Can a Marquee Be Too Hot in the Summer? And How to Keep It Cool

Summer is synonymous with vibrant outdoor events, and a marquee provides the perfect blank canvas for a celebration. However, anyone looking to incorporate shelter into their summer events is likely to share a common concern: can a marquee get too hot in the summer heat? This fear of the event space becoming uncomfortably warm once the sun comes out can be enough to push people towards less inspiring indoor venues, even when an outdoor setting is what they really want.

At One Six Events, we speak to clients every week who ask the same question in different ways. Will guests be comfortable? Will the space feel welcoming rather than stifling? Can a marquee truly work for summer weddings as well as winter weddings, and for everything in between? The short answer is yes, provided the planning is done properly. A marquee does not need to be too hot in the summer, with the right planning and equipment. 

This article explores how heat builds up in a marquee, how it can be managed, and how thoughtful marquee hire opens up creative possibilities for events throughout the year.

Understanding Why Marquees Can Get Hot

A marquee is essentially a flexible structure designed to provide a structured area for outdoor celebrations, but still let in light and create a sense of openness. That quality is exactly what makes it so appealing for summer events, but it also explains why heat can sometimes become an issue.

Most marquees are constructed from PVC, a material that has many benefits, including that it allows daylight to pass through easily. When sunlight enters the space and hits internal surfaces, it converts to heat and becomes trapped. This is often referred to as the greenhouse effect. Add a large number of guests generating body heat, catering equipment, and lighting, and the internal temperature of the marquee can rise quickly if nothing is done to manage it.

It is important to stress that this does not mean marquees are unsuitable for summer weddings or other warm weather celebrations. It simply means they require the same level of consideration as any other venue. A permanent building uses insulation, ventilation, and air conditioning. A marquee can do the same, just in a more flexible way.

Essential Strategies for Keeping Your Marquee Cool

1. Strategic Marquee Placement and Orientation

One of the most common mistakes people make is leaving comfort considerations until the last minute. The success of marquee hire, particularly for summer events, often depends on decisions made long before the structure is installed. At One Six Events, we always encourage clients to think about the environment around the marquee, not just the marquee itself.

Managing heat begins before the marquee is even pitched, which is why site visits are invaluable. Understanding where the sun rises and sets, and identifying any natural shade, allows the marquee to be positioned in a way that helps reduce heat build up throughout the day. If possible, placing the marquee near large trees or buildings that cast shade during the hottest part of the day, typically between 11am and 3pm, can make a significant difference.

Orientation also plays an important role. Positioning the structure so that its longest sides are not directly exposed to the strongest afternoon sun helps reduce solar gain. Where this is unavoidable, solid wall panels can be used strategically without compromising the overall look and feel. It is also worth paying attention to the prevailing wind direction and positioning entrances/open sides to encourage natural airflow.

2. Choosing the Right Marquee Type and Features

Marquee hire is not a one size fits all service. The type of structure, the materials used, and the internal features all influence how the space performs in different conditions.

For summer weddings and other warm weather celebrations, linings play a crucial role. Fabric linings in ivory or white are often chosen for aesthetic reasons, but they also create an air gap between the PVC roof and the main internal space. This acts as insulation, reducing the amount of heat radiating downwards. The difference in comfort can be significant, particularly during long daytime events.

Walling choices matter too. Clear panels are popular for summer events because they showcase the surroundings and allow natural light to flood in. However, they also let in more heat. A balanced approach often works best, with solid walls on the sunniest sides and clear panels elsewhere.

These same considerations apply in reverse for winter events. The same linings that help keep a marquee cool in summer also help retain warmth during winter weddings and corporate gatherings. This adaptability is one of the reasons marquees work so well across the seasons.

3. Considering Ventilation and Airflow

Good airflow is essential for comfort, regardless of the time of year. In summer, ventilation allows hot air to escape and cooler air to circulate. In winter, controlled airflow helps maintain a fresh environment without letting heat disappear.

Marquees can be designed with multiple openings, including doors, windows and roll up sides. During summer events, these can be opened to encourage cross ventilation, particularly when there is a natural breeze. The structure effectively breathes, preventing heat from building up.

Roof level ventilation is another important factor. Hot air naturally rises, so giving it a way to escape reduces the overall temperature inside the marquee. This principle is just as relevant for large scale summer weddings as it is for smaller garden parties.

4. Employ Active Cooling Solutions

Sometimes natural solutions are not enough, especially during particularly warm spells. This is where professional cooling equipment becomes invaluable.

Fans are often the first step. Large, industrial fans move air around the space, preventing it from becoming stagnant. They provide immediate relief and are a practical addition for many summer events.

Extraction systems take this a step further by actively removing hot air from the top of the marquee. By drawing heat out, they directly counteract the greenhouse effect. This is especially useful for larger structures or events with high guest numbers.

For clients seeking complete temperature control, air conditioning is the most reliable solution. Modern units designed specifically for marquee hire can cool the space effectively without being intrusive. They allow summer weddings to take place during the hottest months with confidence that guests will remain comfortable.

In the UK climate, air conditioning is increasingly popular for summer events, not because every day is hot, but because it provides reassurance. It allows organisers to plan without worrying about unpredictable weather patterns.

On the Day Considerations for Marquee Hire

Even with the best planning and equipment, how the marquee is managed on the day itself still matters. Simple actions can make a noticeable difference to guest comfort.

Allowing the marquee to ventilate before guests arrive helps release any heat that has built up during setup. Keeping sides open where weather allows maintains airflow and keeps the atmosphere relaxed.

Event schedules can also play a role. When possible, key moments such as ceremonies or speeches can be planned outside the peak heat of the day. This is often easier with summer events, where daylight hours are longer and flexibility is greater.

Providing easy access to refreshments is another small but effective measure. Hydration keeps guests comfortable and engaged, contributing to the overall success of summer events.

Creating Comfort Without Compromise for Summer Events

A marquee can get too hot in the summer if it is treated as a simple tent rather than a thoughtfully planned venue. However, with the right approach, it can be a cool, inviting and memorable space that enhances the event rather than detracts from it.

From orientation and structure choice to ventilation and climate control, there are many ways to manage temperature effectively. These same principles make marquees versatile enough to host events throughout the year, from relaxed summer events to atmospheric winter weddings.

If you are considering marquee hire for an upcoming celebration and want confidence that comfort will be part of the experience, we would be delighted to help. At One Six Events, we believe that every event deserves a space that feels just right, whatever the season. 

Get in touch with our team today to explore how we can support your plans and create a marquee environment that truly works for you.

Category: Event Management, Marquees