LOVE UNDER CANVAS Marquees and tents offer the perfect balance between outdoor beauty and indoor comfort, giving you the freedom of openair celebrations without sacrificing practicality. They allow you to build your dream venue from the ground up, choosing exactly how it looks, feels and functions. Whether you imagine a romantic sailcloth tent glowing at sunset, a modern marquee with panoramic countryside views, or a whimsical stretch tent draped with lights, the possibilities are almost endless. This flexibility makes marquees ideal for couples who love the idea of an outdoor wedding but want guaranteed shelter, controlled temperatures or a dedicated space for dining and dancing. They work brilliantly for multi-area weddings too: think a ceremony under an open-sided tent, cocktail hour on the lawn, and a marquee ready for the evening celebrations. While they offer creative freedom, they also require thoughtful planning, from layout and lighting to flooring, power and weatherproofing, to ensure the space is as comfortable and functional as it is beautiful. DETAILS THAT carry the day If your wedding spans multiple areas, provide clear signage so guests know where to go and when. You don’t want anyone wandering into the marquee before it’s ready. If signs are outdoors, make sure they’re visible at night with fairylights or lanterns. Consider essentials like restrooms and ramps for wheelchair users if the ground is uneven. If your setting involves lots of grass or soft terrain, laying temporary flooring can make walkways safer and more comfortable. Whatever the weather While colour palettes and dresses are fun to plan, logistics will make or break your day. Divide the space into zones – an entrance, dining area, dancefloor, bar and a cosy lounge corner with sofas or soft seating. You’ll likely need a generator for lighting, sound and catering equipment. Discuss power needs with your suppliers early on to ensure there are no nasty surprises on the day. Weatherproofing is essential. For winter weddings, plan heaters, sidewalls and storm straps. For summer, opt for fans, ventilation and open sides. unsplash.com/@cindychenc unsplash.com/@cristina_gottardi Green at heart Sustainability is rightly becoming a major consideration. Choose a location with natural beauty so you need less décor. Most importantly, ensure your marquee won’t cause long-term damage to the site. Hiring a marquee reduces waste compared to building a temporary structure. Ask suppliers about reusable or compostable tableware and décor, consider generators powered by biofuel and prioritise LED lighting to reduce energy use. unsplash.com/@gymxratpapii Crafting your dream team Finding the right marquee supplier can feel daunting. Start by looking for companies with years of experience and a strong record with weddings. Read reviews and ask for testimonials. A reputable supplier should visit your venue to assess ground conditions, access, layout possibilities and technical requirements. Some companies provide only the marquee; others offer full packages including flooring, lighting, heating, furniture, power supply and toilets. It may be more cost-effective to book everything together. Ask about flexibility – can the supplier adapt to changes in guest numbers, weather or layout? How quickly do they respond? Do they seem organised and open to questions? A good company will be comfortable discussing technical details, weather contingencies and site-specific challenges while offering practical advice. unsplash.com/@michaelvahl Style that speaks love A marquee is a blank canvas – the perfect opportunity to create a space entirely your own. Think draped fabrics, strings of lights and long or round tables dressed with florals, table runners and candles. If your marquee sits in the countryside, choose wildflowers and neutral tones to echo the surrounding landscape. Make the entrance a moment of its own with floral arches or foliage tunnels. And don’t forget the floor: rugs can transform the feel of the space and conveniently disguise uneven areas or exposed cables. unsplash.com/@hansott OUTDOOR WEDDINGS 43
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTA0NTE=