I am sure you have seen the incredible images of marquee weddings all over Pinterest. We don’t blame you for falling in love with the idea. Marquees not only look beautiful, but they give you so much flexibility when it comes to creating the wedding of your dreams. It is important to keep in mind that planning a marquee wedding is very different to planning a wedding at a standard venue, and it comes with its own set of complexities that need to be taken into consideration. From costs, equipment, furniture and finding the right location, there is a lot more to think about!
If you are thinking about or in the process of planning a marquee wedding, then you have come to the right place! Keep on reading for some guidance, tips and inspiration to prepare you for the marquee wedding of your dreams.
FINDING THE PERFECT WEDDING VENUE
The first step to planning a marquee wedding is finding the perfect venue. The great thing about a marquee wedding is there is heaps of flexibility when it comes to venue options. Some venues already have a fixed marquee on site, while others have spaces perfect for hiring a marquee. You might even want to throw a garden wedding in your family home. Whatever you decide, here are a few things to keep in mind:
Accessibility
Your venue needs to be accessible not only to guests, but to suppliers who will be bumping in and out everything for your wedding. Make sure that there is ample parking that isn’t too far from where your marquee is being set up, and that it isn’t too difficult to access.
Terrain
You want to make sure the ground you put your marquee on is flat. Your marquee company will most likely do a site inspection or request photos of the area to confirm that the space you have chosen is safe for marquee installation.
TYPES OF MARQUEES
STYLES
Marquees can come in a range of different shapes and styles. We have listed some of the most common (and our favourite) styles of marquees below!
Clear or White Pavilion
Pavilion marquees are one of the most popular style of marquees, and for good reason. White marquees are perfect for midday summer wedding as they will reflect the heat. Clear marquees are absolutely beautiful and give off a glasshouse vibe for a contemporary look! Who doesn’t love to dine under the stars?!
Silk lined
Silk lined marquees offer a luxurious feel that is perfect for any event! Add fairy lights, festoon or feature lighting to your draping for an extra romantic style.
Teepee
If you are a boho bride after more of a festival vibe, then the teepee is a perfect style of marquee for you! They can be either open air or closed walled and create an incredible atmosphere. The thicker canvas can also provide protection from the sun on those hot summer days!
SIZE
Whatever style you choose, it is important to choose the right size! There are a lot of things to take into consideration here. How many people are you inviting? Are you planning a sit down or cocktail style reception? Is there room for a dance floor and a bar? If the weather goes sour, is there enough space to host pre-reception drinks in the marquee? These things are important to discuss with your wedding planner or marquee company so that you can ensure the perfect sized marquee is hired.
WEIGHTED OR PEGGED
It is also important to know if the marquee can be pegged into the ground or if it will need to be weighted! Many public venues require marquees to be weighted, however if pegged marquees are allowed, your marquee supplier will need to know if there are any underground services like power and water located on the site.
FLOORING
Flooring is not a requirement when hiring a marquee and it can be more cost effective to go without, however there are several pros to deciding to hire flooring for your event:
- If it rains, it will save you from having a very muddy and wet wedding!
- It prevents damage to the grass
- It provides more warmth on those cold winter nights
- It elevates the space and looks beautiful
RIGGING
We love a beautiful ceiling floral arrangement or chandelier, but make sure you talk to your marquee supplier to ensure the marquee has the appropriate rigging in place.
ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS
Hiring a marquee is just one piece of the puzzle! Depending on your requirements, you may need to consider the following:
- Toilets
- Generators
- Lighting
- Cool rooms
- Heaters or fans
- Kitchen equipment
- Staging
- Insurance
HIRE A WEDDING STYLIST OR COORDINATOR
Marquee weddings require a lot more planning and time than a wedding at an established venue, so hiring a wedding planner can be a great investment to help you save time, stress and effort. If you decide not to hire a wedding planner, we highly recommend hiring an On The Day Coordinator. Some venues will provide this service in their package however, if you are hosting a wedding on a private property you may need to hire one yourself. A coordinator will be on site to oversee the set up, coordinate timings and ensure the day runs smoothly. It is definitely one of the best investments you can make for your wedding day to ensure that you can sit back, relax and enjoy your day!
Although marquee weddings require a bit more thought, effort and planning, they are well worth it! If you need any assistance in planning your special day, our team would be more than happy to help! Contact us below to get started!
