In this article we depict is a marquee wedding cheaper than a typical wedding venue.

There are several factors here, where are we comparing a top of the range spec marquee, to a budget venue. Then of course the answer would be no! So we are going to compare an average spec marquee, to an average spec wedding venue.

Introduction: In the realm of wedding planning, the choice between a marquee wedding and a traditional venue often boils down to budget considerations. Couples are constantly seeking ways to create their dream wedding while also managing costs effectively. The allure of a marquee wedding, with its flexibility and customisable options, often sparks the question: Is it truly cheaper than opting for a conventional venue? Let’s delve into the intricacies of both options to decipher which holds the financial advantage.

One of the main factors in how a marquee wedding can be a cheaper option comparing to a wedding venue such as a golf club, event venue or country estate is if the location a marquee could go in will cost you any money in fees.

For example if you are lucky enough to have parents with a large garden, or access to a field then you will likely not be paying any venue fees to have your marquee installed there. This could save you anything between £2000-£5000 initially in venue hire fees.

This option also has the bonus in being more flexible with dates. If your ideal venue is fully booked on your wedding date already, having a marquee in a garden will give you greater flexibility on dates (some dates during the summer season will be typically 20% more expensive ni venues due to surge pricing)

The average costs

According to Bridebook sources, the average wedding venue with catering included is approximately £20, 000 (let’s say with an average of 100 guests, thats around £100 per head.)

Is a Marquee Wedding Cheaper?

Understanding the Costs: Before diving into a comparison, it’s crucial to understand the fundamental costs associated with each option. Traditional venues typically offer a package deal that includes space rental, catering, decor, catering and sometimes even coordination services. On the other hand, a marquee wedding involves renting an empty space and then sourcing everything separately—from the tent itself to furniture, lighting, catering, and amenities like toilets & generators if required (most good marquee hire companies should be able to help with most of these for you!)

Cost Factors in Marquee Weddings:

Venue Rental: The cost of hiring a marquee varies significantly based on factors such as size, location, seasonality, and duration. If you’re lucky enough to have parents with a large garden, or access to a field you’re off to a great start with some significant venue savings here!
Catering: Since marquee weddings don’t usually come with in-house catering, couples have the freedom to shop around for catering services that fit their budget. Whereas with venues you are restricted to using their own in house catering
Decor and Rentals: From tables and chairs to linens and lighting, every aspect of decor needs to be considered. While marquee weddings offer creative freedom, the expenses can add up quickly, especially if the couple desires an elaborate setup.
Utilities and Amenities: Unlike traditional venues that come equipped with amenities like toilets, heating & lighting systems, and electricity, marquee weddings often require additional equipment for these utilities. These costs can vary depending on the location and the level of luxury desired.

Cost Factors in Traditional Venues:

Package Deals: Many venues offer all-inclusive packages that cover not only the space rental but also catering, decor, and other services. While these packages streamline the planning process, they may not always offer the best value for couples with specific preferences or dietary restrictions.
Venue Hire: Traditional venues often come with hefty rental hire prices, especially for popular locations or peak seasons. Couples must also consider additional charges for overtime, security, and any special requests.
Catering Restrictions: Some venues have exclusive partnerships with catering companies, limiting couples’ options and potentially inflating costs. Additionally, catering fees at traditional venues may include service charges and gratuities, further impacting the overall budget.
Hidden Costs: From administrative fees to corkage charges for bringing in outside alcohol, traditional venues may have hidden costs that catch couples off guard during the planning process.

Is a Marquee Wedding Cheaper?

To determine whether a marquee wedding is cheaper than a traditional venue, let’s consider a hypothetical scenario:

Suppose a couple plans to invite 100 guests and desires a mid-range wedding with elegant decor and a three-course meal. The marquee is in a back garden of a private property with no land/venue fees to pay. It is also on the assumption we will not be using a nearby building for toilet & power facilities so they are also brought in.

For a marquee wedding:

Marquee Hire (including marquee, flooring, lining, lighting, chairs & tables) £5,500
Catering (per person): £75 x 100 = £7,500
Utilities and Amenities (toilets, generator & catering tent lighting): £2,000

TOTAL £15, 000

We wrote an article regarding how much is a marquee wedding here

For a traditional venue:

Venue Rental (including package deal): £7500
Catering (included in package): £100 x 100 = £10, 000

TOTAL £17500

In this simplified comparison, the marquee wedding appears to be £2500 cheaper than the traditional venue option. However, it’s essential to consider several caveats:

The marquee wedding cost does not account for the time and effort required for coordination, setup, and teardown, which can be significantly more if you are “project managing” the event
The quality of services and amenities may vary between the two options, affecting the overall wedding experience.

Is a Marquee Wedding Cheaper?

Who’s Buying the Drinks?

Another big saving to your total wedding costs is whether you are factoring in the cost of covering some or all of your guests’ drinks. If you are, then a marquee wedding would be cheaper than a venue.

Mainly because a good marquee hire company should at the very least help you with a good bar set up with bars, fridges & glasses etc. Some, like us, can also help you with your total bar infrastructure such as bar staff, glassware & refrigerated chiller trailer. Everything you need to run a bar. This way you are paying wholesale prices for your drinks. Drinks and infrastructure included, you would be looking at around £2500 (half the cost comparing to a venue)

Unlike a venue, if you are paying for some /all of the drinks, you will be left with a very large bill to pay at the end! Typically, you would want to allocate £50 per head at a venue, which would be around £5000 for a 1000 guest event.

Comparing to a Venue

According to Bridebook here’s a breakdown of the average cost depending on the venue type, based on data gathered from almost 4,000 couples married and engaged in 2024:

Castle – £12,454
Stately home – £10,716
Country house – £9,700
Golf course – £8,792
Event venue – £7,422
Hotel – £7,324
Barn – £6,897
City venue – £6,717
Restaurant – £5,526

The cost of the venue will include rental of the space itself and usually furniture, bar set up, lighting and an event coordinator (who tend to be at varying degrees of competence depending on quality of venue!)

The above doesn’t include catering which would need to be added on top. Catering would typically start at £75 per head for a 2 course meal. There are cheaper alternatives to catering such as BBQ’s, hog roasts & food vans for a more relaxed catering feel.

While marquee weddings offer flexibility and customisation options, they also require meticulous planning and coordination to ensure a seamless experience (unless your marquee hire company can provide 90% of the infrastructure like Abacus!)

On the other hand, traditional venues provide convenience and streamlined services but may come with higher upfront costs and fewer customisation choices. You may also be restricted in using their own in house catering which may not be your preferred choice.

Couples embarking on the journey of wedding planning should carefully weigh these factors and prioritise what matters most to them to create the wedding of their dreams within their budgetary constraints.

Is a Marquee Wedding Cheaper?

Conclusion: Ultimately, whether a marquee wedding is cheaper than a traditional venue depends on various factors, including the couple’s priorities, budget constraints, and willingness to invest time and effort in planning. 80% of the the time a marquee wedding is cheaper than a venue.

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