Kemistry Live Music News

Things to consider when hiring / installing a Marquee for your event.

Using a marquee is an excellent way to tailor your event to exactly what you want it to be. They can be themed and adorned to your hearts desire and are a cost effective way of making your Wedding or Special Event ‘stand out from the crowd’ – add Kemistry to the mix and you will certainly have a night to remember!!

Always use a professionally installed Marquee

There are a few ‘Do’s’ and ‘Don’ts’ however, so read on if you don’t want your evening to end up resembling a sketch from Laurel and Hardy!

DO  make sure you have proper access for the installation of the Marquee, eg proper road access for a vehicle.

DO   make sure the PROFESSIONALLY INSTALLED marquee has proper electrical supplies installed (remember lighting, heating, caterers, DJ’s and Bands will all require access to electricity)

DO   make sure the dancefloor is of the correct size for your guests, level, and secure.

DO   ensure the Dancefloor is not placed too close to the back of the marquee so a Band like Kemistry have at least 8 feet in depth and 12 feet in width for their stage area before the dancefloor space

DO   be aware that if you are having extra lining and swags on the inside, bear in mind where the dancefloor is to be placed as drooping swags in a corner or low ceilinged area will stop bands and DJs from being able to raise their lighting poles, laser show or backdrops and will obscure the light beams, and may represent a fire risk.

DO   ensure if a stage area is to be errected that this is secure, has power/ electric access, and set-up / packdown access for the Band / DJ. e.g rear access where a van can be loaded and unloaded as musical equipment and lighting is large and heavy.

DO   make sure you have arranged sufficient ‘Porta loos’ for your guests

DO   contact all suppliers involved (marquee, electricians, florists, caterers, entertainers, Bands etc.) to make sure you have all the correct information required for their needs before drawing up a seating or table plan

DON’T   assume a B&Q or Party tent / canopy is watertight – this is NOT a Marquee and professional suppliers will not work in these and are within their rights to cancel if you have informed them they will be performing in a marquee when you booked them, but in reality it is a gazeebo or open sided tent.

DON’T   assume an extension lead from a shed will be adequete, or that a live Band is responsible for your electric and lighting needs

DON’T   overlook the need for your marquee access to the road (your guests could probably stumble across a field after a week of rain, but large, heavy and expensive equipment cannot)

Other things to remember:

• If access to the marquee is awkward, you must build in extra time for your caterers, entertainers etc. to set up ready for your event
• What if it rains? You cannot ever take the weather for granted, so the marquee must be water tight, and the electrics professionally installed
• Do you need a back-up generator for power in the event of a storm, or faulty electrics?
• Avoid setting up a marquee if the land is on a slope (think of your guests tables, chairs, dancing, and how will the lighting rig or speakers not fall over and hurt someone or be damaged if your chosen spot is sloping?)

Now you have read the above I must stress that marquees can be a fantastic venue for a Band or DJ, often with better access, sound, and space than some hotels or venues!

So, if you require any further information or advice regarding using Kemistry in your Marquee Event please call Graeme on 07875 64 64 69

Why not look at some of our wedding video footage highlights, as many were shot in Marquees!!

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