Top Tips to Plan a Marquee Wedding

Top Tips to Plan a Marquee Wedding

Planning a marquee wedding is like creating a beautiful blank canvas – you have the freedom to design the day of your dreams, exactly how you want it! Whether you’re going for a rustic countryside vibe, a luxurious outdoor affair, or a whimsical boho celebration, marquee weddings offer flexibility, creativity, and a personal touch. But, they also come with a few more things to consider than a traditional venue. Don’t worry, though – We’ve got you covered with some top tips to help you plan the perfect marquee wedding!

1. Choosing the Right Location

The beauty of a marquee wedding is that you can set it up pretty much anywhere you wish! However, before you start picturing rolling hills and sunset views, think practically. You’ll need a flat surface for the marquee, easy access for guests (and suppliers), and somewhere that can handle the logistics like parking and utilities (more on that later!).

• Pro Tip: If you’re planning a wedding in the middle of a field or garden, choosing the flattest part is key which will avoid the additional expense of a levelled floor (which is not a cheap option). There are other flooring systems which are laid directly to the ground providing a firm floor, which is far more cost effective

2. Pick the Perfect Marquee

Marquees come in all shapes, sizes, and styles – from traditional pole tents to modern clear-span marquees. The type you choose will depend on your guest list, the look you’re going for, and of course, the good ol’ British weather!

• Sailcloth Marquees: These are the classic canvas-style tents supported by poles, perfect for a romantic or rustic wedding. they have internal supporting poles in the middle
• Clear Span Marquees: These are a more modern choice, with no internal poles, giving you more space for tables, a dance floor, and other decorations. They give you more flexibility with the option of transparent roofs/walls and blackout areas over the dance floor
• Stretch Tents: These are perfect for a laid-back, festival-style wedding – super flexible and great for irregular spaces. Not ideal when the weather is cooler however!

• Pro Tip: Always choose a marquee slightly larger than you think you’ll need. You don’t want guests feeling cramped, and it gives extra space for surprises like a live band or a photobooth. It’s always easier to fill an empty space rather than not having enough room

3. Plan for All Weather Conditions

Plan for the worst, hope for the best…

We all know how unpredictable the UK weather can be! No matter what time of year you’re planning your wedding, having a solid weather contingency plan is essential. Marquees can be made super cosy for winter weddings or beautifully airy for the summer, but they do require some extra thought.

• For Summer: Have plenty of ventilation which in a marquee is simply having side walls than can easily open up. Think about shade for outdoor areas, and don’t forget the importance of a chill-out zone where guests can cool off.
• For Winter: Heaters are a must! Your marquee company should offer options for keeping your guests toasty. You might also want to think about flooring – grass can get soggy in the rain, so consider a hard floor or carpet to keep things dry and comfortable.
• Walkways: Consider areas than guests who may be wearing impractical heeled shoes etc – How they navigate the different areas your wedding will be at. Consider if these guests could easily walk to the toilets, or the ceremony area without sinking into any wet grass. Coir matting walkways are super handy for getting people from A to B!
• Pro Tip: Make sure the marquee can handle a bit of wind and rain – ask your supplier how the marquee holds up in various weather conditions.

4. Think About the Essentials: Power, Toilets, and Lighting

A marquee wedding means you’ll need to bring in some essentials that are usually handled by traditional venues. Don’t let this scare you off – with a little planning, it’s no biggie!

• Power: If your marquee is in the middle of a field or location with no power, you may need a generator. Depending on your catering requirements, you may be able to use mains power if there is some nearby. Talking through your wedding requirements with your marquee hire Company – they can help decide whether a generator is required or not! (We have made a separate article if your event requires a generator here)
• Toilets: If your marquee wedding is far from the nearest loo, hiring luxury portable toilets is a must! These days, they can be pretty fancy – think flushing loos, lighting, and even handwashing stations.
• Lighting: Marquees can get dark once the sun goes down, so you’ll want to think about creating a cosy, romantic atmosphere with fairy lights, chandeliers, or festoon lights. And don’t forget to light up the path to the loos, parking, and any other outdoor spaces which is especially useful for when guests are leaving around midnight who may not be particularly sober!)
• Pro Tip: Hire an expert to help coordinate power and lighting so you don’t get stuck with any last-minute surprises (like the DJ cutting out mid-first dance). Most reputable marquee hire Companies should have proficient knowledge & experience in ensuring you have a reliable and safe power set up.

5. Consider Your Catering Setup

Marquee weddings give you the flexibility to hire whatever caterers you fancy – BBQs, street food vans, hog roasts, or traditional sit-down meals are all on the table! Chosing the type of catering you will have will impact the overall budget of your wedding.

A Catered 2/3 Hot Formal Meal

Choosing a hot 2/3 course meal is not only the most expensive type of catering option, it does also require additional costs such as a separate catering tent (if going in a field), additional ovens/fryers, and generator etc

Your caterer will need a bit of help if they’re setting up in a field or garden.

