IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS WHEN PLANNING A MARQUEE WEDDING ON A PRIVATE ESTATE
Planning a private estate marquee wedding offers an unparalleled opportunity to craft your wedding experience from the ground up in a place that holds such sentimental meaning. Yet, planning a private estate marquee wedding also presents a whole new realm of logistical obstacles and additional hours of planning time compared to a venue-based wedding.
With a specialization in organizing private estate marquee weddings across the UK, I thrive on the intricacies and creative possibilities these events entail. Each detail, both operational and creative, is meticulously considered well in advance as we we work together to curate a perfectly balanced itinerary. Our goal is to blend unique eating and drinking experiences, awe-inspiring entertainment, and stunning design to curate a perfectly balanced itinerary that also logistically works perfectly somewhere that you call home.
MARQUEE PITCH
Apart from the obvious that you require adequate space to accommodate a marquee reflective of the number of guests you would like to host, several other considerations must be taken into account. This includes allocating space for a catering tent, toilets, generators, storage and a greenroom for your suppliers all in close proximity. Marquees also have to be pitched on flat ground, sometimes a specialised and experienced marquee company can adjust for slopes with clearspan or glasshouse structures, however Sperry Tents or Arundale marquees require level terrain. I have had clients that have invested in flattening a grass pitch especially for their wedding and others where we have chosen to pitch on a tennis court which we've seamlessly integrated into the overall design by covering the surrounding areas to create a cohesive transition between the garden and the marquee.
MAIN MARQUEE STRUCTURES
SPERRY TENTS
Sperry tent structures exude the timeless charm of that traditional English country garden look and feel associated with a private estate marquee wedding planning, Their elegant oyster white canvas, supported by wooden poles and adorned with sloping roofs and fluttering white flags, captures a classic aesthetic. Despite their simplicity as a blank canvas, Sperry tents offer ample opportunity for creative decor to elevate their simplicity.
Most Sperry tents now rest on-top of slightly raised levelled floors, that are either carpeted or covered in wood, departing from the rustic hemp flooring once pinned directly to the grass. Through the addition of drapes, floral installations, sumptuous lounge furniture, bespoke bars, staging, chandeliers, and sophisticated lighting, these marquees can be transformed into luxurious settings. However, it's important to note that while Sperry tents allow for lavish enhancements, their bespoke potential may be somewhat limited compared to a clearspan structure in terms of floorplan and positioning of back-of-house elements.
From a budgetary standpoint, Sperry tents tend to be more cost-effective investments due to their inherently charming aesthetic and simpler elements that make up the structure requiring somewhat less decor and modification compared to clearspan marquees.
CLEARSPAN MARQUEES
Clearspan marquees offer unparalleled flexibility and the opportunity to create a truly bespoke structure in collaboration with the right supplier. These are much more complex in terms of design and present many more options and considerations ranging from interior linings, exit and entrance configurations, covers, doors, flooring types, to stairs, and beyond. With modular aluminium construction, these marquees can be installed on most grassy areas, providing versatility in venue selection.
However, the beautiful transparent roofs of clearspan marquees that allow your guests to view the natural surroundings throughout can pose challenges during adverse weather conditions, as they tend to trap heat, creating uncomfortable temperatures within. It's imperative to cover the roof with draping and/or floral installations and ensure that within the design there is an option to roll up sides in certain areas to allow a breeze to flow through. Moreover, during the sweltering summer months, I would highly advise air conditioning to counteract the greenhouse effect caused by the clearspan lining ensuring a comfortable environment for guests.
Enhancing the aesthetic appeal of clearspan marquees often requires a substantial investment in decor to achieve the desired level of sophistication and luxury. Yet, when executed meticulously with careful planning and attention to detail, clearspan marquees can transform into truly magical spaces, elevating your event to unforgettable heights and leaving a lasting impression on all who attend.
GLASSHOUSE STRUCTURES
A superior version of the clearspan structure, the glasshouse structure represents the pinnacle of event spaces, offering the same advantages and drawbacks as the clearspan but designed for next-level celebrations. The glasshouse marquee boasts an exquisite structure that minimizes the need for extensive decor, however, its unparalleled aesthetic comes at a premium, rendering it significantly pricier. Nevertheless, the breathtaking ambience it creates elevates any celebration to unprecedented levels.
POWER, LIGHTING & WATER SUPPLY
When selecting a remote countryside or lakeside location for your event, ensure ample after-hours lighting is available to guide guests safely to key areas such as restrooms, exits, car parks, and designated lounge spaces. As well as necessary lighting you can also use this to elevate the surrounding areas at night with fairy lights and up-lighters to highlight trees or special buildings that contribute to the beauty of the outdoor space surrounding your marquee. Don't overlook illuminating outdoor service areas for your suppliers' convenience and safety either.
If your estate lacks 3-phase power, coordinate with your marquee company to provide generators - including a backup unit - with sufficient KVA to support all power requirements on the wedding day. Ensure these can be placed at least 7 meters from the tent structure for fire safety and noise pollution reasons. Generators can be loud so when there is no music playing such as during your speeches you don’t want to hear them whirring.
Additionally, proximity to a drinking water source near your chosen marquee pitch is essential for smooth operations.
