So you’ve decided that a marquee wedding is how you’d like to celebrate. Not only does this give you the freedom to create a day that is unique to you, but it is also a blank canvas. A place to stamp your own personality all over it. But what does that even mean, and where do you even start? Don’t worry – we’ve got 17 marquee wedding ideas to help get your creative juices flowing!!
Your day should flow seamlessly from start to finish, avoiding those “lull” moments often found with a traditional venue – you know when the food has finished, but guests are just waiting for the evening party to kick off. A marquee wedding lets you design your day so there’s always something exciting around the corner. And don’t forget to keep a few surprises up your sleeve, so your guests experience the magic as it unfolds.
Music
Music is one of the most underestimated elements of a wedding, but it’s essential to the energy of your day – from when your guess arrive until they roll into their taxis at the end of the night. Here’s how you can use music to set the perfect tone for each key moment:
Ceremony
For the ceremony, music starts as soon as your guests arrive, continues as you walk down the aisle, and peaks when you make your grand exit as a married couple. Consider options like acoustic performances, a string quartet, or a simple yet well-curated Spotify playlist—just make sure it aligns with the mood you want to set.
Wedding Breakfast
During the wedding breakfast, guests might be sitting with people they’ve only met a handful of times, so subtle background music can help soften the atmosphere and ease those awkward silences. The absence of background music is often only noticed when it’s not there! Whether it’s a live pianist or a playlist, music will fill the space perfectly. If you’re going down the DIY route with Spotify, you can hire PA equipment to ensure the sound is just right. Any reliable sound equipment hire company can help you determine the number of speakers needed based on your marquee’s size and provide microphones for speeches too.
After Dinner
This is traditionally where the dreaded ‘lull’ can happen, but not on your watch! Consider booking a musical act that bridges the gap between the end of dinner and the arrival of evening guests. Imagine a roaming band serenading guests as they mingle—creating an atmosphere that promises excitement. You could also hire a fun mariachi band to get everyone up and moving. The key is to keep the energy high and the surprises coming.
Evening Music
A live band for the evening is always a hit. A talented band can engage with your guests, get them dancing, and create a memorable experience. When they take breaks, many bands also provide a DJ set to keep the momentum going right through to the end of the night.
Marquee Styling
So, you’ve a white marquee – now where do you even begin with styling it? How do you inject your personality into the space to make it feel like “you”? Just like any design process, it helps to break things down in to key areas. But even before that, it’s important to find a starting point. So, where do you begin?
Start with your home – Think about your own space – your home. Is it a riot of colour, filled with bold shades and textures, or is it more minimalist, with clean lines and a monochrome palette? Maybe you lean towards soft pastels, like a calming teal or blush pink? Your home decor can provide the perfect inspiration for your wedding style. If you wouldn’t choose to decorate your living space with hot pink and orange just because it’s trendy, why do it for your wedding? Staying true to your personal style will make your day feel authentically you.
Once you’ve settled on a colour palette, look to the season for inspiration. Incorporate seasonal flowers and decor that reflect the time of year you’re getting married. When your guests walk into your marquee, they should immediately think, “Yes, this feels like them!” The styling should tell your story.
Marquee Wedding Key Styling Areas
Here is a breakdown of the key areas you’ll want to focus on when styling your marquee:
Walkway, Entrance and Welcome Area
First impressions matter! The entrance to your marquee sets the tone for the entire day. Line the walkway with flowers, lanterns, or even festoon lights to create an inviting atmosphere. A personalised welcome sign is a lovely touch—whether it’s a simple chalkboard with hand-lettering or a more elaborate floral arch. You could also create a cosy seating area near the entrance with a few benches or quirky props that reflect your style. These also create the perfect backdrop for guests to take photos.
Hanging Decor
Hanging decor can transform a marquee from simple to stunning. Consider draping fabric from the ceiling in soft waves to add elegance, or go bold with floral installations or tall trees. You can also string rag bunting or festoon lights to bring a fun, whimsical touch. The height of the marquee gives you the opportunity to draw eyes upward, so take advantage of it!
Tables
Your tables are a focal point for your guests, so use them to express your personality. Whether you’re going for rustic wooden tables with simple greenery or more formal round tables with elaborate centrepieces, let your personal style shine through. Don’t be afraid to mix things up—maybe each table has a different look, or you include personal touches like handwritten notes, bespoke napkins (yes that is a thing), or unique favours.
Cake Table
The cake table deserves a little spotlight of its own. Consider draping the backdrop with fairy lights or fabric to create a romantic setting. You can also style the surrounding area with florals, candles, or even a photo montage of you both to make this space feel special.
Bar and Chill-Out Area
Every wedding needs a place for guests to relax and mingle, and the bar and chill-out area is perfect for this. Create a cosy nook with plush seating, pouffes, or beanbags to invite your guests to unwind. Add some quirky signage for the bar, such as a neon sign with your wedding hashtag or a charming display showcasing your signature cocktails. Craft unique drinks that reflect your personalities or theme to make the cocktail hour a memorable part of your celebration.
Dance Floor
The dance floor is where the real fun happens, so make it a statement piece! Whether you go for a sleek wooden floor or something custom-designed with your initials or wedding logo, this is your chance to wow your guests. Overhead, hang lights or a disco ball for a retro vibe. You could even create a backdrop for the dance floor with a curtain of fairy lights or flowers, giving guests a gorgeous setting for photos as they dance the night away
Remember, your marquee wedding is all about creating a space that reflects who you are as a couple. You have the flexibility to make every inch of that marquee uniquely yours. Whether you’re going for a modern, minimalist vibe or a romantic, boho look, these key styling areas will help you pull it all together and wow your guests.
Entertainment
Just like music, entertainment should be spread throughout the day to keep your guests engaged and having fun. The options are endless, ranging from simple garden games to more elaborate activities. Classic games like hook-a-duck and Connect 4 are always a hit, but if you want to elevate things, consider setting up a crazy golf course to keep both kids and adults entertained.
Over the years, we’ve seen just about everything, but we love it when couples surprise us with fresh ideas. Some other unique options we’ve seen include laser clay pigeon shooting, a rodeo bull for competitive guests, and even a Scalextric race track with a “Top Gear” style scoreboard for some high-speed fun!
A bouncy castle isn’t just for the kids—adults love them too! Whether you go for the traditional design or opt for something more unique like an inflatable Helter Skelter, it’s bound to be a crowd-pleaser.
For something even more extravagant, think fairground rides or fire shows with stilt walkers for evening entertainment. And why not end the night with a firework display to make your day truly unforgettable?
More interactive ideas include casino tables, which add a touch of Las Vegas glamour, or photo booths for capturing those fun, candid moments. If you want something a little different, you could try an audio guestbook where guests leave you voice messages instead of writing in a book.
Finally, for something truly out of the box, consider an escape room van or a gaming van. Both are immersive experiences that will leave your guests talking about your wedding for years to come!
Final Thoughts
Remember, you don’t need to include every single one of these ideas in your day—these are just suggestions to help inspire you! Pick and choose what resonates with you and your style, and most importantly, create a day that reflects who you are as a couple and keeps your guests engaged. Whether you go for a few small touches or pull out all the stops, your marquee wedding should be unique to you.
Further Inspo
