This year we celebrated our pearl anniversary of the business which got us thinking about the number of weddings and anniversaries we have supplied marquees for over the years – literally hundreds! How they have changed over the years? There are some seriously stylish options available now.
With so many weddings postponed from this summer due to Coronavirus, finding a venue for summer 2021 is getting increasingly difficult. So if you are hoping to get married in 2021, a marquee wedding may be the perfect solution for your reception. And if you are still worried that you may need to postpone due to the pandemic we are currently offering a fully refundable deposit on all marquee hire.
So what makes a great marquee wedding?
Gone are the days of PVC tents and plastic plates and bring on a myriad of stylish options to make your wedding day of your dreams. Here are some of our top tips for a marquee wedding to make organising the day as thrilling and as smooth as possible.
Location, Location, Location
Based in the rolling Devon countryside, we know how special having a wedding where you grew up or live can be. Using your own land or gardens can make your wedding totally unique and personal and bring the outside in. We can put up a marquee pretty much anywhere so talk to us early about where you are thinking and we can help you pick the exact site so you make the most of the space.
Even with restricted numbers the marquee can make a big difference for you and your guests.
But don’t panic if your garden isn’t large enough to swing a cat or your parents have other ideas… Some wedding venues have a marquee already up for you. Take a look at Middle Coombe Farm near Tiverton (coombefarmwoods.co.uk) where you get the benefit of exclusive accommodation in their glorious period farmhouse and barn and the use of their whole estate – plus one of our marquees!
Our luxury marquees are there, complete with lighting, field kitchen and furniture, all overlooking their meadow and woodland included in their fees.
But if you do go it alone, don’t worry about the practicalities. We have loos, flooring, generators, furniture, lighting and kitchens that we can install with your marquee.
The design of the marquee
Are you dreaming of one big area or hiding the dancefloor until after dinner? Are you thinking of round guest tables or long impactful tables? What would you like on the floor? How about lighting – with glamorous chandeliers or fairy lights and starlight linings.
This is where you should think about the design of the marquee, bring on a list of the styles we can provide…
Traditional canvas style: The quintessentially English fete design with two big wooden poles, canvas and rope. The perfect match for cream teas and cricket.
Clear Span Marquees: Metal framed and perfect for making rooms and entrances that can be revealed as your day flows. There are many variations such as the ‘Bake-Off’ tent or remember the opulent glasshouse style made infamous by Pippa Middleton.
Remember one marquee can be supplemented by smaller versions of the same or perhaps expand your options with some alternatives. We’d be pleased to source them.
Tipi- or Yurt-style: Atmospheric, cosy and natural, these wooden framed canvas tents can be joined together to make an absolutely magical space – throw in fairy lighting and a central firepit they are the perfect choice for a truly magical autumn wedding… think roasting marshmallows or warming toes with a steaming mug of mulled wine.
Sailcloth Tents: Bring on the celebration! A little like a traditional marquee but with bright white canvas and often fully windowed walls – a real statement of a tent!
Then there are all the speciality tents such as the Indian-style tents with tiered roofs, beautifully printed linings and more!
The wedding theme
Get your creative cogs whirring and start creating your moodboard. The detail is what really makes the marquee change from a tent to something truly breathtaking. Pinterest is a fantastic resource for this or you can flick our photo album. And don’t forget we have swags and tails in over 20 colours that can complement your colour scheme and a whole warehouse of tables, chairs and lighting – we can even supply your linen!
We’ll be with you every step of the way
Does all this sound like there is a lot to think about and decide? Well there is, but this brings us neatly back to our 30th anniversary – and how over that time we have perfected marquee wedding planning and will be there to guide and advise every step of the way.
If you are at the beginning of your journey or rethinking following disappointment this year give us a call.
