<img loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-544 size-large" src="https://cms.wills-marquees.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/perimeter_lights_1-1024x683.jpg" alt="Marquee Lighting" width="750" height="500" srcset="https://cms.wills-marquees.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/perimeter_lights_1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.wills-marquees.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/perimeter_lights_1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.wills-marquees.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/perimeter_lights_1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.wills-marquees.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/perimeter_lights_1.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" />
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Marquee lighting is a great opportunity for personalisation. It helps set the scene for the whole occasion and can be used in many different ways to create character and atmosphere. 
We think lighting and flowers are without doubt,  the two most important and impactful elements in decorating a marquee and whilst floral decor dominates during the day, as dusk falls lighting really comes into its own. 
Each area is worthy of many pages but to keep things manageable we’re going to focus on one subject at a time. This article will focus on marquee lighting but there will be another article dedicated to flowers soon and we plan to return to each topic with a series of ideas and insider tips from our <a href="https://www.wills-marquees.co.uk/little-black-book" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">talented specialist friends</a>.
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<h3>Daylight</h3>
A quick word on daylight &#8230; a  marquee canopy constructed from real canvas (as all Wills marquees are), contains the natural properties of cotton, which allow for light bright, airy interiors. A side benefit to the use of canvas is that a marquee set up near trees will often have a naturally projected leaf pattern on the canopy which enhances the connection to the outdoors.
The canopy is coupled with clear walls (or no walls, if rolled up), which are designed to maximise interior light levels, enhancing naturalistic flower schemes, without the need to generate light of any other kind. Having said that, candles are not just to create light or even exclusively for evening use; during the day they impart an air of sophisticated charm and can also give off a complimentary scent. 
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<h3>Night-time</h3>
Moving to later in the day .. as evening falls your marquee lighting choices will really start to perform and whilst it’s not an exact science we’ve tried to divide up our thoughts into the categories which we think best describe the effect they create.
Here’s our take on marquee lighting &#8230; 
<h3>Romantic:</h3>
To achieve this look and feel, we think candles on the tables are a must and can be displayed formally with the use of elaborate candelabras or dressed down in hurricane lanterns or as part of a table flower arrangement.
We suggest pairing the candles with the simple elegance of fairy lights hung in gentle swags from each of the king poles. 
The beauty of fairy lights is that they’re intended to be on all the time so they add a subliminal sparkle during the day when they are barely noticeable. Although they never become obtrusive, slowly, almost imperceptibly they become brighter as it gets darker until their full twinkling effect is revealed. 
<img loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-29" src="https://cms.wills-marquees.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/homepage_slide_5-300x200.jpg" alt="Magical wedding reception" width="300" height="200" srcset="https://cms.wills-marquees.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/homepage_slide_5-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.wills-marquees.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/homepage_slide_5-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https://cms.wills-marquees.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/homepage_slide_5-768x513.jpg 768w, https://cms.wills-marquees.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/homepage_slide_5.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" />
They provide enough light for there to be no need to supplement but can also be seen as a “base layer” for other more showy effects and for this reason they are seldom used with dimmers. They are the unsung heroes of the lighting world, pretty, elegant, simple and effective. 
We’re often asked about using festoon lights in place of fairy lights and of course this is possible .. festoon lights are much bigger (bigger than a golf ball) and the bulbs are more powerful, so they’re spaced much further apart and you have fewer of them and fewer strings of light .. on balance we think that fairy lights are prettier.
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<blockquote>tip: It’s important that the fairy lights or festoon lights give off a warm white light (never blue which we think is cold and appears artificial). We also think that white electrical flex is a must to blend in with the surroundings.</blockquote>
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<h3>Modern &amp; Minimal:</h3>
This kind of lighting usually requires a specialist (AV) supplier who will work with you to produce a scheme tailored to the occasion.
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<blockquote>tip: AV  stands for “audiovisual” and a specialist AV company just means they should be expert in most if  not all aspects of sound and light production from huge concerts to intimate weddings. We know some really excellent ones like <a href="https://www.av-matrix.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AV Matrix</a> and <a href="https://www.lightech.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Lightech</a>. </blockquote>
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It can be really simple, such as a single colour “wash” (one colour everywhere), or patterns projected onto the marquee canopy or spot lights used to pick up and highlight details, such as flower installations, the best man’s speech, the cake .. or any number of other points of interest.
<img loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-525" src="https://cms.wills-marquees.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/projected_lights_1-300x200.jpg" alt="Light Projection" width="300" height="200" srcset="https://cms.wills-marquees.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/projected_lights_1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.wills-marquees.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/projected_lights_1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.wills-marquees.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/projected_lights_1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.wills-marquees.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/projected_lights_1.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" />
Alternatively you can go for a full on club or festival vibe with a series of changing lights all working together at the same time to project changing colours, static or moving images onto the marquee canopy.  We think this kind of lighting is a great way to switch up the gears and really get the party started. 
But for some, the idea of cluttering the clean lines and open feeling inside the marquee canopy is a step too far and if you feel this way then we suggest taking a minimal approach .. nothing in the canopy to disturb your view, just light supplied via a series of adjustable lights providing illumination. 
