Marquee tents are the perfect solution for people to get together. Whether it is to hold a church service, a wedding to remember, hosting a fundraiser, or orginasing a corporate event, the right tent and seating arrangement can help you make the best use of the space available and in doing so, add charm and glamour to your event. Here are a few pointers:

CHURCH SEATING

While there are various seating arrangements, the ideal is always to keep the congregants as close as possible to the stage / pulpit area to create a positive experience for those attending.

The traditional church seating layout is an arrangement of straight rows of chairs facing the stage / pulpit area. There is typically at least one aisle down the middle, or two that divide the seating block into three sections. However, if the stage is round, you can choose to arch your seating blocks in tandem with the curve of the stage. You can also allow aisles on the sides if space allow it for easy flow. The church seating layout is really flexible, especially if you use individual chairs. The aisles require at least 85cm for wheelchair access and safety. Keep and even number of seats in each row. Most churchgoers travel in groups of two or four, so using this technique will minimize the changes of people getting split up from their companions.

When deciding on the size of the marquee tent for the church, you need to consider a few things:

  • The amount of people you want to accommodate in the marquee tent
  • The size of the stage / pulpit area (including the area for the band, communion table, baptism, etc.)
  • The number of aisles you require
  • Information desk and refreshment area

Allocate enough space for each area. To calculate the seating area you can work on 0.5m2 to 0.7m2 per person seated on a chair. Remember to add the area for the aisles and some space in front of the stage / pulpit area. It is important to allow easy flow that will make it a positive experience for everyone.

BANQUET SEATING

For banquet seating, round or rectangular tables are used, evenly spread throughout the space allocated and usually seat between 8-10 people per table.

When deciding on the size of your tent for a wedding reception or any kind of event where guests are seated around tables, there are a few things to keep in mind:

  • Number of guests that will attend
  • Type of tables used (round or rectangular)
  • Buffet table
  • Dance floor and DJ
  • Bar or beverage station
  • Sweets and gift table
  • Head table for the bride and groom
  • Décor

The number of guests is the first factor to consider. Having a large number will require more seats and you will have to go to an arrangement that allows free movement inside the tent. You will need 1.2m2 per person for rectangular tables and 1.5m2 – 2m2 per person for round tables. Chairs should never be set directly under the table. Always allow a minimum of 60cm for an aisle between chairs when setting several tables in an area. Setting tables approximately 137cm – 150cm from each other will give enough aisle space.

Calculate the space you need for the guests and then add the surface area for the buffet table, dance floor and others. Ensure there is enough room for guests to move around comfortably without overcrowding when queuing for food and beverages. A small frame tent can be erected directly next to the tent to form part of the area to serve as a buffet or bar. This will save some space of the main tent.

Various arrangements of the tables are possible, but to maximize the space you can use the diamond pattern. Round tables arranged in a diamond pattern usually permit one more row of tables instead of nine when set in a rectangular pattern. You can also use round and rectangular tables together to make an interesting seating arrangement and accommodate more people.

WE CAN SUPPORT YOU TO MAKE YOUR NEXT EVENT A MEMORABLE ONE BY HELPING YOU TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT TENT FOR YOUR NEEDS