How To Decorate A Marquee For A Wedding

Wedding marquees have become a popular choice for couples seeking a versatile and personalised wedding venue. Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering or a grand celebration, a party marquee offers the flexibility to accommodate any number of guests in a setting that truly reflects your style.

1. Flooring: Setting the Foundation

Flooring plays a significant role in the overall feel of your marquee, especially if you’re looking to create a warm, inviting atmosphere. Consider using options like wooden flooring for a rustic feel, plush carpet for a sophisticated touch, or synthetic grass for a festival-themed wedding.

Outdoor rugs can add texture to seating areas, while polished concrete offers a sleek, natural look for a more minimalist style. Remember to include a dance floor for your guests’ enjoyment and factor in the terrain where your marquee will be erected to ensure a stable surface. For uneven ground, raised flooring solutions may provide the stability you need.

2. A Memorable Entrance

A marquee wedding deserves an entrance that sets the tone for the entire event. Your guests’ first impression should be as memorable as the day itself. To achieve this, consider adding a grand archway, floral arrangements, or twinkling lights to guide your guests into the marquee. Use personalised signage or decorative elements like lanterns and draped fabrics to create a welcoming atmosphere. Not only does this create a stunning first impression, but it also sets the stage for the rest of your beautifully styled marquee.

Enhance your entrance further by creating a captivating journey to your marquee:

• Design an enchanting walkway adorned with carefully placed flowers or lanterns
• Draw guests naturally towards the celebration with thoughtful lighting
• Incorporate dramatic floral arrangements that delight both the eyes and nose
• Choose fragrant blooms that create an immersive sensory experience from the moment guests arrive

3. Decorations: Making a Statement

Decorating a large venue like a marquee provides endless possibilities to bring your vision to life. Floral arrangements, from stunning centerpieces to hanging installations, can transform the space, while drapery adds a touch of intimacy. Use bold colours or stick with elegant neutrals to match your wedding theme, and don’t forget unique touches like custom table settings or themed centrepieces.

Adding personalised elements—like a photo display of your journey, custom signage, or a signature cocktail station—can make your marquee truly reflect your story as a couple. Remember, sometimes less is more, especially if you’re aiming for a refined, elegant atmosphere. For more inspiration, check out our top 5 tips for styling a marquee wedding.

Transform your marquee’s structural elements into stunning decorative features:

• Make supporting poles into eye-catching focal points by wrapping them elegantly in foliage, soft bunting, or playful pom-poms
• Add whimsical charm with mismatched chairs that create an inviting, relaxed atmosphere
• Install suspended hoops adorned with lush greenery or seasonal flowers for an enchanting overhead dimension

4. Lighting: Setting the Mood

Lighting is key to creating the right atmosphere in your marquee. Transform your space with carefully chosen lighting elements:

• Fairy lights, festoon lights, and chandeliers for romance or vintage charm
• Uplighters and spotlights to highlight specific areas like the dance floor or cake display
• Candles for table settings (subject to safety regulations)
• Coordinated ceiling decor with fabric draping or hanging floral installations

Create a cohesive look by coordinating your lighting choices to ensure the space feels inviting throughout the day and into the night. Explore our lighting and heating options to create the perfect ambience.

Transform your marquee into a magical evening wonderland with additional lighting features. Create a mesmerising starry night effect with carefully positioned fairy lights or cut-out stars across the ceiling.

For those seeking a dash of glamour, strategically placed disco balls cast enchanting light patterns across the space while adding a playful element to your celebration. Consider incorporating a striking light-up wall, serving both as a stunning ambient feature and an irresistible photo backdrop for capturing precious moments.

5. Zoning: Creating Distinct Areas

Creating different zones in your marquee makes it easier to manage the flow of the event and creates a more intimate atmosphere. Use drapes or decorative screens to separate areas like the dining space, bar, and dance floor.

Designate a lounge zone with comfortable seating where guests can relax, and use creative signage or barriers like flower walls to guide guests throughout the space.

A well-planned layout ensures that every guest can find their way effortlessly, adding to the overall experience. Consider creating a cosy ‘chill-out’ area with sofas and low lighting for guests who want a break from the dance floor.

6. Ceiling & Suspended Decor

Transform your marquee’s ceiling into a breathtaking canopy that captivates guests from the moment they look up. Create an enchanting botanical paradise with suspended plants and trailing greenery, bringing the outside in while adding natural depth to your space.

For an artistic touch that adds delicate movement and intrigue, consider hanging origami paper cranes that catch the light and create subtle shadows below.

A romantic canopy of string lights can weave throughout these elements, creating a warm, intimate atmosphere that evolves from day to night, adding an extra layer of magic to your celebration.

7. Rustic & Countryside Charm

Embrace the natural beauty of a countryside celebration by incorporating rustic elements that create a warm, inviting atmosphere. Transform your outdoor spaces with strategically placed hay bales, dressed with soft blankets and cushions, offering comfortable seating that perfectly complements the festival atmosphere.

Create a sense of community with long wooden tables that encourage conversation and shared moments, their natural grain adding warmth and character to your setting.

Crown your space with dramatic pampas grass installations or elegant flower clouds that sway gently in the breeze, adding movement and organic beauty to your marquee’s design.

8. Clear Marquee Ideas

Make the most of nature’s beauty with a clear marquee that seamlessly blends indoor luxury with outdoor splendour. Let natural light flood your space during the day, creating an airy, open atmosphere, while starlight becomes your ceiling’s diamond-like decor after sunset.

The transparent walls allow your chosen setting to become part of your decor, creating an immersive experience that changes with the day’s natural light.

Add character with vintage-style Edison bulbs that cast a warm, golden glow, complementing both daytime and evening celebrations while adding a touch of industrial elegance to your clear marquee’s contemporary design.

9. Interactive and Fun Decor

Create memorable moments throughout your marquee with engaging decorative elements that double as entertainment. Position sparkling disco balls to cast magical light patterns across your space while encouraging spontaneous dancing.

Design inviting photo opportunities with creative backdrops that reflect your wedding theme, perfect for capturing cherished memories. Set up charming activity stations where guests can interact and create their own entertainment, ensuring your decor not only looks beautiful but adds an extra layer of joy to your celebration.

10. Practical Considerations

While focusing on aesthetics, don’t forget the practical aspects. Make sure your marquee is equipped for various weather scenarios, such as adding heating for cooler months or using open sides for summer weddings.

Plan for electrical needs, including lighting and sound systems, and ensure the venue is accessible for all guests. Consider eco-friendly decor options, and think about how to repurpose or donate elements after the wedding for a sustainable celebration. For a more detailed guide, check out our marquee wedding checklist.

How To Decorate A Marquee For A Wedding

At Marquee Monkeys, we understand that decorating a wedding marquee can be a daunting task. That’s why we’re here to guide you through every step of the process – from selecting the right size and style of marquee to adding those all-important finishing touches. We’ll even take care of the setup and takedown, leaving your chosen space exactly as we found it.

Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life, and your venue should reflect that. With the right decoration approach, your marquee can become more than just a venue – it can be a magical space that perfectly encapsulates your love story and provides the backdrop for unforgettable memories.

Ready to start planning your dream marquee wedding? Contact us today and let’s make your wedding dreams a reality!