Tipi vs Traditional Marquees: Which One Is Better For Your Event?

If you’re planning an outdoor event, the addition of a temporary outdoor structure is a must – especially in the UK!

With the addition of a tipi or a marquee, you can ensure that your guests have somewhere to shelter if it starts to rain, and somewhere warm, where the celebrations can continue in the evening. Plus, these structures provide a great focal point for an event, elevating the aesthetics of the outdoor area, and offering huge scope for extra design features.

As you embark on your event planning, you’ll probably have come across a range of different options that sound similar, but offer different advantages.

If you’re stuck between a tipi and a traditional marquee (or, aren’t exactly sure what differentiates them!) keep reading. Below, we’ve answered all our most common ‘tipis vs marquees’ FAQs.


What are the main differences between tipis and marquees?

Marquees are a large, rectangular style of tent, which are specifically designed for large outdoor events. They are usually made from waterproof plastic fabric, and typically feature fabric walls and windows. To hold them in place, poles, pegs and ropes are used.

Tipis are also a large tent-style structure, but they have a conical shape, are most commonly made from canvas fabric, and are held in place by wooden poles.

Beyond their materials and shapes, the main differences between tipis and marquees are:

  • Lighting – Tipis are darker inside whereas marquees (because of their windows) let in more light. So, tipis need to have good lighting fixed inside.
  • Size – Tipis tend to be smaller, so they are better suited for smaller events. Whereas if you’re planning on hosting a big dinner in the space, a marquee would be a better fit.
  • Style – Tipis create a more intimate feeling, and have a more adventurous feel (thanks to their more traditional design).
  • Location suitability – Depending on the venue location, a tipi may be a better fit with the surrounding landscape, as the natural materials will match the area more seamlessly. However, if your location has a higher risk of wet and windy weather, then a marquee will probably be more practical.
  • Modularity – Tipis can be connected together, to fill the space with a number of modular pods.
  • Temperature – Tipis can be cooler inside on hot days (due to their thicker lining). In comparison, marquees have better resilience to wet weather.
  • Usability – Marquees are ideal for larger events. For example, they offer enough space for a dance floor, allowing people to dance if they want to, plus space for others to sit or stand around.
  • Aesthetic – Marquees offer a more traditional English feel, while tipis provide a chic, rustic and natural charm.

What are the benefits of choosing a tipi?

tipi marquee on a summer day
  • A great fit for smaller events
  • Customisable interiors
  • Can be connected together, in a modular system of individual pods
  • Create a more intimate, cosy vibe
  • Have a more adventurous feel
  • Have a chic, natural aesthetic
  • Blend in seamlessly to natural surroundings
  • Are cooler during hot weather
  • Real fires can be added inside the tipi
  • High wind-resistance
  • Well-ventilated

What are the benefits of choosing a marquee?

  • Perfect for large events, with long guest lists
  • Feature windows, letting in lots of natural light
  • Are typically more affordable to hire than tipis
  • Can be erected on a wide range of different sites (whereas tipis need to be erected on grass)
  • Almost no limits to how they can be decorated. For example, marquees can feature water features, lights, drapes and many more
  • Extremely sturdy and weather-resistant
  • Available in a wide range of different styles and sizes
  • Can be divided into sections, to create different ‘rooms’
  • Can feature a range of flooring options
  • Can be equipped with integrated utilities (such as power and toilets)

Which should you choose?

In summary, if you are planning a large and complex event, then a marquee offers a great, practical solution. With a marquee, you can accommodate much larger numbers of people, and the structure can be customised to feature all the different ‘rooms’ and utilities that you require.

If you’re planning a more intimate or rural affair, then a tipi is a great choice. You can easily accommodate a smaller guest list, and create a fun-filled, adventurous event, with a natural feel that harmonises with your surroundings.

To find out more about tipis, traditional marquees and their differences, or to hire a temporary structure for your upcoming event, Buster Marquees’ talented team is on hand to help.