Lighting
Festoon and fairy lights are the usual party hire choice. They are rigged to a marquee frame, poles, a pergola or trees, and need power. Tell the hire business where the lights will hang, how far it is to the nearest outlet and whether the area is covered. Ask who installs and removes them and whether leads and covers are supplied.
Heating
Evenings cool off quickly in the southern cities: at Melbourne's Olympic Park the average July low is 7.6°C (BoM), and Canberra's July nights average close to freezing. Party hire businesses commonly rent gas patio heaters and some rent electric heaters.
Gas safety is regulated by each state. As one example, Energy Safe Victoria says appliances certified only for outdoor use must not be used indoors, patio heaters must be located in an open area and sloping or unstable surfaces should be avoided (Energy Safe Victoria, GIS 11). It also warns that outdoor LPG appliances can cause carbon monoxide poisoning where ventilation is poor (Energy Safe Victoria, using LPG safely). If your marquee will be enclosed with sidewalls, ask the hire business which heaters suit it.
Lighting and heater FAQs
How much power will the lights need?
It depends on the length and type of lighting. Ask the hire business how many outlets or circuits it needs, and tell them what you have.
Can I use a gas patio heater inside a marquee?
Ask the hire business first. Energy Safe Victoria says outdoor-only appliances must not be used indoors and patio heaters must be in an open area.
Who puts the lights up?
Some hire businesses install and remove lighting and others deliver it for you to hang. Check which is included.