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How to hire a marquee
16 January 2020
Whether you’re planning a large corporate party for your employees or you’re in the midst of planning your dream wedding, one of the most important factors to consider is where you will host your event. You will need somewhere large enough to seat your guests comfortably while keeping within your budget, and a place where you have complete flexibility to decorate as you wish.
For this reason, marquees have become a popular choice for many event organisers in recent years. Not only do marquees look effortlessly stylish and grand, but they are also a perfect choice for large-scale events with long guestlists. The benefits of hiring a marquee for your event are innumerable, especially when you work alongside an events company who can truly bring your vision to life.
So, after careful consideration, you’ve decided to hire a marquee for your next event instead of a local manor house or function room - but where do you begin? Here’s our very own guide to hiring a marquee, what questions to ask, and how to find the right company for you.
What type of marquee is right for you?
First things first: what type of marquee should you hire? You’re likely to have different requirements depending on whether you’re organising a wedding, corporate event, charity fundraiser or birthday party, so it’s imperative to consider what you need the marquee for before you choose the right one for you. After all, for a completely unique event, you’ll need a completely unique marquee.
The outdoor marquees available to you will vary depending on which company you choose to hire from, so this will also shape your decision when conducting your initial research. At Poppy Caterers & Marquees, we offer two main styles of marquee, each of which can be decorated to suit your tastes and chosen event theme.
We offer:
Multi-Span Marquees
When you’re in charge of organising an event, you’ll understand how daunting the prospect of choosing a spot to host it can be. Not only do you have to think about design and location, but you also need to consider how much space you need. After all, you need to make sure you have adequate space for everyone invited, but won’t end up with an empty-looking room if only half of those asked turn up. Versatility is essential, which is why multi-span marquees are an excellent option for a wide variety of events.
As the name suggests, this style of marquee can be extended or made smaller by three metre long bays. This allows them to be adjusted for events of all sizes, and are a perfect choice of marquee whether you’re planning an intimate wedding reception or a large-scale business party.
Oriental Marquees
If design and aesthetic are the main priorities for your function, an Oriental marquee may be the option for you. With beautifully pointed roofs, our Oriental marquees are a stunning option for events which require a little extra glitz and glamour.
Like multi-span marquees, Oriental-style canopies are also an incredibly versatile option for a variety of events. In fact, although they make a perfect stand-alone marquee, it is often recommended that you use them in conjunction with multi-span canopies. When combined with larger marquees, Oriental marquees make the perfect landing or reception area to welcome guests and say goodbye to them at the end of the night.
What size marquee is right for you?
Once you’ve decided which style of marquee is right for you, it’s time to think about what size you need. This should take careful consideration, as you don’t want to end up with a marquee that is just too small. No matter what event you’re organising, failing to provide enough space for your guests could make for a stuffy and overcrowded room - something that is sure to leave them unimpressed.
Equally, by overestimating how much space you need, you may end up with a room that only looks half full, despite the majority of your guests making an appearance. You will also be paying for space you don’t need - something you’ll want to avoid when sticking to a pre-determined budget.
When deciding how much space you need, consider:
Guests
How many guests are you planning to invite? Once you’ve got a rough estimate of numbers, call your chosen marquee hire company and ask their advice. As experts in function planning and catering, they’ll have a much better idea of how much space you really need.
Function
Are you hiring a marquee for a lively wedding with a buffet feast or an important sit-down dinner for your most valued business partners? Think about what the marquee will be used for to help you decide what size is right for you.
If you think there will be lots of movement, such as people dancing and moving around to chat to other guests, you may need extra room to keep the marquee well-ventilated and avoid overcrowding. If, on the other hand, you’re hosting a sit-down dinner, this extra space may not be necessary.
Location
The size of your marquee will also depend on where it’ll be erected. This may not be an issue if you’re hosting your event on large grounds, as there isn’t likely to be a shortage of space. If, however, your event is being held on your own private property or on your business grounds, space and size may need to be taken into consideration.
