Deborah Chan
Marquee weddings are a popular choice for couples due to their versatility, allowing them to transform a blank canvas into their desired theme. When dressing a wedding marquee, it is important to consider factors such as space, weather, furniture, lighting, and logistics. The high ceilings and blank canvas of marquees provide ample opportunities for creative decorations, such as floral arches, centrepieces, and soft lighting. In addition, the unpredictable British weather should be considered when dressing a marquee wedding, with options for ventilation, heating, and protection from the elements.
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What You'll Learn
- Choose a suitable site: Opt for level terrain with a nice view and easy access for guests and suppliers
- Prepare for the weather: Have fans or open sides for hot days, heaters and blankets for cold ones, and a plan for rain
- Use flowers: Add colour and interest with centrepieces, floral arches, and foliage runners on tables
- Lighting: Use soft lighting like filament bulbs or festoon lights to avoid the space feeling too cavernous
- Power and plumbing: Book a backup generator, and ensure caterers have access to running water or a hose
Choose a suitable site: Opt for level terrain with a nice view and easy access for guests and suppliers
When it comes to choosing a site for your wedding marquee, there are several important factors to consider. Firstly, opt for level terrain to ensure ease of access for both your guests and suppliers. A flat surface will make it easier to set up the marquee and create a stable and secure structure. It will also prevent issues with tables, chairs, and decorations inside the marquee. Look for a site that offers a nice view, whether it's a beautiful landscape, a picturesque garden, or a charming country house backdrop. This will enhance your wedding photos and provide a memorable setting for your special day.
Accessibility is another crucial consideration. Choose a site with ample parking space for guests and suppliers. Consider the distance from the parking area to the marquee; you don't want your guests to have a long and tiring walk, especially if they are dressed up or have limited mobility. Additionally, think about the ease of carrying equipment for suppliers. They may have heavy music equipment, catering gear, or decorative items that need to be transported across the site. Ensure the path from the parking area to the marquee is clear and well-maintained.
It is wise to work closely with your marquee company when selecting a site. They will be able to advise you on the most suitable locations and may have specific requirements or recommendations based on their experience. They will also need to conduct a site visit to take measurements and ensure that the chosen site is compatible with the marquee's structure. This includes checking if stakes can be securely placed into the ground to avoid any potential issues or damage.
When choosing a site, consider the potential impact of weather conditions. Assess the ground to ensure it is not prone to getting boggy or muddy, especially if it has been raining. You don't want supplier vans or your guests' vehicles to get stuck in the mud. Additionally, think about the wind conditions and ensure there are no overhead power lines or trees that could pose a hazard. By considering these factors, you can create a safe and comfortable environment for your wedding marquee celebration.
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Prepare for the weather: Have fans or open sides for hot days, heaters and blankets for cold ones, and a plan for rain
When preparing for a wedding marquee, it is important to consider the weather and make the necessary arrangements to ensure the comfort of your guests. Here are some detailed suggestions to prepare for hot, cold, and rainy weather conditions:
For hot days, it is crucial to keep your guests cool and comfortable. Consider installing extra shade structures such as a gazebo, hanging canopy, or freestanding parasols. Open-sided marquees can also provide excellent ventilation, while UV-protective materials will shield your guests from harmful sun rays. Additionally, cooling solutions like fans can be provided, and you might even offer a basket of sunglasses and hats for guests to use. It is also important to ensure that food is prepared and served at the right temperatures and that flowers are appropriately cared for in the heat.
On cold days, it is essential to keep your guests warm. Consider providing heaters, such as patio heaters, to maintain a comfortable temperature inside the marquee. Blankets can also be offered to guests to ensure they stay cosy. If it is also a rainy day, the combination of cold and wet weather can make your guests even colder, so it is important to have a backup plan for heating.
In case of rain, it is crucial to keep your guests dry and comfortable. Weatherproof marquees with internal gutter systems, elevated flooring, and harvest matting can protect your venue from dampness and water seepage. You might also consider moving the location of certain activities indoors or adding a covered outdoor space, such as a gazebo, to protect your guests from the rain.
To prepare for all weather conditions, it is recommended to have multiple contingency plans in place and to communicate these plans to your suppliers and wedding team. It is also beneficial to weather watch in the month leading up to your wedding day, using meteorological apps, to anticipate any potential weather challenges and make adjustments as needed.
