Hiring a marquee company isn’t simply about finding someone with the right size structure available. You’re choosing a supplier who will become an important part of your event team. Whether you’re organising a corporate hospitality event, product launch, university open day or private celebration, the quality of your marquee supplier often influences far more than the structure itself.
It affects planning, communication, logistics and, ultimately, the experience your guests remember. So how do you separate a professional supplier from one that’s simply offering the lowest quotation?
Price Shouldn’t Be the Starting Point
It’s completely understandable to compare quotations. Every organiser has a budget to work within. However, comparing suppliers on price alone rarely tells the full story. Two quotations may look similar on paper while including very different levels of planning, equipment and service.
Instead of asking: “Who’s the cheapest?” A better question is: “Which supplier gives me the greatest confidence that my event will run successfully?” That shift in thinking often leads to better decisions.
Industry Insight
The cheapest quotation is rarely the most expensive mistake. In our experience, organisers usually remember how a supplier made them feel during the planning process long after they’ve forgotten the price.
Experience Is More Than Years in Business
Many companies advertise how long they’ve been trading. Experience is important, but experience should also be visible in the questions a supplier asks. A knowledgeable supplier won’t immediately ask what size marquee you need. They’re more likely to ask:
- What type of event are you organising?
- How many guests are you expecting?
- How will people move through the space?
- Will there be catering or presentations?
- Are there any access restrictions?
- What does success look like for you?
Those questions demonstrate they’re thinking about the event—not simply the structure. If you’re exploring options for a larger event, our Corporate Marquee Hire page explains how different structures can be tailored to different operational requirements.
Look Beyond the Photographs
A strong gallery is important. It helps you understand the quality of previous work. However, photographs only show the finished result.
They don’t tell you:
- Was the project delivered on time?
- Was communication clear?
- Did the supplier adapt when plans changed?
- Did they work well alongside other contractors?
- Did they leave the site professionally?
A great-looking installation is only one part of a successful event.
Take time to browse a company’s Gallery, but also look for reviews, testimonials and evidence of how they work throughout the planning process.
Reliability Starts Before Event Day
Reliability isn’t measured by turning up on time. It begins weeks earlier. Good suppliers communicate clearly, identify potential challenges early and plan for situations that may never happen. We’ve seen first-hand how valuable this approach can be.
On one occasion, we were asked to step in after another supplier was unable to fulfil their booking on the day of an event. Because our team plans with contingency in mind, we were able to reorganise resources quickly and help the event go ahead. Preparation creates confidence—not only for the supplier, but for the organiser as well.
Reviews Tell a Story
Reviews shouldn’t simply tell you whether previous customers were happy. They should reveal why. Look for comments about:
- Communication
- Reliability
- Professionalism
- Attention to detail
- Problem solving
- Organisation
Those qualities often matter far more than the structure itself.
Ask About the Planning Process
Every supplier has equipment. Not every supplier has a process. Before making a decision, ask: “How do you plan a typical project?”
A professional supplier should be able to explain how they approach:
- Site planning
- Delivery schedules
- Installation sequencing
- Coordination with other suppliers
- Contingency planning
- Final handover
If they can clearly explain the process, it’s a good indication they have one.
Did You Know?
Some of the smoothest events are the ones where guests never notice the planning behind them.
The absence of problems is often the result of careful preparation rather than good fortune.
Communication Is a Good Indicator of Future Performance
One of the simplest ways to assess a supplier is by observing how they communicate before you’ve even booked them.
Are they responsive?
Do they answer your questions clearly?
Do they provide realistic timescales?
Do they explain options without pressuring you?
The planning experience often reflects the event experience.
Choosing a Partner, Not Just a Supplier
Temporary event structures are rarely delivered in isolation. They form part of a much larger project involving venues, caterers, production teams, florists, photographers and many other suppliers. The best marquee companies understand how their work fits into the bigger picture. Rather than focusing solely on installation, they think about how the event operates from start to finish. That’s what creates confidence.
Key Takeaways
Choosing a marquee company isn’t about finding the cheapest quotation. It’s about finding a team you trust to deliver one of the most important parts of your event. Look beyond photographs. Ask about planning. Read reviews carefully. Pay attention to communication. Most importantly, choose a supplier who takes the time to understand your event before recommending a solution.
How MY MARQUEE Approaches This
Every project begins with a conversation. Before discussing structures or layouts, we focus on understanding the event itself. What experience do you want to create? How should guests move through the space? What operational challenges need to be considered? Only then do we recommend a solution.
We believe successful events are built on thoughtful planning, clear communication and attention to detail—not simply on the structures themselves. That’s why every project is assessed through our five planning principles:
- Layout
- Planning
- Delivery
- Guest Experience
- Handover
Whether you’re organising a corporate event or a private celebration, our aim is always the same: deliver an event environment that exceeds expectations while giving organisers complete confidence throughout the journey.
If you’d like to explore how we approach different projects, visit our Corporate Marquee Hire, Bespoke Marquees or Gallery pages, or Contact Us to start the conversation.