What extras do you need?
For a truly spectacular event, consider how you plan to decorate your marquee and what extras are needed to bring your vision to life. Again, the extras you opt for will depend on what type of function you’re hosting, whether it’s a wedding, christening or Christmas party.
These may include:
Flooring
You don’t want your guests to be tripping over clumps of grass while carrying plates of food, so make sure you hire suitable flooring for your marquee. Your chosen hire company should offer a selection of wooden and carpeted flooring styles.
Lighting
No decoration is quite complete without the perfect lighting to accompany it. Discuss lighting options with your marquee hire company and make sure they’re willing to put it up for you.
Catering services
Unless you want to spend days leading up to your event preparing and cooking food, it’s advisable to hire reliable catering services to leave your guests happy and full. To save time, money and hassle, we always recommend finding a marquee hire company who offer catering services too.
Dining equipment
Once you’ve sorted catering, you need to make sure you’ve supplied enough dining equipment for every guest. From tables to desert spoons, dining equipment is essential to an enjoyable evening - unless you expect guests to eat with their fingers!
What marquee hire company is right for you?
One of the most important steps when hiring a marquee is finding the perfect company; finding the right suppliers could mean the difference between a truly memorable party and an event you’d like to forget. If you’ve never organised a function before, you may not know where to begin. Do you need a small marquee hire company or a large party planning service? What price should you be paying for catering? How can you trust that your chosen company will deliver the service they’ve promised?
With this in mind, there are a number of factors you should research before committing to hiring a company. For instance:
Quotes
Deciding on a budget is essential to planning a stress-free function, so it’s important to find a company that can provide all the services you need within your set limit. When making your decision, it’s advisable to gather quotes from three or four companies to form an effective price comparison.
Although it may be tempting to simply opt for the cheapest one, don’t forget that low-cost doesn’t always mean high-quality. Marquee prices should be affordable, but if they’re surprisingly cheap it may be worth doing more research into the company and their experience.
Testimonials
If a company has a collection of positive reviews from happy clients, this is a sign that they deliver great results consistently and, above all, prioritise the satisfaction of their customers. You can often check a company’s testimonials and previous reviews on their website, but it’s also a good idea to check their Google reviews and social media accounts, too. That way you’ll have access to an unfiltered selection of reviews with honest and relevant accounts.
Additional services
As we’ve mentioned previously, opting for a marquee hire company with additional services will help you streamline the planning process and make everything a little simpler. At Poppy Caterers & Marquees, we’re proud to offer a wide range of additional extras, including exquisite catering services, to help our valued clients plan the function of the year. In addition to our catering services, we also make it incredibly easy to hire equipment, including:
● Cooking equipment
● Refrigeration equipment
● Event furniture
● Flooring
● Doors and windows
Poppy Caterers & Marquees: Excellent catering services and event marquees for hire in York
At Poppy Caterers & Marquees, we’re proud to offer a wide range of beautiful marquees for hire and high-quality catering for all kinds of events. Whether you need a marquee for a wedding, corporate event or any other special function, we work alongside clients in York and the surrounding areas and are committed to helping our customers turn their design dreams into a reality, Our attention to detail and high levels of professionalism make us a top choice for every event, so get in touch with our team of experts for more information today.
