Marquee weddings are hugely popular throughout the UK. The relaxed flexibility of an outdoor ceremony paired with a space purposefully designed to your own wedding day requirements is massively attractive to couples who don’t necessarily want to plan within the confines of a traditional wedding venue.
The reasons for choosing a marquee wedding will vary from couple to couple but the opportunity to be surrounded by stunning outdoor scenery and share this with guests will always play a big role in their decision. Couples who choose a marquee wedding will undoubtedly want to prioritise an outdoor ceremony and therefore, while as planners we cannot guarantee perfect on-the-day weather conditions, we will always do our utmost to ensure couples get their dream ceremony even if this means moving chairs 15 minutes before the ceremony start time.
It is, however, really important to note that proceeding with a marquee wedding is not necessarily the easiest option. The romance of an outdoor ceremony will always be an understandable draw, but be prepared, there is a long to do list which you need consider if you are contemplating committing to a marquee wedding. Us? We’re all for it. As planners who spend much of wedding season beside lochs, in fields, farms, lawns and beaches coordinating the most incredible outdoor weddings, we know if you plan well from the start, you really will experience the outdoor wedding of your dreams.
So where to start.
Budget & Research
Budget is the key to all successful wedding planning. Get this right and your decision making will instantly become so much easier.
If deciding on a marquee wedding, ensure you research everything you will need for the perfect set-up and then include all of this in your budget plan. The best advice I can give is to make friends with your budget. Don’t see your budget as a restriction or limitation, see it as your guide as you navigate your way through choosing your perfect supplier team. Be loyal to it and you will have regrets.
Once you have a draft budget in place and a topline figure you are happy with, go forth and plan. And importantly have fun!!!
Understanding Key Priorities
Deciding on the type and size of marquee is so important. This is essentially where your guests will spend most of their time, so be sure to make it a welcoming and comfortable space.
Location, location, location. It may seem obvious, but ensure you have a location suitable for a marquee or tent. Consider access for suppliers as well as guests. How will suppliers and guests make their way to the marquee? Will there be sufficient parking spaces? Is it close to your preferred ceremony location and if not think about how best to transport guests between locations? Are there bathrooms facilities on site or will you need to hire some? If setting your marquee within or close to a residential area be sure to chat with neighbours and business ahead of time, noise curfews are a real thing.
When it comes to choosing your marquee structure, this is really your first opportunity to make a decision which will influence the look and feel of your wedding day, so take the time to look at images online and find a supplier who provides the type of marquee or tent you prefer. If you take the time to get the foundations right in creating your own personal wedding “look”, choosing your furniture, florals and décor items later in the planning process will be a much easier task. Don’t make decisions in isolation. It is important to understand how all elements works together, so bear this in mind when moving forward with confirmations. And keep referring to that all important budget. Besties, remember? You have to keep checking in.
Size Matters
The size of your marquee will initially be determined by your guest numbers. The more guests the bigger the marquee. Simple, right?
But what you also need to consider is how you will use your space over the course of the day. For this your on-the-day timeline is so important. Yes, things may change a little as you plan, but in order to create a space that works for your wedding, think about how you want your day to flow, put together a rough running order and begin to build a space to suit.
Marquees will predominantly be your main dining, drinking and dancing space, so before finalising your marquee booking always ensure you have a working plan for your floor layout. Many marquee suppliers have a handy online tool which will enable you to build your space before confirming, others will offer to draw a layout plan for you. This will include tables and chairs, dancefloors, stage, bars and entrance doorways.
If choosing a more formal dining set-up you may decide on round tables, for more relaxed or family style dining long rustic tables are a good option, just be sure to understand how guest seating will impact your remaining space. The look of your marquee will always be important, but you want your guests to be comfortable too.
If choosing a plated meal over a BBQ or food van your caterer will likely need a catering tent to work in. So even if you haven’t booked your caterer at this point, consider the type of food and dining experience you would like and remember to discuss this with your marquee supplier, just in case you need to factor these costs in later.
If choosing an outdoor bar set-up, bear in mind that should it rain, guests will have to queue outside, so hire some umbrellas or ponchos or ask your supplier if they offer an indoor option just in case.
If there is a possibility you will need additional structures it’s good to chat with your supplier as early in the process as possible, they can then confirm what will work best in your chosen location.
Plan B
The fun of an outdoor wedding is fully embracing what comes your way and while we can’t predict the weather, we can still ensure you have the best experience. Part of that comes with being prepared.
