NMWE:
How did you become a part of this industry?
Marshalls:
In the fall of 1984, Richard Marshall, alongside his wife, Gail Marshall, and brother, Timothy Marshall, began pitching tents and renting tables and chairs.
Nearly 35 years later, Marshall Tent and Event Rental is one of New England’s largest and leading event rental companies. For a few seasons, the small Marshall-family team cleaned, installed, and dismantled every single tent themselves, as well as built their own tables and dance floors.
“Grammy” Marshall began the linen department in the laundry room of her Portsmouth, NH home washing, ironing, folding and labeling all of the tablecloths and napkins herself. The china, glassware, and flatware were also hand-washed and wrapped in the late evenings at their private home as well. They started with traditional pole tents and were one of the first tent companies in New England to introduce the Frame Tent in response to a custom design need for events in the Boston Harbor and Boston City Hall Plaza.
As Marshall Tent and Event Rental continued to grow in the early 90’s, two more locations were opened – a showroom in Portsmouth, NH, and an office and warehouse in York, ME. At this time, they also expanded their tent installation and operations team (six of which are still with the company today including General Manager, Christopher Housley, and Lead Foreman Sean Ready) and introduced a full-service event rental catalog that offered tables, chairs, china, glassware, flatware, tablecloths, dance floors, staging, barware and serviceware, catering and cooking equipment, along with various party equipment.
NMWE:
What sets you apart? / What is your most valued feature about your business?
Marshalls:
The expertise and the experience we provide. We were one of the first tent and event rental companies in the seacoast area, pitching out first tent in the fall of 1984. We have seen it ALL. Our team of management and head foreman’s have been with us for 20+ years so the knowledge we have in helping customers select the best tent for their wedding site that is both logistically and aesthetically pleasing takes a lot of expertise. We pride ourselves in not only providing the best tent for your event location, but a quality product you will be proud of. Alongside our expertise with tents, we also provide a wonderful interactive planning experience. Our 6,000 sq ft. showroom is there for the client. To play with tablecloths, china settings – we love playing with tablescapes to help our clients visualize their event in every aspect.
NMWE:
What keeps you passionate and motivated?
Marshalls:
Since day one we have been passionate about providing beautiful tents for all types of events. We pride ourselves on quality products and service. After an event, or even just an install – we oftentimes get a call from the client overwhelmed with how clean and crisp the tent looks, the mint condition of the tablecloths and tabletop items, as well as the professionalism of our staff. This keep us going year after year. Our trucks, our guys in uniforms, our efficient checks + balances – are all so our clients feel like they are not only getting quality items but a service unlike any other.
NMWE:
What are your desired types of couples?
Marshalls:
We are lucky enough to deal with a wide variety of couples – some having a small backyard celebration, to others having a large + traditional weekend event. We love any couples who know what they want but open to our advice on how to have a beautiful event with all of their other vendor’s need in consideration. Our desired couple are those who want a beautifully design event, but also understand that the importance of their special day goes beyond glassware and flatware selections.
NMWE:
Do you have a past favorite wedding? If yes, why is it your favorite?
Marshalls:
We try not to pick favorites – there are simply too many a year to choose from! Our favorite weddings are those of people who truly appreciate the day and embrace the moment. We love when we get photographs back and see the bride having the time of her life or the groom singing with the band. We rarely get to be there the day-of and don’t always get to see everything come together, so when a client or photographer shares snaps with us – we can’t help but spotlight the ones where you can really feel the love.
NMWE:
What is your best piece of advice or tip for couples planning a wedding?
Marshalls: Sit down and write three things that are MOST important to you as a couple. Is it the food? The music? The florals? You need to decide on the priorities first so you stay on track. There are a LOT of decisions to make, and it’s so easy to rethink things or change your mind. Everything should be an expression of who you are a couple, where you came from, how you met, and who you are together. Do not worry about what others will think, or if it’s not Pinterest quality. Trends will come and go, but decisions based off who you are and sharing that with your guests will never be a trending look.