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Poppy Caterers Christmas Hampers - Available until 20th December 2024 Unwrap the magic of the season with Poppy Caterers' exquisite Christmas Gift Hamper selection for 2024! This year, we're turning the joy of giving into an art form, curating a collection of gourmet delights that will not only tantalise the taste buds but also leave a lasting impression of warmth and festivity. From delectable treats to festive indulgences, our Christmas Gift Hampers are a celebration in every bite. Join us in spreading the spirit of the season with the perfect blend of culinary excellence and festive cheer. Cheese & Port Gift Hamper Begin your Christmas celebrations with a ½ bottle of Niepoort Ruby Dum Port, a rich and velvety elixir that pairs perfectly with the artisanal goodness enclosed. Unwrap the joy of Wensleydale Creamery's Cheese Truckle, including the Limited Edition Winter Warmer variety—a delectable duet that promises to delight the discerning palate. Complementing these culinary gems are savoury delights like a 1lb Yorkshire Pork Pie, Mrs Darlington’s Pickled Onions in Malt Vinegar, and Mercers Yorkshire Chutney, creating a symphony of flavours that dance on the taste buds. But the festive feast doesn't stop there! Our carefully curated hamper also includes Millers Toast with Cranberry & Raisin, adding a delightful crunch to every bite. All these treasures are elegantly presented in a lidded gift box adorned with a Christmas bow and a personalised gift tag. Night in for 2, Couples Hamper Elevate your cosy nights in with our enchanting 'Night in for 2' Couples Gift Hamper, a perfect harmony of romance and indulgence. Unwind with a touch of sophistication as you uncork the Niepoort Ruby Dum ½ bottle of Port, setting the tone for a memorable evening. The delicate blush of Whispering Angel rosé adds a touch of elegance, creating a symphony of flavours that complements the intimate atmosphere. Dive into the world of artisanal cheese with Wensleydale Creamery's Limited Edition Winter Warmer Truckle and the velvety richness of Yorkshire Blue, a pairing that embodies the essence of culinary bliss. The taste adventure continues with Mercers Mulled Wine Chutney and Mercers Hot Toddy Chutney, infusing your palate with the warmth of the season. Complete your gourmet experience with Peter’s Yard Quality Crackers, the perfect canvas for the culinary delights within. All these treasures come beautifully packed into a luxury gift box, creating an irresistible invitation to savour the magic of togetherness. Whether it's a special occasion or just a quiet night in, this thoughtfully curated hamper is the epitome of shared moments and exquisite indulgence, a gift that sparks joy and creates lasting memories for the two of you. Christmas Day Gift Hamper Make this Christmas Day a feast to remember with our opulent Christmas Day Gift Hamper—a symphony of flavours and festive delights to elevate your holiday celebrations. Uncork the joy with Three Choirs English White Wine, a crisp and refreshing companion to the culinary treasures within. Dive into the world of artisanal cheese with the divine duo of Wensleydale Creamery's Fountains Gold Cheddar and Wensleydale with Cranberries, a pairing that tantalises the taste buds with every bite. Indulge in the nostalgia of Grandad’s Halmshaw’s 6” Fruit Christmas Cake, a timeless treat that adds a touch of tradition to your festive spread. Accompanied by Millers Three Seed Crackers, Guppy’s Spiced Ginger Shards, and the festive flavours of Mrs Darlington’s Christmas Chutney & Christmas Preserve, this hamper transforms your Christmas table into a culinary masterpiece. All these gourmet treasures come elegantly packed into a luxurious gift basket, film wrapped for a touch of anticipation, and adorned with a festive gift tag. Share the magic of the season with this carefully curated hamper, a blend of tradition and indulgence that captures the essence of Christmas Day joy. Boxing Day Gift Hamper E xtend the festive cheer into Boxing Day with