The Ultimate Guide to Hosting a Stunning Marquee Wedding for Your Special Day

Are you planning your dream wedding? Look no further than the classic marquee wedding. Marquees for weddings offer a unique and stylish way to celebrate your special day. From the initial planning stages to the actual event, a marquee wedding offers couples a range of benefits that other types of weddings may not.

What is a marquee?

A marquee is a large tent-like structure, usually made with PVC or Polyethylene covers (also known as PE), that is used for outdoor events. It is usually a temporary structure, used for a specific duration of time. Marquees are commonly used for weddings, corporate events, parties, and other types of gatherings.

The main benefit of a marquee is that it provides a large space for people to gather in. This makes it ideal for larger weddings, as the size of the marquee can be adjusted to accommodate the number of guests. Marquees also provide a great blank canvas for couples to customise their wedding with decorations and furniture to suit their individual style.

Benefits of marquee weddings

There are many benefits to hosting a marquee wedding. Here are a few of the most common:

• Flexibility: Marquees give couples the flexibility to host their wedding anywhere. Whether it’s a private garden, a beach, or a picturesque mountain top, the sky is the limit when it comes to choosing the perfect venue for your wedding!

• Cost: Marquees are often more cost-effective than hiring a traditional venue, especially if you are able to set it up on private land. 

• Customisation: With a marquee wedding, you have the freedom to customise the space to your exact specifications. From the furniture and decor to the music and catering, you have complete control over the look and feel of your wedding.

• Weather-proof: One of the most common worries couples have when planning an outdoor wedding is the weather. With a marquee, you can be sure that your guests will be protected from the elements, no matter what the weather throws at you.

  
  

Marquee wedding ideas

When it comes to planning a marquee wedding, the possibilities are endless. Here are a few ideas to get you inspired:

• Boho chic: Create a relaxed, boho-style atmosphere with lots of greenery and natural elements. Hang fairy lights from the ceiling, add potted plants, and lay out lots of cushions and rugs.

• Vintage glam: Add a touch of vintage glamour to your marquee wedding with a classic white and gold colour scheme. Think chandeliers, white furniture, and lots of glittery accessories.

• Festival vibe: Let your guests know they’re in for a good time with a fun festival-inspired marquee wedding. Hang up flags, add a candy bar and inflatable furniture, and get ready to party!

• Rustic romance: Create a romantic atmosphere with a rustic theme. Use wooden furniture, burlap fabrics, and lots of candles and lanterns to set the mood.

  
  

How to choose a marquee wedding venue

Once you’ve decided on the style and theme for your marquee wedding, it’s time to start looking for the perfect venue. Here are a few things to consider:

• The size of the marquee: Make sure the marquee you choose is large enough to accommodate all your guests and the furniture and decorations you plan to use.

• The location: Consider the location of your marquee wedding carefully. If you’re expecting a lot of guests, you’ll need to choose a venue that is easily accessible and has plenty of parking.

• The facilities: Make sure the venue has all the necessary facilities, such as toilets and electricity, to ensure your guests have a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

• The weather: Consider the weather when choosing a marquee wedding venue. If you’re expecting rain, your marquee provides a covered area so your guests can stay dry. Even if there's a light breeze expected, it is vital that the tent is anchored with straps and pegs. You can find a guide to using marquees in adverse weather conditions here.

Tips for making your marquee wedding unique

Marquee weddings can be just as unique and special as any other wedding. Here are a few tips for making your marquee wedding stand out from the crowd:

• Personalise it: Add a personal touch to your marquee wedding with custom signage, photo displays, and other personalised decorations.

• Get creative: Don’t be afraid to get creative with your decorations and furniture. Think outside the box and use unexpected items to create a unique atmosphere.

• Think outside the marquee: Don’t limit yourself to just the marquee. If you’re having an outdoor wedding, you can use the surrounding area to create a stunning backdrop for your wedding photos.

• Make it memorable: Make your marquee wedding truly memorable by adding interactive elements. Set up a photo booth, a food truck, or a popcorn machine to keep your guests entertained.

Essential items for a marquee wedding

When planning a marquee wedding, there are some essential items you’ll need to make sure your event goes smoothly. Here are a few must-haves:

• Furniture: Make sure you have plenty of furniture for your guests to sit on. Chairs, tables, and couches are all great options for seating.

• Lighting: Lighting is essential for creating the right atmosphere. Hang fairy lights from the ceiling, add candles and lanterns, and make sure to provide enough light for your guests to comfortably move around.

• Marquee Lining: Add an elegant touch to the roof and walls by adding luxurious satin linings, which can not only provide glamorous aesthetics, but they can help to make the space feel more comfortable and closer in.

• Heating: If you’re hosting a marquee wedding in the winter, you’ll need to provide heating. Add a few space heaters to keep your guests warm and cosy.

• Power: Make sure you have enough power to run all the lights and heating in your marquee. If it’s not your own land you’ll be on, talk to the property-owner to find out what powering options they provide.

Marquee wedding decoration ideas

Decorating your marquee wedding can be a lot of fun. Here are some ideas that will help you create the perfect atmosphere:

• Floral displays: Create a romantic atmosphere with lots of beautiful flowers. Hang flower garlands from the ceiling, line the walls with potted plants, and add a few flower displays to the tables.

• String lights: String lights are a great way to add a touch of sparkle to your marquee wedding. Hang them from the ceiling or wrap them around the poles for a beautiful effect.

• Balloons: Balloons are an inexpensive way to add a fun, festive vibe to your marquee wedding. Hang them from the ceiling, stick them to the walls, or tie them to the furniture for a unique look.

• Paper lanterns: Paper lanterns are a great way to add a romantic touch to your marquee wedding. Hang them from the ceiling, line the walls with them, or add them to the tables for an extra-special effect.

How to plan a marquee wedding on a budget

Planning a marquee wedding on a budget can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. Here are a few tips to help you save money:

• Shop around: Don’t rush into booking a marquee hire company. A Gala Tent Marquee is often actually much cheaper than hiring one for just a few days. After that, you have a ready-made party location for as often as you like. 

• DIY decorations: Get creative and make your own decorations. This can be a great way to personalise your wedding and save money.

• Ask for help: Ask family and friends to help out with the setup and decorations. This can help to keep costs down and make the process more enjoyable.

• Consider second-hand furniture: Consider renting or buying second-hand furniture and decorations. This can be a great way to save money and add a unique personal touch to your marquee wedding.

Planning a marquee wedding can be a lot of fun. With the right planning and preparation, you can create a stunning and unique wedding experience that your guests will never forget. 

So, if you’re looking for a wedding venue that offers all the flexibility and style of a traditional venue without the hefty price tag, a marquee wedding could be the perfect choice for you. Enquire About Our Range of High-Quality Large Wedding Marquees and make your dream wedding a reality.

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Over the past 25 years, Gala Tent has supplied countless marquees to happy couples and professional hirers alike to cover anything from 18 to 450 guests. They can cover any and all aspects of a wedding, from the ceremony itself in a remote and private location, to the wedding breakfast, to the evening celebration. Give our team a call on 01709 242454 or why not get in touch via the live chat function during office hours? Alternatively, simply click here to contact us and somebody will be back in touch with you as soon as the office is open.