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<h3>Disco:</h3>
Nothing says disco to us more than a mirror ball. Light is fired at the mirrored glass ball from four tiny spot lights and bounces off in all directions creating the unmistakable effect that people seem either to love or hate (we love it)! If a glitter ball is not for you, many of the classic disco light effects can also be achieved by stage lights on trusses in the canopy or on stands on the dance floor.
<img loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-565" src="https://cms.wills-marquees.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/staging_1-300x200.jpg" alt="Staging for band" width="300" height="200" srcset="https://cms.wills-marquees.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/staging_1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.wills-marquees.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/staging_1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.wills-marquees.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/staging_1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.wills-marquees.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/staging_1.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" />
<blockquote>note: trusses are metal beams strapped to (or between) the king poles to which stage lights are attached. </blockquote>
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<h3>Furnishings:</h3>
Light can play a part in your furniture choices .. think of an LED dance floor (tiny lights set into the dance floor panels) or a downlit bar front or trees which are actually lights .. just a few ways to add a bit of bling.  
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<blockquote>note: it’s not really a marquee decoration but we once had a bride take to the dance floor with her own light up trainers!</blockquote>
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<h3>Outside:</h3>
Lighting isn’t just for inside .. 
.. it can be used on the marquee exterior .. either as “flying lights”, which is a giant string of festoon lights strung above the marquee canopy from king pole to king pole, mirroring the swoop of the canvas. We think they look fantastic and create the effect of an ocean going liner from the golden age of travel.
.. or to complete the effect another run of “perimeter lights&#8221; can be attached to the bottom of the marquee roof, where the canopy meets the walls. As well as casting light onto the terrace area to the front of the marquee, they frame the marquee canopy further enhancing the appearance that it is floating above the ground.
Turning our thoughts to the terrace or spill-out area .. containing the area at the marquee front with festoon lights suspended from giant crooks is a great way of extending the indoor-outdoor feel and with the addition of alfresco furnishings, extending the party space. 
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<img loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-327" src="https://cms.wills-marquees.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/alfresco_hero_2-300x200.jpg" alt="Alfresco furnishings" width="300" height="200" srcset="https://cms.wills-marquees.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/alfresco_hero_2-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.wills-marquees.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/alfresco_hero_2-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.wills-marquees.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/alfresco_hero_2-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.wills-marquees.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/alfresco_hero_2.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" />
<a href="https://www.wills-marquees.co.uk/furnishings-collection/lighting" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Giant crooks and festoon strings</a> can be used in combination to illuminate a walkway approach or a line of trees and to connect to a spill-out area whilst uplighters are perfect for highlighting an elegant facade, showcasing a majestic tree or picking out a garden feature. 
The use of real flame is always a warming and dramatic way to create light. An outside terrace isn’t really complete without a giant fire bowl to gather round later and “Tiki” garden torches on sticks always look special and are a lovely alternative to festoon lights. For a more rustic look, tea lights in jam jars hanging from trees or from shepherds crooks create a similar effect in miniature.
Another great trick for the outdoors is to hang an oversized, feature mirror ball or giant chandelier from the branches of a nearby tree … think “a Midsummer night’s dream”. All of the pieces in our floral architecture range can be used this way.
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<h3>Mix and Match</h3>
It’s important to note that more than one style of marquee lighting can be achieved on the same occasion for example, you might choose to have romantic lighting during an early evening wedding  breakfast which then gives way to flashing disco diva lights when the dancing kicks off. Whatever you’re thinking we’re always up for a chat about anything marquee related, so <a href="https://www.wills-marquees.co.uk/get-in-touch" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">please get in touch</a>. 
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One last thought .. Wills canvas canopies  allow light to pass through them both ways .. so at night every Wills marquee takes on the appearance of a giant lantern. From the outside looking back, it’s a magical thing we never tire of.

Marquee Lighting

<img loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-575 size-large" src="https://cms.wills-marquees.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/dance_floor_4-1024x683.jpg" alt="Wedding marquee" width="750" height="500" srcset="https://cms.wills-marquees.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/dance_floor_4-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.wills-marquees.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/dance_floor_4-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.wills-marquees.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/dance_floor_4-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.wills-marquees.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/dance_floor_4.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" />
What are all the different types of wedding marquee and which one is the right one for you? We know that navigating the options and terminology that surround hiring a tent can be a bit daunting so we&#8217;ve tried to make it a bit easier for you!
As makers and hirers of pole tents, we like to try and demystify things as much as possible &#8230; which is why we never use jargon and why our <a href="http://www.wills-marquees.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">website</a> aims to lay everything out in plain English as well having lots of pictures and illustrations.
Even so we&#8217;re often asked about the relative pros and cons of the various other types of wedding tents available and so, we thought it might be helpful if we put together a short summary.  Although we’re bound to be a bit biased we’ve tried our best to be objective!
There are 5 main types of different wedding marquee, each with their own distinctive look, in fact they’re so different, you will probably be able to narrow things down straight away based on this alone. 
