Stretch Marquees Galore

A marquee wedding… we must confess, we just love them. We can’t help but be impressed with the fabulous things couples do when they have a blank canvas to work with. And the guests? Well, they just love weddings in marquee tents – because, what’s not to love? They get the best of indoors and outdoors, and a wonderful intimate party feeling even when hundreds are attending. If this sounds good to you, here’s some key info to get you started.

Hiring a marquee

There are companies, such as Tentickle Stretch Tents, who specialise in providing stretch tents and marquee tents – unique-looking structures erected on poles and ropes, very festival in feeling, and unlimited in size and configuration options. They are weatherproof, stylish and modern.

Tents can be erected on any surface, come with wooden floors, and all equipment is designed for maximum functionality and elegance.

Things to think about

Of all the reasons to have a marquee wedding tents, looks definitely take the top spot – the tents are simply gorgeous. But there are so many other reasons why you should! How about:

• Catering – hire whoever you like

• Huge flexibility with guest numbers

• No usual fees like corkage or room hire

• An enclosed tent is a safe space for kids

• Doing your own thing – personalise as much as you like

• Your own exclusive space – no sharing a venue with other couples

• Work all year round – yes, you could have a marquee in the winter

• A complete blank canvas – whatever decor you want, you shall have

• Pitch anywhere – yes, you could have your wedding wherever you like

• No quitting time – depending where you pitch, you could really party all night

If you’re considering a marquee wedding, we recommend not waiting until the last minute. During warm seasons marquees are in huge demand, so starting your research early and booking well in advance is best.

There are five things that make a marquee wedding different from a venue wedding. These are: the loos, power supply, chillout area, heating/cooling, and furniture. Many marquee companies will supply all these themselves, or will recommend trusted suppliers. Read our ‘where to start’ guide to make everything simple, and to make sure you ask all the right questions when hiring your supplier.

Marquee decor

Being clever with your booking time also means arranging everything will be much easier – after all, this is your blank canvas. Whatever you imagine, it can be created – so start the planning as soon as you can.

Having a completely blank canvas for your marquee wedding decor is exhilarating, but it could also be intimidating. How do you fill all that space? Don’t worry – it’s not all going to be empty. Once you agree on the layout of furniture, stage, dance floor and chillout area, you’ll find most of the area is filled – leaving you a much smaller job to do. Your marquee company will likely be providing all the furniture too, and they’ll discuss the layouts with you once you make your booking. Or if you’re hiring a separate supplier, you’ll need to take the essential information like size, shape and number of guests, and work out the plan in a meeting.

Many brides think something must be done with the great expanse of space overhead – but the truth is, it looks elegant on its own, and doesn’t need much embellishment at all. You could take the focus away from the ceiling by going for a beautiful theme with the tables. This could be one strong colour accent, or big floral arrangements for centrepieces, or every table done in a different colour. Standing plants and trees are also a great and easy decorating option you could hire.

If you’re having a Christmas-time marquee wedding, some of the space will probably be taken up by the tree and festive embellishments. You could have this anytime during December – people are already quite in the festive spirit by then, and your gorgeous decor will make them feel extra jolly for sure.

There are some decorations that look particularly good in a marquee – it just seems to fit! These are: bunting, pom-poms or lanterns hanging from the ceiling, and strings of lights. They can all be hired, bought or inexpensively made.

We’re counting down the days until we can get outside and soak up the sunshine. For those who love the outdoors, they can’t imagine having their wedding anywhere else.

Rays of sunshine and fresh breezes all come together for a bright and airy ceremony. But when it comes to your reception, why would you then take the party indoors? Skip the banquet hall and enjoy the outdoors with a wedding tent.

1. PICK YOUR SPOT

A tent can be setup just about anywhere but aside from finding an area that’s flat and can offer a beautiful view, there are more logistical things to think about. Although the idea of having your wedding on the beach or local park may sound like a beautiful idea you want to consider parking options, utilities and sanitation facilities you’ll need for your guests and service. This is why golf courses like Sawmill Creek are often best suited for outdoor weddings. Not only do you get manicured lawns and gardens, you have all the amenities you need to execute the perfect reception service.

