Your wedding day is more than just a ceremony, it reflects your love story, personality and style. In this digital age, where dreams are just a scroll away, couples are continually delving into the vast world of wedding styling inspiration and seeking unique ways to personalise their special day.
One of the trends that is really in the spotlight at the moment is the marquee wedding. Marquee weddings offer a blend of elegance, flexibility, and outdoor charm. They are also, quite literally, a blank canvas, allowing couples to have complete control over the design and aesthetics of the space.
So why wouldn’t we all choose to have a marquee wedding?
Well, the cost-of-living crisis is reshaping the landscape of weddings and couples are having to weigh up their options and often make difficult decisions about where to allocate their limited funds. As a marquee wedding supplier, we hear a lot of couples say that they are comparing the costs of a marquee wedding to choosing an all-inclusive venue to suit their budget constraints.
In response to this, we have decided to break down the pros and cons of having a marquee wedding to hopefully make your decision a little easier.
PROS:
Customization
Marquee weddings provide couples with the freedom to create a bespoke setting that reflects their personalities and vision. From the layout and decor to the catering and entertainment, the possibilities are endless. Couples have complete control over the design, the size of the marquee, the seating arrangements, the furniture, the flooring, the lighting, the floral arrangements and even the location, allowing for a truly personalized experience. This level of customization ensures that every aspect of the wedding reflects the couple’s style and preferences.
Ambience
Whether it’s a picturesque garden, a sprawling estate, or a stunning beachfront, marquee weddings allow couples to capitalise on the natural scenery and tie the knot in breathtaking outdoor settings. The ability to choose a location that holds sentimental value or offers stunning views adds an extra layer of magic to the celebration.
Intimacy
Marquee weddings often exude a cosy and intimate atmosphere, especially when compared to large, traditional venues. The proximity of guests within the enclosed space fosters a sense of warmth and connection, creating unforgettable memories for everyone involved. Often marquee weddings are hosted on private estates or farms, ensuring that the wedding celebration is free from the intrusion of outsiders, and provides and private and exclusive space for their guests to enjoy.
Catering
Food has a magical way of bringing people together, and your choice of caterer plays a significant role in setting the tone for the celebration. When you have a marquee wedding you are not limited to the catering that is available at your venue, you can choose the supplier that will best bring your culinary vision to life and whose style aligns with yours. Another huge bonus is that you can often purchase and serve alcoholic beverages, which can be a huge saving to the budget.
Weather Contingency
One of the significant advantages of marquee weddings is the ability to adapt to unpredictable weather conditions. With a sturdy tent in place, couples can rest assured that their special day will proceed as planned, regardless of rain or shine. This flexibility eliminates the need for a backup indoor venue, potentially saving both time and money.
Time
Your wedding day will be filled with precious moments that you will want to cherish for as long as possible. With a marquee wedding, you can stretch out that wedding bliss for as long as your heart desires. A marquee is traditionally installed two to three days before your event, so your family can all come together to add your personal touches to the marquee the day before the big event. This can often make it easier to meet and greet your guests, particularly those travelling long distances, before the wedding day when you are very busy “being married”. It is also the perfect setting to host your post-wedding recovery breakfast, saving you time and money finding a venue or catering for everybody at home. Couples getting married on private properties have also chosen to bring in glamping companies so that nobody must leave, and it is not uncommon for the celebration to still be going strong when your supplier comes to pack up the marquee on Monday morning.
CONS:
Cost
While marquee weddings offer flexibility and customization, they can also be more expensive than traditional venue options, as the building is being assembled and customised on your behalf. Costs can escalate quickly when factoring in the additional expenses such as heating, cooling, generators, cool rooms, catering tents, and restroom facilities. However, with the right advice from your marquee supplier and careful consideration of your budget, you can prioritize your must-haves and avoid overspending.
Logistics
Planning a marquee wedding requires meticulous attention to detail, particularly concerning logistics. From preparing the property, setting up the bar, coordinating your vendors, and ensuring adequate power supply, there are numerous logistical challenges that couples must navigate. Talk to your marquee company or even hire a wedding planner to ensure that these challenges do not cause any unnecessary stress or complications.
Seasonal Weather
While marquee weddings offer protection against the elements, they are not entirely immune to weather-related risks. Strong winds, heavy rain, or extreme temperatures can pose challenges and impact the comfort of guests. Couples should have contingency plans in place and consider investing in features like climate control and weatherproofing to mitigate these risks.
Amenities
Unlike established venues, marquee weddings may lack certain amenities and conveniences, such as built-in restrooms, kitchen facilities, and on-site accommodations. Couples may need to rent additional equipment or services to meet their guests’ needs adequately, which can add to the overall cost and complexity of the event.
In conclusion, marquee weddings offer a unique blend of flexibility, customization, and outdoor charm, making them an attractive option for couples seeking a personalized and memorable celebration. However, they also come with their own set of challenges, including cost considerations, logistical complexities, and weather-related risks. By weighing the pros and cons carefully and planning accordingly, couples can ensure that their marquee wedding is a truly unforgettable experience for all and reflects their love story and the journey that lies ahead.
Contact Over the Top Events www.overthetopevents.com.au
Imagery // Imagery by Claire Davie & Kas Richards // Words by Kristie Cameron