Little Extras...

Don't forget the lights!

Once you've decided on your linings, your flooring and your furniture, it might seem like you can lay back and put your feet up but sorry, you're not done yet. There are little things to consider and some of these little things are crucial to the success of your day. 

Firstly, there's one thing that's so important, forgetting it could prove disastrous!

Electrics 

However unlikely it is that you've booked a marquee without a site visit, it is possible: especially if you've borrowed it from Uncle Kev who bought it a few years ago when it was going cheap and since then has had it clogging up the garage. And you're really proud of yourself - you saved a packet because Kev and his mates are putting it up in Aunt Doreen's field and all you've had to do is hire tables, chairs and a DJ. Sounds great! I'm sure you've thought of everything but....

um....

Where are you going to plug it all in? 

Invariably, if you've booked with a reputable company, they will have asked all the right questions about electricity sources. If you're having your event in the grounds of a stately home, there is likely a supply nearby. In an open field, however, you may need one or two generators, especially if you have on-site caterers.

Wrought Iron Chandelier

Also, it's not just a case of locating a supply and plugging in. Do you need a distribution board? What sort of cabling will you require? Will it be outside in the rain? How many sockets will your DJ require? If there's a band, what equipment are they needing to run? Are you going to need heating?

Check all of this WELL in advance and speak to your marquee provider/venue proprietor about your options. Generator hire can be pricey; it can easily eat a massive hole in your budget!

Lighting. 

There are many options when it comes to marquee lighting. 

Chandeliers(above, right) are generally the most popular choice and are usually supplied as standard by marquee companies. They are unimposing and elegant, as well as a excellent source of light. 

Fairy Light Decoration

Another style of lighting, sometimes supplied in conjunction with chandeliers, are 'uplights:' the perfect answer to mood lighting. The number you'll need will depend on the size of your marquee and how much light you wish to generate. Both uplights and chandeliers may also come with dimmer switches, giving you complete control over ambience.

There is also the option of decorative lighting. Fairy lights create a pretty, magical effect (see left,) either used throughout the marquee or just draped over a dance floor. And icicle strand lights are the perfect touch for a winter wedding. For those with a larger budget, Starlight Cloth (see 'Linings' section) is the ultimate guest pleaser.

The Grand Entrance. 

A pleasant addition to any main marquee is a walkway or small porch (right,) made up of smaller marquees, which can be decorated with bay trees, hanging baskets and decorative lighting. Better still, add double doors to really set off your marquee as a venue.

Pagodas and Orientals (sometimes called Chinese or Witches Hat marquees) are both aesthetically pleasing and provide additional shelter. Remove the walls (pic left) to serve a summer buffet or add sides to create a sizeable reception area for guests to have a drink and a breather from the festivities.

Need extra space for caterers and don't fancy partitioning off some of the main marquee? Hire a catering tent and position it wherever you want it to be. Not only is this a practical extra, it adds shape and substance to the overall look (pic below right).


The Law.


As with everything, your marquee wedding may hit a few legal snags on the way. Make sure you know the facts from the off because the only boy in blue you'll want to be seeing when you get married is the stripper on your hen do! 


- Currently, in the UK, you cannot legally marry in a marquee as it is not a 'fixed venue.' 
- If you intend to serve alcohol, you may need to look into an 'Occasional License.'
- If you're not using a professional DJ, take a moment to look at  http://www.prsformusic.com to ensure you are sticking to the rules.

Marquee with 3m porch and
Oriental catering tent

- If you've hired the grounds of a stately home or farm, check their licensing limitations. They may have a noise curfew. It's no good finding out on the day that you can't have a disco after 8pm because you're in violation of the law. 
- It's also worth looking into insurance. Most marquee companies include a charge for equipment insurance in their quotations but do check. Also find out the excess you would have to pay in the event of any damage sustained. 
- If you're unsure of anything with regard to the law, visit www.direct.gov.uk, if only for piece of mind. 


Hidden Charges?


The cost of your marquee will all depend on the suitability of your venue. When you think you have somewhere in mind, ask yourself the following questions:


- Is there an electricity source?
- Is the pitch flat? i.e will your marquee company have to level the site?
- Can the ground be staked? If not, what are your options for securing marquee equipment?
- Will you need to hire outside caterers? Toilet units? Generators? heaters?
- Is there easy access to the site?
- Are you limited by a curfew or licensing laws?
- Is the area liable to flooding? 
- Is the land well-maintained and will it still be so when your wedding comes around?
- Do you need to seek any additional permissions (eg Local Council) to erect a marquee on the site?
- Are there any hidden power cables or gas/water pipes underground?


Learning the answers to all these questions will save you time and probably money later. 


Ask questions, even the silly ones you're too ashamed to ask, then ask some more. If you're armed with the facts, you'll limit the chance of nasty shocks later down the line. 


NEXT WEEK: THE WEDDING DIARY PART 1....