Here is our take on them all &#8230;
<h3>Tipis</h3>
Were originally made using animal skins and used by the indigenous peoples of North America. Interior space is limited because of the sloping walls so often two or more are connected to make a party space. As they tend to be made from a beige fabric, they are quite dark inside, so we think that they come into their own for winter weddings or at music festivals.
+ distinctive look/festival vibe
+ suitable for winter use
&#8211; crouching due to sloping walls 
&#8211; dark interiors
<h3>Frame Tents</h3>
Often referred to as clearspan, or just as a marquee. They are constructed of a PVC outer shell fitted into a metal frame on runners. They aren&#8217;t really a tent at all but they are suitable for setting up on hard ground (tarmac) and can be attached to buildings which makes them very practical for corporate events. They became popular with hire companies because they are easier to maintain but they usually need to be lined, have become very dated and in our opinion, are far from beautiful.
+ work on hard ground/connect to buildings
+ suitable for winter use
&#8211; utility  appearance 
&#8211; require lining
<h3>Yurts </h3>
Felt coverings stretched over bent wood frames, they come from the Steppes of Central Asia and are used by the nomadic people who live there. Their design limits their maximum size as well as making it difficult for them to be connected. They are popular for glamping. 
+ winter suitable
+ cosy 
&#8211; closed in, you are unaware of the outside
&#8211; only really suitable for small weddings 
<h3>Stretch Tents</h3>
Modern elastic fabrics can be stretched tight and suspended on aluminium poles to provide a canopy.  Most do not come with walls, so they are best suited to awkward spaces or for use in good weather.  
+ work well as awnings 
+ inexpensive shelter 
&#8211; unlikely to have walls
&#8211; light does not pass through
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.. and now to our specialist subject .. 
<h3>Pole Tents</h3>
The original party tent, probably originating from England (certainly most closely associated with garden parties and weddings in an English summer setting). They have been around for hundreds of years, which is perhaps why there are so many names for them such as .. big top, traditional, circus tent, sailcloth tent or marquee. Pole tents have a timeless, elegant quality which is particularly suited to romance of a country wedding.
+ elegant/romantic 
+ light, bright, airy and connected to the outdoors
&#8211; need to be set up on grass
&#8211; best suited to summer weddings 
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Not all tents were created equal, so it’s definitely worth spending time to look closely at more than one supplier. 
 
Hopefully, this summary will help you weigh things up. If you’ve decided you’d like a pole tent for your wedding marquee (fingers crossed), then you might be interested to find <a href="https://www.wills-marquees.co.uk/blog/what-is-a-pole-tent" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">out more</a> or please feel free to get in touch <a href="https://www.wills-marquees.co.uk/get-in-touch" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>.
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Different types of wedding marquee

<img loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-307 size-large" src="https://cms.wills-marquees.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/connecting_hero_3-1024x683.jpg" alt="ultimate marquee party" width="750" height="500" srcset="https://cms.wills-marquees.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/connecting_hero_3-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.wills-marquees.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/connecting_hero_3-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.wills-marquees.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/connecting_hero_3-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.wills-marquees.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/connecting_hero_3.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" />
What&#8217;s the ultimate marquee wedding? It’s a tough question and we don’t believe there is a blueprint to follow. Nevertheless, we love a challenge and we’ve put our heads together to come up with our take on the perfect day. 
Fortunately for us, although there are a huge number of possible variations,  many if not all the elements to a fabulous marquee wedding remain timeless and constant, so we’ve decided to focus on them and for ease we’ve pulled together these threads under the following headings.
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<h3>Why?</h3>
No two marquee weddings are ever the same .. each is a reflection not just of time and place but also the choices made by the couple and it is these choices which combine to make it unique to them. 
Having full control of every aspect of the day with the ability to adjust and adapt as you go along makes a marquee wedding the most flexible venue possible.
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<blockquote>Tip &#8211; choose suppliers with a flexible approach to your booking, everything from the quantity of tables and chairs to the marquee size if your guest list gets bigger (or smaller).</blockquote>
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<h3>When</h3>
It’s got to be Spring or Summer (April &#8211; October) .. whether it’s at home in the garden, in a field on the farm or in the grounds of a stately home, the connection to the outdoors is one of the things that makes a marquee wedding so special. Not just so you can mingle <a href="https://www.wills-marquees.co.uk/marquee-collection/alfresco" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">outdoors </a>but also so that the views looking out are at their best.
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<blockquote>Tip &#8211; if it’s a hot day rolling up the walls is ideal but clear walls make it possible to enjoy the view in any weather.</blockquote>
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<h3>Where</h3>
There’s so much more to where to put your marquee than just the venue itself.  The first glimpse of the fully dressed marquee for you and your guests should be a magical moment. So how you <a href="https://www.wills-marquees.co.uk/blog/where-to-put-a-wedding-marquee" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">site the marquee</a> is very important and it’s the reason why a site visit is so important.
