Today's couples have a myriad of super stylish marquee choices laid before them. Canvas marquees, bell tents, tipis (we have an excellent post full of tipi tips from Recommended suppliers World Inspired Tents here), yurts, Sperry tents and clear span frame marquees are the main contenders. Although, creative variations are always popping up (ahem). You may be considering a traditional venue with a permanent or hire marquee as part of your wedding package. Or you may be going the whole hog and planning a marquee wedding on your own land or land you've hired. Either way, this post is LOADED with inspirational images to get those creative ideas flowing. With a tent or marquee wedding, you will truly have the perfect blank canvas.
There are so many ways to incorporate a tent or marquee into your day. You may want to host theo whole day in your chosen tent. Or you might have hired the use of a beautiful country home, but want a create a separate space for your ceremony or for the party later on. You may just decide to include a small tent as a whisky snug or a kids play area (though maybe not both in the same tent...). Or you may want to offer an exciting glamping experience for your guests. The uses and reasons to include a tent or marquee at your wedding are limitless. But here are a few ideas...
There is something almost ethereal about saying ' I do' inside that beautiful white space. And what's more, you get to create the perfect backdrop to your nuptials. Floral arches, moon gates, lighting installations... You really get to design the frame you envision for that (much-photographed) moment when you finally become wed. The diffused light through canvas is also very beautiful and of course, you're protecting your guests from the elements should the weather prove temperamental.
This is your chance to create something magical for both you and your guests. There are plenty of images in this post to offer inspiration, all from our Recommended Suppliers. So, get pinning! The options you have for feeding your guests in a tent or marquee are endless. Do you want banquet tables, round tables? Have you chosen the perfect caterer for the event? How about decor? Possibly the most fun part of planning the day. Circular bars, hanging floral installations, centerpieces, statement lighting... You can create such an amazing impact with how you choose to dress your space.
Now this(!) is how to throw a party. Whether you choose to turn around your dining space for the evening's festivities or whether you create the ultimate dancefloor by dedicating a tent to dancing (true festival style), there's something about that indoor/outdoor feel that creates the best party atmosphere. If you're setting up on your own land, you can also dictate how long the party rolls on. Just make sure you're complying with local council noise guidelines and notifying your neighbours if need be.
Kids love a tent (along with the rest of us young at heart) so hiring a small teepee and filling it with kid-friendly activities might be a great way to entertain little ones and give them a place of their own. Especially a good idea if you've hired the use of a stately home or a space that isn't equipped to let them run riot. You may even find that both kids and big kids alike will congregate in this den-like space.
Are you and your partner the outdoorsy type? You might want to consider hiring tents or teepees as your bridal suite. You could even extend the whole experience to your bridal party or guests. No need to be slumming it in a soggy tent on your wedding night though, the stunning array of luxury bell tents and yurts with real beds and even a wood burning stove(!) mean that you can have all the comforts you'd like for that special night, while still getting the experience of waking up to fresh air and birdsong.
As you can tell from this post, choosing a tent or marquee for your wedding is an incredibly versatile addition to your day. Another thing worth pointing out is that although summer is a gorgeous time of year for creating that festival feel, the British weather can be inclement to say the least so here are some tips to help plan for all the elements. Our Recommended Suppliers have you covered for everything you need to create the ultimate wedding festival feel.
You may also want to tune in to our podcast on iTunes here or Spotify here as Charlotte and Becky talk about the ins and outs of host your own marquee wedding.