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Use flowers: Add colour and interest with centrepieces, floral arches, and foliage runners on tables
Flowers are a perfect way to add colour and interest to a wedding marquee. They can be used to create a unique and personalised setting that reflects the couple's personality and vision. Here are some ideas to dress a wedding marquee using flowers:
Centrepieces
Centrepieces are a great way to add floral arrangements to your wedding marquee. If you opt for round tables, consider varying the heights of the floral centrepieces to draw the eye up. For long banquet-style tables, a mix of florals and plants can create a laid-back luxe look. If you're using trestle tables, consider meadow runners or, for a more budget-conscious approach, simple bud vases with tapered candles. Remember, if you choose tall centrepieces, ensure the marquee floor is level to prevent them from falling over.
Floral Arches
Floral arches are a classic choice and can be used at the entrance of the marquee to greet guests and set the tone for the celebration. They can be tailored to match the wedding theme, with lush blooms for a garden wedding or wildflowers for a rustic feel.
Foliage Runners
If you have a marquee with poles, consider dressing them with large foliage branches for a natural, organic feel. For a more modern look, gypsophila poles are a great option. For a rustic or botanical theme, ferns can make an incredible display when strung up in hanging baskets or placed in pots along the entrance.
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Lighting: Use soft lighting like filament bulbs or festoon lights to avoid the space feeling too cavernous
Marquees offer a blank canvas for weddings, but their high ceilings can make the space feel cavernous and empty. To avoid this, use soft lighting such as filament bulbs or festoon lights. These can be hung easily and will create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Floral installations can also help to fill the space and add interest. Big floral hoops or floral clouds can be hung from the ceiling, and a statement floral arch at the entrance will give your guests a taste of what's to come.
For weddings in the autumn and winter, adequate lighting is essential. It gets darker earlier in these seasons, so you'll want to create a cosy and intimate atmosphere with your lighting choices. Consider fairy lights or string lights to add a soft glow, and ensure you have a backup generator in case the main one fails.
Candles are another way to create soft lighting and a romantic feel, but be mindful of any hanging foliage or floral installations that may be above them. Candles can also melt on hot summer days, so opt for LED candles if your wedding is taking place during the warmer months.
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Power and plumbing: Book a backup generator, and ensure caterers have access to running water or a hose
Power and plumbing are essential considerations for a marquee wedding. While a marquee provides a blank canvas for your special day, it also requires careful planning to ensure everything runs smoothly.
First, let's talk about power. Marquee weddings often require a significant amount of electricity to keep the party going. From disco lights and amplifiers to catering equipment, you'll need a reliable power supply to ensure there are no sudden blackouts. Discuss your power requirements with your marquee hire company, and consider the pros and cons of different power supply options. One option is to connect to an existing grid power source if you're near a residential house. However, this may not provide sufficient power, and you might need to use long extension cables, which can be messy and a trip hazard. An alternative is to hire a generator, which can provide more power, especially for larger weddings. Generator hire costs vary depending on the size and your specific needs, so be sure to get a quote that includes fuel, cables, sockets, delivery, and set-up.
Now, let's discuss plumbing. Catering tents, bars, and toilets all require access to running water. You will need to pipe plumbing from a water source, and it is recommended to hire a professional plumber to ensure it is done correctly. This is an important consideration, as it will impact the caterers' ability to provide food and drinks for your guests.
By planning ahead and considering these power and plumbing requirements, you can ensure your marquee wedding is a success, and your guests, caterers, and suppliers have everything they need.
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Frequently asked questions
It's important to choose your site carefully. Consider the accessibility of the site for both guests and suppliers, opt for level terrain, and select a location that can offer a beautiful backdrop for your celebration.
Space, weather, furniture, lighting, and logistics are essential factors to keep in mind. Ensure you have a backup generator, and don't forget about the need for running water or access to a hose for catering.
Flowers are a great way to bring your marquee to life. Consider adding foliage runners to tables, a mix of high and low centrepieces, or a statement floral arch at the entrance. Utilise soft lighting, such as hanging filament bulbs or festoon lights, and think about hanging floral installations.
Marquee weddings are typically more casual, so you can relax and enjoy the day. Consider the weather and dress in layers—opt for breathable fabrics like linen, seersucker, and cotton if it's warm, and bring a light knit or cardigan for cooler evenings.
Marquees offer a blank canvas, allowing you to get creative and put your personal touch on the decor. They provide flexibility in terms of location and are often chosen for their versatility and the ability to transform a space.