2. PICK YOUR TENT

There are a few types of tents but the two most popular are the traditional frame tent and pole tent. We recommend the traditional frame tent as it gives complete freedom in your floor plan whereas pole tents have rows of interior poles that create obstructions in floor plans and views to create mountain like peaks. Sawmill Creek offers a traditional frame tent with side windows to let in natural lighting and vaulted ceilings for a lofty space.

3. PUT YOUR TEAM TOGETHER

Start with an experienced wedding coordinator who’s put together tented weddings and will help you think of all the details involved with an outdoor wedding. If you’re bringing in a caterer, you’ll want to make sure they’re well equipped to handle the space and facilities. Make sure your band or DJ have all the power supply they need to put on a dance party. Bring in a decorator and florist to find the right personality for your wedding. They will know where to find your must-have décor then put everything together the day of the wedding.

4. CREATE AN AMBIANCE

5. PREPARE FOR A HOT SUMMER NIGHT

When it comes to the outdoors, you can’t predict what Mother Nature has in store for you. Consider renting fans or air conditioning units to keep the air moving. Make sure that your bar is stocked with plenty of cold water and refreshing non-alcoholic drinks to keep your guests hydrated. Depending on your location you may want prepare for bugs by using citronella candles or even having an exterminator spray the space two days before your event.

Any wedding can be memorable, extravagant and affordable with stretch tent hire. Tentickle Stretch Tents offer a variety of stretch tents for hire for any event. See what Tentickle Stretch Tents have to offer to make your wedding day perfect!

Can’t decide between a Hotel, Country House or a Marquee?

1. You can choose your own location and venue.

Do you have your own land, a large garden or know a neighbour with a field, then you’r halfway there. All we need to set up a marquee is a bit of space. Many people choose an area with a gorgeous view or a space that has a sentimental feeling.

If you don’t have this, there are lots of venues that will let you just use the outdoor space rather than having the whole package.

2. You can decide on what type of Marquee you have.

If you go with a venue, they may limit you to specific areas and rooms. We have many different types of marquee tents to choose from to make your day unique. Whether you want the traditional vintage style with swooping drapes and tall poles or you want to be a bit quirky with a collection of Kata Tipi’s, choosing a marquee wedding the options are endless.

3. You can invite as many or as little guests as you want.

Marquee tents from Tentickle Tents come in many different sizes and are easy to expand if your guest list grows. You can have your main marquee with smaller rooms attached. This is great to have your bar separate or to create a chill out area for your guests to relax. If you are having lots of children at your big day you could also add on their own fun area.

4. Take advantage of the countryside and views.

Frame Marquees are perfect for overseeing the views while you enjoy your wedding breakfast and evening do. With the option to have the whole of one end of your marquee fitted with clear windows and even a panoramic roof, this is a great unique idea especially for a summer wedding to enjoy the evening skies.

5. You can decide on your theme and decorations.

The best thing about having a marquee wedding is that it is a blank canvas and you can add your own flair and designs. Whether you choose to have a large banquet with rustic trestle tables or a sophisticated friendly meal with large round tables, you can decide on your own layout. Interior wedding decorations and accessories for marquees are endless, from led spot lights and twinkling ceilings to vibrant bunting and florals.

6. Budget

With a marquee wedding you can set and work to your own budget. There is a lot of flexibility as you can choose your own caterers, florist, decorations etc. Some larger venues may expect you to use their own recommended suppliers which can work out a little pricey.

7. Stages and Dance Floors

With a marquee you can choose where your entertainment will be. It can be in the centre or at one end of your chosen marquee or you may want to have a separate “party" tent. We can provide stages and different sized dance floors depending on the amount of guests.

