CHOOSING THE PERFECT MARQUEE FOR YOUR YEAR-END FUNCTION: STYLES, SIZES AND SETUPS

South Africa’s summer is the perfect backdrop for year-end celebrations – sunny days, open skies and an atmosphere of festivity. But to make a corporate event truly memorable, you need more than a great theme or menu – you need the right event infrastructure.

When it comes to flexible, stylish and professional setups, year-end marquee hire in South Africa, GL events offers endless possibilities. Whether you’re planning a glamorous gala in Cape Town, a team awards evening in Johannesburg, or a relaxed outdoor lunch in Durban, the right marquee hire can transform any space into a bespoke event venue.

Here’s how to choose the ideal marquee style, size and setup to suit your year-end function.

1. MATCH THE MARQUEE STYLE TO YOUR YEAR-END EVENT VISION

Every year-end function has its own character – and your marquee should reflect that. The type of structure you choose influences everything from layout to lighting to overall ambiance.

Clear span marquees
These are the most popular choice for corporate marquee hire, because they provide a wide, open interior with no poles or obstructions. The spacious design allows for custom layouts – a stage, bar, lounge area and dining space can all coexist under one elegant roof. They’re also durable, weather-resistant and ideal for both inland events in Johannesburg and coastal setups in Cape Town.

Glass and frame marquees
For high-end events and gala dinners, luxury marquees with glass walls or framed panels offer a polished, contemporary look. They allow natural light during the day and transform beautifully with evening event lighting. They’re perfect for companies wanting to impress clients or reward teams with a premium experience.

Stretch or Bedouin tents
For relaxed, creative or outdoor corporate events, GL events South Africa’s tent hire solutions offers organic shapes and breathable layouts. Bedouin tents are ideal for beach, vineyard or garden settings and create a festive, summer atmosphere with their fluid forms and open airflow.

2. GET THE SIZE RIGHT

One of the biggest mistakes planners make is underestimating space. Choosing the right marquee size ensures your event is comfortable, safe and visually balanced. When planning your year-end marquee hire, consider:

Guest count: Allow around 1.5–2.5 m² per person. A sit-down dinner needs more space than a cocktail function.
Layout: Include areas for a stage, buffet, bar, dance floor and lounge seating.
Function flow: Ensure easy access for guests and catering staff.
Add-ons: Don’t forget space for stage and sound hire and additional décor or branding elements.

GL events South Africa provides modular structures that can be configured for any crowd size – from intimate executive events to large corporate celebrations.

3. SETUPS THAT COMBINE COMFORT AND STYLE

The setup is where your marquee comes to life. A well-designed interior transforms a blank structure into an immersive, branded environment. When planning your year-end event, think about:

Flooring: High-quality temporary flooring enhances both safety and style. It’s essential for outdoor events and complements any décor.
Lighting: Creative event lighting adds warmth and atmosphere. Combine ambient lighting for dinner areas, spotlights for speeches, and decorative lighting for aesthetic appeal.
Cooling and airflow: South African summers can be hot, so consider portable cooling systems, misting fans, or partially open marquee sides.
Furniture and décor: Lounge pods, bar counters and branded installations create distinct zones for networking and relaxation.

When infrastructure and design work together, you get a venue that feels inviting and effortlessly functional.

4. WEATHERPROOFING YOUR CELEBRATION

Even the best-planned outdoor event can be challenged by weather. Professional corporate marquee hire services anticipate these variables in the following ways:

Wind-rated clear span marquees ensure safety in windy conditions.
Anchored flooring systems keep surfaces stable and level.
Sidewalls and transparent panels maintain visibility while shielding guests from sun or rain.
Climate control systems help maintain comfort throughout the day or evening.

Partnering with an experienced provider like GL events South Africa guarantees every detail – from permits to structural integrity – is handled with precision.

WHY PLAN YOUR YEAR-END EVENT WITH GL EVENTS SOUTH AFRICA?

As a trusted leader in event infrastructure solutions, GL events South Africa offers far more than marquee rentals. We deliver complete turnkey setups that combine aesthetics, safety and functionality. Our offering includes:

A range of clear span, glass, frame, and stretch marquees for any event style.
Integrated event lighting hire, stage and flooring hire, and premium furniture rental.
Full project management, ensuring every infrastructure installation meets compliance and design standards.

Whether your event is in Johannesburg, Cape Town or Durban, we’ll help you build a world-class environment for your team and guests – tailored to your theme, space, and budget.

PLAN YOUR YEAR-END EVENT TODAY!

Year-end is the busiest season for corporate functions in South Africa. Booking your marquee hire early secures the best sizes, designs and support teams. Let GL events South Africa help you create a memorable year-end event.

Call Us: 011 210 2500
Email: [email protected].