A Complete Guide to Hiring a Marquee for Your Irish Wedding in 2025

When planning your big day, you may be considering a marquee wedding. A marquee wedding is ideal for all types of weddings, offering a flexible choice. Whatever your preferred theme and style of wedding, your vision can be brought to life within a marquee.

We’ve compiled this comprehensive guide to take you through everything you’ll need to know about marquee hire, from the various types of marquee to furniture and equipment.

Why Choose a Marquee Wedding?

Marquees provide the ideal answer for Irish weddings, especially when it comes to Irish weather, which can often be unpredictable. Marquees offer the best of both worlds by marrying the security that accompanies the indoors with the open feeling of the outdoors. Marquees also let you choose a more personal location, such as your family’s garden, an estate or even a beachfront site.

Step 1: Choosing the Right Marquee

The type of marquee you choose will largely be determined by your guest count, available venue space and personal preference. Here are some popular options:

Frame Marquees

• Recommended for any space with rough ground
• Provides clear spans without any need for interior poles
• Works well with more structured decorative themes

Traditional Pole Marquees

• Perfect for a vintage or rustic, woody aesthetic
• Ideal for level surfaces as it features distinct line swoops and peaks.
• Ideal for a romantic, traditional feel

Clear Span Marquees

• Ideal for areas with scenic views
• Provides stunning views with glass walls and ceilings
• Modern & spacious
• Ideal for minimalist looks and modern furnishings

Step 2: Furnishing Your Marquee

Now it’s time for the next step! Time to furnish and decorate your chosen marquee.

Furniture

Tables and Chairs

• You may wish to opt for banquet tables for a traditional setup or round tables if you want to add a modern twist. Pairing with Chiavari chairs, cross-back chairs or even upholstered seating will add the finishing touches to this look.

Lounge Areas

• Lounge areas offer cosy corners. Consider options such as sofas, armchairs and coffee tables in areas where guests can relax and mingle.

Lighting

Chandeliers & Fairy Lights

• These will help add a warm and welcoming feel to your marquee.

Lanterns

• Lanterns are a great choice if you’re planning a rustic wedding.

Flooring

Wooden Flooring or Carpets

• This is recommended to protect shoes and to provide a polished aesthetic.

Dance Floors

• A dance floor is a must to get the party started! Choices range from classic parquet to LED-lit options. Check out our full range of dancefloors here at CaterHire.ie!

Step 3: Catering Equipment

• From traditional sit-down dining to more relaxed buffet-style dining, catering equipment is essential.

Tableware

• Consider elegant plates, cutlery, and glassware to create the perfect wedding tablescape. For an extra special touch, you may wish to opt for gold-rimmed crockery or patterned china.

Cooking Equipment

• For marquee weddings, mobile ovens, hot plates, and refrigeration units will be essential for delivering a seamless service.

Serving Stations

• Consider hiring bar units or sweet tables that work well with your theme.

Step 4: Climate Control and Comfort

• Irish weather can be unpredictable, so it’s essential to plan ahead and ensure your guests will be comfortable, no matter the climate on the big day.

Heating

• Portable heaters will help to keep guests warm on cooler evenings.

Fans or Air Conditioning Units

• For summer weddings, maintain airflow with cooling systems.

Restrooms

• Portable toilets are an ideal choice for ensuring convenience.

Step 5: Decor and Finishing Touches

Floral Arrangements

• Frame entrances, line aisles and add flowers to tables.

Backdrop Draping

• Set the scene with ceiling drapes, fairy light curtains or fabric walls/flower walls.

Custom Details

• You might also want to add custom signage or photo displays to add your own personalities to the décor.

Why Hire from CaterHire?

At CaterHire, we are experts in marquee weddings and we can provide:

• A wide range of tables, chairs, and tableware to suit every style.
• Catering equipment for a smooth food service.
• Finishing touches like bar units, lounge furniture and décor.

Our dedicated team is here to help you plan every detail and bring your vision to life.

Other Essentials to Consider

• Work closely with a marquee hire company that offers installation and takedown services.
• Partner with local florists and stylists for decor that complements your marquee.
• Confirm your venue's capacity to accommodate the marquee and associated equipment.

Choosing a marquee wedding means you can look forward to a bespoke experience. From intimate celebrations to a large-scale, grand gathering, the options are limitless. Begin planning your dream day today!

For more inspiration and expert advice, explore our full range of products and services at Caterhire.ie.

Have a question? Contact us at 01 294 3111 or info@caterhire.ie where our team will be happy to help with any queries you may have. CaterHire: Ireland’s leading Event & Party Hire Specialist.