our delectable Boxing Day Gift Hamper, a culinary journey that promises to keep the celebrations alive. Delight in the rich and savoury goodness of a Fresh from the Butcher 1lb Pork Pie. Pair this indulgence with the Butchers Guppy’s Ginger Crunch Robin Bar, a sweet and spicy treat that adds a touch of whimsy to your post-Christmas feast. Toast to the season with the robust notes of Black Sheep Real Ale, a perfect accompaniment to the culinary treasures within. Dive into the artisanal charm of Wensleydale Creamery's Cheese Truckle, complemented by the delightful crunch of Millers Cranberry & Raisin Toast. Enhance the flavours with the zesty kick of Mrs Darlington’s Picked Onions and the savoury twist of Mrs Darlington’s Boxing Day Chutney. This festive ensemble is elegantly packed into a luxury gift basket, film wrapped to preserve the anticipation, and adorned with a charming gift tag. Taste of Yorkshire Gift Hamper (Medium) Embark on a tantalising journey through the flavours of Yorkshire with our Taste of Yorkshire (Medium) Gift Hamper, a treasure trove of local delights that captures the essence of this vibrant region. Indulge in the festive spirit with a 6” Fruit Christmas Cake, a delightful centrepiece that embodies the warmth and tradition of the season. Discover the artisanal charm of the Cheese Selection from Yorkshire Dales Creamery, featuring the iconic Wensleydale & Cranberry and the Mulled Wine Winter Warmer—a true celebration of local craftsmanship. Dive into the rich notes of Fountains Gold with Black Sheep Riggwelter Ale and savour the distinctive character of Harrogate Blue Cheese Wedge, accompanied by the perfect crunch of crackers. Spread the goodness with Yorkshire Butter from the Wensleydale Creamery and elevate your taste experience with Mercers Mulled Wine Chutney. The choice is yours with a ½ bottle of Port, Wine, or Prosecco to complement the savoury delights within. Indulge in the hearty goodness of a 1lb Pork Pie, the perfect addition to your Yorkshire feast. Complete your culinary adventure with Shortbread Snowflakes and the irresistible Guppy’s Dark Chocolate & Ginger Robin Bar, a sweet conclusion to a journey of local flavours. All these delights are elegantly packed into a medium-sized gift hamper, creating a perfect gift that captures the taste and spirit of Yorkshire. Taste of Yorkshire Gift Hamper (Large) Dive into the world of artisanal cheese with the exquisite Cheese Selection from Yorkshire Dales Creamery. Indulge in the classic Wensleydale & Cranberry, the rich Fountains Gold, and the decadent Wensleydale with Orange & Champagne—a trio that embodies the region's cheese-making excellence. Complement the cheese with the fiery crunch of Rakusen’s Yorkshire Flame Baked Crackers and savour the hearty goodness of a 1lb Pork Pie, a true Yorkshire delicacy. Enhance the flavour journey with Mercers Red Onion Marmalade Chutney, adding a sweet and savoury dimension to every bite. Sweeten your celebration with the timeless joy of Christmas Cake and the delicate Shortbread Snowflakes. Choose between Mercers Christmas Whisky Marmalade or Strawberry & Cinnamon Conserve, adding a touch of festive indulgence to your morning rituals. The sweet symphony continues with Guppy’s Dark Chocolate & Ginger Robin Bar, Chocolate Orange Shards, and Chocolate Santas, a trio of delights that elevate the holiday spirit. Raise a toast to the season with Prosecco and the option of a ½ Bottle of Port or Champagne, adding a touch of effervescence to your festive celebrations. This grand assortment of Yorkshire's finest is elegantly presented in a large gift hamper, making it the perfect gift to share the taste and joy of the season with loved ones. Conclusion Whether you're savouring the cozy moments of Christmas Day, indulging in a romantic night in for two, or extending the merriment to Boxing Day, our thoughtfully curated hampers aim to transform your celebrations into a symphony of tastes and traditions. Local delivery is available for £4.80 at a 20 mile radius from our base in Sheriff Hutton, York.
