Planning for a Marquee Wedding
8 July 2026Marquee weddings are growing in popularity. It’s easy to see why, as they can be erected in pretty much any area of land. Whether your wedding location is a larger back garden, a farm or the grounds of a venue, a marquee is a great blank canvas (literally) for your wedding day vision.
There are a few things you need to be aware of when planning your marquee wedding. I hope my tips help you make the most of this fantastic opportunity.
Positioning
A good marquee company will know the best location for their marquee and how much additional space it needs around it. Trust their judgement if they make suggestions on this. Top tips:
- They’ll want to avoid uneven surfaces and boggy areas (i.e. the bottom of a slope or dip).
- They may ask for the grass to be cut.
- The area must be accessible for their delivery vehicle and staff.
Temperature
Marquees (especially the ones with a clear roof) are like conservatories – they get hot in the summer and cold in the winter. This means you need flexibility to open/close panels of your marquee and have heating/cooling equipment available if needed. Another tip if you have a clear roof, do not place anything metal under it, like a metal topped bar unit or reflective surface – the sun will catch it and as well as getting hot, a reflective surface could create a laser like beam of hot nightmare!
Catering
Make sure you’re provided with an attached kitchen/prep/storage area. This will be needed If you’re having a sit-down meal, even at an established venue. Your caterers will tell you what facilities they need in this area. If you’re having food trucks, still consider this extra space as it’s great storage for you, your entertainment and guests (like a cloakroom for weddings in colder months) and any rubbish created. It will help things stay uncluttered in the main area.
It may seem obvious to some people, but do NOT leave any food uncovered/unsealed in a marquee for any length of time – especially overnight. It’s outside, so animals and bugs will get to it and you may poison your guests! Caterers will tell you how long food can be left out before it runs the risk of becoming dangerous.
Wedding Cake
Have your cake delivered/set up as close to your wedding breakfast or cake cutting time as possible to avoid it melting and/or being attacked by bugs. This is especially important for a taller cake, as you don’t want it to fall over in the heat. If it must be delivered early, make sure you have one that isn’t too tall or can be separated, and stacked a bit later in the day. Or, have access to a large fridge so that you can bring the cake out later.
Table linen and fabrics
Often, linens and other soft fabrics (like fake flowers) can feel a little damp after being left out in a marquee overnight. Don’t panic! They should soon “dry out” and shouldn’t be damaged as a result. This can be a problem in the winter too: once guests sit down inside a cold marquee condensation can form, especially if your marquee isn’t lined. If you have super delicate fabrics or any concerns that it could get ruined if it gets damp, then avoid leaving it in a marquee.
Venue help
A biggie! If you’re having your marquee in the grounds of a venue, check what the venue will and won’t do for you. Many venues will say that if they aren’t providing the marquee, it is not their responsibility. This could mean that if you have your chairs outside for a ceremony and want them moved back inside the marquee for your wedding breakfast, they may refuse to do this for you. Of course if you’re setting up a marquee in a non-traditional setting then the chances are you’ll be providing your own staff – a planner like me can act as venue support on the day so that you can just relax and enjoy your day knowing everything else is being looked after.
Inside your Wedding Marquee
With a bespoke marquee you need to decide on everything from lighting to flooring as well as what tables and chairs you want. Everything has a cost but be careful what you cut as you may regret it later! Solid flooring can feel unnecessary, but your guests will thank you for it if the ground is uneven as matting cannot correct dips and troughs in the grass. Most marquee companies will also have everything you need to go inside your wedding marquee, and if they don’t, they probably work with other companies that can support and advise you on what to include.
Don’t forget about the comfort of your guests. Think about toilets and walk ways, accessibility for guests with mobility issues (as well as for supplier access), and outside lighting. There are lots of things about a marquee wedding that you just don’t need to think about at a more traditional wedding venue. The cost can soon add up, but just remember that somethings are non-negotiable. I can help you identify which is which.
Bonus Tip!
Don’t forget about the area outside your marquee – make the most of this space where you can. Many marquee companies will have outdoor seating options like picnic benches, patio heaters and fire pits, as well as further lighting options like festoon lights. This means your marquee is gorgeous inside and out!
For more hints and tips on how to make the most of your marquee wedding, and how I can help you bring it all to life, please get in touch today. I love talking to couples about their weddings. I’m at my happiest when helping you plan your amazing marquee wedding. Check out my wedding planning packages and let’s book an informal chat. X
Check out these amazing suppliers of marquees and other outdoor structures: https://www.fairytalemarquees.co.uk/ https://www.funkymonkeytents.co.uk/ https://www.tipis4hire.com/