• Catering Tent: Your caterer will likely need a separate space to prepare and serve the food. This can be an additional smaller marquee or tent, set up next to the main one.
• Utilities: They’ll need power, and enough space for all their equipment, so make sure to chat with them about their requirements ahead of time.
• Pro Tip: Set up a clear catering schedule. Your marquee might be in the middle of nowhere, which means suppliers will need to work together to coordinate deliveries, setup, and tear-down times. work with your marquee hire Company to allow you and your caterer the day before your wedding as “yours” to ensure you have enough time for your caterer to do their setting up (you don’t want your caterer setting up in the morning of your wedding!)

In comparison to a more informal BBQ set for example where a catering tent/generator wouldn’t therefore be required as most BBQ rely on gas for their heat rather than electricity.

6. Flooring Matters

Don’t underestimate the importance of flooring. Grass is lovely, but it can get soggy or uneven. If you want to avoid wobbling in heels or getting stuck in mud, consider the following options:

• Coir Matting: This gives a more informal feel and helps protect shoes from sinking into the grass. This type of flooring is better suited to more rustic weddings & Sailcloth tents. It’s more cost effective than the middle option below however not as practicle
• Hard floor System & Carpet: These are perfect if you want a sturdy firm floor, especially if you’re worried about rain. It will not level out the ground however it provides a more professional finish compared to coir matting – ensuring your marquee looks like a venue.
• Dance Floor: Speaking of dancing, don’t forget to dedicate a space for the evening’s fun! There is an array of different dance floor options available to you which you can see here
• Pro Tip: If you’re doing a winter wedding or expecting rain, definitely opt for hard flooring. Nothing kills the vibe faster than soggy shoes!

7. Decoration – Let Your Imagination Run Wild

One of the best parts of a marquee wedding is the complete creative freedom! You can decorate the space however you like, whether it’s boho-chic, vintage glam, or full-on festival vibes. Think about how you can personalise the marquee with florals, signage, lighting, and even hanging installations.

• Floral Arches and Drapes: Use the marquee frame to hang beautiful floral displays or soft draping fabric to create an elegant, romantic look.
• Fairy Lights & Lanterns: Twinkling lights create a magical atmosphere, especially as the evening sets in. You can never have too many!
• Tables and Chairs: Furniture is key to set the tone for the type of look you want. Whether you go for rustic wooden furniture or sleek modern chairs, make sure your seating fits the overall style of your day.
• Pro Tip: Don’t forget to decorate the outside as well! Use bunting, festoon lighting, or even outdoor sofas to create a chill-out area for guests.

8. Get the Timing Right

Marquee weddings need a bit more setup time than traditional venues, so make sure you give yourself and your suppliers plenty of time. The marquee will likely need to be set up 2-3 days before (or even earlier), and you’ll need to plan for things like decorating, table setups, and deliveries.

If your event falls on a Saturday, you ideally need your marquee Company finished uop by Thursday. This then gives you and your suppliers such as your caterers & decor Company all of Friday. This ensures you do not have to deal with any suppliers on the morning of your wedding – then you know come 5pm on the Friday everything is set up ready for your magical day the following day.

Speak to your marquee hire Company well in advance to ensure you have an agreed set up day. Remember most 150 weddings may require a 2 day build for some marquee hire companies.

9. Entertainment – Keep the Party Going!

Marquee weddings are made for epic celebrations, so don’t skimp on the entertainment! Whether it’s a live band, a DJ, or a roaming magician, think about what will keep your guests happy and entertained throughout the day.

• Dance Floor: Make sure you’ve got a solid dance floor, and don’t forget the lighting to match!
• Garden Games: If you’ve got the outdoor space, why not set up some fun lawn games like croquet, giant Jenga, or even a bouncy castle?
• Chill-Out Zone: Create a cosy area with blankets, cushions, and maybe even a fire pit for guests who want to take a break from dancing.
• Pro Tip: Think about noise restrictions, especially if you’re in a residential area. You might need to wrap up the music by a certain time or keep the volume down after dark.

10. Don’t Forget Insurance and Permits

A marquee wedding is a little more ‘DIY,’ so it’s important to make sure everything is above board. Depending on your location, you may need permits for the marquee itself, as well as things like music or alcohol licenses.

• Insurance: Wedding insurance is a must, covering any potential mishaps, from bad weather to damage.
• Bar Licence: You only need an alcohol licence if you are selling the alcohol to your guests privately (ie not via a professional mobile bar hire Company). If this is the case then a permit is required from the local council. This costs around £10 to get and usually is a 2/3 page form to inform the council of your intentions. If you are covering the costs of the bar – you do not need to obtain a licence.
• Pro Tip: Your marquee hire company should be able to help guide you through what’s needed legally, so don’t hesitate to ask them for advice.

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