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<blockquote>Tip  &#8211; we always recommend that guests arrive at a diagonal to the marquee front, with room to spill-out into the fresh air and a south or south westerly aspect. </blockquote>
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<h3>Who</h3>
Your guest numbers will always depend on how big your family and your circle of friends is, so for us it’s less about the overall number of people and more about making sure the marquee is the right size for them and that no one ends up at the edge of the party whether that is during the wedding breakfast, on the dance floor or chatting at the bar. 
There are a variety of different tables and chairs, dance floors and bars to choose from which are designed to furnish three separate areas, one for dining one for dancing and one for a bar area or to mingle on foot. They need to be accommodated in such a way that they are connected whilst at the same time remaining distinct. 
We have found that a central bar to serve arrival drinks to your guests and for use later as a place for standing and chatting works particularly well positioned between the dining and the dancing. For bigger weddings or if there are evening guests, a round bar enables the non dancers to be near the action and acts as a focal point for those coming later.
A variation to this format which works particularly well for a large number of evening guests, is to have <a href="https://www.wills-marquees.co.uk/marquee-collection/connecting" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">two marquees</a>. One for dining and one for dancing. This way the space waiting to be used by the evening guests doesn’t make the dining marquee feel too big and the dedicated party tent is a welcoming environment free of dining tables and chairs for the new arrivals.
Another great trick is to be able to use both the inside and outside spaces to best effect and for the transition between the two to be seamless. To achieve this there should either be multiple entrances or ideally a whole open side to make spilling out a natural step. Outdoor seating provides a place to congregate and intimacy can be created by surrounding the space with lighting suspended from giant crooks, which also looks great.
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<blockquote>Tip &#8211; we think it&#8217;s important to have a quiet area, to take a moment, usually outside but it could just as easily be inside the marquee at the opposite end to the dancing or even a separate covered area, something like a <a href="https://www.wills-marquees.co.uk/marquee-collection/pavilions" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">pavilion</a>, with seating.</blockquote>
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<h3>What?</h3>
Bottom line .. for the ultimate wedding marquee we’d always choose a pole tent of course!
The best parties live on for many years both in your memory and in the memories of your guests, and your decor choices play a big part in contributing to the overall experience.  
The canopy of a pole tent is a translucent space, light, bright and airy with no need for over elaboration but the two things that never fail to deliver a big impact are flowers and lighting. 
In daylight, there’s nothing better to enhance the canvas backdrop than the natural beauty of <a href="https://www.wills-marquees.co.uk/furnishings-collection/floral-architecture" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">flowers</a>. We are constantly amazed by the passion and creativity of the florists we work with and as we get excited with new ideas and combinations we’re sure you will too.
As twilight falls the <a href="https://www.wills-marquees.co.uk/furnishings-collection/lighting" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">lighting </a>comes into its own, we ensure that all our lighting is a soft, warm white, never too bright and above all designed to look pretty.  Flying lights above the marquee canopy always look special.  When it’s time for things to start hotting up and for the dancing to begin, we regularly work with some really talented lighting specialists who can design an interior scheme to blow your socks off!  They can also create spectacular effects to light up the surrounding area.
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<blockquote>Tip &#8211; not all pole tents are created equal &#8211; check out our blog post &#8216;<a href="https://www.wills-marquees.co.uk/blog/what-is-a-pole-tent" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">What is a pole tent&#8217;</a>.</blockquote>
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<h3>How</h3>
We’ve just talked about impact and how it can be achieved but much of the overall effect is made of little touches, which individually might go unnoticed but which combine to create a harmonious whole.  
There are a multitude of different things that can influence the look, feel and the flow of the day and not all of them are terribly exciting .. making sure the walls are up (or down) at the right moments, arrival drinks and canapes ready on time, the temperature of the Champagne, smooth service during the wedding breakfast, keeping an eye on the loos .. I could go on.
The thing is, you don’t want to be focusing on any of them, they just need to be right and this is where we think a wedding planner comes into the picture. An experienced planner is not just invaluable in the run up,  they’re also a great asset providing coordination on site on the day. See our<a href="https://www.wills-marquees.co.uk/little-black-book" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> little black book</a> for some great wedding planners in our area.
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<h5>Final Thoughts</h5>
We hope you’ve found our planning the ultimate marquee wedding post helpful, we know we haven’t been able to cover everything and that you might have questions, but we’re always on hand to help, so please feel free to <a href="https://www.wills-marquees.co.uk/get-in-touch" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">get in touch</a> anytime.

What’s the ultimate marquee wedding?

Whether you’ve chosen the formal elegance of a <a href="https://www.wills-marquees.co.uk/little-black-book" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">stately home</a>, the festival vibe of a field or you’re lucky enough to have room at home, finding exactly the right position for your marquee is a vital part of ensuring you get the best from the site and that all the logistical elements of the wedding come together in harmony.
We’re often asked, what are the things we look out for on a site visit and so here they are!  For ease we’ve split them up into three different sections below.
