What to Consider When Planning a Marquee Wedding

Your ultimate guide to creating the perfect marquee wedding day

Planning a marquee wedding offers incredible freedom — you get to choose your own location, design every detail, and create a truly personal celebration. But with that freedom comes responsibility, and it’s easy to overlook key elements that can make or break your day.

If you're considering a marquee wedding, here’s everything you need to know — from practical logistics to finishing touches — to ensure your day runs smoothly.

1. Choose the Right Location

Before anything else, you need a suitable site for your marquee. Consider:

• Flat ground – A level surface is essential for stability.

• Access for vehicles – Can lorries and suppliers get in and out easily?

• Drainage – Avoid areas prone to flooding or soggy ground.

• Space – Ensure there’s enough room for the marquee, catering tent, toilets, parking, and outdoor areas.

Top Tip: If you're using a private garden, check for hidden obstacles like septic tanks, overhead cables, or tree roots.

2. Always Budget for a Boarded Floor

This is a non-negotiable in our books. While some couples think they can save money by skipping the boarded floor, it's often a false economy. A proper floor:

• Keeps the carpet dry in case of rain

• Makes walking in heels much easier

• Adds warmth and insulation

• Creates a cleaner, more elegant finish

3. Plan for Power and Lighting

A marquee isn’t connected to the mains, so you’ll need to think about:

• Generators – Ensure you have enough power for catering, music, lighting, and heating.

• Lighting design – From chandeliers and fairy lights to outdoor festoon lighting, good lighting adds atmosphere and practicality.

• Backups – Always have contingency power or a support contact in case of a technical fault.

4. Consider the Weather – Come Rain or Shine

One of the biggest advantages of a marquee is its adaptability, but you'll still need to plan for the British weather.

• Heating or cooling – Think heaters for autumn or spring weddings; ventilation for summer.

• Entrances and walkways – Covered walkways, matting, or pathways can prevent mud and wet guests.

• Sidewalls – Ensure your marquee has clear or solid sidewalls that can be opened or closed as needed.

5. Think About Toilets and Facilities

Guests will expect proper facilities — especially at a formal event. Don’t leave toilets as an afterthought.

• Luxury toilet trailers are the gold standard.

• Ensure easy access from the marquee (ideally on a level, well-lit path).

• Consider a separate staff toilet if you’re having caterers on site.

6. Create Zones Within Your Marquee

A well-planned marquee feels like a series of spaces, not just one big tent.

• Dining area

• Dancefloor and stage

• Lounge/chill-out space

• Bar area

• Photo booth or guestbook station

Creating zones helps with flow and keeps guests engaged throughout the day and evening.

7. Build in Time for Setup and Breakdown

Unlike a venue, marquees require time to build and take down.

• Allow at least 1–2 days before for setup and styling

• Make sure suppliers are coordinated to avoid overlaps

• Check when the site needs to be cleared — especially if it’s private land

Pro Tip: Let your florist, stylist or planner access the marquee early to avoid morning-of stress.

8. Don’t Forget Permissions and Insurance

Depending on your location, you may need:

• Permission from the landowner

• Temporary Event Notice (TEN) if serving alcohol or playing music late

• Event insurance to cover accidents, cancellations, or supplier issues

9. Hire Trusted Suppliers with Marquee Experience

Weddings in marquees are very different from traditional venues — you’re essentially building your own venue from scratch.

• Choose caterers, florists, and entertainers who’ve worked in marquees before

• Use a professional marquee company that can advise on layout, flooring, heating, lighting and more

• Don’t forget essentials like tables, chairs, linens, bars, glassware, etc.

10. Prioritise Comfort and Guest Experience

The best marquee weddings don’t just look beautiful — they feel seamless.

• Provide clear signage (especially for toilets and parking)

• Make sure it’s warm enough, even after dark

• Create a comfortable space for older guests

• Offer covered areas outside in case people want fresh air

Final Thoughts: Why Marquee Weddings Are Worth It

Yes, marquee weddings involve more planning — but the result is a completely unique and personal day that reflects you.

With the right team, a realistic budget, and smart planning, your marquee wedding can be just as polished and magical as any traditional venue — and often more memorable.

Need Help Planning a Marquee Wedding?

We’ve helped hundreds of couples create unforgettable marquee weddings, rain or shine. From flooring to lighting and everything in between, our experienced team is here to help.