Size guide
Marquee Size Guide: How Much Space Do You Actually Need?
Buying too small ruins the day. Buying too big wastes money. This guide gives you the practical numbers so you can choose the right marquee the first time.
Quick answer: what size marquee for 100 guests?
- Standing or cocktail: about 60m². One 12x6m marquee (72m²) fits up to 120 standing.
- Seated in rows for a ceremony: about 90m². The 12x7m marquee (84m²) seats up to 95 in rows; for the full 100, add a 6x3m alongside.
- Seated at dining tables: about 150m², more than any single marquee we sell, so join two: a 12x7m plus a 12x6m gives 156m² and seats up to 104 at dining tables.
- Dance floor, bar or buffet: add about 25 percent more space.
The simple rule
Allow approximately 0.6 square metres per person standing, 0.9 square metres per person seated in rows, and 1.5 square metres per person seated at dining tables. Add about 25 percent if you want space for a dance floor, bar, buffet or DJ.
Marquee size by guest count
| Marquee | Floor area | Standing guests | Seated rows | Seated dining |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3x3m marquee | 9m² | Up to 10 | Up to 8 | Up to 8 |
| 6x3m marquee | 18m² | Up to 30 | Up to 20 | Up to 12 |
| 9x3m marquee | 27m² | Up to 45 | Up to 30 | Up to 18 |
| 8x4m marquee | 32m² | Up to 50 | Up to 35 | Up to 20 |
| 6x6m marquee | 36m² | Up to 60 | Up to 40 | Up to 24 |
| 10x5m wedding marquee | 50m² | Up to 80 | Up to 55 | Up to 33 |
| 12x6m grand marquee | 72m² | Up to 120 | Up to 80 | Up to 48 |
| 12x7m grand marquee | 84m² | Up to 140 | Up to 95 | Up to 56 |
These figures assume a clear floor apart from the chairs or tables needed for that layout. Reduce the guest count by 20 to 30 percent, or add another marquee, when you include a bar, buffet, DJ setup or dance floor.
Want the answer for your own guest list?
Enter your numbers and see the size that fits, drawn to scale.
How much space do I need for 60 guests?
For 60 guests standing, allow about 36 square metres. The 6x6m marquee covers 36m² and suits that standing layout. For 60 guests at dining tables, allow about 90m², more than the largest single marquee (the 12x7m at 84m²), so plan a two-marquee layout.
How much space do I need for 100 guests?
For 100 guests standing or mingling, allow about 60 square metres. The 12x6m grand marquee provides 72m² and suits up to about 120 standing, so a 100-person crowd fits under a single marquee. For 100 seated diners, allow about 150m² once tables, chairs and circulation are included. That needs two marquees: a 12x7m plus a 12x6m gives 156m² and seats up to 104 at dining tables. Confirm the final floor plan before ordering.
What size marquee do I need for a garden wedding?
Choose the marquee by both guest count and layout. The 9x3m marquee suits up to 30 in seated rows or 18 at dining tables. The 10x5m wedding marquee suits up to 55 in seated rows, about 33 dining or about 80 standing. The 10x5m has an aluminium frame and full window walls. The 6x6m marquee covers 36m² with walls included and suits about 24 at dining tables.
For a full wedding with 80 guests at dining tables, allow about 120m²: the 12x7m (up to 56 dining) plus the 6x6m (up to 24 dining) covers 120m². For 80 seated in rows for the ceremony, one 12x6m takes up to 80. Add another 25 percent of floor space for a dance floor, bar or buffet.
Can I set up a marquee on uneven backyard ground?
Marquees need reasonably level ground so the frame can sit square and be anchored safely. Minor variations can sometimes be managed during layout and anchoring, but do not force the frame or prop legs on loose blocks. For a significant slope, level the area or use a properly designed platform and follow the product instructions. Standard setup needs at least two people and no special tools.
Where to buy a marquee in Australia
Brisbane Marquee Sales sells marquees for customers to own and reuse. Prices start at $199, delivery is free to most of Australia, and orders are dispatched in approximately 2 business days (the 6x6m, 8x4m, 12x6m and 12x7m are pre-orders, shipping end of November 2026). Compare every marquee size or use the marquee size calculator for a quick recommendation.
