jo August 8, 2022
jo If you’re planning a wedding in a countryside setting or at a dry-hire venue, choosing the right structure is key to creating the perfect atmosphere. With so many types of marquee available, it can be hard to know where to start. As experienced wedding planners specialising in marquee weddings across the UK, we’re here to guide you through the most popular options and help you choose the right marquee style for your big day.
Marquee weddings offer flexibility, creative freedom and the opportunity to design a completely bespoke celebration. Whether you’re planning a luxury black-tie affair, a rustic countryside wedding or a laid-back garden party, there’s a marquee style to suit every vision and venue.
Before you select your structure, it’s important to consider factors such as guest numbers, budget, ground conditions, and the overall aesthetic you want to achieve. Here’s our expert breakdown of the most popular types of marquee for weddings.
The traditional pole marquee, sometimes referred to as a canvas or sailcloth marquee, is a timeless option for classic countryside weddings. Supported by central wooden poles and guy ropes, this type of marquee offers elegance, height and soft curves that look stunning in photographs.
Its canvas fabric (often white or ivory) allows for natural light to fill the space, making it ideal for summer weddings. Pole marquees must be erected on grass and do require good anchoring, so they’re best suited to estate grounds, fields, or private gardens.
Frame marquees are incredibly versatile and one of the most commonly used types of marquee for weddings. Built with a metal framework, they don’t require internal poles or guy ropes, meaning they offer more usable interior space and can be installed on hard surfaces like patios, gravel or even car parks.
Frame marquees can be dressed in endless ways – from linings and drapes to lighting and floral installations – making them a favourite for bespoke styling. They also offer flexibility in size and shape, making them ideal for awkwardly shaped venues or sites with access limitations.
Stretch tents are a modern and stylish alternative to traditional marquees. These tensioned fabric structures offer a relaxed, boho-luxe feel and work especially well for informal or festival-style weddings.
Available in various sizes and configurations, stretch tents are great for creating chill-out zones, drinks areas, or covering dancefloors and dining spaces. While they offer some protection from the elements, they’re best suited to dry weather or summer months.
Tipis are another increasingly popular type of marquee that offer a cosy, atmospheric setting. With their distinctive conical shape, timber frames and canvas coverings, they bring a unique sense of character to your wedding – especially when styled with rustic or Scandi-inspired décor.
Multiple tipis can be linked together to accommodate larger guest numbers, and their warm, enclosed feel makes them suitable for weddings in cooler seasons too. They look especially magical when dressed with fairy lights, fire pits, and layered textiles.
Clearspan marquees are a type of frame marquee with one standout feature – clear PVC walls or roofs that allow you to showcase your surroundings and let in loads of natural light. They’re ideal for venues with amazing views, or for evening weddings where you want to dine under the stars.
These types of marquee are highly customisable and weatherproof, making them an excellent choice for couples who want a modern, architectural feel without sacrificing comfort or structure.
At One Curious Dream, we specialise in planning and designing unforgettable marquee weddings. We’ll guide you through the entire process – from selecting the right type of marquee to managing suppliers, styling the space, and handling all the logistics that come with a dry-hire venue.
Whether you’re planning a relaxed stretch tent wedding or a grand celebration in a clearspan marquee, our team will ensure everything runs seamlessly – leaving you to enjoy your wedding day with complete peace of mind.
Understanding the different types of marquee is the first step in creating the wedding of your dreams. If you’d like support planning a marquee wedding anywhere across the UK, we’d love to hear from you!
Contact our expert wedding planning team today for a free discovery call on 0800 772 0765 or email us at [email protected].
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?