Top tips for a marquee wedding
Is having a summer marquee wedding the budget-friendly, easy option?
No, this isn’t always the case. Don’t underestimate the amount of work involved – not only in the organisation but the actual set-up as well. It’s a greater challenge than a hotel or country house venue because you have to organise everything from scratch.
However, this means that you can truly personalise your big day and create exactly the look and feel you were hoping for. If you are creative, individualistic and up for the challenge – it’s the perfect option. But before you go planning driftwood chandeliers and flickering tealights, here are a few tips to help you plan your marqueen wedding:
What marquee wedding style?
Think about the reception style you desire as this will affect the type of marquee that you could hire.
Also think about the site of the reception: Traditional marquees cannot go on hard bases such as courtyards or tennis courts due to the guy ropes; so in this instance you’ll need a frame marquee.
Will you want windows and doors or completely open on one side? How will it be heated if you fall foul of the Irish weather?
Do you prefer round tables, square tables or long banqueting tables? Do you have a feature in the site or garden you want to incorporate? Perhaps a favourite tree, pond or flower border?
Call in the professionals
Consider hiring a wedding planner to assist; or at least project manage the wedding day. Venues have banqueting managers to deal with problems but you will have no-one if you decide to go it alone.
A planner can decorate the venue, take delivery of goods and manage the day itself, so if any challenges occur they are dealt with in a professional manner; leaving you to relax and party at your marquee wedding.
Marquee wedding parking
You need to think about parking for guests and back-of-house suppliers. If parking is in a nearby field, then provide a solid walkway for guests in case it is raining – walking across a sodden field in heels is not much fun. Ensure there is good signage so people know where to park and the route back to the car is lit with lanterns.
Or, perhaps you can use the local community hall car park, or nearest hotel and provide a shuttle service to and from the ceremony/reception. Just be sure to check the public liability insurance available.
Furniture for your marquee wedding
Yes, you need tables and chairs; but what shape? Couples nowadays seem to be steering away from round tables and opting for long banqueting tables. These tables work especially well for rustic or festival themes. They can be simply dressed and you don’t have to impose a traditional seating plan.
You’ll also need to hire linen, cutlery, glasses and crockery as a starting point. After that, think about a soft seating area, bar, dance floor, stage for a band, lighting, sound system, draping, chair covers and centrepieces.
Essentials you might not have thought of…
It stinks, but you must provide mobile toilets, especially if you have a decent number of guests. Ask your marquee company for pictures as there are some nice contemporary ones available. Check the capacity is suitable for the number of guests attending and what power it requires.
Unless there is readily available power sources, you’ll need a generator. Check with all suppliers how much power they need to ensure you hire the right size one. Who will run all the cabling for you and will these be laid down safely? You may well need the services of an electrician and a plumber.
Is there access?
If hiring suppliers that will arrive in larger vehicles, think about the access. A classic mistake is only measuring the width of vehicles but not thinking about the swing needed.
If access is narrow and deliveries have to be scheduled in, make sure suppliers know the relevant time slot they can deliver and explain any difficulties with the access available.
Food, glorious food
Check with your caterers what size catering marquee/kitchen they need to service your wedding proficiently. Ensure your caterers have access to fresh water, this can be simply an extendable hose into the catering tent.
Use the marquee ceiling
The beauty of marquees is you have so much height to play with. Hanging lanterns and bunting are making way for more elegant hanging crystals, origami birds, or chandeliers. Couples who want a more intimate feel in their marquee could also consider draping. When done well, this will help reduce the ceiling height and create dramatic entrances into different areas of the marquee.
National Event Hire
National Event Hire can supply all your marquee wedding needs. With over 25 years of experience in the event hire industry, we have a huge range of products available for rent – chairs, tables, crockery, cutlery, catering equipment, even the kitchen sink!
Contact us for more information and to get a quote:
Freephone: 1800 579 579
Dublin: 01 450 9922
Cork: 021 432 1155
email: info@neh.ie or click HERE