Poppy Caterers are now providing freshly prepared meals, 6 days a week directly to your door. We started providing fresh meals during the initial lock down period, and it has gone from strength to strength after more and more people around York started to taste our mouth-watering food – ALL prepared using only the best local produce! Covering a 25 mile radius of York, our freshly prepared meals have been consumed in almost every village of the beautiful city. Catering for a wide range of occasions, from birthday parties in Thirsk, family dinners in Haxby and self-contained elderly care homes in Malton. Our delivery is next day and free of charge, dependant on a minimum order amount. Whether you want something to throw in the oven straight away, or you want to stock up for the week; we have got you covered and can deliver the meals frozen. All you need to do is let us know your needs, and we will cater to them. We will even provide you with oven cooking instructions. Now on to the good stuff! Get a taste for our food with just a few favourites we have picked from our menus: Lunch • Poached Salmon Salad with New Potatoes and Coleslaw • Freshly Baked Quiche with a Caesar Salad Side Dinner • Lamb Hot Pot • Whitby Fish Pie • Steak and Ale Pie • Chicken Breast in a Rosemary and Lemon Sauce In addition to our classics, we also offer themed menus every Friday! So far, we have offered: • Curry Nights • Greek Buffets • Mexican Dinners Stay at home whilst exploring all new exotic meals and flavours with your family and friends! Many of our customers have taken advantage of our themed menus when celebrating their birthday and anniversary. If you’re stuck for choice, and want to get your teeth into a range of flavours, then not to worry - We also provide cold buffets! These have proven superb for our customers who have had family over, or just wanted a bit of a lazy day. We will deliver the food ready to be unwrapped and ready to be eaten. In addition to cold buffets, discover a range of flavours through our other menus designed for special occasions! These range from: • Picnic Hampers • Afternoon Tea • BBQ Packs If you’re reading this and thinking “Hmm… this all sounds great! But what about my dietary requirements?” We have you covered! Whatever your requirements may be, we can cater for them. Additionally, our sales team will be able to provide you with a scrumptious Vegan and Vegetarian menu. 2020 has undoubtably been a whirlwind for everyone. But we are so happy we that have been able to bring joy and security to all demographics across York through our freshly prepared meals and exotic menus. The passion we have in our food and the service we provide will be demonstrated right from your first order. If you would like to hear more, place an order or just take a look at our menus – please get in touch on 01347 878 628 or info@poppycaterers.co.uk
From the moment we met Val, she and the team at Poppy Caterers were just fantastic. Val was the first person to really listen to what we wanted, rather than trying to sell us a standard package, it was so refreshing to have someone focusing on what we wanted for our big day. Val and the team helped not just with the food and arrangements for the day, but even helped with useful suggestions of decorations and other suppliers and tips for the day. They were happy to meet us whenever we needed and provided us the most fantastic tasting event to try the food. The food on the day itself was incredible - we genuinely couldn't have asked for anything better, and we got a lot of complements from our guests. This is all the more impressive as Simon even worked out a bespoke vegetarian recipe for us.We loved our wedding day, but we know it wouldn't have quite been the same without the help of the team at Poppy Caterers.
Poppy Caterers were amazing at every stage of planning the wedding and on the day. They had a huge choice of food and drinks available, but also adapted the menu for our personal choice. The sample meal at our taster put us at ease, it made us so confident that the food would be just what we hoped for and great quality. We had many guests with a range of different specific dietary requirements, which Poppy Caterers were happy and able to adapt the menu for. Many of our guests commented on the quality of the food and exceptional service.
Poppy Caterers were exceptionally friendly and helpful. Nothing was too much trouble and the food was excellent. This was the second wedding we attended this year catered by Poppy Caterers. Our friends sons wedding had been six month earlier in a completely different settings but again the catering was exceptional. The definition pf expertise is repeated exceptional performance. Poppy caterers fit this description. Consistently high standards for different customers in different venues at different times of year with different menus is quite an achievement.
Poppy Caterers would like to thank all their clients for the great feedback, enabling them to be Awarded North Yorkshire Best Wedding Caterer for 2019, voted by the Wedding Guide. This is an outstanding award which we have won 3 times and been the finalist for further 4 times. This is a great team achievement, showing the dedication, professionalism and knowledge within the hospitality industry by the staff at Poppy Caterers.
Office Opening Hours
- Mon - Fri
- -
- Saturday
- Appointment only
- Sunday
- Closed
Address:
Unit 17 Alan Farnaby Way
Sheriff Hutton,
York
YO60 6PG
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