Thinking ahead to summer and planning a wedding reception in the great outdoors? Consider the following when booking your marquee...

1. Is the location completely suitable? If you like the idea of having a marquee in the grounds of a hotel or stately home be sure to ask before presuming they will allow it. Wherever you have in mind, get it checked out by a marquee company who will be able to let you know if the area is suitable - a hillside doesn’t make for a great marquee setting!
2. Is there reasonable access for your guests? If you’re having a marquee, it’s crucial to consider how your guests will get to it. Often marquees are tagged on to buildings but if not, will there be a special walkway or will guests have to walk through a building, perhaps a house, to get to the entrance? Unless you’re marrying in the height of summer, it could be worth considering a covered walkway.
3. Will you need heating and proper flooring? Again, unless you’re tying the knot in the summer and are prepared to take a risk, you need to consider how the marquee will be heated, and whether you’ll need a substantial floor. It’s always advisable to have a decent dance floor.
4. Will your marquee need kitchen facilities? Unless your marquee is in the grounds of a building with a relatively substantial kitchen, you’ll need to bring a kitchen in.
5. Will you need to provide portable toilets? If you’re having the marquee in the grounds of a private home, it’s a good idea to provide toilets so that your guests don’t need to use the facilities in the house.
6. And finally... will your marquee company provide everything you need? Keep your workload down by finding a company who can supply everything from tables and chairs to linen and china.

Article by Wedding Consultant Kate Smallwood

Images Courtesy of Marquees Direct