Most people only hire a marquee once or twice in their life, so knowing what to check before booking is not always obvious. The price, photos, and promises can look similar between companies, but the details behind the service matter.
These are the questions Marquee Vision would want every customer to ask, including the ones some suppliers may find difficult. Use this list when speaking with any marquee company, compare the answers, and look for clear details rather than simple reassurance.
How to Use This List
Take these questions to at least three marquee suppliers before making your decision. Comparing answers helps you see the difference between companies instead of comparing only prices.
A good marquee company will answer specific questions with clear details, documents, and examples. A weaker company often relies on general reassurance without explaining how things work.
Credentials, Insurance and Safety
Before looking at styling options or comparing prices, check the basics behind the company. These questions help you understand whether the marquee will be installed safely, who is responsible if something goes wrong, and whether the supplier follows recognised industry standards.
1. Are you a MUTA member, and can I check?
MUTA membership shows that a marquee company follows recognised industry requirements. It is the UK trade association for marquees and tents, and membership can be checked rather than simply claimed.
A good answer includes confirmation of membership and a link to the company listing on the MUTA website. Members must meet requirements including trading for at least two years, holding at least £1 million public liability insurance, and passing build inspections.
A red flag is a vague statement such as “fully accredited” without naming the organisation.
2. What public liability insurance do you hold, and can I see a current certificate?
Public liability insurance protects against claims if someone is injured or property is damaged during the event. A professional company should provide a current certificate without hesitation and explain what level of cover they hold.
£5 million cover is common, while larger events may expect higher limits such as £10 million. A red flag is reluctance to share paperwork or providing an expired certificate. Remember that supplier insurance and your own event insurance cover different risks, so both may be useful.
3. What wind speed is this structure rated to, and when would you take it down?
Wind safety is one of the most important questions to ask before booking a marquee. Temporary structures need clear plans for changing weather conditions, and the decision should never be left to the customer on the day.
A good answer includes the design wind speed for the structure, the point where the company would take action, and who makes that decision. A red flag is no clear number or a supplier expecting you to decide when the marquee is unsafe.
4. Who actually erects the marquee, your team or subcontractors?
The installation team plays a major role in the quality and safety of the finished structure. You need to know who is responsible for building the marquee and who supervises the work.
A good answer explains whether the team is directly employed, who manages the installation, and how the crew is trained. A red flag is finding out on the day that unknown subcontractors are building the marquee or that the company cannot explain who is responsible.
5. Can you provide structural documentation for this structure?
Structural documents show that the marquee has been designed and installed with proper engineering considerations. They are often requested by larger venues, insurers, or organisers who need clear records.
A good answer includes access to documents such as structural drawings, loading information, and relevant certification. This may include standards such as BS 6399 for wind loading, BS 8118 for aluminium structures, BS 5950 for steel, and BS 7837 for PVC fire performance.
A red flag is a supplier who does not understand why you are asking.
The Quote and the Contract
Most marquee disputes are not caused by the structure itself. They usually start with a quote that looked complete but left out important details. Before booking, check what is included, what is excluded, and what could change the final cost.
6. Is this quote itemised, and what is deliberately excluded?
A headline price may only cover the marquee structure, while flooring, lighting, heating, furniture, and toilets are added separately.
A good answer includes a clear breakdown of each cost and a list of anything not included. This makes it easier to compare suppliers fairly. A red flag is a single total price with no explanation of what you are paying for.
7. Does the price include delivery, erection, dismantling and collection?
These are four separate parts of the marquee hire process that many customers assume are included together. A good quote should confirm whether delivery, erection, dismantling, and collection are covered. If there are extra charges, they should be explained before booking.
A red flag is finding out after the event that collection or another service costs extra.
8. Is VAT included in this figure?
VAT can create a noticeable difference between two quotes, so it should always be clear from the start. A good supplier will state whether VAT is included or added separately on the quote.
This simple check helps you compare the real cost rather than looking only at the initial figure.
9. What could increase the price after I have booked?
Some changes can affect the final cost after booking, including difficult ground conditions, access issues, or changes to guest numbers.
A good supplier should explain what could increase the price and when this may happen. A red flag is an answer like “we would let you know at the time” without explaining possible extra costs.
10. What is the payment schedule and what secures my date?
Before paying a deposit, you should understand what you are agreeing to and when payments are due. A good answer includes the deposit amount, the balance payment date, and written confirmation that your date and marquee are reserved.
A red flag is paying a deposit without clear written details of what it secures.
Your Site and the Structure
A site visit helps show whether a marquee supplier has properly assessed your space or is simply providing a quote based on a postcode. These questions check access, ground conditions, and sizing before your booking is confirmed.
11. Will you visit the site before confirming the booking?
A site visit is one of the clearest signs of an experienced marquee company. A good supplier will visit your location, usually before taking a deposit, to check the space and discuss your plans. This helps avoid problems later with access, ground conditions, and layout. A red flag is a company that confidently quotes without seeing the site first.