<h3>Practicalities</h3>
<img loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-306 size-large" src="https://cms.wills-marquees.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/connecting_hero_2-1024x683.jpg" alt="where to put a marquee" width="750" height="500" srcset="https://cms.wills-marquees.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/connecting_hero_2-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.wills-marquees.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/connecting_hero_2-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.wills-marquees.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/connecting_hero_2-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.wills-marquees.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/connecting_hero_2.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" />
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<ul>
<li style="list-style-type: none;">
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">is the available space big enough for my marquee? As a rough guide, for 100 seated guests with room for dancing you will need an approximate minimum area of 25m x 20m.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li style="list-style-type: none;">
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">is the ground flat enough and level enough for a marquee? Very few sites are perfectly flat, so a certain degree of unevenness and slope is to be expected but the flatter it is, the better it will be. It is possible that either a hard floor, or in extreme cases, a levelled platform floor may be required.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li style="list-style-type: none;">
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">is the site well drained; or is there a risk of flooding?</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li style="list-style-type: none;">
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">is there good access to the site for your suppliers, your guests and in case of emergency?</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li style="list-style-type: none;">
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">is there a nearby drop off point for you and your guests and adequate parking?</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li style="list-style-type: none;">
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">is there provision on site for <a href="https://www.wills-marquees.co.uk/furnishings-collection/facilities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">facilities</a> such as loos, for electrical supply and for catering?</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li style="list-style-type: none;">
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">ideally, ensure there is room behind the marquee to hide the facilities from view (none wants to see the generator).</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li style="list-style-type: none;">
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">opaque white canvas walls along the back wall of the marquee screen the facilities and work areas and provide a neutral backdrop for flowers or a top table.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Safety </h3>
<ul>
<li style="list-style-type: none;">
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">all <a href="https://www.wills-marquees.co.uk/blog/what-is-a-pole-tent" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">pole tents </a>are secured to the ground using long metal stakes so it’s essential to check that no underground services such as cables or pipes will be affected. </li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li style="list-style-type: none;">
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">the king poles of a pole tents rise up to around 8-10 metres and have metal fittings so overhead power lines and telegraph cables also have to be considered.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Aesthetics</h3>
<ul>
<li style="list-style-type: none;">
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">for maximum visual impact on arrival your guests should approach the marquee from the front or at a slight angle (it’s no accident that most photographers take their pictures this way). </li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li style="list-style-type: none;">
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">To give the appearance of a magically floating canopy, position the clear walls to the front and ends of the marquee.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li style="list-style-type: none;">
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">ideally, position the clear walls (or the whole marquee) to take advantage of a view.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li style="list-style-type: none;">
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">if the marquee faces south or southwest then the outside area to front will not be shaded by canopy and will benefit from the sun throughout the whole day, allowing you to make the most of an <a href="https://www.wills-marquees.co.uk/marquee-collection/alfresco" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">outside</a> terrace or spill-out, chill-out area. </li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
We hope you will find this guide on where to put a wedding marquee useful in <a href="https://www.wills-marquees.co.uk/blog/planning-a-marquee-wedding" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">planning your wedding day</a> but please don’t worry about having to remember everything on it!  We’re more than happy to come along and take a look at your <a href="https://www.wills-marquees.co.uk/little-black-book" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">venue</a> and to provide as much help and advice on each of the points as you might need.
Finally, here are a few extra hints and tips &#8230;
<h5 style="padding-left: 80px;">Tips</h5>
When you first check out a potential site (especially a field), walk over the ground yourself and imagine yourself and your friends on the spot, don’t rely on photographs, they can be misleading.
If in doubt take a chair and sit down as if you are at a table for a meal. If it doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t going to work.
Visit the site early in the planning stages, if some groundwork is needed (think filling holes, levelling bumps and humps, cutting back shrubs or seeding new grass), then the longer there is for everything to settle down and grow back the better the site will be.
Ask us to come and check out the site with you, we’re happy to do it and It’s always nice to meet <a href="https://www.wills-marquees.co.uk/get-in-touch" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">face to face</a>.
If you’re stuck for ideas have a look at the <a href="https://www.wills-marquees.co.uk/little-black-book" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">venue</a> section on our website or give us a call.
Planning a party should be a fun and interesting experience, culminating in a magical day backed up with a lifetime of happy memories.  
We believe there’s no better way to mark life’s milestones than by celebrating in a marquee. You have the flexibility to do things your way and to choose every detail of the look and feel of the day. Time taken in the planning where to put your wedding marquee will never be wasted and when you need us, we’re always on hand to help.

Where to put a wedding marquee?

Traditional marquees or more accurately, “pole tents” have been around for hundreds of years. There are few things that more strongly evoke a summer wedding but .. exactly what is a pole tent and are they all the same?  By going into a little more detail, we hope this short article will help explain.
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<img loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-431 size-large" src="https://cms.wills-marquees.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/round_tables_1-1024x682.jpg" alt="Pole Tent" width="750" height="500" srcset="https://cms.wills-marquees.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/round_tables_1-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https://cms.wills-marquees.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/round_tables_1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.wills-marquees.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/round_tables_1-768x511.jpg 768w, https://cms.wills-marquees.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/round_tables_1.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" />
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<h3>History</h3>
No-one seems to know when the first pole tents came into use but the English word marquee comes from the French marquise (nobleman) and during the 16 and 17 centuries was a word associated with a variety of other particularly elegant or pleasing objects, not just tents!  
