If you’re looking to create a truly unique and personalized wedding, consider using a marquee as your blank canvas. This allows you to build your wedding space from scratch, giving you complete control over the aesthetic, layout, and overall atmosphere. Unlike traditional venues, which often have their own distinct style, a marquee is an entirely new starting point for your creativity. The sheer flexibility of a marquee means that you can literally transform it into whatever you envision, with endless possibilities for styling and design.Of course, planning a marquee wedding isn’t without its logistical challenges. From securing the location to arranging for essential services like power, water, and waste facilities, there’s a lot to consider before you even start thinking about the look and feel of your event. That’s why it’s crucial to get the practicalities in order first. And if you’re not experienced in marquee wedding planning, don’t be afraid to seek out professional help – it can save you time, stress, and potential headaches.Once the logistics are sorted, it’s time to have fun with the design aspect! For me, this is the most exciting part of the process – taking that blank slate and bringing it to life. Many couples have a clear idea of what they want their wedding day to feel like, but they often struggle to turn that vision into reality. That’s where expertise comes in handy.After years of planning weddings in all sorts of spaces, from grand estates to industrial warehouses to tents of every shape and size, we’ve learned what works and what doesn’t. We know which finishing touches and styling elements will bring an occasion to life and leave a lasting impression on your guests. So if you’re considering using a marquee for your wedding, here are my top tips for making it truly unforgettable.
Make a Grand Entrance
As you step into your marquee, you’ll want to create an inviting atmosphere that makes your guests feel just as at ease as they would in their own home. To achieve this, start by crafting a visually stunning entrance. Consider creating a defined pathway using materials like stone or matting – not only does this add visual interest but also helps guide guests through the space. Think about how you can light this area to maximum effect: an overhead canopy provides a dramatic backdrop, while candlelight adds warmth and intimacy. But why stop there? Why not take things up a notch with some show-stopping floral displays or even a lush meadow-garden hedging that sets the tone for the evening ahead?
Create the Wow-Factor
When designing the interior of your special day, you’ll want to create an instant impression on your guests. To achieve this, incorporate a show-stopping element, like a grand backdrop behind the head table or a custom installation suspended from the ceiling. The high ceilings in the space are essentially begging for creative decoration, so collaborate with your wedding stylist and floral design teams to craft something truly unique and awe-inspiring that will draw people’s attention. The effect of hanging florals and greenery is nothing short of enchanting.
Divide Your Space Into Zones
When it comes to decorating your tent, resist the urge to cram every inch with decorations and details. Instead, create distinct zones that flow seamlessly into one another. At a minimum, consider setting up chill-out lounges, bars, dining areas, and entertainment zones like dance floors. To add an extra layer of excitement, keep certain spaces closed off until they’re ready to be used. For example, you could separate the lounge and dance floor from the dining area, allowing guests to discover new spaces as they unfold. This reveal aspect will keep your partygoers engaged and curious, making the experience even more memorable.
Choose the Right Flooring
When it comes to choosing the perfect flooring for your home, there are numerous options to consider. From natural coir matting that exudes a rustic charm to sleek and sophisticated board flooring, each type can significantly impact the overall ambiance of the space. If you’re aiming to create a cozy and laid-back atmosphere, coir might be an excellent choice. However, if you prefer a more refined and elegant look, a boarded floor could be the way to go. To further enhance the sense of warmth and homeliness in your lounge areas, consider adding plush rugs to define different zones.
Furniture As Design
When selecting marquee furniture, it’s not just about functionality – it’s also an opportunity to inject personality into your space. Each piece has the power to evoke a particular mood or atmosphere, whether that’s warmth from darker woods, freshness and naturalness from lighter woods, a funky edge from metal, a modern twist from ghost chairs, or visual interest from bold colors. Your choice of furniture can set the tone for the entire room, making it a crucial consideration in your design process.
Bring the Outside In
The charm of a rural wedding setting provides endless opportunities to incorporate the natural surroundings into your marquee design. Marquee companies can cleverly adapt their structures to blend seamlessly with the landscape, incorporating elements like trees, fountains or even pools. This fusion of architecture and nature creates a truly unique and breathtaking atmosphere. When selecting design features, it’s essential to mirror the landscape to ensure the marquee space feels harmonious and organic. At our design firm, we’re passionate about embracing this connection with nature, often incorporating wild florals and foliage into our designs to create an authentic, whimsical feel.
Interactive Stations Get Guests Talking
When it comes to keeping things fresh for your wedding guests, one key element is providing diverse and engaging experiences throughout the day. To achieve this, consider transforming your guestbook into an interactive space that invites exploration. This can be achieved by setting up a photobooth station with a unique backdrop or a tequila station where guests can indulge in their favourite spirits. Alternatively, you could opt for a mix-your-own gin bar or a temporary tattoo parlour – both of which are sure to spark conversation and create lasting memories. Additionally, consider offering a range of sweet and savory treats through grazing stations, allowing your guests to graze throughout the evening rather than being limited to a traditional multi-course meal.
Lighting is Key to Creating Ambiance
The art of lighting is a crucial aspect in setting the tone for any celebration. It’s not just about functionality, but also about creating a design statement that complements the overall aesthetic. When it comes to weddings, we recommend opting for candlelight or soft, warm glows over artificial colours. This creates a romantic ambiance perfect for dining areas. Save the more vibrant lighting options for the dancing portion of the evening, where funky lights and lanterns can add an extra layer of excitement. Consider incorporating unique light fixtures, such as teardrop crystal chandeliers for elegance or rope-and-wood creations for a rustic touch. Fairy lights over the dance floor can also create a whimsical atmosphere. Don’t forget to extend your lighting design outdoors by illuminating trees and shrubs, pathways, and seating areas with torches, candlelight, or festoons. Yes, we’ve been known to do this too! As UK wedding planners and marquee experts, we understand the importance of creating memorable celebrations. By considering every detail, from lighting to styling, we help couples create authentic gatherings that their guests will cherish forever.
