Planning a wedding is an exciting time full of love, celebration, and new beginnings. If you’ve chosen to host your wedding in a marquee or tent venue, you likely envision a gorgeous, spacious setting filled with romantic lighting, lush florals, and an intoxicating atmosphere of joy. With the right amount of thoughtful preparation and the help of experienced event partners, your marquee wedding dreams can become a reality.
Selecting a Marquee Venue
A marquee transforms an outdoor location into an elegant, sheltered event space perfect for both intimate ceremonies and lavish receptions. As you search for venues, consider these factors:
Size and Layout
The marquee must comfortably fit all your seated guests, plus have room for dancing, catering, bars, etc. Examine the layout to ensure it works for your vision.
Location and Access
Choose a site that’s convenient for you and your guests to access. Scout spots near hotels or that allow on-site camping. Also check requirements like permits, power access, parking, restrooms, and prep space.
Aesthetic Appeal
Picture your ideal backdrop – gardens, vineyards, lakeside, historic architecture, etc. The location should match the style and atmosphere you want to create. Also check if string lights, flooring, and décor are included.
Weather Considerations
Discuss backup plans in case of rain, heat, or storms. Marquees can withstand wind and rain, but you’ll need contingency arrangements in case of severe weather.
Vendor Policies
See what’s allowed when bringing in outside caterers, bartenders, rental suppliers, and decorators. Ensure the site can accommodate power needs, equipment, deliveries, timing, etc.
Building Your Dream Design
Once you lock in a backdrop, the fun of envisioning your perfect marquee wedding begins. Collaborate with talented vendors to overlay your personality, style and vision onto the canvas of this unique event space.
Define Priorities and Style
Articulate your top priorities, whether luxurious fabrics, romantic mood lighting, lush greenery, vibrant colours, fancy furnishings, etc. Also convey the overall style and vibe you want to achieve – classic and elegant, rustic chic, whimsical wonderland, modern minimalist, Gatsby glam, boho luxe, etc.
Hire a Coordinator
An experienced marquee wedding coordinator saves you time and stress by managing logistics, recommending reputable vendors, overseeing setup/teardown, and handling any issues that arise. They bring your creative vision to life!
Lighting Design
Beautiful lighting transforms a basic marquee into a warm, welcoming showcase. Hang twinkling string lights, paper lanterns, crystal chandeliers, neon signs, pathway illuminations, candlelight, gobos and uplighting. Enhance the mood and magic as the sun goes down.
Flooring and Furniture
Rent speciality flooring like parquet, Perspex, or LED mirrored dance floors to elevate the luxe factor. Tailor seating options like couches, ottomans, side chairs and coffee tables to your theme. Add unique bars, greenery walls, stages, etc.
Catering and Bar Service
Meet with potential caterers and bar teams about menus, service styles, glassware/tableware options, and marquee logistics. Delicious cuisine, artisanal cocktails, and sharp service set the guest experience tone.
Marquee Décor and Styling
Work with a stylist or florist to design exquisite marquee embellishments that create a show stopping sensory experience – flowers, greenery, lighting, draping, rentals, lounge vignettes, etc. Wow-factor decor takes the venue ambience to the next level.
Curating an Unforgettable Guest Experience
In addition to ticking every box for comfort and aesthetics within the marquee itself, go the extra mile to craft an incredible overall event journey for those celebrating with you.
Ceremony Site
Design a ceremony vision to match your marquee reception. Consider details like a flower-adorned arbour, aisle runner, vow backdrop, seating, programs, music, and.
Entertainment and Activities
Fill any gaps in the schedule with delightful diversions – live music, lawn games, photo booths, fireworks, dance performers, magicians, etc. Treat guests to non-stop merriment.
Guest Comfort
Supply speciality suites for getting ready photos, outfit changes, parents, etc. Have attendants manage guest needs like check-in, directions, transport, supplies (shoes, umbrellas, shawls, etc.) baby/child minding, and more.
Weather Contingencies
Hope for the best but prepare backup plans in case the weather takes a terrible turn – rain ponchos, heat relief fans/misters, indoor tented dining option, etc. Adjust arrangements as needed to keep guests comfortable.
Signage and Wayfinding
Place directional signs or chalkboard arrows guiding guests to the ceremony, reception, parking/shuttles, and other event activity areas on site. Offer clear instructions in the invitations as well.
WOW Factor Touches
Add personalised elements that express your unique love story, background, or interests. Ideas include custom cocktails, photo guest books, mini desserts, artistic performances, neon signs with your couple names, video/song dedications, logos, and Snapchat filters…let your creativity run wild!
Pulling Off a Seamless Event Flow
Meticulously mapped out timelines and supplier coordination prevent potential timing or logistical issues on the big day itself, allowing you to relax and soak up every magical moment.
Schedule Details
Craft a detailed schedule from start to finish, with vendor call times, setup/teardown durations, transport timing, and activity details. Align with caterer, coordinator, rentals team, etc. Adjust as guest counts are finalised.
Rehearsal
Walk through the full ceremony, reception plan, and group photos the day before. Allow key family, wedding party members and vendors to practise processes.
Onsite Coordination
Have month-of coordinators and point people overseeing supplier setup/drop-offs. They field any questions or issues and keep everything on schedule day-of.
Contingency Planning
Proactively prepare Plan B options for potential issues – backup power sources, delaying start times, rescheduling or moving elements inside if the weather turns, ordering extra catering quantities, etc.
Emergency Kit
Assemble a box containing useful last-minute items like safety pins, stain remover, fashion tape, cosmetics, first aid essentials, wire, tools, etc. Stand ready to solve bridal party wardrobe malfunctions or décor dilemmas!
Post-Wedding Breakdown
Coordinate return deliveries for rentals along with marquee and site clean-up. Confirm all vendor payments and service charges. Provide suppliers with letters of recommendation as appreciated.
As you revel in newlywed bliss, the simplicity of planning details may fade away while fond memories of designing a spectacular marquee wedding day last forever! Take your first steps by connecting with our team at Stage Set Productions. Ask for a marquee venue quote that reflects what you’re looking for, or take a peek at our event gallery for inspiration. Plus, our partnership with Big Marquee means you have even more great options to consider. We’re here to help make your wedding day as special as your story. Ready to start the journey?