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<h3>Design</h3>
All <a href="https://www.wills-marquees.co.uk/marquee-collection/nine-by-twenty-three" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">pole tents</a> have the same basic design .. 
A fabric roof canopy is stretched into shape using ropes (called guy ropes). The canopy is supported in the middle by tall poles (called king poles) and at the sides by shorter poles (called side poles or wall poles).
But not all pole tents look the same .. 
What makes one pole tent different from another is the interpretation of the design along with the quality of materials used and the workmanship that go into the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=unkKpV1mTtQ" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">making</a> of it.
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<h3>Materials</h3>
Traditionally pole tents are made from just three main elements, wood, canvas and rope, so using top quality components is vital.
The very best marquees are <a href="https://www.wills-marquees.co.uk/our-story" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">handmade using artisan skills</a> passed down the generations.  In the last few decades modern design tools and fabric engineering have allowed pole tents to have rounded ends and swooping, curved roof lines but at their heart they are the same structures our grandparents and their parents used for their weddings. 
<h6>Canvas  </h6>
The <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B5FpV6WDzQD/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">original sailcloth</a>, allows sunlight to pass through to the inside giving a bright but soft and airy feel during the day and at night the interior lighting radiates through the canopy creating the effect of a giant magic lantern. 
Pole tents made with heavy duty, creamy cotton rich canvas look and feel different to pole tents imported to the UK which are made using polyester material developed for use as sails in the leisure marine industry or PVC, neither of which are breathable.  
<h6>Wood</h6>
Although some marquee makers have moved to aluminium poles, we believe the appearance of <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B48AKYyAspA/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">real wood</a>, hand worked and varnished has a special quality and can’t be improved.
<h6>Rope</h6>
Sadly most marquee makers have lost the art of hand splicing traditional three strand rope and have replaced guy ropes with ratchet straps to tension the canopy and elsewhere. We believe <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CHI77dSBZkR/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">white rope and oak fixings</a> look and work best.
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<h3>Workmanship</h3>
True skill is always evident in the detail and the details combine to create a harmonious whole.
Every Wills marquee is made by hand to the highest possible standards, so there is a very limited output of tents. Our aim is always to achieve a perfect marriage of form and function. 
We have no production targets and we never compromise on quality,  this way you can be sure that by choosing a Wills for your wedding (or to mark any of life’s milestones), you are getting the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OcrK-qB8-84" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">best that money can buy</a>. 
The final piece of the jigsaw is the care and attention to detail of the team putting up your tent and this is why Wills are only available either from us or through a network of <a href="https://www.wills-marquees.co.uk/your-local-provider" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Certified Providers </a>who share our values and our passion.
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<h3>FAQ&#8217;s</h3>
Q &#8211; so what is a Sperry tent?
A &#8211; a pole tent made in America by an American company called Sperry.
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Q &#8211; what is sailcloth? 
A &#8211; traditionally it was a cotton canvas but most companies now use polyester sailcloth developed for the leisure marine industry. We believe the very best tents are made with real canvas.
<hr />
Q &#8211; All pole tents look very similar in photos, what’s the difference?
A &#8211; it’s a big subject!  For us the main point is canvas versus polyester but in the end, perhaps the best way to sum it up is to say Wills are as quintessentially British as a country garden whilst Sperrys have an unmistakably American feel. 
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<h3>A final thought</h3>
Hiring a marquee for your wedding isn’t cheap, so it’s worth investing time to make sure you get the right one for you. We strongly recommend viewing all the tents on your shortlist before committing to one; there really is no substitute for seeing them up close.  
If you’d like to come and see a marquee being made and meet the team we’d love to show you round or just to find out a bit more, please <a href="https://www.wills-marquees.co.uk/get-in-touch" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">get in touch.</a>
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What is a pole tent?

Fortunately, most of the steps involved in a guide to planning a marquee wedding are straightforward and easy to remember &#8230;  and once you’ve made your choice of marquee company they will be on hand for guidance and to answer all your questions.
However, for peace of mind it’s always useful to have a checklist to refer to.  After all, everyone likes to know what to expect and when.  So, we hope that you will find this guide to planning a marquee wedding useful which, for ease, we’ve split into separate sections and arranged in chronological order. 
Here goes .. 
<h3>Deciding on your venue</h3>
<img loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-558 size-large" src="https://cms.wills-marquees.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/overhead_lights_11-1024x601.jpg" alt="Guide to planning a marquee wedding" width="750" height="440" srcset="https://cms.wills-marquees.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/overhead_lights_11-1024x601.jpg 1024w, https://cms.wills-marquees.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/overhead_lights_11-300x176.jpg 300w, https://cms.wills-marquees.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/overhead_lights_11-768x451.jpg 768w, https://cms.wills-marquees.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/overhead_lights_11.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" />
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There are so many lovely places to put a marquee that even if there isn’t room at home in the garden or in a nearby field there are still lots of options for a marquee <a href="https://www.wills-marquees.co.uk/little-black-book" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">wedding venue</a> to choose from. 
