Top 10 Things to Consider When Planning a Marquee Wedding, at Shermanbury Place or beyond

Marquee weddings are breathtaking — and brilliantly personal. But they do come with their own set of planning considerations. Here's what to think about before you get started.

1. The Ground Check the terrain where the marquee will sit. Uneven or soft ground can affect flooring choices and stability, so it's worth assessing early.

2. Power Supply Marquees need electricity for lighting, catering, music, and heating. Make sure you know what's available on site and whether you'll need a generator.

3. Weather Contingency The British weather is famously unpredictable. Good lining, proper flooring, and a solid heating plan mean your guests will be comfortable whatever the skies decide to do.

4. Toilets Luxury portable loos have come a long way — but you'll need to factor in how many you need and where they'll be positioned relative to the marquee. Don’t forget about campers - you need to calculate this into the usage time, and you may want showers in addition.

5. Catering Setup Your caterers will need a kitchen area or prep space. Discuss this early so everything runs smoothly on the day.

6. Guest Flow Think about how guests will move between spaces — from arrival, to ceremony, to dining, to dancing. A good layout makes the day feel effortless.

7. Noise & Neighbours Rural settings are wonderful, but it's worth checking any local considerations around music and finish times so there are no surprises.

8. Lighting Inside & Out Plan both the interior mood lighting and the exterior pathways. Guests navigating a dark field at midnight is less than ideal!

9. The Dressing Schedule Marquees take time to dress. Build this into your supplier timeline so florals, furniture, and styling are all in place well before guests arrive.

10. A Planner You Trust With so many moving parts, having someone experienced in your corner makes all the difference. A marquee wedding is a joy to plan — with the right support.

Shermanbury Place specialises in marquee and rural weddings. We'd love to help you create something unforgettable.