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A Marquee Wedding
Marquees come in a huge array of shapes and sizes, prices and specifications, and they can fit into surprisingly small spaces. Read on for top tips if you are considering having a marquee wedding.
The following information and images have been kindly supplied by Rent-a-Tent Marquee Hire
Things to consider when having a Marquee Wedding
Time of Year
Summer marquee weddings may be the most popular due to the better weather but more and more people are considering Autumn and Winter weddings.
Just think about the little extras that the weather might affect. A wooden floor would be a good idea if the weather has been particularly wet and it would help avoid getting a muddy wedding dress and ladies high heels sinking into the damp ground. Of course none of us can predict the weather so marquee heaters can not only keep your guests warm in a winter chill but also help keep everything dry throughout the wedding. Spring can also be cold but don’t let that put you off as hiring a heater is both simple and effective.
Summer marquee weddings may be the most popular due to the better weather but more and more people are considering Autumn and Winter weddings.
Just think about the little extras that the weather might affect. A wooden floor would be a good idea if the weather has been particularly wet and it would help avoid getting a muddy wedding dress and ladies high heels sinking into the damp ground. Of course none of us can predict the weather so marquee heaters can not only keep your guests warm in a winter chill but also help keep everything dry throughout the wedding. Spring can also be cold but don’t let that put you off as hiring a heater is both simple and effective.
Lighting & Decoration
The atmosphere is dependent on what kind of lighting each couple choose and how it ties in with your day. For a country affair, Simple chandeliers, fairy lights or lanterns may be something you should look at and for the big elaborate affair, large decorative chandeliers; coloured up lighters and fairy lights are affective. For the 'Wow' factor on the dance floor think about the starlight linings, always affective in creating a warming atmosphere on your big day. Think about how to personalise the marquee to make it perfect for you.
Whether you decide on elaborate floral centre pieces or something simple, the decoration should reflect you as a couple. Looking at adding bunting, lanterns, and bird cages, personal favours like homemade jams or traditional almonds can be a great way of adding flair to your big day. Don't be afraid to try something new and take the advice of all your wedding vendors. Your florist, caterers and marquee companies will always be full of ideas for personalising your marquee.
The atmosphere is dependent on what kind of lighting each couple choose and how it ties in with your day. For a country affair, Simple chandeliers, fairy lights or lanterns may be something you should look at and for the big elaborate affair, large decorative chandeliers; coloured up lighters and fairy lights are affective. For the 'Wow' factor on the dance floor think about the starlight linings, always affective in creating a warming atmosphere on your big day. Think about how to personalise the marquee to make it perfect for you.
Whether you decide on elaborate floral centre pieces or something simple, the decoration should reflect you as a couple. Looking at adding bunting, lanterns, and bird cages, personal favours like homemade jams or traditional almonds can be a great way of adding flair to your big day. Don't be afraid to try something new and take the advice of all your wedding vendors. Your florist, caterers and marquee companies will always be full of ideas for personalising your marquee.
Catering
There are so many options with marquee catering these days but there are a few things to consider. Firstly whether you want a hog roast or buffet style meal or whether you want a big sit down affair with 3 or 4 courses. Your catering company may need access to water so think about this when looking at where to put the marquee. If it's in your garden or at a venue this won’t be a problem however if you want to put it on the edge of a lake in the middle of nowhere, you may have to provide the caterers with water.
Electricity
Most venues will include power on site in there fees and if you're in your garden you can run off the house but think about hiring a generator if the marquee is in a quiet location in the middle of nowhere. When looking at generators, you need to think about the size of your band and how much power they may need. Ask them if you have no idea and usually, they'll be able to tell you.
There are so many options with marquee catering these days but there are a few things to consider. Firstly whether you want a hog roast or buffet style meal or whether you want a big sit down affair with 3 or 4 courses. Your catering company may need access to water so think about this when looking at where to put the marquee. If it's in your garden or at a venue this won’t be a problem however if you want to put it on the edge of a lake in the middle of nowhere, you may have to provide the caterers with water.
Electricity
Most venues will include power on site in there fees and if you're in your garden you can run off the house but think about hiring a generator if the marquee is in a quiet location in the middle of nowhere. When looking at generators, you need to think about the size of your band and how much power they may need. Ask them if you have no idea and usually, they'll be able to tell you.
Toilets
Gone are the days when Porta loos were small and full of smelly green bleach that'll stain your dress! Most portable toilet units now are spacious and nicely decorated which provides a bit of luxury for you and your guests even in the middle of a field. To hide the blocks from your guests, the toilets can even be put inside a separate marquee if you wish which could also stop you and your guests getting wet if it's a rainy day. If you are hiring a venue, especially a country house, check on booking if you have access to the toilets or if you need to hire toilets.
Access
If the marquee has to be carried over a wall or any other difficult access; you will need to inform your marquee company and a site visit is always advisable. It is a great way for the company to see what space they have to deal with and what they feel is achievable in order for them to give you the most honest quote tailored around you.
The Venue and Your Guests
If your chosen site for your marquee is on the middle of nowhere, make sure it is signposted well. This will prevent your guests arriving late and keep the timings for the day in order. This can be important if your photographer is only hired for a certain amount of time. Try and think of the above points when looking at venues for your marquee.
Gone are the days when Porta loos were small and full of smelly green bleach that'll stain your dress! Most portable toilet units now are spacious and nicely decorated which provides a bit of luxury for you and your guests even in the middle of a field. To hide the blocks from your guests, the toilets can even be put inside a separate marquee if you wish which could also stop you and your guests getting wet if it's a rainy day. If you are hiring a venue, especially a country house, check on booking if you have access to the toilets or if you need to hire toilets.
Access
If the marquee has to be carried over a wall or any other difficult access; you will need to inform your marquee company and a site visit is always advisable. It is a great way for the company to see what space they have to deal with and what they feel is achievable in order for them to give you the most honest quote tailored around you.
The Venue and Your Guests
If your chosen site for your marquee is on the middle of nowhere, make sure it is signposted well. This will prevent your guests arriving late and keep the timings for the day in order. This can be important if your photographer is only hired for a certain amount of time. Try and think of the above points when looking at venues for your marquee.
