Quick answer: For a marquee wedding in Brisbane, lock in your date first. Then choose a marquee sized for your seated guests plus a dance floor and bar. Add flooring for a level surface. Choose round or trestle tables to suit your layout. Book early for spring and summer Saturdays because they go first.
A marquee turns a garden, a family property or a backyard into a wedding venue that is entirely your own. It also gives you a reliable plan for Brisbane’s weather. Here is how to plan a marquee wedding around the three decisions that shape everything else: size, flooring and timing.
Start with the date and the site
Spring and summer are peak wedding season in South East Queensland. Saturdays go first, so lock in your date before anything else. Then walk the site with fresh eyes. Note gate widths, slopes, soft ground and overhanging trees. Look for a flat area with room around it. Structure marquees need a minimum of 1 metre of extra space on each side.
If the ground is concrete, decking or somewhere pegs cannot go, the marquee will need a weighted install. Let us know early so we can plan for it.
Choose the right marquee
Structure marquees
For most receptions a structure marquee is the natural choice. We hire 6m, 8m or 10m wide structure marquees. Each one can be extended in 3 metre lengths. You can choose white or clear roofs and white or clear walls. A clear roof is beautiful for an evening reception under the stars.
Pagoda marquees
Pagoda marquees suit ceremonies, entrances, drinks areas and smaller celebrations. The peaked roof looks elegant and our pagodas are waterproof. They can be joined to create a longer covered area.
How big should your wedding marquee be?
Size depends on how many guests are seated, how you set the tables and what else needs to fit inside. Our marquee size calculator gives you a quick starting point. As an approx. guide from our product descriptions:
| Marquee | Floor area | Standing (cocktail) | Rectangular trestles | Round banquet tables |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6m x 6m | 36m² | approx. 60 | approx. 48 | approx. 40 |
| 6m x 9m | 54m² | approx. 90 | approx. 72 | approx. 60 |
| 6m x 12m | 72m² | approx. 120 | approx. 96 | approx. 80 |
| 8m x 9m | 72m² | approx. 105 | approx. 96 | approx. 60 |
| 8m x 12m | 96m² | approx. 140 | approx. 128 | approx. 80 |
| 10m x 12m | 120m² | approx. 200 | approx. 160 | approx. 120 |
For example, a 6m x 6m suits an intimate wedding of up to approx. 40 at round tables. A 6m x 12m seats approx. 96 at trestles. A 10m x 12m seats approx. 120 at round tables or approx. 160 at trestles. These figures assume tables fill the marquee. A wedding usually needs more than tables, so allow extra room for:
- a dance floor
- a bar or drinks station
- a cake table and a gift table
- a band or DJ
- clear walkways for guests and catering staff
If in doubt go one size up. Send us your numbers and we can suggest a size.
Round or rectangular tables?
Both work well under a marquee. The choice comes down to the feel you want.
- Round banquet tables suit a classic reception. Our 180cm round seats 8 to 10 depending on usage. The 150cm round seats 6 to 8. The 120cm round seats 4 to 6. The 90cm round seats 2 to 4 and suits a cocktail corner.
- Trestle tables suit long, shared family-style dining. A 1.8m trestle seats 8. A 2.4m trestle seats 10.
Rectangular tables fit more guests into the same marquee. Round tables make conversation easier across the table. Dress either in fresh table linen and pair them with wedding chairs.
Do you need flooring?
Flooring is optional but it makes a real difference at a wedding. It gives you a level surface for chairs and heels. It keeps shoes dry if the lawn is damp. It also creates a proper dance floor. Our event flooring options include:
- Premium Timber Flooring and Premium Whitewash Timber Flooring, built by us with the marquee integrated into it on a sub-steel frame
- Pro Floor, a lightweight yet heavy-duty floor suited to high foot traffic
- Black Plank & Ply dance floors in 3.6m x 3.6m, 4.8m x 4.8m and 6m x 6m sizes, plus custom sizes
Plan the timing
- Book early. Spring and summer Saturdays are the first to go. Our website shows live availability on every product page.
- Install before the day. We usually install and take down structure marquees on weekdays. Weekend installation is available for an additional fee.
- Leave room for the morning after. Weekend weddings are usually collected between Sunday and Tuesday, so nobody has to pack down at midnight.
Plan for comfort
Our structure marquees and pagodas are waterproof, so the ceremony, speeches and dancing stay under cover. On a hot afternoon add a portable misting fan or two. Structure marquees can also take a split system air conditioner add-on.
Light it for the evening
Festoon lights and fairy lights can be installed under the marquee canopy as an add-on. Browse our event lighting range for more options. Lighting can be installed by our team or set up yourself.
Plan the details
- Set-up: choose full set-up of your whole wedding or marquee-only installation so you or your stylist can decorate.
- Delivery: our standard fee shows in your cart as Delivery & Collection (incl. tolls). See our delivery information.
- Everything for the day: see our wedding hire page for marquees, furniture, linen, lighting and more.
Frequently asked questions
What size marquee do I need for 100 wedding guests?
As an approx. guide, an 8m x 12m structure marquee seats approx. 80 guests at round banquet tables or approx. 128 at rectangular trestles. Add space for a dance floor and bar. Contact us with your numbers for a recommendation.
Are your wedding marquees waterproof?
Yes. Our structure marquees and pagodas are waterproof.
How far ahead should I book a wedding marquee?
As early as you can, especially for spring and summer Saturdays. Check live availability on any product page.
Can you set everything up for us?
Yes. Our crew can install the whole setup or just put up the marquee so you can style the rest.
Ready to plan your marquee wedding? Check live availability on any product page or send us an enquiry.
