Once again, we are seeing the splendour of marquee weddings hosted at family homes in and around the UK.
Photo credit: March Hare Floral Design
While the decision to host a wedding at home opens doors to unparalleled creativity, it also presents a complex web of logistics that can be overwhelming for couples and their families. Many couples opt to enlist the expertise of professional wedding planners to guide them through the nuances of building their own wedding venue.
My advice? Always consider hiring a wedding planner, especially for a marquee wedding. We firmly believe that investing in an event planner with experience in marquee weddings ensures the seamless execution of a wedding at home. A specialist in marquees takes on the responsibility of managing the build, setup, logistics, unforeseen challenges on the day, and the meticulous dismantling and clean-up afterward. This allows couples and their guests to enjoy every moment of the special day without the weight of any of those concerns.
A marquee, yurt, or tipi wedding is, quite literally, a bespoke venue tailored for you. This allows you to design and plan a truly unique event space, adorned with stunning ceiling installations, exquisite dining areas, laid-back chill-out zones, and even nightclubs! The options for the structure itself are abundant, spanning white frame marquees, traditional pole marquees, framed clear-span designs, giant tipis, yurts, pavilions, glass structures, or geo domes. Regardless of your choice, consider the location, embrace the views, and maximise both indoor and outdoor spaces to create a wedding celebration that resonates with your unique style and vision.
From the initial site visit to the meticulous dismantle at the end of your wedding day, every stage demands careful consideration and communication with your dedicated wedding planning team. Planning a marquee wedding at home requires a whole host of logistics Here are our top considerations for couples considering a marquee wedding.
Photo credit: The Highfield Event Group
Hire a Trusted Marquee Company
Selecting a reputable marquee company is paramount. They are not merely providing a structure; they are crafting your wedding venue in your garden. Ensure that your chosen marquee company has the correct insurance and a list of trusted suppliers they have previously worked with.
Build and Dismantle Timelines
Understanding the duration of the build and dismantle phases is crucial. With suppliers on-site for an extended period, managing this process might feel intrusive to some families. Having a professional to oversee this on your behalf alleviates concerns, allowing you to focus on the excitement of the day ahead. Aim to have the structure built a few days before the wedding to allow for styling.
Ease of Deliveries
Consider a smooth delivery process for all elements, from the build materials to kitchen equipment, generators, and smaller items like cutlery and glassware. Consider the logistics of larger items and whether the site can accommodate the necessary lorries for construction.
Toilet Requirements
Consider the number of toilets needed, potentially allocating separate facilities for guests and suppliers to ensure a seamless experience.
Parking and Transportation
Evaluate the on-site parking capacity for both your guests and any wedding suppliers. Assess the proximity of parking to the marquee, and think about any additional matting or lighting required, particularly in adverse weather conditions.
Weather Contingency
The weather can be unpredictable, so craft a comprehensive wet weather contingency plan for all of the different activities of the day. Ensure there's sufficient space in the marquee if certain activities need to be moved indoors due to rain.
Interior Space Planning
Plan the interior space carefully to accommodate contingencies like bringing the drinks reception inside in case of rain. Ensure the marquee offers flexibility and ample space for a flawless celebration, regardless of the weather.
Photo credit: Academy Marquees
Will they do an onsite estimate?
What size do they recommend for the number of guests?
Do they provide any covering for additional areas?
Will power be provided?
Can they provide enough extra power for additional entertainment like bands?
Will hard surfaces, such as dancefloors, stages and walkways, be provided?
Do they provide lighting for the interior and exterior?
When will the marquee be set up and dismantled?
What kind of access (and swing area) will their delivery lorries need?
What are the payment, booking and cancellation terms?
What colour is the marquee/tent/tipi/yurt?
Are there other styles and colours available?
Can you see some examples of marquee weddings in a similar style?
What is the process for developing inspiration collaboratively?
How can they help you manage your budget effectively?
Can they book other suppliers for you?