The main things to check straight away are whether or not they are available on your date and if there is a suitable area for a marquee.  However, there are a couple of other points to bear in mind. 
Ideally, your venue will not be too far from where the ceremony is to take place but you might like the option to marry at the venue itself. Some venues will have plans for this but if not then if there is room in the grounds, you could choose a ceremony marquee for a blessing.  
<h6>Flow of the day</h6>
After that the main thing to gain an understanding of is the flow of the day. By which we mean &#8230; can you visualise everything from the arrival of your guests to their departure? Is it clear where they will go and when and is there provision for all their needs from cloakrooms to parking. 
<blockquote>Tip &#8211; visit your venue at least once ideally twice &#8230; once at the same time of year as you plan to be using it and again in bad weather so you can see it at its worst &#8230; if it still looks lovely in the rain, it’s a winner.</blockquote>
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<h3>Shortlist your wedding marquee supplier</h3>
Unless you have already chosen your marquee company you will probably want to decide on the style of tent that suits you and your venue.
Once you’ve narrowed it down to a particular type of tent, it makes sense to approach more than one supplier of this style so that you can compare them and what they offer (for example, you might really have your heart set on a <a href="https://www.wills-marquees.co.uk/furnishings-collection/bars" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">round bar</a> or a particular <a href="https://www.wills-marquees.co.uk/furnishings-collection/floral-architecture" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">floral feature</a>). 
<h6>Recommendations </h6>
Recommendations from friends, family or a trusted supplier are invaluable but by speaking to two or more marquee suppliers will help you to get a feel for how friendly, responsive and in tune with you and your plans they are.  It’s also a good sign if the marquee has an existing relationship with the venue.
<blockquote>Tip &#8211; for best results we always recommend working with a specialist. So if your preference is a <a href="https://www.wills-marquees.co.uk/blog/what-is-a-pole-tent" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">pole tent</a> then it makes sense to avoid shortlisting companies which have a background in frame tents or teepees. </blockquote>
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<h3>Making an enquiry</h3>
When it’s time to approach a marquee company with a request for information, you should find that they will be very keen to make sure they put forward a proposal which matches your plans, preferences and requirements as closely as possible &#8230; I know we are! 
Here are the things that ideally you will be able to share with them &#8230; 
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">your planned date (or range of dates)</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">where you are planning to hold you reception</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">how many guests you are planning to invite (including any additional evening guests)</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">whether you need a dance floor, bar or performance area for a band</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">requirements for <a href="https://www.wills-marquees.co.uk/furnishings-collection/facilities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">facilities </a>e.g. catering tent, generator or loos</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">your preference for dining <a href="https://www.wills-marquees.co.uk/furnishings-collection/tables-chairs" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">furniture</a> (round tables versus trestles, top table, a particular style of chair)</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">as much additional information as you are able to share about your plans for the day </li>
</ul>
&#8230; don’t worry if you are still undecided on some of the details or if you haven’t pinned down a firm date, just include everything that you can at the time and the wedding planning can begin!
<h6>Marquee size</h6>
To ensure the marquee is the right size for your party it helps to be as accurate as possible when estimating your guest numbers.  The marquee will be the single biggest cost in the quotation and a major factor in marquee pricing is size .. so the more guests you have, the bigger marquee you need and the more it will be. 
<blockquote>Tip &#8211;  if the size of your guest list means two marquee sizes are possible it might be worth asking for a quote for both so that you can compare.</blockquote>
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<h3>Viewing the options</h3>
Photographs can help you to narrow down your marquee choices but they can be misleading. There really is no substitute for going to see a marquee set up, so that you can compare your options in the flesh.  It’s also a great opportunity to meet the team who could be setting up your marquee. 
<h6>Open days</h6>
If there is an open weekend planned then this is an ideal opportunity to see a marquee set up with a variety of furnishings but if you can’t attend or you need to make a decision before the showcase is due then ask to see a live set up for a real wedding.  Saturday mornings during the summer are a great opportunity to come and get a feel for the marquee in action and maybe even borrow some ideas! 
If it’s winter and there are no set ups to view, then the next best thing is to meet in person. It’s important that you sense there will be a good fit and that you will feel happy to have them supply the marquee for your big day. 
<blockquote>Tip &#8211; when you go see a marquee &#8230; zoom in and out &#8230; gain an overall impression by standing back but also look up close to gauge the level of attention to detail in the workmanship and the cleanliness.</blockquote>
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<h3>Making your choice</h3>
Once your shortlisted suppliers have responded you will have an opportunity to look at their proposals and this is the time to make sure that you have at least all the basics covered. Hopefully the proposal will broadly be on the right track but this is a good time to refine the list of furnishings or clarify your requirements in a little more detail.
<h6>Compare and contrast</h6>
It’s also time to compare the proposals from your shortlisted suppliers. Here are a few of pointers from us. 
Not all tents are created equal &#8230; the quality of one marquee compared to another could be wildly different (and often is), which makes it nigh on impossible to compare them on paper. This is why we think it is so important to look at the marquees on your shortlist in person.  
