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.