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Top Tips for Planning a Marquee Wedding
- adele miller
- 5 days ago
- 5 min read
Marquee weddings are the perfect way to create a beautifully unique and personalised wedding celebration. They allow you to customise every detail, from the layout and decor to the overall vibe of the day. However, as dreamy as they sound, they do come with their own set of challenges. From finding the right location to navigating unpredictable British weather, there’s a lot to think about. That’s where a little expert advice can go a long way!
As a wedding florist covering The New Forest and beyond, who specialises in bespoke floral designs, I’ve worked on my fair share of marquee weddings, and I’m here to share some practical tips to help you create the day of your dreams.
Here are my top tips for planning a marquee wedding…
Marquee Wedding Tips
Choosing the Right Location for Your Marquee Wedding
Planning for Weather and Seasonal Considerations
Creating a Cohesive Design with Florals and Décor
Practical Tips for Setting Up a Marquee Wedding
Choosing the Right Location for Your Marquee Wedding
The location of your marquee wedding sets the tone for the entire day, so it’s worth spending time to find the perfect spot. Whether you’re dreaming of a countryside field, a coastal view, or a garden setting, the landscape will play a huge role in your décor and floral design choices.
First, consider accessibility. Your marquee site needs to be easy for guests, caterers, and other suppliers to reach. Is there adequate parking? Are there proper facilities, or will you need to hire portable ones? These practicalities are often overlooked but can make all the difference to your day running smoothly.
The surrounding scenery also plays a key role in shaping your wedding’s aesthetic. If you’ve chosen a rural field, you can lean into the natural beauty with a more relaxed, rustic look. A big garden, on the other hand, may call for elegant, refined florals to match its beauty.
Work with your florist to ensure your arrangements complement the location, enhancing its natural beauty rather than overpowering it. For instance, wildly romantic flowers with plenty of seasonal greenery can create a soft, effortless feel that blends beautifully with nature.
Finally, be mindful of the logistics. Is the ground level for the marquee? Will you need to install flooring or extra support for the structure? It’s all about finding a balance between practicality and aesthetics.
Planning for Weather and Seasonal Considerations
Ah, the British weather. It’s as unpredictable as ever, and when it comes to a marquee wedding, being prepared is key. While marquees provide some protection from the elements, you’ll still want to plan for all possibilities.
First things first is to make sure your marquee hire includes flooring. This will keep guests comfortable and dry in case of rain.
Heating is another consideration, especially for autumn or winter weddings. For summer celebrations, think about ventilation or even fans to keep the space cool.
Seasonality also extends to your floral choices. As a florist, I always encourage couples to embrace the best blooms of the season. Not only does this ensure your arrangements are fresh and vibrant, but it’s also a more sustainable choice.
Spring weddings might feature tulips and ranunculus, while late summer lends itself to dahlias and hydrangeas. Using seasonal flowers means your décor will feel authentic and tied to the time of year, adding even more thoughtfulness to your wedding day.
Lastly, have a weather backup plan. If you’re hosting parts of your day outside the marquee, such as a ceremony or drinks reception, consider having umbrellas or a covered area on hand just in case. A little preparation can go a long way in ensuring the weather doesn’t dampen your spirits.
Creating a Cohesive Design with Florals and Decor
One of the joys of a marquee wedding is the blank canvas it provides. This is your chance to create a space that feels entirely your own, and florals and decor play a huge part in bringing your vision to life.
I always recommend starting with a mood board or design plan that outlines your colours, textures, and overall theme. Whether you’re after a wildly romantic look or something a little more modern, your florist can help guide you towards a design that feels cohesive and intentional.
For marquee weddings, I find that airy, elegant wedding flower arrangements work beautifully as they add softness and romance without feeling overdone.
Large installations, like wedding flower arches or hanging arrangements, are fantastic for marquees. They can help create focal points, whether it’s over the entrance, above the dance floor, or framing the ceremony space. Don’t be afraid to think big here. After all, these are the moments your guests will remember most.
To balance the grandeur of these statement pieces, smaller, delicate touches can tie the overall look together. Table centrepieces, bud vases, and candles are all brilliant for creating a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Practical Tips for Setting Up a Marquee Wedding
There’s no denying that marquee weddings require a bit more planning on the practical side of things, but with the right preparation, it’s entirely manageable.
Lighting is a big one. As the sun sets, you’ll want your marquee to glow with a soft, romantic light. Fairy lights, festoon lighting, and lanterns are all lovely options. If you’re going for a more luxurious vibe, chandeliers or pendant lights can make a real statement.
Flooring is another essential to consider. Grass is charming, but it can become muddy or uneven, especially if it rains. Wooden flooring or carpets not only solve this problem but also add a polished finish to the space.
When it comes to setting up, communication with your suppliers is key. Make sure everyone knows the timings and layout of the day, from the caterers to the entertainment. Your florist, for example, will need to know when the marquee is ready for wedding flowers and decor to ensure everything looks perfect for your arrival.
Finally, don’t forget to enjoy the process. Setting up a marquee wedding can feel a little daunting at times, but it’s also an opportunity to create something magical and personal.
Get in Touch With Me to Discuss Your Floral Dreams
There we have it – my top tips for planning a marquee wedding! These types of weddings are full of opportunities to customise and create a day that feels completely your own. By choosing the right location, preparing for the weather, and working with experienced suppliers, you can ensure the day goes off without a hitch. And of course, florals play a huge part in setting the tone and creating that wildly romantic atmosphere.
If you’re in the process of planning your own, I’d love to help bring your floral dreams to life. With a bespoke, collaborative design process, I’ll work with you to create flowers that reflect your personality and vision.
Get in touch today to discuss your marquee wedding flowers!
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