How to Plan a Marquee Wedding
Marquees used to be seen as glorified tents, but they've come a long way in the last few years. They are now stylish venues for many types of events, especially wedding receptions. They can be cooled in warm months and heated in cold months, and can accommodate all kinds of lighting and sound systems. They are ideal for wedding receptions because, being easy to customize, they provide intimate, personal spaces for that most special of occasions. A few factors must be kept in mind, however, if a marquee wedding is to go smoothly.
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Instructions
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Choosing the Supplier
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Establish some sort of budget for your wedding, even if it is a rough estimate. Discuss full costs and deposit deadlines with marquee suppliers early in your planning process.
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Decide how many guests you'll invite. Marquees can be expensive, and if you're on a tight budget, the best way to keep costs down is to to limit the number of guests. For a large wedding, make sure the marquee can accommodate everyone. Speak to your marquee rental company for guidelines. Remember that on average, half of your guests will decline your invitation.
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3
Decide what season you want to be married in. Some companies are better at supplying warm-weather marquees, while others specialize in cold-weather ones. Winter marquee rental can be cheaper because it is off-season, but there is extra heating and covering to consider.
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List what is most important for you at your reception. For some couples, high-quality furniture is the top priority. For others, an elaborate sound system or a large band are must-haves. Be honest: There are no right or wrong priorities.
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Discuss your priorities with potential suppliers. Choose the one that can tailor its package so that most of your high priorities are met while still keeping within budget.
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Consider your surroundings. If the event is being held on particularly attractive grounds, you might want to choose a company that can give you a marquee that can be opened on all sides.
Decorating the Marquee
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Design a seating plan. Even if you're not ready to assign specific places to specific guests, decide roughly the size of tables you want.
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Decide on a layout for your marquee. Determine, for instance, whether you want a stage for speeches or a band and where you want to locate the dance floor.
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Look through as many wedding magazines as you can to get an idea of what you want the marquee to look like.
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Choose the fabric that will line your marquee. You may want a classic, elegant white wedding reception or something more colorful. If you go for the former, choose an ivory marquee lining, and pick tablecloths and seat covers to match. You can add a little color by picking an accent color for napkins, curtains and floral arrangements. Avoid the classic mistake of using fabrics of different shades of white for the marquee lining, tablecloths and seat covers.
If you want something out of the ordinary, discuss the possibilities with your marquee supplier.
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11
Make an appointment to see the built marquee a few months before your wedding. Ask if you can see your chosen furniture and linen then, too. This will give you a good idea of what extra decorations you need and what color floral arrangements to select.
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12
Decide what kind of lighting you want in the marquee. In midsummer, you'll have natural light later in the evening, so you will have minimal time for special lighting effects. Simple chandeliers will usually do the trick. Winter marquee weddings, on the other hand, can benefit from warm lighting or starcloth effects.
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Provide mobile restrooms if there is no accessible indoor area nearby.
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Tips & Warnings
Remember that all weddings have hiccups. The most important thing is to relax and have a good time.
Make sure the ushers have the marquee electricians and backup teams on call in case something goes wrong.
Discuss early on when the marquee will go up. Make sure it is at least 24 hours before the reception to allow time for deliveries.
All external companies -- bands, deejays and caterers, for instance -- should be aware of the marquee's layout at least a few days before the event.
References
- Photo Credit wedding cake image by Gail Oswald from Fotolia.com
