If you have decided to organise a marquee wedding for you and your sweetheart, you shouldn’t go into the planning without doing a decent amount of research first – including into your own priorities and preferences as a couple.
In this guide, we will help you discover your truest desires when it comes to the perfect marquee for your wedding. You might not have any idea of the type of marquee you want right now, but by the time you finish reading this article, you will hopefully be much more confident in the decision-making process.
So, without further ado, let’s jump right into the world of marquees!
What is a Marquee?
First, let’s discuss what a marquee is and how it relates to weddings. A marquee can be described as a tent or covered structure, with open or closed sides. They are often used as a shelter for outdoor entertainment, usually for weddings, parties, fairs, and other events.
There is a broad variety of marquee types to choose from, with different styles and designs. As a result, it can be an overwhelming process trying to find the ideal marquee for your needs. Marquees are recommended for outdoor weddings, promising comfort and a touch of sophistication.
If you are still in the early stages of your wedding planning, here are some outdoor wedding ideas that could be incorporated alongside your marquee to enhance the wedding experience:
- A beach theme
- A firework display
- Al fresco dining
- A picnic area
- An outdoor dance floor
Of course, these are just a few of the possibilities, which are largely only limited by your own imagination (and whatever is practical for a wedding in the open air).
The Different Types of Marquees
Popular marquee types include:
- Traditional marquees – often referred to as pole tents, these marquees are usually big and easy to set up
- Tipis – ideal for weddings with a more casual atmosphere, and widely customisable
- Frame – frame marquees utilise rigid frames, often wood or aluminium, for structural stability; they can be perfect for combatting harsh winds
- Stretch tents – these tents can cover wide areas, and can even be attached to a building to create an enclosed outdoor space lending itself well to guest relaxation.
The Right Marquee
The ideal marquee for you will depend on a number of factors that you will need to take into account. Some marquees might be more suitable for some applications than they are for others.
Factors to consider include:
Guests
The total number of guests that will attend your ceremony and/or reception can influence the type of marquee you should opt for. For example, tipis is often more suitable for smaller events, whereas frame marquees are generally more beneficial for large affairs.
Extras
This factor is exceedingly important if you are planning to host your wedding reception in a marquee. Such “extras” potentially include all aspects of wedding entertainment, encompassing tables and seating, catering, the bar, the stage/dance floor, and more.
If you are interested in incorporating all or a significant number of these elements into your reception, you will need a marquee that has enough space to accommodate them.
Additional Amenities
Aside from the wedding entertainment, you might also want to think about bathrooms, heating, flooring, and lighting. These elements can also impact the type of marquee that you wish to have.
For instance, you will need to find a marquee that has adequate access to electricity and/or water, particularly if you are looking to include bathrooms and heating.
Marquee Hire Companies
It is highly recommended that you find a reliable marquee hire company like Abacus Marquee Hire if you wish to use a marquee for your wedding. By working with a well-respected marquee hire company, you will be almost guaranteed high-quality services from experts who can guide you through the entire process of hiring a marquee.
Additionally, some marquee hire companies will provide additional services, including marquee decoration, furniture hire, and more, to help truly transform the space into the marquee of your dreams.
What to Look For in a Marquee Hire Company
When you are attempting to decide on a marquee hire company, and comparing your options, here are the things that you will need to consider:
- Installation and dismantling – can their team effectively and efficiently erect and dismantle the marquee with safety in mind?
- Insurance and safety – the right marquee hire company should have insurance coverage and safety measures in place to help protect you and your guests; remember to ask about any certifications or accreditations they might have
- Reviews – always read previous customer testimonials to understand whether they listen to their customers and how professional they are.
Find Your Perfect Wedding Marquee
We hope that this guide has provided you with useful information, tips, and insights into the process of finding the right marquee for your special day.
We understand the stress that comes with wedding planning, but you can rest assured that you will have plenty of support and guidance when you work with a marquee hire company that can meet all of your needs.
Good luck on your wedding planning journey!
