not as durable and high-quality as marquees.

• Style

Style can be a major deciding factor as per the nature of your event. If you wish to add a sophisticated and refined touch to your event marquees are a great option as they offer a variety of customisation options in terms of decorations and accessories. You can also decorate tents, but they might disappoint you in offering the desired visual impact.

Wrapping Up

Any outdoor event is incomplete without the perfect shelter — be it a tent or a marquee. But what to choose can be a peculiar problem when hosting a much-awaited outdoor gathering. We believe that you will be well-equipped to make an informed decision after going through the benefits and features of both these options.

Just to revise, marquees are a better pick to host larger gatherings and formal events, since they offer more space, comfort and style. Whereas, tents are a better option for smaller gatherings and casual events as they need lesser maintenance, budget and space to begin with. The final call lies upon your preference and overall structure of the event to be hosted. So, choose wisely!