ACCESS & PARKING
It's crucial to designate separate parking areas for guests and suppliers so as not to ruin the aesthetics of your marquee and ensure a smooth flow of logistics.. You do not want guests on one side to be looking directly into a plethora of parked cars! Suppliers should have a distinct entrance and exit that doesn't disrupt guest arrivals and departures. As UK wedding planners, we meticulously evaluate these aspects during our initial site visit to your private estate. We assess the feasibility of getting your marquee company and other deliveries as close as possible to the marquee while minimizing disruption to the event atmosphere. Significant additional costs will be incurred if suppliers access to the marquee site is limited.
BOH
Think about how your guests will move through the day’s itinerary. From their arrival to enjoying a drinks reception, dining, and finally, partying. They should be treated as an audience! As you plan the day's setup and transition of spaces and coordinate with suppliers, it's crucial to keep the "backstage" behind the curtain. Revealing the inner workings behind the scenes can disrupt the atmosphere and diminish the magic of the occasion. Therefore, being able to maintain a clear separation between front-of-house and back-of-house operations is imperative.
You will also need a break-out space for your suppliers, where they can store belongings, have some food, relax, or prepare for their roles. Since you'll be hiring everything to accommodate your day, thoughtful consideration also must be given to storage for additional glassware, linen bags, spare candles, chair covers, alcohol, and more. It's essential to conceal catering tents, fridge vans, and waste disposal facilities from guests' view to maintain the event's aesthetic integrity and ensure a seamless experience for everyone involved.
It's advisable to refrain from allowing guests to use the house itself for facilities like toilets. Keeping the house closed minimises additional mess inside and prevents any accidental breakages of expensive decor or stains and spillages on upholstery. Unfortunately with any event with a large amount of guests consuming alcohol accidents do and will happen.
For Sperry tent private estate marquee weddings, you need to rent ample lavatories in the form of a toilet trailer. The advantage of clearspan structures is the ability to discreetly integrate of a toilet section within the structure. The positioning of toilet trailers is key—they should be close enough for guest accessibility but strategically placed away from catering areas and out of view from the main event space with clear signage and illuminated walkways to help guide guests. In the UK market, there are now luxurious options available for toilet trailers, providing guests with comfortable facilities without compromising on elegance.
While your increased waste is often handled with skip hire, it's essential to conceal them from view while ensuring they remain easily accessible for back-of-house operations. If space is limited, consider negotiating waste disposal arrangements with suppliers, although additional charges may apply.
WEATHER CONSIDERATIONS
It is essential to assess the condition of your marquee pitch in the event of inclement weather this is either in the weeks leading up to your marquee build or on the day itself. How would the space fare if it rained? Is the area prone to flooding or becoming waterlogged? If so will suppliers have less access than before by not being able to drive on the grass for example, and could guests find access difficult too?
As well as rain a heatwave is also a possibility in the height of a British summer. Understanding the sun's trajectory - where it rises and sets - is also valuable for planning your layout effectively so as to try and not to have the structure sitting directly in the sun. If you do experience soaring temperatures open the sides as early as possible to allow a through breeze. If your wedding is in the spring, autumn or winter months heating will also be something to look into as as much as these structures can rise in temperature at night they can also become very chilly too!
If you're envisioning parts of the day taking place outdoors, it's crucial to have a weather contingency plan. Consider options such as hiring a second tent or pavilion for the drinks reception, which not only provides shelter from rain but also offers shade on particularly hot days is a sensible move. As a luxury wedding planner, I've implemented such backup plans for clients many times, ensuring their celebrations proceed smoothly regardless of weather conditions.
DISRUPTION AT HOME
Hosting a marquee wedding on a private estate becomes much more than a one-day event for those residing in the house. The preparations can span over a week, with the marquee company beginning setup well in advance and taking several days for dismantling afterwards. The constant influx of deliveries and suppliers can be quite disruptive, requiring meticulous coordination so they don’t interfere with each other.
Considerable effort is also invested in preparing the house and gardens for the grand occasion. In anticipation of the post-wedding aftermath, I often advise clients' families to arrange for a cleaner, at least for the day following the wedding. This allows for a swift cleanup before waking up to the remnants of the celebration, easing any stress or strain.
For those in close proximity to neighbours, it's common courtesy to notify them of the event and the anticipated increase in traffic, noise, and music levels. While hosting a private estate marquee wedding in densely populated areas may seem appealing, exercise caution or seriously reconsider. The heightened noise levels could prompt complaints from neighbours you do not know and potentially lead to police intervention, which could dampen the festivities. It's prudent to select a pitch where such concerns are minimized to ensure an uninterrupted and joyous celebration for all involved.
If you’re having second thoughts about hosting at home there are some top UK wedding venues that can host marquee weddings here.
YOUR TEAM ON THE DAY
Securing suppliers you can trust implicitly to bring your wedding vision to life is paramount. For a private estate marquee affair, enlisting the services of a UK wedding planner is essential. Our expertise helps navigate the complexities of such an event, reducing stress throughout the process and ensuring flawless execution as well as managing expectations of your wedding budget to ensure all costs are taken into consideration from the outset.
On your wedding day, the role of a luxury wedding planner becomes even more critical. We assume complete operational control, working tirelessly to oversee every aspect of the event. From coordinating seamless setups with suppliers to ensuring minimal disruption, we meticulously manage the breakdown and collection process the day after, leaving your space and home as we found it. Our presence allows you to focus on enjoying your day whilst reacting and adapting to the needs of your atmosphere, looking after your guests and discreetly solving any problems.
SOME OF OUR FAVOURITE MARQUEE COMPANIES
Peacock & Bow
JB Marquees
Sail & Peg
The English Marquee Company
Raj Tent Company