The majority of events that I’ve planned for clients have been in marquees at their family homes or in exclusive venues. Having a marquee wedding, gives you a completely blank canvas to create the exact look and feel that you’ve always dreamed of. Essentially, you’re building your very own wedding venue in your garden.
Most of the couples I’ve worked with on marquee weddings, have a really strong idea of the look and style they’re after but for some it’s a daunting experience as there are so many different marquee styles to consider. Here is a quick guide to some of the marquee options available.
Traditional Clearspan Marquee
A traditional marquee is one of the more popular choices for a wedding marquee. It comes with lining, a choice of flooring and carpet colours and is a great option for larger weddings. There are no poles inside the marquee, which makes it a flexible and versatile space to divide up the space inside for dining and dancing. It’s a blank canvas to create whatever your preferred style is. There is also the option to put a clear roof on the marquee and to have clear sides which can be rolled up if the weather is lovely and warm.
It’s important to consider where the marquee will be positioned, what the access is like to the marquee for guests and suppliers, if there is a power and water supply nearby and what the terrain is like.
Classic Pole Marquee
If you’re thinking of having a more natural, garden party style wedding, the classic pole marquee is a beautiful marquee which comes with central poles which can be dressed with foliage. These can only be set up on grass as the guy ropes need to be pegged into the ground.
Sailcloth Tent
Sailcloth tents (which are very similar to a Sperry Tent) are proving to be a very popular choice for weddings at the moment for those looking for a “New England” style wedding. Much like the traditional pole tent, the sailcloth tent also has central poles which can be dressed with flowers and foliage to create a natural and elegant look. Perfect for English country weddings.
Tipis
An excellent choice for more rustic/festival vibe weddings. Tipi’s are conical tents, originating from North America which have a tan canvas and wooden pole structure that blends into their surroundings. Depending on the size of your wedding, you can link several tipi’s together to create the space you desire.
Yurts
Large round tents with curved lattice walls, these are a great alternative to a marquee. Often associated with festivals and glamping, yurts can easily be dressed up with luxury decorations and furnishings. This is a great option for people who love the great outdoors and want a venue which celebrates the natural surroundings.
Stretch Tents
Made from strong, waterproof and stretchy material, stretch tents can cover any area and can even be added on to a building to create more space or add a chill-out area.
Chinese Hats
Small marquees with peaked roofs, Chinese Hats can be erected in groups to create an unusual and quirky venue. Simple yet eye-catching, they can also be used on their own as an additional feature like an outdoor bar or an area where your wedding guests can relax.
There are so many different elements to consider when planning a marquee wedding, which is why it can be invaluable having a marquee wedding planner onboard. They can guide you through the process and help you to decide what flooring to have, what style lighting to choose, the best location for the marquee to gain the best view, along with many other elements including where to put the generator, where the luxury loo units would go and where guests can park.
If you’d like any help, I’d be more than happy to discuss your wedding plans and to offer advice. Please contact me to arrange a consultation.
Photo credits: Marquees & Pavilions, Events Under Canvas, Hurlingham Stretch Tents