jo February 5, 2025
jo Marquee weddings are one of my favourite types of weddings to plan and design. They offer complete freedom to create a celebration that truly reflects your personality, but they also come with unique challenges. Unlike hotels or stately homes, a marquee starts as a blank canvas. That blank canvas is full of potential, but it needs careful styling and planning to bring your vision to life. As someone who has planned marquee weddings across the UK for many years, I know exactly what it takes to make a temporary structure feel seamless, beautiful, and completely personalised. Here is my guide to marquee wedding styling, from layout to lighting and everything in between.
The first step in styling a marquee wedding is designing the layout. How guests move through the space, where the ceremony, dining, and dancing will happen, and how key areas interact will affect every styling decision you make. I always start by:
Mapping the ceremony and reception areas
Planning guest flow between spaces, bars, and toilets
Considering where suppliers will load in and set up
Identifying focal points for décor, like the ceremony backdrop or head table
A thoughtful layout ensures your marquee not only looks beautiful but also feels effortless for guests.
Lighting is one of the most powerful styling tools in a marquee. Natural daylight is incredible, but as the evening approaches, thoughtful lighting transforms the space. Some of my favourite lighting elements include:
Hanging fairy lights or festoon lighting across the ceiling
Up-lighting along the sides for depth and warmth
Statement chandeliers or pendant lights over key areas
Candles and lanterns for tablescapes and intimate corners
Lighting sets the mood, draws attention to important details, and makes your marquee feel magical after dark.
Florals are a key part of marquee wedding styling. Because the structure is neutral, flowers bring colour, texture, and personality. I usually advise couples to:
Focus florals on focal areas: ceremony arch, head table, or feature installations
Add greenery along beams or the ceiling to frame the space
Use seasonal blooms to keep costs manageable and highlight UK flowers
Incorporate flowers in smaller details, like tablescapes, napkins, or bar décor
The right floral choices create cohesion across the day and enhance the overall experience.
Tables are more than just seating, they are an opportunity to bring your styling vision to life. When planning tablescapes in a marquee, I focus on:
Coordinating linens, chargers, and place settings with the overall theme
Adding centrepieces that complement but don’t overcrowd the table
Considering guest sightlines and comfort
Using different furniture styles for lounge areas or the bar to add dimension
Marquee weddings offer flexibility, so mixing lounge seating, long banquet tables, or round tables can create a dynamic and visually appealing space.
One of the differences between a marquee and a traditional venue is that every element is installed temporarily. Flooring, carpets, and runners not only protect your guests’ shoes from mud but also contribute to the styling. Finishing touches I recommend include:
Rugs or runners to define areas
Draping or soft linings to make the marquee feel more intimate
Signage that reflects your personality or theme
Personalised touches like favours, menus, or bespoke decorations
These details bring everything together and make the space feel complete.
Styling a marquee wedding is about finding the balance between beauty and functionality. You want the space to look incredible, but it also needs to be comfortable for guests and practical for suppliers. Key practical considerations:
Heating or cooling depending on the season
Clear walkways for guests and suppliers
Accessibility for all guests
Space for entertainment, dancing, and photography
When style and practicality work together, guests feel relaxed, and the day flows effortlessly.
Marquee weddings are an opportunity to create a day that is truly yours. The blank canvas may feel daunting at first, but with careful layout planning, thoughtful lighting, striking florals, and considered finishing touches, a marquee can feel just as luxurious and polished as any traditional venue.
With the right planning, your marquee wedding will not only look stunning but also run seamlessly behind the scenes, leaving you free to enjoy every moment.
If you’re planning a marquee wedding in the UK and want expert guidance to bring your vision to life, get in touch to book your free discovery call – I’d love to help you create a day that feels effortless and beautiful.
You can reach me at [email protected] or 0800 772 0765.
In the meantime, why not keep up with all things behind the scenes at One Curious Dream on Instagram, where you’ll find lots of wedding inspiration and ideas?