6 top tips for planning a marquee wedding at home

Planning a marquee wedding at home can be an exciting and special experience. Having a wedding at home is something you’ll cherish forever with the memories flooding back every time you sit in the garden with a cup of tea. Some of my favourite weddings have been those at family homes in Surrey and West Sussex. You have free rein to design a day of your own. 

Marquee wedding planning does come with some added considerations from toilets to access, the additional hire equipment and the completely blank canvas that you will need to decorate. With the right approach, a clear vision and a wedding planner you can create a beautiful event that reflects your personal style and values. 

Here are some tips to help you plan the perfect marquee wedding at home:

Choose the Right Location For Your Marquee

The first step in planning a marquee wedding at home is to choose the right location. Look for a flat and level area of your garden or property that is large enough to accommodate the marquee, catering equipment, and guests. You will also need to consider factors such as access, parking, and noise restrictions.

Plan Your Wedding Guest List

Once you have ascertained whether you have the correct space for a marquee then it’s a good time to plan your guest list. Consider how many people you can comfortably accommodate in the space and within your budget. This will help you decide on the size of your marquee. Don't forget to factor in catering staff, entertainment, and any other vendors you plan to hire in your budget and space.

Select the Perfect Marquee Style & Size

There are a variety of marquee styles to choose from, including traditional pole marquees, clear span marquees, and tipis. The style you choose will depend on your budget, the size of your wedding party, and your personal preferences. Consider factors such as weather conditions and the availability of power and lighting when choosing your marquee.

Hire Your Suppliers

You will need to book your suppliers well in advance, depending on your budget level I would recommend booking your wedding planner, marquee and caterer first. Be sure to ask for reviews, have a video call with your suppliers, understand their way of working and check their vibe and vision aligns with yours.

Consider Your Wedding Decor & Style

A marquee can feel like a very blank space which can be both daunting and an awesome opportunity to really personalise the space. Work with a wedding stylist and wedding planner to set the tone for your wedding. Consider using natural elements such as flowers and greenery for the beautiful English garden vibe and choose linen cloth tables with formal place settings to really create a more luxury feel to the interior of your marquee. Don't forget to include lighting with your marquee hire to really help the space shine in the evening. For more help on decorating your wedding marquee you can read this guide and find some beautiful inspiration of Surrey and West Sussex marquee weddings here

Create a Backup Plan

While planning an outdoor wedding can be a beautiful and memorable experience, it's important to have a backup plan in case of rainy, windy or cold weather (especially when planning a wedding in the UK). Consider hiring a larger marquee to separate spaces, or hiring a stretch tent as a backup in case of rain or extreme temperatures.

Have Fun!

Finally, remember to have fun! Planning a marquee wedding at home can be a lot of work, but it can also be an incredibly rewarding and enjoyable experience. Hiring a Wedding Planner like myself can really alleviate a lot of wedding administrative stress. To find out more about how a wedding planner can help you then head here!