Should the Scottish weather choose not to be on its best behaviour you may need to consider hosting your ceremony within the marquee. Plan B’s are a must for outdoor weddings in Scotland. We’re a hardy bunch and while a little rain won’t dampen your day or the spirits of you and your guests, you may wish to prepare a marquee floor layout that includes space for an indoor ceremony set-up. We’re no strangers to watching a cloudy sky in the lead up to a wedding ceremony and springing into action with minutes to spare to set out chairs and aisle decor. If your heart is set on an outdoor ceremony we will do everything to ensure that happens, but sometimes we really do have to take it indoors. Depending on your choice of marquee you may decide to include a panoramic roof, clear side panel sections or glass windows so that guests can still enjoy the outdoor scenery while remaining rain-free and undercover.
Should your budget allow, you could decide to include a smaller marquee structure to offer you a private indoor ceremony space which can then transform into a bar/lounge area for the evening. A great option if you have evening guests arriving later in the day.
And don’t despair, even if the weather is against you, you will still have incredible outdoor wedding photographs. Scotland looks incredible in the rain and wedding photographers come with magical powers to ensure you look incredible regardless of weather.
So, there you go, before you really start to finalise marquee type and size, you really need to research and understand:
- Your marquee site and any available facilities
- Your wedding look and vision
- Guest numbers for day and night
- Your wedding day running order
- Type of catering
- Dining layout
- Dancefloor and Stage requirements
- Bar And Additional Lounge Seating
- Plan B
Marquee Interiors
Your marquee supplier is often a great one-stop shop who will help you with different flooring and dance floor options, a choice of internal and external lighting and knowing the Scottish summertime as we do, some heating options also. Many will also supply you with tables and chairs and a stage for your band or DJ. Although we are extremely fortunate to have many incredible décor and furniture hire suppliers in Scotland.
And there you are, before you know it your marquee is already filling up.
Again, find images that will help your marquee supplier to understand your overall vision. Listen to their suggestions, they are the experts, but stay true where possible to your vision. Ensure you are fully comfortable with all details before proceeding. Make sure you arrange for your preferred supplier to visit your location and discuss access to the marquee area for set-up and removal. It is likely your marquee supplier will need to set up a few days in advance so always check the location is available to you for the required duration.
Once you have secured your marquee supplier and have an understanding of their set-up schedule you can liaise with other suppliers on delivery and installation schedules e.g. bar, florals, linens
You will also, as part of your to do list have to organise the all-important power supply. Don’t be worried about having to hire a generator, there are a great suppliers out there who will guide you through it. This may also be something your marquee supplier can help with. I’d always recommend keeping a list of all of the suppliers who will require power. Ask each one to give you a list of their power and sockets they require and then add this to your marquee layout plan. Your generator supplier will then arrange all required cabling and socket points based on supplier requirements.
Marquee Exterior
Your work doesn’t stop with the inside of the marquee. Don’t forget one of the most important reasons you choose a marquee in the first place…the scenery.
If you hit the jackpot and the weather stays warm and dry, the outdoors provides you with an incredible additional event space.
You may have your wedding ceremony outside followed by your drink reception. Perhaps you want to arrange some outdoor seating areas and games to keep your guests occupied in this early portion of the day.
If having some musical entertainment or background playlists, you may need to arrange some portable PA Equipment which can be set up outside if the weather permits and used for speeches later on.
Depending on location, you’ll likely have to arrange some outdoor bathroom facilities. If having your bathrooms set-up outside, don’t forget to provide a lit walkway from the marquee.
It is also important to think about how guests will arrive and depart. Will you be providing a coach for guests or will there be onsite parking available for those bringing a car.
Remember to provide extra lighting and pathways for guests as they make their way to and from the marquee. Your outdoor space while stunning during the day will need some added sparkle once the sun sets.
It is possible to do all of this without a planner or coordinator, but you will need a team around you for support when setting up, clearing up and importantly on the day.
Ceremony chairs if used outside will have to be carried back indoors, so put those groomsmen to work and they’ll have everything moved in no time.
We understand planning a marquee wedding can seem like a lot of work, but it can also be incredibly fun and trust us, so worth it on the day.
If choosing to plan your own wedding give yourself plenty of time. Put a planning schedule together that works for you and your lifestyle. Remember, you don’t need to make all of your decisions at once.
Don’t get overwhelmed. If you need a break, take a break. And if you need help, ask. Suppliers will always help you figure it out.
And should you find that closer to the day you want someone to come on board and help with final confirmations or on-the-day coordination, well, you know where we are. Our Final Weeks services are always popular for outdoor weddings.
Happy planning x
