What is a Marquee Wedding?
Now, I absolutely love a marquee wedding. I love the freedom of them, they just “hit differently.” One of the biggest pros of having a marquee wedding is you can essentially design your own wedding venue.
It can be truly unique, just like yourselves.
Marquees & Tipis come in various shapes and sizes, allowing you to choose the perfect one to suit your wedding theme and guest list. Let’s explore some of the key advantages of having a marquee wedding. Though this article will focus on marquees, most of the points do also apply to Tipis, or other non-permanent structures you can choose for your wedding.
Versatility and Personalisation
One of the main benefits of a marquee wedding is the flexibility and personalisation it offers. Unlike traditional wedding venues, marquees provide a blank canvas that allows you to bring your vision to life. From the shape and size of the marquee to the interior design and décor, you have complete control over creating a unique and personalised space that reflects your style and taste. Whether you envision an elegant and formal affair or a whimsical and rustic celebration, a marquee can be transformed to match your desired aesthetic.
Outdoor Setting and Natural Beauty
Marquee weddings are held outdoors, allowing you to take advantage of the natural beauty of the surroundings. Whether you choose to set up the marquee in a garden, or in a picturesque countryside setting, the outdoor atmosphere adds a touch of romance and charm to your special day. Outdoor weddings also provide the opportunity for stunning photo backdrops and create a relaxed and intimate ambiance for your guests to enjoy. And as an added bonus, if you hire a celebrant, you can hold your ceremony in that location too! I’m a big fan of having everything in one place, it’s so much less stressful for everyone
Cost-Effectiveness
Another advantage of opting for a marquee wedding is it’s cost-effectiveness. Marquees can be a more affordable option compared to traditional wedding venues. Particularly if you already have the space such as a family farm. With a marquee, you have the flexibility to choose a location that fits your budget, whether it’s a private property or a public space (with the necessary permissions of course – unfortunately you can’t just plonk a marquee anywhere!). Additionally, marquee weddings often allow you to bring in your own caterers, which can be a cost-saving measure compared to venues that have exclusive catering arrangements.
Accommodating Larger Guest Lists
If you have a large guest list, a marquee wedding can be an ideal choice. Marquees provide ample space to accommodate a larger number of guests compared to some indoor venues with occupancy limits. You can choose the size and layout of the marquee to ensure that there is enough room for your guests to move around comfortably. Whether you envision a grand celebration or an intimate gathering, a marquee can be tailored to suit your guest list requirements.
Factors to Consider
While marquee weddings offer numerous advantages, there are also important factors to consider before deciding if it is the right choice for your wedding. Let’s explore these considerations in more detail. Do not put these to the back of your mind! If you are going to have a marquee or tipi wedding you really must be be prepared and consider every possibility. Marquee and tipi weddings are simply sumptuous. However, if they are not done properly they have the potential to turn into a nightmare. Trust me! Whilst I have been lucky enough that all the marquee and tipi weddings I have photographed have been absolutely fantastic, I have worked at a few nightmares in a previous job.
Location and Space
When planning a marquee wedding, the first consideration is finding a suitable location that can accommodate a marquee tent. Whether it’s a private property or a public space, you need to ensure that the ground is suitable for setting up the marquee. The location should have enough space to accommodate the size of the marquee you desire, as well as additional areas for parking, catering, and other amenities.
Weather Considerations
One of the potential challenges of a marquee wedding is the dependent on weather conditions. While marquees are designed to withstand various weather conditions, it’s essential to consider the season and potential weather fluctuations during your wedding day. Marquee weddings are more popular during the warmer months when the weather is generally favourable for outdoor events. However, it’s important to have a contingency plan in case of inclement weather, such as having sides or walls for the marquee or an alternative indoor space nearby. And for Pete’s sake (who even is Pete anyway), please have in place plans for lots and lots of mud! Make sure you have proper walkways installed from the marquee to toilets and parking. Rain, and therefore mud, has to be the top problem of an outdoor-based wedding. Proper flooring on the base of your structure is an absolute must.
