The 101 on Marquee Weddings
They’re the perfect pairing to a Canterbury landscape, but unlike a typical ‘brick and mortar’ style venue, marquee weddings bring a number of things to factor into the equation to make them a true pop-up venue space.
With almost every single couple I meet to chat planning a marquee wedding there are a small handful of things that I almost always identify immediately as missing - There’s nothing wrong with this, after all, it’s why you bring someone like me on board to take care of things! I thought it would be an epic opportunity to help you all out because as much as I would love to say you can just plop a gigantic structure on any surface, it’s not quite the case.
Luckily for you too, our friends at Silk Estate have jumped on board to fill in the blanks I can’t answer too - Owner Toni May and her team are quite literally the definitions of marquee designers - They know EVERYTHING there is to know about marquee events and not only that, but they can take care of the lot for you too.
Before we begin, the biggest piece of advice we can both give is to make sure your marquee company does a site visit before you sign up. They will be looking at a range of things, from size to site access, hazards, the ideal location for your marquee and weather protection from the four seasons.
What type of marquee are you having? Clear marquees, while absolutely freaking epic does have their limitations. In summer, the beating hot sun can fry the top of your precious heads, and they can condensate if not ventilated properly. While a 360-degree view is absolutely stunning, your caterers, chiller trailer, toilets, generator and anything else you may not want to be seen could be in plain sight depending on your location. Again, please don’t let this put you off because I am a huge fangirl of the clear marquee! Think of it simply as food for thought.
If you’re worried about the sun, you could easily opt for a marquee with clear sides and a covered ceiling which is often an avenue couples go down.
Silk Estate says: Silk Estate can provide silk over covers to cover the clear marquee during the heat of the day and simply remove these prior to the guests going in. They also keep the clears spotlessly clean in the event of a bird poo storm! Another option is to have glorious black mesh liners on the inside of the marquee for excellent heat and shade protection whilst still allowing you to view the sky beyond. Epic.
Or, if you’re more worried about your caterers, toilets, chillers and generators being seen, you could opt to make the back panels of your marquee opaque so that all of these services and utilities can sit behind the mask created.
Silk Estate Says: A true marquee professional will ensure toilet facilities are discussed and provision made to comply with the local council requirements. Building consents required for all marquees over 100 sqm, do stipulate how many toilets will be required. As part of the consent process, a fire and emergency plan will also have been done by your marquee company – All behind the scenes work to ensure the process is super easy for you as the client.
Where is your marquee going to be positioned? I ask this because you’re going to need access to power and water, especially for your caterers and also your bar - think Chiller Trailer, dishwashing.
Your caterers are going to need to be stationed relatively close to the marquee so that they can deliver food in a timely manner and ensure it doesn’t get cold, plus ensure there’s little room for getting soaked if the weather turns to rubbish - Not something we ever want to think about, but it’s good luck - Am I right?
On this note, your caterers will need cooking facilities. Usually, they will have a mobile unit, or some smaller outfits may use the house if it is close enough. The caterers may also require what’s called a back of house marquee to use as a preparation station. Depending on your marquee, this smaller structure could sit on the back of your main marquee, or it can sit independently.
Silk Estate Says: Catering companies work best when their marquee is connected directly to your reception marquee. No one likes wet or dusty food.
Weddings need power, and if you’re thinking about tapping into the house power you may just need to think that through again and look into a generator that will fuel any or all of the following:
Any decor that requires power, ie Neons
Band or DJ
Bar Equipment
Catering Equipment
Chiller Trailer
Heating
Lighting
Toilets
Again, this will depend on just how much of the above you require, and also where everything will be situated.
With the generator, you’ll need gas to fuel it, so it will pay to have a backup on stand by.
Silk Estate Says: Marquee companies are also super clever at recommending the correct power requirements for your day. They are familiar with what draws how much power and will calculate what size generator (quiet of course) will be needed. Keep in mind some bands and caterers will request a separate source of power from each other.
One house toilet is most definitely not going to be enough unless you’re having a super intimate gathering and toilets are often overlooked - Probably because those with third legs make a beeline for the bushes after a few drinks! Of the classy ones amongst us, toilets are a must. Portaloos are definitely an option, or you can hire snazzy Lux loos which have hand washing facilities and flushable toilets.
Remember going to a wedding or event where it feels like you’ve been herded in like a pack of sheep? Marquee weddings are no exception when it comes to comfort. There are some fantastic guides online to help with numbers, and the crowds you hire off also have plenty of experience with just how many people each marquee fit. In my experience, the bigger the better - especially if the weather gods turn and you find yourself needing shelter for your ceremony and cocktail hours.
Well, that’s the low down on everything marquees for you! When it all boils down I cannot recommend enough that any marquee event has a planner attached to it so that you can enjoy your day and not have to worry about any logistics or set up. If the budget is super tight and you find yourselves having to take on a bit of work yourselves, be smart about which items you install and decorate and always try to get it done a couple of days out if the weather permits. Keeping you stress-free is the name of the game!
Do you have a question you’d like answered that maybe hasn’t been touched on within this blog? Ask away in the comments, via DM on socials or feel free to flick me an email - I love chatting to you!
Until next,
