What marquee hire involves
Most marquee hire includes delivery, set-up and pack-down by the hire crew. On grass or soil the frame is held down with pegs; on concrete, pavers or decking it is held with weights. The crew needs a flat, clear site, room to carry the frame in and nothing overhead such as branches or power lines. Sidewalls, flooring, lighting and heating are usually added to the same booking.
Pop-up gazebo or marquee?
A pop-up gazebo is a small frame that covers a food table or a few guests and can often be delivered and collected without a crew. A marquee is a larger frame tent for seating or dancing, built on site. For a sit-down meal, a dance floor or more than a handful of guests under cover, ask about a marquee.
Wind, rain and the ground
Victoria's guidelines for public events, as one example, say temporary structures such as marquees, tents and gazebos should be built to resist uplift and wind loads for the specific site, and that the ground's load bearing and slope should be checked (Victorian Guidelines for Planning Safe Public Events). Those guidelines are written for public events, but the same questions are worth asking for a backyard party anywhere: what wind speed does the hire business stop work at, and what happens to your booking if they do? Ask whether sidewalls can be added on the day if the forecast turns.
Permits
Large marquees are covered by each state's building rules. In Victoria, for example, the Building Regulations 2018 make tents, marquees or booths with a floor area greater than 100 square metres prescribed temporary structures. Under the Building Act 1993 an occupancy permit for one can be issued on condition that its siting is approved by the council's municipal building surveyor and that it is put up by registered building practitioners. The City of Monash, for one, asks for siting applications preferably 14 days ahead (City of Monash, siting of prescribed temporary structures). A party marquee in a backyard is usually much smaller than that. Other states have their own rules, so for a park, a public event or a very large marquee, check with your council first.
Marquee hire FAQs
Can a marquee go on concrete or pavers?
Usually, yes. Instead of pegs the frame is held down with weights. Tell the hire business what the surface is so they bring the right gear.
Should I check for pipes or cables first?
Yes. Pegs go into the ground, so tell the hire business about any irrigation, gas, water or electrical lines you know of and ask how they check.
Do I need a permit for a backyard marquee?
A typical party marquee in a backyard is far smaller than the sizes the building rules deal with (100 square metres in Victoria). If yours is larger, or the event is public, ask your council.
Can I put a marquee up in a park?
Many councils allow it only with a booking or event permit, and some parks do not allow marquees at all. Check the council's rules for the park before you book.