Once again, I am seeing the splendour of marquee weddingsš
hosted at family homes in and around the UK.
While the decision to host a wedding at home opens doors to unparalleled creativity,
it also presents a complex web of logistics that can be overwhelming for couples and their familiesā ļø
Always consider hiring a wedding planner, especially for a marquee wedding.
I firmly believe that investing in an event planner with experience in marquee weddings
ensures the seamless execution of a wedding at home.
A specialist š·in marquees takes on the responsibility of managing the build, setup,
logistics, unforeseen challenges on the day, and the meticulous dismantling and clean-up afterwards.
This allows couples and their guests to enjoy every moment of the special day without the weight of any of those concerns.
A marquee, yurt, or tipi wedding is, quite literally, a bespoke venue tailored for you.
his allows you to design and plan a truly unique event space, adorned with stunning ceiling installations,
exquisite dining areas, laid-back chill-out zones, and even nightclubs!š¶
From the initial site visit to the meticulous dismantling at the end of your wedding day,
every stage demands careful consideration and communication with your dedicated wedding planning team.
Planning a marquee wedding at home requires a whole host of logistics.
Here are my top considerations for couples considering a marquee weddingš
The options for the structure itself are abundant, spanning white frame marquees, traditional pole marquees,
framed clear-span designs, giant tipis, yurts, pavilions, glass structures, or geo domes.
Regardless of your choice, consider the locationšŗļø, embrace the views, and maximise both indoor and
outdoor spaces to create a wedding celebration that resonates with your unique style and vision.
Selecting a reputable marquee company is paramount.
They are not merely providing a structure; they are crafting your wedding venue in your garden.
Ensure that your chosen marquee company has the correct insuranceāļø and a list of trusted suppliers they have previously worked with.
Understanding the duration of the build and dismantle phases is crucial.
With suppliers on-site for an extended period, managing this process might feel intrusive to some familiesš. Having a professional to oversee this on your behalf alleviates concerns, allowing you to focus on the excitement of the day ahead.
Aim to have the structure built a few days before the wedding to allow for styling.
Consider a smooth delivery process for all elements, from the build materials to kitchen equipment,
generators, and smaller items like cutlery and glassware š„.
Consider the logistics of larger items and whether the site can accommodate the necessary lorries for construction.
Well, if we havenāt met- then Hi, Iām Schuggie, and I run the multi-award-winning Schuggies-Ceilidhs (itās pronounced ShUUg- eee s ā Kay-Laes btw) š
Iāve been hosting wedding ceilidhs since 2012, and that means Iāve experienced well over 150 in all sorts of themes and alternatives.
Whilst getting married at home isnāt a new concept, this year (2024) Iām going to be involved in a fair few, including providing PA and background music during the daytime wedding activities.
As you consider whether to host your wedding at home, if you need help deciding; then book a chat and Iād be happy to help, even if Iām not actually involved in your wedding. I also know quite a few wedding planners right across the country who are amazing and I would wholeheartedly recommendā ā¤ļø
Consider the number of toilets needed, potentially allocating separate facilities for guests and suppliers to ensure a seamless experience.
Evaluate the on-site parking capacity for both your guests and any wedding suppliers.
Assess the proximity of parking to the marquee, and think about any additional matting or lighting required,
particularly in adverse weather conditions.
The weather can be unpredictable, so craft a comprehensive wet weatherā contingency plan for all of the different activities of the day.
Ensure thereās sufficient space in the marquee if certain activities need to be moved indoors due to rain.
Plan the interior space carefully to accommodate contingencies like bringing the drinks reception inside in case of rainā
Ensure the marquee offers flexibility and ample space for a flawless celebration, regardless of the weather.
What size do they recommend for the number of guests?
Do they provide any covering for additional areas?
Can they provide enough extra power for additional entertainment like bands?
What are the payment, booking and cancellation terms?
What colour is the marquee/tent/tipi/yurt?
Are there other styles and colours available?
Can you see some examples of marquee weddings in a similar style?
What is the process for developing inspiration collaboratively?
How can they help you manage your budget effectively?
Will hard surfaces, such as dance floors, stages and walkways, be provided?
Do they provide lighting for the interior and exterior?
When will the marquee be set up and dismantled?
What kind of access (and swing area) will their delivery lorries need?
Whichever way you decide though, having fun, social and inclusive šwedding entertainment that
your guests will rave about for years to come- was certainly the right choice.
Hi, if you skimmed past my introduction earlier-
Hello, Iām Schuggie and I run Schuggies-Ceilidhs.
I specialise in providing high-quality authentic Scottish style (well I am from Inverness in the Highlands of Scotland) ceilidhs with a contemporary twist. I know how to make sure everyone has a great time.
Iām a multi-award-winning Scottish Ceilidh-Caller based in the East Midlandsš
So when it comes to your wedding entertainment regardless of whether youāve gone with a marquee, yurt or tipi Iām the perfect solution!
A ceilidh (pr. kay-lea) is probably the most inclusive dancefloor you could have
It doesnāt matter how many of them youāve done before, or if youāve done none at all.
The person calling the dances tells everyone what they need to do, and keeps it going.
Everyone dances with everyone, whether you know each other or not.
The more people the better! Everyone gets a go. No one has the chance to bust different moves, and because no one *really* knows whatās going onšand itās very difficult to feel self-conscious.
Essentially, most people are just guessing what theyāre supposed to be doing, and that makes it brilliant.
You can check out my Prices and Availability online. You can even book your day and pay your deposit here without getting off your sofa.
Still not sure, Iāve loads of Testimonials and Reviews on Google & Facebook to reassure you that I am as good as I day I am. You can stalk me over social media- Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and even TikTok.
Did you know you donāt actually have to have that traditional first dance? If you book a ceilidh to celebrate your wedding (preferably with me calling obvs) then you have fun, social and inclusive entertainment to keep your guests entertained all night AND you can have a ceilidh first dance alternative.
Click this link to check out my free wedding planning download on the subject.
How to make your wedding unique with an alternative to a traditional first dance.
What else? Well here are some Tips for wedding speeches
Feeling anxious as you build up to the big day? Here is another blog that is sure to help How To Minimise Anxiety As You Plan Your Wedding
Finally, you can book a ceilidh chat here and talk through your plans- or get some inspiration from me. Either through Zoom, Teams, Skype, WhatsApp or just a phone call. Itās not a sales call so you can relax.
Every dance called, everyone included ā and a full dancefloor all night.