Given that the UK experiences cold, wet winters, it may seem absurd to consider hosting your party outdoors during that time of year. However, there are more benefits to holding an event in a winter marquee than you may think. 

So, what is the best way to throw a party outdoors during winter? Our experienced team take a look at this throughout this blog, so keep reading to find out more!

Why Host a Winter Party Outdoors?

Winter marquee hire makes outdoor celebrations possible, from weddings to corporate events and birthdays. Take a look at the advantages of winter outdoor celebrations:

• Magical atmosphere – The winter season offers a cosy feel that spring, summer, and autumn can’t match, especially during celebrations like Christmas and New Year’s. 
• Cost savings – Hosting at home with a winter marquee can dramatically reduce your event costs, as you don’t need to pay for a venue – just the tent hire price.
• Stunning seasonal décor – Winter is one of the most aesthetically pleasing periods of the year, and there are numerous ways you can decorate your marquee, making your event one to remember.

What Is a Winter Marquee?

A winter marquee is a weatherproof structure temporarily erected for hosting parties or events in outdoor spaces. To keep guests cosy and protected from the elements, these tents are insulated and come with proper heating and flooring.

Typical features of a winter event marquee include:

• Heavy-duty PVC walls and thermo roofing

• Insulated linings

• Heating systems

• Solid interlocking flooring

• Wind bracing and anchoring systems

These useful structures can be arranged and decorated to suit the vibe of the event, whether it be a Christmas party, a wedding, a works do, or a birthday celebration.

Planning Your Winter Marquee Party

1. Choose the Right Marquee Size and Style

After receiving your RSVPs and taking a guest count, you can start looking at the type and size of a winter event tent. There are numerous dimensions and designs to select from, including small and large winter marquees.

But usually, instead of you having to calculate which one is most suitable for your needs, the marquee hire company, such as ourselves, will handle this for you, ensuring your party area is large enough to accommodate your guests and any activities, like dancing.

2. Heating and Insulation Tips

Keeping your partygoers toasty and warm is essential during the colder months; otherwise, they won’t feel comfortable during your special outdoor event. So, how do you maintain the temperature inside the marquee? Well, heated marquee hire includes heating equipment to warm the interior to a comfortable temperature.

An experienced supplier of marquees is thoroughly aware of the safety considerations for enclosed spaces, meaning you can depend on them to provide heating systems you can trust. They’ll consider the optimal placement of heaters for even warmth and consider fire safety in the process, putting your mind at ease.

3. Flooring and Weather Protection

As mentioned earlier, you can likely expect the ground in your garden or other site to be fairly moist in winter. With this in mind, solid flooring is essential to prevent guests from having to step across soggy, cold, and potentially muddy ground. 

Marquees are constructed with cassette or interlocking hard floors that can be used on any terrain and create a solid walkway for guests. Once laid, the surface can then be carpeted or finished with laminate, vinyl, or astro turf, depending on your style preferences.

4. Lighting and Décor Ideas

Now for the exciting stage – decorating and furnishing the interior to create your dream event setting. 

Winter-themed décor, such as snow, rustic wood, greenery, and candles, is the perfect way to create a beautiful winter wonderland or seasonally themed party. Warm lighting, such as fairy lights, festoon lighting, or lanterns, is excellent for setting the mood.

Many like to add ceiling draping to their winter marquee to instil warmth and luxury, or festive decorations if you’re celebrating events like Christmas or Hanukkah.

5. Catering and Entertainment

A reputable catering company with experience in the hospitality industry will know exactly how to treat your guest list to a delightful winter feast, serving homemade comfort foods and warm drinks. Or, if you wish, your caterer can keep it simple, offering meals, snacks, and drinks everyone will know and love.

Similarly, live bands, magicians, DJs, and photo booths are all hugely popular at festivities, so be sure to consider them when choosing the perfect entertainment.

Top Tips for Keeping Guests Warm and Comfortable

Aside from specialised heating systems, there are a few other ways to help ensure your celebratory environment is pleasant for your invitees. You can start by:

• Provide blankets, cushions, and hot drink stations serving hot chocolate or mulled wine

• Choose warm and cosy furnishings, such as padded couches and chairs

• Use partitions to create lounge areas or cosy corners

• Request outdoor heating for when people need to step outside

Plan Your Winter Event with Mahood Marquees

In need of expert winter marquee hire services from an established supplier? If so, you’ve come to the right place. At Mahood Marquees, we have years of experience in the industry, offering nationwide coverage and bespoke solutions for those eager to throw an unforgettable winter event.

To find out how we can help you, you can call our team today on 01744 882079 or reach out to us online, and we’ll be in touch as soon as we can.