How to Plan a Marquee Layout
Designing the right layout is one of the most important parts of hosting an outdoor event in a marquee. A well-planned space ensures smooth movement, a comfortable atmosphere, and a setting that works for dining, dancing, and relaxing alike. At South East Marquees, we help clients across Surrey and Sussex plan marquee layouts that are practical, stylish, and tailored to their event.
Understanding Your Event Needs
Before deciding on your layout, think about how the space will be used. A wedding reception has very different needs from a corporate dinner or community celebration. Key zones to consider include dining areas, entertainment spaces, bars, catering sections, and entrances. Our marquee hire team can advise on sizes and configurations that work best for your guest numbers and the site available.
Choosing the Right Marquee Size
Our modular Clear Span marquees and party tent marquees can be extended in 3m or 5m sections, making it easy to adjust the structure to your event. For smaller gatherings, a 4m x 4m Marquee or 3m x 4m Marquee might be ideal, while larger celebrations often use a 9m x 18m Clear Span Marquee or linked structures to create multiple zones. We can also attach smaller marquees for catering areas, storage, or separate lounge spaces.
Creating Functional Zones
Dividing your marquee into clear zones helps keep the flow of the event natural and organised. A central dining area, a dedicated dance floor and bar space, and quieter lounge sections allow guests to move freely without crowding. Linking a 3m x 12m Clear Span Marquee or 3m x 3m Clear Span Marquee as an entrance or connecting walkway can make a huge difference to the layout’s functionality.
Flooring and Furniture Placement
Stable flooring is essential for safety and comfort. Our hard marquee flooring provides a solid base, while marquee carpets and marquee linings add warmth and sophistication. Positioning tables and chairs effectively can maximise space while ensuring clear walkways for catering teams and guests. For relaxed areas, add Double Wicker Sofa Sets or Single Wicker Sofa Sets to create comfortable seating zones.
Lighting, Power, and Heating
Lighting not only sets the mood but helps define zones. Use marquee lighting and electricals to illuminate dining and dancing areas differently — chandeliers for elegance, LED lights for energy and colour. If your event continues into the night, make sure your lighting connects safely through a 4 Way Electrical Splitter or powered by a 10kva Generator. For autumn and winter events, include marquee heaters to maintain comfort across the entire space.
Flow and Guest Movement
A great layout allows guests to move naturally between areas. Keeping bars and dance floors slightly apart from dining sections reduces noise while maintaining energy in the main space. Doorways should remain uncluttered and wide enough for smooth entry and exit. For multi-marquee setups, weatherproof connectors or covered walkways keep the layout seamless whatever the forecast.
Plan with Experience
Our team has planned and installed hundreds of bespoke layouts for events across Horsham, East Grinstead, Haywards Heath, and Crawley. We take the time to understand your site, guest numbers, and event goals before recommending the perfect arrangement. From concept to setup, every detail is managed with precision and care.
Start Planning Your Layout
Designing your marquee layout doesn’t have to be complicated. With modular marquees, custom flooring, flexible furniture, and expert advice, South East Marquees can help you create a setup that fits your event perfectly — from intimate dinners to grand celebrations.