8. Catering and Bars

The beauty of having a marquee for your wedding is that you can choose your own caterers. Whether you bring in a company or you have a great aunt that has offered to do your food we can supply a catering tent along with refrigerated trailers to suit all of your needs.

With a marquee you can also create your own bar area, with different types of bars and furniture to choose from there is always something to suit the theme.

9. No Curfews

If you choose to have a marquee wedding on your own land there are no end of the night limits, last orders or bed time curfews. You can choose how long you party away for.

10. Hassle Free

Most importantly, choosing to hire a marquee for your wedding is hassle free. We carry out free site visits to get a feel for what we have to work with, then we take it from there. Our expert team put up your marquee in plenty of time before your event giving you enough time for your caterers and florist etc. to get settled in.

We can provide wedding management and planning and even on site staff for your big day to ensure everything runs smoothly.

For any more information on hiring the perfect marquee - contact Tentickle Tents. View all Tentickles Tents’ available marquee tents here.

There are a number of reasons for the rise of the Stretch Tent and the fall of the Marquee – and we’ve listed a few of them here:

Price

The hiring of a Stretch Tent costs about half the amount of hiring a similar sized Marquee. Note: If you are an events company, consider a stretch tents for sale, from a company such as Tentickle Tents. The longevity of these tents are worth the price. Visit their website here.

Looks

Stretch Tents are beautiful to look at, with their organic lines, flowing peaks, and elegant feel. They create a stunning, atmospheric space for an event. Marquees are a lot more formal, with their straight lines and uniform look.

Versatility

Marquees require a flat surface, in a square or rectangle shape, that is perfectly level for the marquee to be erected correctly. Stretch tents can be erected anywhere, in any space, and on almost any terrain. Stretch tents can also be set up around tree’s, and attached to walls of houses, where marquees cannot.

Efficiency

Marquees require a large team of riggers, a large truck to transport the tent, and many hours to set it up. Stretch Tents can be set up in an hour or two, with a small team, and can be transported in a normal bakkie, which is far better for the environment!

So when you are planning your next outdoor event, and have to make a choice between a stretch tent or a marquee, keep these points in mind! And remember, there is a reason why stretch tents have almost completely taken over the events market

I like to imagine that at some point in arranging any function, at least one person will suggest moving out of a traditional bricks and mortar structure and into a marquee. The reasons for this are many and varied.

From a practical perspective, perhaps your guest list has ballooned and your chosen venue can no longer accommodate your party. Maybe you're discovering that most run-of-the-mill function rooms have the same decor, layout and lack of personality, and you're wanting something more unique. Or, as I discovered when hunting for my own wedding venue, sometimes you simply stumble upon a place of extreme natural beauty and realise that sitting indoors a hundred metres away would never be good enough.

In my experience, when discussing the move to a tented event, the same three issues are always raised:

First: The weather.

Let's be honest, no one wants a rainy wedding day, no matter what type of roof you're under. It wrecks your photos, spoils your views and sometimes it means a rather damp party. What helps is to remember that in bad weather any roof could spring a leak. Ensure that the stretch tent manufacturers responsible for the fabrication of the tents, have a proven track record and only uses high quality 100% waterproof materials and that the structures can withstand strong winds.

Next: The hassle.

You know how Aunt Millie likes to tell you you're making extra work for yourself by going outdoors? Well, ensure that your tent rental company set up their tents up a couple of days before your event and take it down a few days after. This gives you and your planners plenty of time to set up tables, chairs, dance floors and serving areas, and to dress them up just how you want them. Pretty much the same process as in a fixed venue. Where's the hassle in that?

Last: The cost.

A traditional venue has fixed costs per guest. You're generally expected to hire out the entire venue including any accommodation they have even if you're not making use of every element. Don't need a chill lounge or a second bar area? Too bad, you've got to pay for them anyway. A marquee means you only hire the space you need. If you're using the grounds of a restaurant or hotel, you might be expected to pay a venue charge, but often this fee is waived if you agree to use their catering and bar facilities. Sounds like a win-win situation to us.