Logistics and Planning
Planning a marquee wedding requires careful consideration of logistics and additional arrangements. Unlike traditional venues that may provide certain amenities and services, marquee weddings require you to organise various elements, such as power supply, lighting, heating or cooling options, restroom facilities, and furniture rentals. You will need to coordinate with vendors and suppliers to ensure that everything is set up and ready for your wedding day. Additionally, you may need to obtain necessary permits or permissions depending on the location and local regulations. Heating should be a priority, even in summer months. If you’re out in the open it is surprising how cold people can get. Nothing puts a dampener on a celebration faster than shivering guests who just want to go anywhere else to get warm. Flat ground is also important so choose your location wisely. Use a hard floor where you can. Make sure you have adequate car parking, and not in a place where vehicles will get stuck if there is heavy rain.
Your suppliers will also need to have adequate access to the marquee or tipi, particularly those who will have equipment to carry in such as the band, DJ, caterers and event stylists. I have worked at marquee weddings as a photo booth attendant where I have not been able to get my vehicle anywhere near the venue and I can tell you that the result of this is tired, sore, often wet, and miserable vendor! You do also have to consider their health. Expecting someone to carry heavy equipment half a mile up a hill through soggy grass is not going to be any good for them. Please be kind to them!
It’s surprising that I have to point this out but adequate power is very important! Again, unfortunately I am speaking form experience!
Cost Considerations
When budgeting for a marquee wedding, it’s important to take into account various cost factors. Whilst marquee weddings can offer cost savings in some areas, there are still expenses to consider. Let’s explore the main cost considerations for a marquee wedding.
Marquee Rental Costs
The cost of renting a marquee can vary depending on factors such as the size, style, and duration of the rental. Marquee rental companies typically offer different package options, so it’s important to discuss your specific requirements and budget with them. The rental cost may include the installation and dismantling of the marquee, as well as basic furnishings such as flooring, walls, and lighting. Make sure you know exactly what you want before you go into obtaining quotes and don’t be afraid to ask what your hire will and won’t include. You don’t want to run into any hidden costs later. Any reputable company should happily explain what is and isn’t included.
Additional Expenses
In addition to the marquee rental, there are other expenses to consider when planning a marquee wedding. These may include furniture and decor rentals, catering services, entertainment, floral arrangements, heating, power, toilet hire and any necessary permits or licenses. It’s essential to create a comprehensive budget and allocate funds for each aspect of your wedding to ensure that you stay within your overall budget. You may also need to factor in hiring waiting staff depending on what format your wedding will be taking (though a lot of catering companies will provide staff). Another expense I would recommend would be a wedding planner and coordinator. I’ll re-visit this later in the article. Don’t forget to consider anything outside of the structure itself. Such as walkways, and lighting (no one wants to go out to pee in the dark!).
Also…buy a shed loads of umbrellas…
Creating Your Dream Marquee Wedding
Now that you have a better understanding of the advantages, considerations, and costs associated with marquee weddings, let’s delve into the creative process of bringing your dream marquee wedding to life.
Design and Decoration
One of the most exciting aspects of a marquee wedding is the opportunity to design and decorate a unique space that reflects your personal style and vision. Whether you prefer an elegant and sophisticated look or a bohemian and whimsical atmosphere, the possibilities are endless. Start by determining a theme or colour scheme that resonates with you and your partner. Consider incorporating elements such as drapes, lighting fixtures, floral arrangements, and personalised signage to create a cohesive and enchanting ambiance. Don’t forget to utilise the natural surroundings and incorporate outdoor elements for a seamless integration of the marquee into its environment.
Vendor Selection
Choosing the right vendors for your marquee wedding is crucial to ensure a smooth and successful event. When selecting vendors, consider their experience with marquee weddings and their ability to adapt to different outdoor settings. Look for caterers who have experience in outdoor catering and can provide a diverse menu tailored to your preferences. Photographers who are skilled in capturing outdoor weddings can beautifully document your special day. As it happens, I know a photographer who just adores outdoorsy Weddings!
