Wet Weather Contingency Planning Guide
This guide explains how to plan for wet weather when hiring a marquee.
It focuses on practical steps you can take before and during your event to reduce disruption caused by rain and poor ground conditions.
Why wet weather planning matters
Rain can affect access, ground conditions, guest comfort, and the overall flow of an event.
While marquees provide cover, poor preparation can still lead to issues such as water pooling, muddy entrances, or restricted movement.
Having a basic contingency plan helps your event continue smoothly even if the forecast changes.
Choosing the right location
Whenever possible, choose a level area with good natural drainage.
Avoid low points in gardens or fields where water is likely to collect.
Grass should be cut shortly before installation and cleared of debris.
This helps reduce water retention and improves access for installation.
If your event is on a hard surface, let us know at the time of booking so weighted anchoring can be used instead of ground stakes.
See the Hard Surface vs Grass Setup Guide for more detail.
Managing entrances and walkways
Entrances are the most common problem area in wet weather.
Frequent foot traffic can quickly create muddy or slippery conditions outside the marquee.
Practical steps include:
- Positioning entrances away from sloping ground
- Using temporary ground protection or mats where possible
- Keeping one main entrance in use rather than multiple open sides
Inside the marquee, allow clear walkways so guests are not forced to step around furniture.
See the Furniture Layout Guide for Marquees for layout planning.
Sidewalls and enclosure
In wet or windy conditions, sidewalls should remain in place to prevent rain entering the marquee.
Opening or rolling up walls during poor weather can allow water to blow inside and affect the floor area.
Once installed, marquee walls and structure should not be altered for safety reasons.
Heating and condensation control
Wet weather is often accompanied by cooler temperatures.
Using Marquee Heating helps maintain a comfortable temperature and can reduce condensation inside the marquee.
Heaters must be kept clear of furniture and walkways.
Power requirements should be checked in advance. Refer to the Guide to Power and Electrics for Marquees for guidance.
Adjusting your event layout
If wet weather is expected, consider moving more activities inside the marquee.
This may mean allowing extra space for standing guests or reducing outdoor seating.
In some cases, choosing a slightly larger marquee provides flexibility if plans need to change at short notice.
The Marquee Size Guide can help with this decision.
Monitoring the forecast
Check the weather forecast regularly in the days leading up to your event.
If conditions change significantly, contact us as early as possible so any practical adjustments can be discussed.
In cases of extreme weather, installation may not be possible for safety reasons.
This is always assessed using wind and weather management procedures.
Summary checklist
- Choose a level site with good drainage
- Prepare grass and access routes in advance
- Keep entrances controlled and protected
- Use sidewalls during wet conditions
- Plan heating and power requirements
- Allow flexibility in your layout
Further planning help
For related guidance, return to the Guides page.
If you need advice specific to your event, contact us via the Contact page with your event details.