12. What vehicle access do you need, and will mine work?
Marquee delivery vehicles need enough space for access, turning, and unloading equipment. Access problems are often discovered on the installation day when changes are difficult. A good answer includes specific requirements, such as the width needed, and checks these against your actual entrance. A red flag is a supplier assuming access will be fine without checking.
13. How will you secure the marquee on my ground?
Different ground types require different installation methods. Grass may allow pegging, while hard surfaces may need weights or alternative solutions.
A good supplier will ask about your ground conditions and any underground pipes or cables before deciding how to secure the structure. A red flag is a company that shows no interest in the ground type or site conditions.
14. What size do you recommend, and how did you work it out?
The right marquee size depends on more than guest numbers. A good supplier considers dining areas, dancing space, bars, furniture, and room for guests to move comfortably.
Their recommendation should be based on your event plans rather than simply suggesting a larger structure. A red flag is a company that cannot explain how they reached the size recommendation.
On the Day and What Happens If
These are the questions many couples only think about after something goes wrong. Asking them before booking helps you understand what happens on the event day, who is responsible, and how the company handles unexpected situations.
15. When will you build, and when will you take it down?
The build and dismantle schedule needs to work with your venue access, other suppliers, and your own plans. A good supplier will explain the installation day, approximate timings, and removal schedule before you ask. A red flag is a company that cannot give clear information about when the marquee team will arrive or leave.
16. What do I need to arrange that you do not provide?
Some parts of an event sit between different suppliers, which can lead to forgotten details. Power, water, toilets, waste, and catering equipment are common examples. A good answer includes a clear list of what the marquee company handles and what you need to arrange separately. A red flag is assuming another supplier has already covered it.
17. Who do I call on the day if something goes wrong?
On the event day, a direct contact is more useful than a general office number. A good supplier should provide the name and phone number of the person responsible for support if an issue happens. You should have this information before the event rather than trying to find the right person during a busy day.
18. What happens if the weather makes it unsafe?
Weather decisions need a clear plan before the event starts. A good answer includes the conditions that would make the structure unsafe, who makes the decision, and what action would follow. A red flag is a supplier leaving the decision to you on the day. This links back to the earlier question about wind ratings and safety procedures.
19. What are your cancellation and postponement terms?
Plans can change, so you should understand the costs and options before committing. A good supplier provides written terms explaining cancellation fees, important dates, and whether moving the event date is possible.
A red flag is a company that explains these terms verbally but does not include them in the contract.
20. What happens if you go out of business before my event?
This is an uncomfortable question, but it is worth asking when a deposit is paid months before an event. A good answer explains how long the company has traded, how deposits are handled, and whether any arrangements exist if problems occur.
A red flag is a supplier reacting negatively to a reasonable question. Trading history can also be checked through Companies House.
What Good Answers Sound Like
Choosing a marquee company is not only about finding the lowest quote. The best suppliers can explain their processes clearly, provide the right documents, and answer questions about safety, costs, installation, and support without hesitation. When a company gives specific answers, it shows they understand their responsibilities and have systems in place for your event.
Ask Us These Questions
Marquee Vision is happy for couples to ask these questions before booking. You can ask about MUTA membership, insurance, safety procedures, and who installs your marquee.
Rob and Andy provide owner-led installation, backed by 18 years of experience since 2007. If you are comparing marquee companies, use this list and ask us the same questions.
We are happy to explain how we handle each part of the process and answer any concerns you have before booking.
Ready to discuss your plans? Get a Free Quote.
FAQs
How many marquee companies should I get quotes from?
Three quotes give you a useful comparison without making the process difficult. Asking all three companies the same questions helps you compare their answers, experience, and approach rather than focusing only on the price. The cheapest quote may not include the same level of service or detail.
How do I check if a marquee company is MUTA accredited?
MUTA lists accredited contractors on its website, so membership claims can be checked directly. Membership requires companies to meet specific requirements, including at least two years of trading, a minimum of £1 million public liability insurance, and passing build quality inspections.
What public liability insurance should a marquee company have?
£5 million public liability insurance is common, while larger events may expect £10 million cover. Always ask for a current certificate rather than accepting a verbal assurance. Check that the policy covers marquee installation specifically. Your own event insurance may also provide separate protection.
Is it a red flag if a company quotes without visiting the site?
Usually, yes. A supplier needs to understand the access, ground conditions, and available space before confirming what can be installed. These details cannot be judged from a postcode alone. Most established marquee companies treat a site visit as an important part of the booking process.
Should I pay a deposit before seeing a written contract?
A deposit should come with written confirmation of the booking details. This should include the event date, the marquee structure allocated, total costs, and cancellation terms. Verbal agreements can create problems later if there is a disagreement about what was promised.
How far ahead should I ask these questions?
Ask these questions before paying a deposit or signing a contract. A professional marquee company should be able to answer them clearly and provide the information you need. The way a supplier responds can also help you understand how organised and prepared they are.