Frequently Asked Questions

Want a wonderful wedding? Frantic for a fab function? Eager for an excellent event? Chelsea Hire has the know-how, and our FAQs page lets you share it.

​

1, What style are Chelsea Hire marquees?
2, What size marquee do I need?
3, Are you able to provide anything else aside from the marquee?
4, How long is Chelsea Hire’s marquee rental period?
5, Can Chelsea Hire Marquees be opened in warm weather?
6, Do I need marquee heaters?
7, Are marquees suitable for winter events?
8, What is the benefit of the Ivory Pleated Lining?
9, What colour are Chelsea Hire marquees?
10, How safe are Chelsea Hire marquees?
11, Can I make last minute changes to my marquee?
12, When will Chelsea Hire erect and dismantle my marquee?
13, Can Chelsea Hire marquees be erected on uneven ground?
14, Can Chelsea Hire marquees be connected to a building?
15, Do Chelsea Hire marquees have insurance cover?
16, Could a marquee damage cables or pipes beneath?
17, Do marquees damage lawns?

​

1, What style are Chelsea Hire marquees?

We supply two styles of marquees which are both ideal for weddings and other events:

The Traditional Style Marquee is made up of centre poles and guy ropes, which are erected around the outside of the marquee. This style of marquee can only be used on grass, but we find these are the most popular style to cater for large weddings.

The Frame Marquee is made from modular aluminium structures, which means they are not reliant on centre poles or guy ropes. Our frame marquees are ideal for hard standing or grass surfaces and can the interchangeable structure means it can be adapted to suit size and shape of any venue.

​

2, What size marquee do I need?

We generally suggest the following in order to accommodate for your event:

• For a finger buffet event allow a minimum of 8 square feet per person (standing only)
• For a seated event allow a minimum of 15 square feet per person (seated, based on 10 guests per 5” round table)
• For a wedding allow a minimum of 25 square feet per person. This option also allows enough space for approximately 20% more people who may be arriving for the evening entertainment. We also recommend you allow for ample space in order to accommodate a dance floor, catering tables and a DJ or band.

If you are still unsure as to what your requirements are or how big your marquee should be, just let us know as we will be happy to advise you.

​

3, Are you able to provide anything else aside from the marquee?

Of course. We can help you as much or as little as you need us. We have over 20 years experience in organising special events and we believe no request is too outrageous. We are able to provide a wide selection of furniture, lighting, flooring, catering equipment, cutlery, crockery and much more. Just ask us. Because we’ve been in the industry for so long, we also have great links with many other event companies, so we can also organise a full catering service, toilets, generators and all kinds of decoration.

 

4, How long is Chelsea Hire’s marquee rental period?

No matter what function you’re organising, the Chelsea Hire marquee you rent is yours for the entire day of your event. We normally erect it at least one day before you function and dismantle it the day after. We are able to provide longer rental periods, just ask us about long term hire.

 

5, Can Chelsea Hire Marquees be opened in warm weather?

Don’t let the warm weather put you off hiring one of our marquees as the walls can always be opened and secured with ease. In fact, as part of our service, we will always demonstrate how to do this just in case the sun decides to make an appearance on the day of your big event.

 

6, Do I need marquee heaters?

Sadly, no one can control the good old British weather. So, you might want to consider hiring a heater just in case. We recommend you keep an eye on the weather about a week prior to your event and let us know if you feel you are going to need one. The last thing you want is for people to be freezing inside, so best to cover every eventuality.

 

7, Are marquees suitable for winter events?

Our marquees make ideal venues for Christmas and New Year parties, no matter what the weather. We can provide a variety of powerful heaters to make sure all your guests stay warm and cosy inside.

​

8, What is the benefit of the Ivory Pleated Lining?

We advise all our customers to opt for the lining marquee option if they are planning a formal event, such as a wedding. This is because lining hides the PVC walls and marquee structure, making the inside look a little more luxurious.

​

9, What colour are Chelsea Hire marquees?

All our marquees are made from lacquered, white PVC. If you would like to incorporate some colour into your marquee, then we recommend using drapes, swags and linings inside. Not only are we able to provide all of these in an array of different colours, we will also hang them for you.

​

10, How safe are Chelsea Hire marquees?

We take the safety of all our marquees and customers very seriously, which is why each structure has been crafted to meet the latest specifications, including all wind-loading requirements. All our marquees conform to the strict British Standard specifications that are in place and are fully fire retardant.

​

11, Can I make last minute changes to my Marquee?

Because we are completely dedicated to providing you with a first class service, we always try to accommodate reasonable changes, but we always ask for you to make requests as early as possible. This is to avoid disappointment and to give us plenty of time to make the adjustments correctly. As a rough guide we recommend you give us a minimum of four weeks notice for any major changes you require to your marquee. Requests for extra items, such as furniture, can be made early in the week leading up to your marquee hire. Reductions cannot be made within 28 days or less of the event.

​

12, When will Chelsea Hire erect and dismantle my marquee?

We usually deliver the marquee one day prior to your function and we dismantle them the day after your event. However, in some cases we are able to deliver early if you require more time, just ask us when you make your booking.

​

13, Can Chelsea Hire marquees be erected on uneven ground?

Because of the unique structure of all our marquees, we are able to build one almost anywhere, including sloping floors or uneven ground.

​

14, Can marquees be connected to a building?

All our frame marquees make excellent extensions to buildings, providing the building itself or outside space is suitable. However, if your venue or space is unusual we have various solutions to make the marquee work, such as using covered walkways.

 

15, Do Chelsea Hire marquees have insurance cover?

Of course we do! We are able to provide you with two options which have been designed to suit different event budgets and requirements.

Normally, the equipment is the responsibility of the hirer whilst in their possession, however we can also provide damage waiver insurance, which will give you that extra peace of mind.

​

16, Could a marquee damage cables or pipes beneath?

We take safety very seriously, which is why we ask that where possible, we are advised of any cabling or pipes that are buried near the surface of where you would like your marquee. This is so we can carry out extra caution when erecting the marquee, avoiding damage to water mains, electrical cabling or gas mains.

​

17, Do marquees damage lawns?

It doesn’t matter what structure you opt for, unfortunately grass that has been covered for several days will always be slightly affected. The weight of your guests, combined with the lack of sunlight will damage the lawn for a short period of time, but the good news is recovery is usually pretty quick. We are always very careful not to damage surrounding plants and flowerbeds, as we like to leave a site the way we found it.

​

​