How Early Should You Book a Marquee Hire for an Event?

When planning an event, one of the biggest decisions you’ll make is whether to hire a marquee—and just as important is when to book it. From weddings and parties to corporate events and festivals, marquee hire is in high demand, and leaving it too late can limit your options or increase costs. So how early should you book a marquee? The answer depends on the type of event, the time of year, and how complex your setup is.

Weddings and Large Celebrations: 9–12 Months Ahead

If you’re planning a wedding or large celebration, it’s best to book your marquee 9 to 12 months in advance. Summer weekends are especially popular, and the best marquee suppliers can be fully booked a year ahead. Early booking ensures you get the marquee size and style you want, along with extras such as flooring, lighting, heating, and furniture. It also allows time for site visits, layout planning, and contingency plans for weather.

Corporate Events and Festivals: 6–9 Months Ahead

For corporate events, product launches, or festivals, booking 6 to 9 months in advance is ideal. These events often require larger structures, clear-span marquees, or multiple connected units, which need more planning and logistics. Early booking helps with health and safety planning, power supply arrangements, and compliance with local regulations. It also gives suppliers time to coordinate delivery and installation around tight schedules.

Private Parties and Smaller Events: 3–6 Months Ahead

For birthdays, anniversaries, garden parties, or smaller gatherings, you can usually book a marquee 3 to 6 months in advance. However, this still depends on the season. A marquee for a winter event may be easier to secure at shorter notice, while summer dates fill up quickly. Booking early gives you more flexibility on size, layout, and optional extras.

Peak Season vs. Off-Peak Season

Peak marquee season typically runs from May to September, with June, July, and August being the busiest. During this period, earlier is always better. Off-peak months such as late autumn and winter may allow bookings with shorter lead times, sometimes as little as 4–8 weeks, though availability is never guaranteed.

Why Booking Early Matters

Booking your marquee early isn’t just about availability. It can also:

Give you better pricing and package options

Allow time for site assessments and planning permissions if required

Reduce stress as your event date approaches

Ensure backup options for poor weather

What If You’re Booking Last Minute?

If you need a marquee at short notice, contact suppliers as soon as possible. Be flexible with size, style, and layout, and consider weekday or off-peak dates if available. While last-minute bookings can work, they often come with limited choice and higher costs.

Final Thoughts

As a general rule, book your marquee as early as you can once your date and location are confirmed. Early planning gives you peace of mind and helps ensure your event runs smoothly—whatever the weather.