Marquee setup assistance in Exeter
Professional marquee setup assistance services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£60-160
Typical Duration
1-3 hrs
Location
Exeter, Devon
Getting a marquee or gazebo up isn't a one-person job. The fabric is heavy, poles are awkward, and everything needs to go up in the right sequence. We provide experienced extra hands to help you erect marquees, gazebos, and event shelters safely and efficiently.
Whether you're planning a garden wedding, hosting a party, or setting up for an outdoor event, marquees and gazebos are brilliant - until you have to put them up. Even "easy" pop-up gazebos are a two-person minimum job. Larger pole or frame marquees genuinely need three or four people to manage safely.
We've set up everything from small 3x3m pop-up gazebos for BBQs to large frame marquees for weddings. We know the tricks: which poles go where, how to stop fabric snagging, when to peg before extending (and when to extend before pegging), and how to tension everything properly so it doesn't collapse in a breeze.
| Marquee Type | Typical Size | People Needed | Time Estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pop-up gazebo | 3x3m | 2 people | 30-45 mins |
| Frame gazebo | 3x6m | 2-3 people | 1-1.5 hours |
| Pole marquee | 6x12m | 3-4 people | 2-3 hours |
| Frame marquee | 6x12m | 2-3 people | 2-3 hours |
The setup sequence matters enormously. Get it wrong and you're fighting the fabric, bending poles, or wrestling with ropes. We follow the manufacturer's approach but also apply common sense based on the weather conditions on the day.
We can also help with takedown, which is often trickier than setup - especially if it's been up for a few days and the fabric has stretched or the ground has shifted.
Why Choose Us for Marquee setup assistance in Exeter?
Experienced with various marquee types
Additional person power when needed
Proper setup prevents collapse
Flexible hourly assistance
What to Expect
Before we arrive: Read the marquee instructions if you have them. Clear the ground area of sharp objects, toys, and obstacles. If you're pegging into grass, check for underground pipes or cables.
During setup: We'll lay out all the components, identify the poles and connectors, and work through the assembly systematically. For larger marquees, we'll get the frame up first, then tackle the fabric. For pop-ups, it's all about coordinated lifting and locking.
After completion: Your marquee will be fully erected, properly tensioned, and securely pegged or weighted. We'll check all guy ropes are tight and advise on how to adjust tension if the weather changes during your event.
🔧 DIY Tips
Read the instructions: Seriously. Even if you've done it before, different marquees have different quirks. Ten minutes reading saves an hour of mistakes.
Lay everything out: Before you start, identify all poles, connectors, pegs, and fabric sections. Group them logically. This prevents hunting for parts halfway through.
Check the weather: Wind is the enemy of marquee setup. If it's properly gusty, wait for it to calm. Marquee fabric acts like a sail and can pull the frame over.
Peg or weight properly: Insufficient pegging is the main reason marquees collapse. Use all the pegs provided, drive them in at 45 degrees, and tension the guy ropes properly.
When to call us: When you've got a large or complicated marquee, limited people to help, or when the event timing is tight and you can't afford setup problems.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
Tell us what type and size of marquee you're setting up when you book. If you have the product name or link, send it over. This helps us understand the complexity and give you an accurate time estimate.
We don't supply marquees or gazebos - we just help with setup and takedown. If you need to hire one, we can recommend local suppliers.
For very large commercial marquees (the kind used for festivals or big corporate events), you need specialist marquee contractors with specific equipment. We handle garden party and wedding-sized marquees that normal people might realistically put up themselves with help.
Ground conditions matter. Rocky ground, concrete, or decking require weights rather than pegs. Let us know the surface you're setting up on.
If you're doing this the day before an event, allow more time than you think. Rushing marquee setup leads to mistakes, and mistakes lead to takedown and starting again.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does marquee setup assistance cost?
We charge £60 for the first hour, then £50/hour after that. So 2 hours costs £110, 3 hours £160. Most gazebo setups take 1-2 hours. Larger event marquees can take 3-4 hours depending on size and complexity.
Do you set up marquees on your own or just assist?
We can do either. If you've hired a marquee and need help erecting it, we'll work alongside you. If you've bought a marquee and need the whole thing done, we can handle the full setup. Just let us know what you need.
Can you help with marquees for weddings and large events?
Yes, we regularly help with wedding marquees, party gazebos, and event shelters. We're experienced with pole marquees, frame marquees, pop-up gazebos, and traditional garden party tents.
What if the weather is bad on setup day?
Setting up marquees in wind and rain is challenging but often necessary. We'll work safely and advise if conditions make setup dangerous. Sometimes it's better to wait an hour for wind to drop than fight against it.
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01392 964094Request Online QuoteOur Rates
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