Planning a marquee wedding gives you the freedom to create a celebration that feels completely your own. This guide covers the key hire items, planning points and practical details to think about before requesting a quote.
The marquee is the centre of your wedding day, so choosing the right size and style is one of the first decisions to make.
Your guest numbers, dining plans and entertainment will all affect the space required. A wedding breakfast for 100 guests will need a different layout from an evening reception for 200 guests with a large dance floor and bar area.
It is also worth thinking about separate areas for dining, drinks receptions, dancing and quieter seating areas for guests who want to relax away from the music.
Once your marquee size has been decided, the next step is choosing your furniture.
Round tables remain popular for wedding breakfasts, while long banqueting tables can create a more informal feel. Chair styles can completely change the look of your event, from classic limewash chairs to modern options for contemporary weddings.
Additional seating for lounge areas, poseur tables for drinks receptions and outdoor furniture for garden spaces are all worth considering.
Flooring helps create a comfortable environment for guests and provides protection should the weather change.
Depending on the style of your wedding, you may choose boarded flooring, carpet or a combination of both. For the evening reception, a dedicated dance floor creates a focal point for the celebrations and gives guests plenty of room to dance.
Lighting can completely transform the atmosphere inside a marquee.
Fairy lights, festoon lighting and chandeliers are popular choices for weddings and can help create a warm and welcoming setting as daylight fades.
Additional lighting around entrances, pathways and outdoor seating areas also helps guests move comfortably around the site during the evening.
Behind every great wedding meal is a well planned catering setup.
Many caterers require a separate catering tent or preparation area, along with access to ovens, refrigeration and preparation tables. Planning these requirements early helps ensure everything runs smoothly on the day.
A dedicated bar area often becomes one of the busiest parts of any wedding reception.
Whether you choose a traditional bar setup or a more relaxed drinks station, allowing enough space for guests to gather and socialise will help keep queues to a minimum and the evening flowing smoothly.
Heating can keep guests comfortable during cooler evenings, while side walls and flooring help protect against unexpected rain. Planning for all weather conditions gives peace of mind and helps your celebration continue whatever the forecast brings.
Many outdoor locations require temporary power for lighting, catering equipment, entertainment and bars.
Generators and distribution equipment can help ensure everything operates safely throughout the day and evening. Depending on the venue, additional facilities such as luxury toilets may also be required.
From live bands and DJs to photo booths and staging, entertainment plays a huge part in creating the atmosphere for your wedding.
Making sure there is enough space for performers, speakers and guest seating will help your entertainment fit seamlessly into your plans.
The details are often what bring the whole event together.
Flowers, draping, table styling and decorative lighting all help create a space that reflects your personality and the style of your day.
Our team can help with marquees, furniture, flooring, lighting, catering equipment and everything else you need to bring your plans together.
Use this quick checklist before requesting your quote. You do not need every answer finalised, but the more detail you have, the easier it is to recommend the right setup.
Include setup and collection restrictions if the venue has them.
Separate day guests from evening guests where possible.
Garden, private land, field, venue grounds or outdoor space.
Round tables, long tables, top table, buffet or informal dining.
Dancefloor, DJ, band, bar, photo booth or extra evening guests.
Caterer access, catering tent, power, refrigeration and prep space.
Flooring, heating, side walls, outdoor lighting and covered access.
Linen, tableware, glassware, decor, flowers, lighting and signage.
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Our team is on hand Monday to Friday. Call the right department and we’ll get you sorted straight away.
WA Carr & Son supports marquee weddings across Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire and surrounding areas, helping couples bring together the structure, furniture, catering equipment, tableware, lighting and event extras needed for a well-planned celebration.
Whether you are planning a garden wedding, a reception on private land or a marquee at an established venue, our team can help you understand what is needed and build a hire package around your day.