Congratulations on your engagement! This marks the beginning of an extraordinary chapter in your life, filled with love, joy, and the promise of a magical celebration. While it’s tempting to dive headfirst into the details, taking the right steps early on can make all the difference in creating a seamless, stress-free planning experience.

Celebrate Your Engagement in Style

Before you announce your engagement in the papers or dive into the rest of the planning process, take a moment to revel in your engagement with your closest friends and family. Share the news in a meaningful way—perhaps over a private dinner or small gathering.

Establish Your Budget

A clear budget is the foundation of a well-planned wedding. Whether you’re planning a grand marquee event for 200 or an intimate affair for 50, discuss your financial expectations early with your partner and any family members involved.

For marquee weddings, your budget should include key elements such as marquee hire, flooring, lighting, power, and amenities like loos and catering tents. Your planner will guide you in allocating your budget effectively, ensuring that no detail is overlooked.

Hire a Wedding Planner

A professional planner doesn’t just help you organise your big day—they act as your advocate, creative partner, and logistical expert. If you’re dreaming of a marquee wedding at home, a planner is particularly invaluable.

One of the first things a planner will do is arrange a site visit to your home or estate. During this visit, they’ll evaluate the space to discuss the best location for your marquee, factoring in:

Flat, even ground: Essential for a stable structure and comfortable guest experience.
Underground services: Identifying the location of gas, electric, and water pipes to avoid any issues during installation.
Access for vehicles: Ensuring clear paths for marquee setup and supplier deliveries.
Weather contingencies: Planning for trackway hire to protect your lawn in case of rain.
Event layout: Strategically placing catering tents, loos, generator space, parking, and other essential zones.

With their expertise, your planner will help you envision a stunning and functional setup while mitigating potential challenges before they arise.

Dream Big and Define Your Vision

The beauty of a marquee wedding is its limitless potential. From the structure itself to the décor, every detail can be tailored to your style and preferences. Are you imagining a timeless, elegant celebration or a romantic, whimsical garden party?

With a marquee wedding at home, you have the advantage of creating a space that feels both personal and bespoke. Work closely with your planner to explore your ideas and translate them into a cohesive design that reflects your personality as a couple.

Choose a Date or Season

Selecting the right date or season is crucial, particularly for marquee weddings. Spring and summer lend themselves beautifully to al fresco celebrations, while autumn offers warm, rich tones for a cosy and atmospheric day.

If you’re hosting at home, consider how the weather will affect the site. For wetter months, plan for trackways, extra flooring, and effective drainage to keep your guests comfortable.

Start Building Your Guest List

Your guest list will shape much of your planning, from the size of the marquee to the catering. Start with an initial draft of close family and friends, then expand outward.

Marquee weddings provide wonderful flexibility for guest numbers, but you’ll need to carefully plan your layout to accommodate dining areas, dance floors, and other key spaces.

Protect Your Investment

While not the most glamorous part of planning, insuring your engagement ring is a must. Additionally, consider event insurance or discuss with your home insurance broker, particularly if you’re hosting your wedding at home, to cover any unforeseen circumstances.

Host an Engagement Party

An engagement party is a fabulous way to celebrate your love and start building excitement for the big day. For those planning a marquee wedding, an engagement party at home can also provide a chance to test the waters with smaller-scale marquee hire and explore how your outdoor spaces can be used.

Enjoy This Special Time

Finally, take a step back and savour the moment. Wedding planning can be thrilling, but don’t let it overshadow the joy of your engagement. This is a time to celebrate your love, enjoy each other’s company, and dream about the incredible future you’re building together.

Your Journey Starts Here

Hiring a wedding planner is the key to unlocking a stress-free and truly exceptional wedding planning experience. At Natasha Spencer Weddings & Events, we specialise in creating bespoke marquee weddings that reflect your unique style and vision. Let us help you bring your dreams to life, ensuring your day is as seamless and memorable as your love story.