Marquee or Not to Marquee?

Your Dream Venue Is Outdoors

It just happened, you've decided to plan your event at an outdoors venue. The sun beams now but what if it rains on the day? The last thing you want is to party in the mediocre indoor venue aka: the wet weather contingency plan. Conversations quickly turn to THE BIG question. . . should we get a marquee?

Some of the best events we've ever seen were marquee events. The marquee industry has revolutionised. There are endless marquee options to explore for most budgets and themes. But, before excitement takes over, it's important to prepare yourself, as a great deal of effort and work go into creating marquee events. If you ask us though the complete freedom to do whatever you like and make almost anywhere a potential venue, makes marquee events completely worth the effort.

Read on to find out The Residences honest tips to help plan your next marquee event with ease.  

COUPLES ALWAYS ASK THE BIG QUESTION . . . SHOULD WE GET A MARQUEE? 

The Marquee Revolution Is Here

Marquee events make almost anywhere a venue. A customisable, all-weather solution for rail, hail or too much sunshine. Let’s be real, the Australian sun has its' challenges. No-one craves shirts dripping in back sweat, or fake tan stains melting on expensive silk dresses! The good news is the marquee industry has completely revolutionised.

Today, there is a huge range of marquee styles to choose from. Opt for a clear roof-top marquee, stylish tipis or modern tent structures. There are marquee options for most budgets and themes. Before you get carried away, it's important to remember a lot of planning goes into a marquee event. Each event is literally built from the ground up. You will need to decide on a caterer, bar set-up,  furniture, lighting, floral arrangements and so on. Despite the pending  TO DO list, the freedom that comes with planning a marquee event makes it all worthwhile.

Marquee events encourage creativity, individuality and are completely worth the effort

Planning Perfect Marquee Events

TIP 1: Have 2 Floor Plans 

A RAINY DAY FLOOR PLAN

First up agree on a floor plan if it rains on the event day. We strongly recommend to manage your expectations upfront and feel good knowing the wet weather plan works for you. During the early stages of the planning process, you may decide to book a slightly larger marquee than initially planned.This way -  there is ample space for furniture, drinks, dessert bars and for your guests to be comfortable without compromising on the size of the dance floor. The additional cost is a small price to pay for peace of mind.

A GLORIOUS SUNNY DAY FLOOR PLAN

With a rainy day plan now organised, it's time to plan for what the event will look on a beautiful day. The drink station can move outdoors near the bamboo garden while the grazing tables and lounge pod furniture stay in the marquee.

Creating two plans is one way to ensure the styling and layout meet your expectations regardless of what Mother Nature brings on the day.

TIP 2: Think Clear Marquees

Clear marquees bring the outdoors in, even when it rains. Guests can see the afternoon sun, the natural surrounds and the night sky all through the clear roof top. The marquee sides can be opened if the weather is nice. Guests can feel the breeze and meander in and out of the marquee during the event. Clear marquees are a great way to keep on a garden theme while ensuring guests stay dry!

TIP 3: How About A Timber Floor?

Some marquees have a timber floor option. A magical touch that is aesthetically pleasing and practical. (i.e. helps guests wearing heels stay upright, and a level surface for the furniture.) If you’re undecided on what to do, wait a couple of weeks prior to your event, before locking in a timber floor.

Marquee timber floors look incredible, but do chew up the budget. Why not consider having a timber dancefloor and keep the remaining floor as grass? A #bestofbothworlds solution. We love how grass floors enhance a relaxed vibe and is a clever styling decision to bring the outdoors in with no additional cost. 

TIP 4:Embrace Your Creativity 

Marquees events lend themselves to new ideas and styling. e.g. hanging floral arrangements, camp fires, indoor furniture used outdoors and so on. Event stylists and the eager DIY host can embrace their creativity with the indoor-outdoor spaces created by marquee events. Whether you choose to GO OTT with hanging chandeliers and branches or keep the decorations to a minimum, everything works. The bare structures of some marquees are beautiful in their own right. This coupled with simple timber tables and fairy lights alone can create a magical atmosphere!

TIP 5: Time For The Pros

We see many people create the remarkable events from the ground up. One challenge is finding the right team for you. What will you DIY and what will you get the professionals to do? As mentioned in an earlier blog, DIY the elements you are passionate about and call in the professionals for bigger tasks. This will be money, time and energy well spent for a stress-free event.