Wedding Receptions in Marquees

Hiring a marquee is an option if a large enough garden (or suitable field) is available. Marquees come in varying sizes to accommodate most wedding parties. It allows the reception to be held at home when the house is not large enough. Flooring, dance floors, linings and lighting can also be hired and in the winter heating may also be necessary.

A marquee is not an inexpensive option however. The hire of the marquee together with the cost of caterers and other fixtures will leave a bill in the same price range as holding the reception in an hotel.

Most marquee hire companies provide a brochure to allow you to choose the marquee and other items such as flooring, carpeting, lighting etc. Choose a firm who are prepared to visit the site before accepting an order. This ensures that they will be aware of any possible problems the site may present. Also, ensure that they are prepared to be called out if any problems occur on the day of the wedding. Marquees are usually erected two or three days before the wedding day.

If you are thinking about hiring a marquee, you will need to consider the following:

Size

The amount of space needed for a guest has been calculated for different situations:

Drinks Reception - 0.8 m sq.
Dinner - 1.2 m sq.
Dinner and Dancing - 1.8 m sq.

To find the size of marquee that you'll need, multiply the number of guests by the approximate amount of space that they take up, (plus an additional 10 m sq. if you want a bar).

For example, 100 guests at a drinks reception with a bar will take up (0.8 x 100) + 10 (bar space) = 90 m sq, whereas the same number of guests attending a reception with dinner and dancing would take up (1.8 x 100) + 10 = 190 m sq.

Structure

Most marquees are now frame based, rather than the traditional pole and rope style of a few years ago. This means that nobody's view of the bride and groom will be obscured by a support pole! Covers can incorporate real windows and doors, or can be clear, which really allows you to experience the sense of being outdoors!

Linings

Available in a vast range of colours, the use of the right lining can transform, what is basically, a tent into something glamorous and more befitting of a wedding. They can be applied flat, like wallpaper, pleated or ruched. Starcloth linings (blackout cloth with tiny twinkling lights) can be applied to the ceiling for a truly magical touch.

Flooring

The floor of a marquee erected on a flat, even surface, can be covered in carpet, available in a variety of colours. Sectional wooden floor can also be installed, either on its own or with additional carpet.

Lighting

Marquees can be supplied with chandeliers, hung from the ceiling, as well as uplighters, which are positioned around the perimeter. Catering tents may be lit with cheaper strip or halogen lights.

Seats

Seat can usually be provided with interchangeable seat pads, meaning that you can coordinate them to your colour scheme.

Tables

Tables are supplied in differing sizes, depending on the number of people that are to be seated around them. A 4' round table seats 4-6 people, a 5' round table seats 8-10 people and a 6' round table seats 10-12 people.

Electricity

A generator will normally be needed to provide electricity for the heating, cooking and lighting, disco or band. Your marquee company may be able to provide this, or recommend a company that can.

Service Tents

You will need to provide a basic service tent for your caterer - this must be either attached to the main tent, or by a covered walkway - you don't want your food to get cold and wet on its way from the kitchen! If you have less than 60 guests, you'll need approximately 10m sq. for catering space, 20 m sq. for 60-120 guests, and 30m sq. for up to 200 guests.

Toilets

You will need approximately 2 loos for up to 50 people, 3 for up to 100, and 4 for up to 150 guests. There are many companies that provide portable loos, some of them very luxurious, and not at all like the ones usually seen at outdoor festivals and events.