Planning a marquee wedding is a fantastic way to create a truly personal celebration, giving you the flexibility to design a day that’s entirely your own. However, it’s important to set a realistic budget and consider all the elements involved. With between 50 and 60 percent of your total budget likely going towards marquee hire and catering, it’s crucial to include the essentials like power, luxury loos, flooring, and catering facilities in your plans. By preparing carefully and seeking expert advice, you can ensure your marquee wedding is as beautiful and stress-free as you’ve imagined.

Key Considerations for a Marquee Wedding Budget

The Marquee

The marquee is the cornerstone of your wedding and should reflect the style and scale of your celebration:
Styles: Whether you opt for a sophisticated clearspan marquee, a romantic sailcloth tent, or a traditional pole marquee, your choice will influence both the aesthetic and cost.
Flooring:

Matting offers a more economical option and is suitable for dry weather.
Hard flooring and carpeting are a greater investment but essential in wetter conditions, providing a polished and stable base for your guests.

Seasonal Needs: Heating or cooling systems may be required to ensure comfort, depending on the time of year.

Catering

The food and drink are integral to your day, and marquee weddings require additional infrastructure:

Catering Tents: A dedicated area for food preparation, equipped with ovens, refrigeration, and prep stations.
Chiller Trailers: Essential for storing perishables and beverages.
Service Staff: Ensure your budget includes experienced chefs, waitstaff, and bar staff to provide seamless service.

Power and Utilities

Unlike permanent venues, marquees demand standalone utilities:

Generators: To power lighting, catering equipment, and entertainment systems.
Loos: Luxury restroom trailers are a must for guest comfort.
Lighting: Ensure sufficient lighting for both ambiance and practicality, including pathways, parking, and service areas.

Furniture and Décor

A marquee offers a blank canvas, so every element needs to be thoughtfully curated:

Dining tables, chairs, and lounge furniture.
Dancefloors, bars, and staging for entertainment.
Decorative touches such as draping, chandeliers, and floral installations to bring your vision to life.

Site Preparation and Access

Hosting a marquee wedding at home or on a private estate requires careful groundwork:

Conduct a site visit with your wedding planner to determine the best location, avoiding areas with underground utilities such as gas, water, or electricity lines.
Ensure the ground is flat and rolled for stability.
Consider hiring trackway to protect your lawn and provide stable access for vehicles in case of inclement weather.
Plan the layout to accommodate essential areas, including loos, a catering tent, generator space, and parking for both guests and suppliers.

The Role of a Wedding Planner

A marquee wedding demands a level of coordination that can feel overwhelming without expert guidance. Hiring a professional planner is an invaluable investment, offering:

A comprehensive site visit to assess the location and recommend the optimal layout.
Expert knowledge of marquee logistics, ensuring no detail is overlooked.
Coordination with trusted suppliers to manage everything from power to decor.

Allocating Your Budget

To assist in your planning, here’s a refined breakdown of how your marquee wedding budget might be distributed:

Marquee and Flooring: 20-30%
Catering: 30-40%
Power, Toilets, and Infrastructure: 10-15%
Furniture and Decor: 15-20%
Contingency Fund: 10%

Setting a budget for your marquee wedding is an exercise in thoughtful planning, ensuring every element contributes to the beauty and success of your day. With a clear understanding of the costs involved and the expertise of a professional planner, you can create a celebration that is not only impeccably elegant but also seamlessly executed.

For bespoke guidance on planning a marquee wedding, we would be delighted to assist in bringing your vision to life. Reach out to begin the journey to your perfect day.