A few tips to consider when planning a wedding reception in a marquee
Style:A key factor to planning a marquee wedding is the style of marquee you're looking for, there are many styles to choose from. Conventional Style... rectangular marquee houses maximum number of guests in given amount of space, remember occupancy decrease if circular tables are used instead of rectangular tables. Obviously the size of the marquee will increase if a larger guest occupancy is required. Quirky Style... Circular, star canopy or teepees are examples to name but a few. Sometimes more unusual works well particularly if the list is smaller... the event can be given that wedding to remember.
Planning, things to remember:
Call in the Pros:
Planning a wedding on your own can be daunting hence why most people hire a professional to make their special day memorable. This is something I would definitely recommend especially for larger weddings and if you want your wedding to be The Best It Can Be.Seriously think about having a wedding planner to assist with the planning or at least project manage the wedding day for you. Venues have banqueting managers to deal with problems but you will have no-one if you decide to go it alone. A planner can decorate the venue, take delivery of goods plus manage the day itself so if any challenges occur they are dealt with in a professional manner leaving you to relax and party.
Parking:
You need to think about parking for guests and back-of-house suppliers. If parking is in a nearby field then provide a solid walkway for guests in case it is raining, walking across a sodden field in heels is not much fun. Ensure there is good signage so people know where to park and the route back to the car is lit with lanterns. Alternatively clients in the past have used the local village hall car park or nearest hotel and have provided a shuttle service to and from the ceremony/reception.
Toilets/Generator:
If your marquee wedding is in a field with no commercial buildings around then a must have is toilets. I'm not talking about portaloos found at festivals, you can hire luxury toilets. A main thing to remember when hiring toilets is a 240 volt supply... lighting etc. Search under Luxury Toilet Hire
Access:
Whenever hiring suppliers that will arrive in larger vehicles, think about the access available to them. A classic mistake is only measuring the width of vehicles but not thinking about the swing needed – this is especially true of mobile toilets and generators. If access is narrow and deliveries have to be scheduled in, make sure suppliers know the relevant time slot they can deliver and explain any difficulties with the access available.
Food Banquet:
The thing most of your guests will have on their minds is the food. When planning the main meal or buffet... Make sure to have a suitable menu for fussy food eaters, also consider a vegetarian option. The caterers will need access to fresh water so if you're in a field in the middle of nowhere you will need a delivery of fresh bottled water.
Seating plan
A wedding seating plan is something that needs to be well thought through. Many people Use traditional rounded tables however unconventional seating plans are slowly creeping in. Here is a rough guide for occupancy using rectangular tables.
https://www.crocodiletrading.co.uk/marquee-seating-plans/
Use the ceiling
When using a marquee you can create a lot of atmosphere by hanging decorations from the ceiling, consider lanterns and hanging flower baskets more expensive elegant decorations are chandeliers.
Lighting
Whether you want practical or mood-enhancing lighting, ask your marquee company what lighting specialist they would recommend. Don’t forget to light up pathways to key areas at night, like the exits and car parks. Also don’t forget that you will need lighting outside.In addition, have you considered...
• Provide pillows if you’re using uncomfortable outdoor seats
• Warn guests ahead of time about appropriate footwear if they’re going to be walking in grass
• Consider high-velocity blower fans for cooling
• Offer ample options for ice cold hydration
• Put your wedding program on a handheld fan in case it is hot
• Provide wet towelettes and cooling face mist if it’s going to be a scorcher
• Have sunscreen available in pretty dispensers or spray bottles
• If it’s really hot out, make sure your florist is misting the flowers to keep them cool
• Use a flower box as a rustic drink cooler
• Wrap a tree or two with string lights and photographs to display memories.
• Use a netted canopy to keep bugs out of desserts and cake
• Use chalkboard paint picture frames to list the seating chart.
• Finally…DON’T forget the microphones.
