Marquee Wedding Tips You Actually Need to Know!
Marquee weddings can be totally awesome, but they also come with a few sneaky logistics that need your attention.
Here’s our straight-talking guide to marquee wedding success.
1. Have a Backup for Bad Weather
This is the UK, people. Having a backup isn’t about being pessimistic, it’s about protecting your peace. If it pours, make sure your wet weather plan is an option you actually love. Think covered walkways, flooring that won’t turn to mush, and heaters/ blankets if needed.
2. Consider the Setup Time + Logistics
Marquee weddings are full of moving parts. Unlike a traditional venue, you’re building everything from the ground up (often literally). So be realistic about setup time and logistics.
Will the flooring be laid before the caterers arrive? Can the tables go in before the florist sets up? Is there space for suppliers to park and unload?
Create a running order before the big day, it’ll save you a lot of stress and last-minute chaos. Pro tip: If your marquee is going up on private land, allow for at least a 2–3 day setup window.
3. Think About Staffing
Unlike a venue, a marquee doesn’t come with an onsite team ready to swoop in when things go wrong (or just to light the candles!). So, who’s running the show?
You’ll need someone to coordinate everything on the day: cueing suppliers, managing the timeline, etc. We would highly recommend hiring a professional wedding coordinator!
4. Power Sources Matter
When you’re building a wedding from scratch, power becomes a big deal. Generators, extension cables, plug sockets, it's not glamorous, but it's essential.
Think it through early:
Where will the band set up? How will your lighting be powered? Does your caterer need their own power source?
5. Where’s the Waste Going?
Bottles, food scraps, cardboard boxes… weddings generate more rubbish than you’d think. And with a marquee wedding, there’s no built-in cleanup crew.
You’ll need a plan for bins, recycling, and collection. Are your caterers taking their waste? Will you need to hire in disposal services? Make sure you’ve got enough bin bags, somewhere to store waste out of sight, and someone responsible for sorting it all post-party.
Photo credits: Lily North Photography, Emily Hannah Photography