The second is that you may well find that different companies use different formats which makes it difficult to compare like for like but you should feel comfortable to query anything. A good marquee company will want to work with you to provide the information you need to be sure you’re making the right decision.
<blockquote>Tip &#8211; make sure your quotation includes VAT and check that it is not just added as a total at the end, otherwise comparing line items on the list is likely to be misleading.</blockquote>
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Of course price is also a factor. Fortunately, it’s not all about weighing up each item on a quotation. We suggest you step back and ask yourself, am I getting value for money?  Which tent do I really want? And which company do I believe really cares about making our day a magical occasion?  Our instincts are usually right.
At no point should you feel under any pressure to rush your decision. Having made your enquiry, you should expect to be kept informed of any issues over availability that may arise.
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<blockquote>Tip &#8211; if you want to secure the date but you are keen to have a site visit or view the marquee first (or if you’re waiting for confirmation of another key element to the day e.g. church availability), then ask your chosen marquee supplier for first refusal on your date &#8230; they should be happy to pencil you in without obligation, on the basis that they will call you for a decision if they are approached by another client for the same day.</blockquote>
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<h3>Site visit</h3>
If you have chosen a well known marquee venue then a site visit by your marquee supplier is not essential but it’s good to look at what might go where and if you haven’t already, it’s always nice to meet face to face.
If it is a field or garden site then a site visit is really important not just to check that it is suitable and that there is enough space for your requirements but also so that all aspects of the day can be discussed.  Your supplier should be happy to come at no extra cost and it should be up to you whether you want the site visit to take place before or after you’ve made your booking.
<blockquote>Tip &#8211; if you are in any doubt about the suitability of the marquee site then ask for a site visit before confirming your booking.</blockquote>
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<h3>Booking your marquee</h3>
Congratulations! you’ve done your homework and you’ve made your choice. You should be able to look forward to planning the finishing touches knowing that one of the biggest decisions has been made and that you will be in safe hands.
In order to formally secure your date your marquee supplier will ask for a deposit (expect around 25%) and a for you to sign a contract of hire. Once you’re happy with this you should receive two copies of a written contract in the post, one copy will be for you and the other for your marquee supplier. It is a formal commitment both from you to them and from them to you. 
<h6>Details</h6>
The contract will be supplied alongside the terms and conditions, which should be written in plain English so that they are easy to understand (no jargon). If you are not happy with any element of them or feel that more explanation is required then your supplier should go through them with you and not proceed until you are happy. The terms should give you peace of mind, not a reason to worry.
For a Saturday wedding most marquee companies set up on either Wednesday or Thursday and come back to site to take the marquee down on Sunday or Monday. If you have a preference or if you are having guests on Sunday,  then now is a good time to firm this up.
<blockquote>Tip &#8211; you should be able to expect a degree of flexibility in your booking. As long as the marquee itself is locked in then if your numbers go up or down or your plans change then you should be able to chop, change, add and amend without penalty. Often, even the marquee can be changed but this will depend on the type of marquee you’ve chosen and the policy of your supplier. Here at Wills, we work super flexibly and our marquees are modular, so they can be made smaller (or bigger) as required.</blockquote>
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<h3>What&#8217;s next?</h3>
There will be some requirements that you will need to confirm with your other <a href="https://www.wills-marquees.co.uk/little-black-book" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">wedding suppliers</a> such as the band, caterers or bar service. For example you may need to check that the catering tent size booked is the right size for your caterer or the band has enough cabling or power supply. It’s always worth making sure you check these requirements against your facilities booking. 
Keeping in regular contact with your marquee supplier and updating them as you go along will help them best advise you.
<blockquote>Tip &#8211; if you pass the information to your marquee supplier they will be able to check this out for you.</blockquote>
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<h3>Countdown to the wedding!</h3>
It’s usually possible to make later changes but four weeks out is a good time to check your final guest numbers, run through the details and make any last minute tweaks to your booking. 
Around the same time you should be contacted by your marquee supplier to confirm the details of your booking including timings, access to the venue, liaison on site and any special instructions.
Once you&#8217;re happy with all the arrangements and with around two weeks to go it’s time to make your balance payment.
<blockquote>Tip &#8211; make sure you have the telephone number of the set up team leader and that he or she is also able to reach you if any questions should arise on the day.</blockquote>
For peace of mind, all marquee suppliers should provide an out of hours or 24/7 emergency contact number during the period of hire. Make sure you have it saved to your phone, just in case.
<blockquote>Tip &#8211; give the emergency number to some people you trust .. your best man, maid of honour and both sets of parents. You have better things to be thinking about, like enjoying your first dance as a wedded couple!</blockquote>
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<h3>Final thoughts</h3>
A marquee wedding offers the most flexibility of any venue and the best opportunity for personalisation. Planning the day should be fun .. it should certainly never be a chore. 
We hope you’ve found the various points and tips in the guide to planning a marquee wedding helpful and that they might provide a framework for you to work within. 
A great marquee company will instinctively provide you with all this and more.
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