We’ve been in the business of creating serious outdoor parties for serious party people for 20 years now.
It’s probably about time we start blowing our own trumpet a little…
Beginning with that most infamous of burrows, The Rabbit Hole Stage (yes Katherine is the OG white rabbit of Glastonbury festival!) where so many party seeds were planted and epic connections were formed, meant we were at the epicentre of the outdoor party and festival scene from the very start.
We make parties for people who make parties.
Yes, since then we’ve been lucky enough to work on some of the most epic outdoor parties for some seriously cool party people over the years.
Superstar DJs, Festival owners, Socialites, Party planners and Wedding industry pros all come to us to help plan their birthdays and celebrations.
After 20 years of building the perfect party environments we think it’s about time we share some of our secrets, starting with our top 5 party marquee layouts and why the way a party is put together makes all the difference to the vibe…
What Makes the Perfect Marquee Party Layout?
When it comes to creating a vibe for a party, there are a few party ‘rules’ – one of which is to put the bar and the dance floor close to each other. Often at a party the boys like to hang at the bar, and the girls want to dance, so keeping everyone in the same area together works to create the best connection between all guests. Then also creating spaces within the marquee layout that allow for cosy areas that people can retreat to, but still keeping eye contact as much as possible allows people to feel they have intimacy options too.
And we don’t create too much space – like a chemical experiment, parties need maximum contact to create the reaction so making sure there’s enough space but not too much is key to maintaining the connection for everyone at a party.
Then of course making it inspiring and interesting to look at is always the key!
1) The Garden Party Extension
This one’s a favourite of Katherine’s – and it’s easy to see why! This layout blurs the line between indoor and outdoor. The marquee opens up onto a designated outdoor space just outside to allow guests to gather, chat and soak up the vibes while still feeling connected to the main event. People naturally gravitate toward the outdoors – especially if the weather’s on your side, guests can enjoy fresh air without missing the buzz inside. They’re still close enough to see what’s happening and no one feels cut off from the action. Use transparent or open-sided marquee panels to enhance the flow.
Building an outdoor space is a total game-changer when you’re planning the ultimate party!
2) The Intimate Club Layout
Picture walking into a room with a glowing LED tree at the centre — pure magic. It sets the vibe straight away: a little bit whimsical, a whole lot cool. But then… boom! A full-on nightclub room, complete with pumping beats, a spinning disco ball, and blackout drapes. It’s like stumbling into a secret rave in the middle of a fairy tale. Guests love the contrast — chill vibes under the twinkly tree, then full send on the dance floor. It’s the kind of setup people talk about for months.
This immersive marquee layout plays with contrast and surprise to create a party experience that’s truly unforgettable. The chill-out zone under the LED tree offers a calming, Instagram-worthy spot for conversations, cocktails, and quiet moments. Meanwhile, the adjacent high-energy dance space gives guests a place to let loose and party all night.
This layout brings the wow factor.
3) The ultimate party playground: Jess Glynne’s Birthday
This marquee layout is basically a party playground. Think: multiple rooms and nooks to explore – a dance zone over here, a chill-out lounge over there, maybe even a secret cocktail nook if you’re feeling fancy. Place a dramatic bar or statement décor piece (like a chandelier or floral installation) at the center of your marquee, and build everything around it. Having multiple spaces gives guests the freedom to move around and find their groove, it keeps the energy flowing. One minute they’re throwing shapes on the dance floor, the next they’re deep in conversation in a fairy-lit snug.
It keeps things fresh, fun, and full of ‘ooh what’s in here?’ moments — and honestly, who doesn’t love that?
4) Souk Style
This one’s a total showstopper.
Inspired by the rich, layered style of a Middle Eastern souk, this marquee layout features a central open-air courtyard as its heart — complete with glowing festoon lights, a firebowl, and an outdoor bar that backs onto the main indoor bar for seamless service. The design offers plenty of seating in alcove-style lounge areas that feel intimate while still accommodating a large crowd. With a spacious dance floor positioned at the back, the layout draws guests naturally through the space — from chill conversation corners to the high-energy zone. It’s a layout that feels immersive, warm, and full of character, with the outdoor courtyard as the focal point of the party.
5) Multi-Zone Marquee Layout
If your goal is to create a highly social, free-flowing party environment, this marquee layout is the one to choose. At the core is a large, circular central bar — the undeniable hub of the event. It acts as a natural gathering point, drawing guests in from every direction. Around this focal point, the marquee unfolds into a series of rooms: think luxe lounge areas. Each zone can be styled uniquely using different linings and drapes to create distinct moods: soft voile for a romantic feel, blackout linings for a club vibe, or bold patterns for something playful. This design encourages movement, interaction, and exploration, making the party feel like an experience rather than a single static event. The layout works beautifully for any events where you want guests to mingle, discover, and stay engaged all night long.
Final Tips for an Unforgettable Marquee Party
Whether you’re aiming for an elegant wedding reception or a high-energy birthday bash, the right marquee layout can completely transform your party. We’ll come back to this in much more detail soon (stay tuned!) But essentially what you’re looking for in a party tent is to create a bubble of intimacy and relaxation, and for many reasons along those lines the best parties are always dimly lit, cosy and sumptuous…
Here are some of of our favourite party interiors for just those reasons below.
ADD BLOCKS FOR 6 OF THE FRAME TENT LININGS: LR, PP, SAFF, BLACK, BOMBAY, ARABIAN
So there you have it, a few of our secrets to get you started this summer party and festival season.
Stay tuned for more in this series soon including the most atmospheric party marquee styles, why furnishings and decor make a difference and how to keep people on the dance floor…
If you’d like to chat through an event you’re planning do get in touch– we have plenty more ideas to share.
Wishing you lots of love and summer sunshine
