If there’s one thing we know about the British weather, it’s that it’s predictably unpredictable which – apart from being a hot topic of conversation – can make planning UK marquee events a little tricky.
You can never rely on just one season appearing on your big day. One minute it’s blistering hot, the next you’re sheltering from a shower.
Whether you’re planning a milestone birthday party or your dream wedding, the show must go on, whatever the weather and if you’re the one planning the event, then you do need a solution that takes all this into account.
Read on to find out our top tips.
Top marquee weather solutions for rain
Funnily enough a rainy day can be the making of an event! We often hear what a wonderful time everyone had simply because all the guests were kept all together under one roof. So if it’s looking like rain all is not lost but here are a few things to consider to weatherproof your marquee event.
Provide enough shelter for your guests
Right size your tent. You always need to provide enough shelter for everyone and, whether it’s 50 or 550 people, you should have enough standing room and the dance floor and bar area is the perfect contingency space.
Need help choosing the right marquee size for your event? See our handy marquee size-guide guide here.
Consider flooring for your marquee
When the rain pours, the ground soaks it up like a sponge and, very quickly, that pristine lawn can turn to a quagmire under your guests’ feet. To stop this happening, you’ll want to consider flooring for your marquee. Most of the time a simple matting floor is enough but sometimes you will need to consider a solid floor particularly if your site is prone to becoming boggy with rain. Hard floors come in different levels of quality, complexity and cost; a traditional interlocking plyboard floor is suitable for flat ground but don’t forget, it will need to be carpeted. The ultimate in hard flooring is a levelled platform, ours features a polished wood surface (which can also be carpeted if preferred). Levelled platforms are perfect for sloping or uneven ground and can be extended to create outdoor patio spaces.
Marquee weather solutions for the sun
If you’re planning UK marquee events, you’re probably hoping for a sunny day and of course this is the picture we all have in our minds. All the same it’s sensible to consider how to make sure you and your guests remain comfortable throughout.
Choose a marquee made from cotton canvas
Most marquees are made from welded PVC or Dacron (a type of polyester) but Wills marquees, which are made of cotton canvas which because of its natural properties allows the space to breathe.
Ventilate your marquee
Even the smallest breeze can act as natural air conditioning to help cool your guests down on a hot day. It’s why all the walls on all of our marquees can be rolled up and hidden under the valance (another special feature that others often do not have).
Provide enough shade
Just like providing enough cover for unexpected showers, your guests will need a little shelter when the sun gets hot. Make sure there’s enough space in your marquee for everyone to find some shade. You could dot smaller pavilions around for additional shelter, or consider connecting larger marquees with colonnades so guests can move around while staying covered.
Set up outdoor spaces
When the sun finally goes down and the temperature lets up a little, people will want to enjoy the outdoors. Be sure to set up social outdoor areas with sofas and fire bowls, so guests can enjoy the cool summer evening in style.
Keep your guests hydrated
While shade is a priority, keeping your guests fed – and especially watered – in hot weather is essential. If the sun is scorching, consider placing bars or water points strategically around the event grounds to keep everyone hydrated.
Positioning your marquee to avoid the wind
Although marquees are sturdy and designed to withstand high winds, sometimes you have to be strategic if you want to avoid being the brunt of the bluster. Whatever the event, when we set up our marquees for clients we always advise on the best positioning.
Have us there to batten down the hatches
The wind may be howling, but that doesn’t mean your guests need to have that windswept look. Take advantage of our Will-Do, on site on the day service to make sure walls are put up and back down according to the conditions.
Need advice with weatherproof marquee hire?
There you have it – we’ve shared our tips and so, come rain, shine or wind, you’ve got the tools to plan ahead for whatever Mother Nature throws your way.
But we’re always here if you need specific advice; we love helping to create the perfect days and a big part of that is the peace of mind that comes with knowing everything has been taken into account.
So, please get in touch and let us help.
