The One Thing Most Outdoor Events Forget to Plan For (Hint: It’s Not the Weather)
When planning an outdoor event, most people obsess over one thing: the weather.
Will it rain?
Will it be too hot?
What if it’s windy?
And while weather is important (and easily managed with the right marquee), it’s actually not the thing that catches most organisers out.
What is the real thing that many outdoor events forget to plan for?
⚡ Power.
Yes — electricity.
It’s not glamorous. It’s not decorative. But it is essential.
At Zest Marquees, we’ve seen beautifully styled events nearly grind to a halt because power wasn’t properly considered. Here’s why it matters — and how to get it right.
Why Power Is So Often Overlooked
When you visit a hotel or indoor venue, power is built in. Plug sockets are everywhere. Heating is automatic. Lighting works.
Outdoors? You’re starting from scratch.
There’s no built-in infrastructure — and that’s where careful planning becomes essential.
What Actually Needs Power?
More than most people realise.
💡 Lighting
Fairy lights, chandeliers, uplighters, exterior lighting, bar lighting — all require power. And not just a single extension lead from the house.
🎶 Sound & Entertainment
Bands, DJs, speakers, microphones, AV equipment — these need reliable power to avoid embarrassing cut-outs mid-speech or mid-dancefloor moment.
🍽 Catering Equipment
Ovens, hot plates, refrigeration units, coffee machines — catering teams often have specific power requirements that must be planned.
🔥 Heating or Cooling
Winter marquee? Heaters need power.
Hot summer event? Fans or ventilation systems may require a supply of air.
🚽 Luxury Toilets
Even portable toilets often require electricity for lighting and flushing systems.
What Happens If You Don’t Plan It Properly?
- Overloaded circuits
- Power trips during key moments
- Unsafe cabling
- Equipment failures
- Stressed organisers
None of which you want on event day.
How to Get It Right
✅ Assess Requirements Early
List everything that needs power — even the “small” things.
✅ Talk to Suppliers
Caterers, DJs, and lighting teams — ask for their electrical requirements in advance.
✅ Consider Distribution
It’s not just about having power — it’s about safely distributing it throughout the marquee.
✅ Work with Professionals
An experienced marquee provider will guide you through power planning as part of the setup discussion — not as an afterthought.
The Good News? It’s Easily Managed
The beauty of hiring from Zest Marquees is that we’ve done this hundreds of times.
We help you think beyond the obvious and plan the practical details that keep everything running smoothly. From layout planning to supplier coordination, we ensure your event runs as beautifully behind the scenes as it looks on the surface.
Final Thought
Weather is unpredictable — but manageable.
Power is invisible — until it isn’t.
When planning your outdoor event, don’t let the most important detail be the one you forget.
📞 Get in touch with our team today to discuss your plans.
🌐 Visit: www.zestmarquees.co.uk
A little planning now can save a lot of stress later — and we’re here to help every step of the way.
Our team is ready to discuss your requirements today. Call 07533 023225 or email sales@zestmarquees.co.uk