It’s also important to hire a reliable marquee rental company that offers quality equipment and excellent customer service. Remember to check reviews!
Catering Options
With a marquee wedding, you have the freedom to choose your own caterer, which can be a significant advantage. Consider the type of dining experience you want to offer your guests, whether it’s a formal sit-down dinner, a buffet-style feast, or a more relaxed food station setup. Discuss your culinary preferences and dietary requirements with potential caterers to ensure that they can accommodate your needs. Additionally, consider the logistics of food preparation and service in an outdoor setting, including the provision of kitchen facilities and appropriate storage for perishable items. Catering companies will be able to tell you exactly what they need from you to be able to provide their service. Do also check whether they can provide waiting staff so you know whether you would need to source some yourself.
Tips for a Smooth Marquee Wedding
To ensure a seamless and enjoyable marquee wedding, here are some valuable tips to keep in mind during the planning and execution of your special day.
Site Visit and Preparation
Before the wedding day, it’s essential to visit the marquee site with your vendors to assess the space and plan the layout. Take measurements and consider factors such as the placement of tables, dance floor, catering area, and restrooms. Discuss any specific requirements or logistical considerations with your vendors to ensure that they are well-prepared for the setup and execution of their services. Proper site preparation will contribute to a smooth and efficient wedding day.
Power and Lighting
Ensure that you have sufficient power supply for your marquee wedding, especially if you plan to have lighting, sound equipment, and other electrical needs. Consult with your marquee rental company or an electrician to assess the power requirements and make necessary arrangements. Consider incorporating ambient lighting options such as fairy lights, lanterns, and chandeliers to create a magical and romantic atmosphere within the marquee. Lighting is also important for safety, don’t forget that. Walkways to car parks and toilets should be well lit.
I mentioned earlier that having adequate power was important, well let me tell you a little story. I once worked in a tipi with the photo booth. It was on a large estate that had some holiday type properties on the grounds away from the main building itself. The tipi was constructed next to one of these holiday properties and they were running a single power line extension from a socket in the house to the tipi. Well it was an absolute disaster, let’s put it that way!
Weather Contingency Plan
Whilst marquee weddings offer the advantage of outdoor settings, it’s crucial to have a contingency plan in case of unfavourable weather conditions, we are in the UK you absolutely cannot guarantee the weather! Consider renting sidewalls or walls with windows that can be installed if needed. Having a backup indoor space nearby or the option to quickly assemble additional marquees can provide peace of mind in case of rain or extreme weather if that is possible in your chosen location. Communicate the contingency plan to your vendors and guests to ensure a smooth transition if weather conditions necessitate a change of plans.
Inspiration for Marquee Weddings
Themes and Styles
Marquee weddings offer endless possibilities when it comes to themes and styles. Explore different themes such as rustic, vintage, bohemian, garden, or even glamorous black-tie affairs. Incorporate elements like drapes, floral arrangements, table settings, and props to bring your chosen theme to life. Use Pinterest, wedding magazines, and online inspiration boards to gather ideas and create a mood board that reflects your vision.
Layout and Floor Plan Ideas
When designing the layout and floor plan for your marquee wedding, consider the flow of the event and the comfort of your guests. Create distinct areas for the ceremony, reception, dining, and dancing. Utilise different sections of the marquee to create cosy lounge areas, dessert stations, or photo booths. Incorporate outdoor spaces for cocktail hour or additional seating areas
Finally
I mentioned earlier about a wedding planner. They can be extremely valuable to have on the day of your wedding where there is not any permanent venue staff in place. You absolutely need someone to direct your day and keep everything on track. With weddings, things need to run on quite a tight timeline. If you do not have someone directing your day it can become a bit hectic. You also want to be able to relax on your big day. If hiring a wedding planner is not an option for you, make sure you have a friend who can take on this role. Do not do it yourself you’ll find it extremely stressful. Be sure to choose someone who is not afraid to give out orders, is organised and would absolutely stick to your timeline.
Happy planning!