Temporary shelters are becoming more popular for a wide range of events as they are ideal shade or shelter from our unpredictable weather. There are lots of terms for temporary shelters but the most commonly used are gazebos or marquees. Whist you may think that these are one and the same type of shelter, they do have their differences.
Marquees
What are they used for?
There are two types of marquee; the traditional marquee with central poles, canvas covers and plenty of character. There are also the clean, modern framed marquees which are free standing and can be used on hardstanding. We often associate marquees with more formal occasions, such as weddings, parties and corporate or sporting events, but you will also see them in use at concerts and festivals. A great space for the bar!
How big are marquees?
Marquees can be pretty big as they are often used at events attended by large groups of people. A single marquee can be up to 12m wide and can often be extended to any length simply by adding on extra bays so the possibilities are endless. The size of a marquee will be determined by the number of people using it. For example, a 4m x 12m marque is ideal for 65 people standing, or 50 seated, but this would need to be increased if a dance floor or stage was needed. If you have an unusual shaped space to fill, marquees can be custom made to fit if you have the budget! Storing your marquee when not in use, and transporting it, is more of a challenge. You mayneed a small van to move a dismantled marquee and a decent sized area to store it.
How long does it take to set a marquee up?
Firstly it is important to note that marquee frames need to be assembled and so they are not instant shelters! Most frames are a push fit with pin and clip system to hold parts together and so set up (and take down) may take around 2-4 hours depending on the size of the marquee. As a result, most marquees are set up a day or two before the event starts leaving plenty of time for the inside of the marquee to be laid out. The drawback for this is that they are more labour intensive to set up and take down than a gazebo.
Can you add accessories to a marquee?
Absolutely! There are lots of ways to make the inside of a marquee more formal, glamorous or cosy. A pleated roof lining and side linings will really soften the look of the inside space and can completely transform the atmosphere of the marquee. These linings are available in a range of colours and styles so you can really get creative with your space. You can even have blackout linings with starlight LED lights to create a disco feel! Perfect for any party or lively celebration.
To light your marquee there are lots of options. A more formal chandelier suspended from the marquee roof is perfect for weddings and corporate events. An alternative would be sets of festoon lights draped along the roof and sides, fairy lights or perhaps some giant LED letters which are very popular today.
For cooler weather, there are marquee heaters available to keep your guests warm and cosy. The number of heaters needed will depend on the size of the marquee and the time of year.
Want to add a floor to your marquee? There are a range of options to cover both grass and hardstanding including coconut matting, carpets and hard flooring. Perfect to ensure your guests can comfortably dance the night away.
Gazebos
What is different about a gazebo?
Q
uick and simply to deploy, gazebos are more compact and so are easy to transport and store. Their “pop up” design means that there is no assembly required and so they can be set up and taken down in a matter of minutes. This makes them the ideal choice for use at outdoor events, trade shows and market stalls, or at home for parties and other family celebrations. They are more of an “instant shelter” option that is both portable and saves time.
Storing and transporting a gazebo is far simpler than a marquee. Once the gazebo frame is collapsed, with the canopy in situ, it can be stored upright (ideally in a storage bag) ready for future use. The smaller sizes (3mx 3m, 3m x 4.5m for example) will fit in the back of an estate car. Plus there is a compact frame model for some popular gazebo sizes which means these can even be transported in a regular sized hatchback car.
What is a commercial gazebo?
Commercial gazebos are perfect for outdoor events such as trade shows, local fetes and motorsport. These pop up gazebos are available in a range of sizes up to 4m x 8m but the most popular choice for outdoor events or commercial use are the 3m x 3m, 3m x 4.5m or 3m x 6m sizes. The smaller sizes can be set up by just one person – handy for solo events – with just two people needed for the larger 3m x 6m size. Commercial gazebo canopies and sidewalls are available in a range of colours so pick a colour that matches your company colours and you can even add printing too. Printing a logo to the gazebo canopy is a great way showcase your company and stand out from the crowd.
For versatility, gazebos can be joined together to make larger structures to fit a specific area. Joining two 3m x 3m gazebos can make a 3m x 6m shelter but it also gives flexibility for future use.
What gazebo accessories are there?
Gazebo accessories are more basic than those available for the marquees. As gazebos tend to be used for informal events where quick deployment is preferred, they don’t have linings and so the frame is exposed on the inside. There are infra red heaters and LED lights specifically designed for gazebo use that fit to the apex poles. They are a functional way to heat and light your gazebo for an event. For a softer look, using fairy lights around the inside of the canopy roof and the valance is an option and there are rubber mats that can be used as flooring.
At home, gazebos can be butted up against patio doors and are often used in this way to offer shade or shelter at family gatherings. Sufficiently tall to allow clearance for patio doors, but small enough to fit into the garden, a gazebo is the perfect temporary extension to your home.
