Marquee Magic
Marquess can give your wedding that extra 'Wow' Factor, but it's important that you know what's involved...
Marquees look incredibly romantic when set against a blue sky and green lawn on a warm summers evening, but the great thing is that their use isn’t restricted to the rain-free summer months and they bring a unique flexibility and individuality to your day.
CHOOSING A STYLE
Marquees are the perfect solution if your ideal venue doesn’t cater for enough guests, or you dream of entertaining friends and family in the garden. Available in lots of different shapes and sizes marquees can be tailored to suit your needs and matched to suit your wedding style. Choose from a traditional marquee (a canvas structure supported by central poles, guy ropes and steel pins), an aluminium-framed marquee or something more unusual such as one of the Indian-style tents that are proving so popular.
There are plenty of different uses for a marquee as well. You may choose to treat guests to a sit down meal under canvas, or you might opt to have a smaller marquee used as a food station with seating outside. Alternatively a marquee makes a stunning venue for a dinner dance later in the evening – just set up a stage for the band and you have the perfect dance hall.
If you are thinking about booking a marquee you will need to plan early as the best companies and the most reliable suppliers are usually booked up a year or two in advance, especially if you want to marry on a weekend in summer or December.
COUNTING THE COST
It’s also important to have a good idea of the number of guests you will be inviting as you will need to know this when pricing and booking the marquee. When pricing your marquee remember that there are lots of additional costs involved in addition to the hire of the marquee itself. Special flooring and accessories such as lighting, heating, walkways, windows, doors, toilets, and tables and chairs will all be extra. And if you are planning to serve a meal then you need to think about hiring crockery and cutlery, glasses, caterers, bar staff etc… some large marquee companies can supply you with all of these things but you may prefer to shop around for different suppliers.
Most marquee companies will be happy to offer a free consultation, visiting your chosen site to discuss the options and costings. Do listen to what they have to say - you may have a set idea in your head of what you want, but these people are experts and they will be able to advise you on what you really need. Once you have made a decision make sure you get your booking confirmed in writing. Ask for a written statement of everything you have booked - right down to the last chair – along with delivery and collection dates. Only when every detail has been checked and double-checked should you sign the contract and pay the deposit.
POINTS TO CONSIDER - How many guests will be using the marquee?
- Do you need staging or a dance floor?
- Will you need heating?
- Do you have adequate power available for lighting etc..?
Does the area where you propose to site the marquee have adequateroom and ample access? - Will caterers need a separate marquee to work?
- Is there adequate parking for guests?
- Will you need to hire extra toilet facilities
QUESTIONS TO ASK
- When will it be delivered and collected?
- What is included in the price?
- What insurance cover do you need?
- What kind of lighting is available?
- Can they supply flooring, windows, furniture etc… or can they recommend reputable companies?
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