There’s more to tents than camping. The days of the dull, seemingly uninspired and tacky wedding tents are over.

Ask any wedding co-ordinator and they’ll inform you quickly that a tent, otherwise known as a marquee, can be created to have the exact atmosphere and look you dreamt of for your perfect wedding day. You’ll regret allowing previous disappointing camping experiences to bring you under the disillusion that there’s only so much a marquee has to offer.

If your wedding is in South Africa, the opportunities for a dream wedding are even better. The combination of spectacular scenery and fantastic weather allows for exquisite outdoor ceremonies and receptions alike. It also grants more imaginative freedom in terms of creating a magical synergy between the outdoors and indoors, where you can use the beauty that is already provided by nature to influence the indoor décor.

Vessels for Expression

For your wedding you will need a marquee that allows for absolute freedom of choice in terms of décor, design and layout. There are three types of marquees generally, aptly referred to as ‘containers of customisation’, because they are not only extremely flexible in terms of creating a look that is fashionable and functional, but make literally everything in-between possible.

Bedouin tents are often used to create extensions to existing structures and work well for large receptions, but could be used easily to create some shade during an intimate outdoor ceremony too. The flowing lines and swooping pinnacle rooftops make for dramatic focal points. Bedouins can be pulled down in case of bad weather, or otherwise pitched high up to blend in casually with its surroundings. Colours are completely customizable too so you are able to select your tent colour to be the same as that of your décor or theme.

For a more classical appearance, two equally popular options are available. Aluminium frame marquees allow for neat, symmetrical floor plans due to their rectangular shape. Their raised roofs create a sense of space and allow for lights to be suspended from their aluminium frames.

A Clear Span marquee would be better suited for larger groups. This truly striking structure is super sleek in true conservatory style and offers clear views to the outside during the day and night. Both the Clear Span and Aluminium frame marquees have the options of opening or closing the sides to compliment the desired look and atmosphere of your wedding theme.

Details and Logistics

All three types are waterproof and available in a variety of sizes and colours; shades of white and cream being the most popular for weddings. Depending on the location, flooring may be required to level uneven surfaces whilst careful attention needs to be paid to lighting inside and outside the structure. Ensuring that the tent is firmly anchored is vital and an Engineer’s Certificate will be required to ensure the set-up meets legal requirements. Timeframes need to be kept in mind also, since it takes longer to erect a large marquee for a formal reception than a small Bedouin for shelter during pre-dinner drinks.

In general, marquee based weddings are slightly more expensive than venue based weddings as they are logistically more intricate; require a 2 to 3 day set-up and break down period; and involve more complex equipment, labour and services hiring. You will probably need to add a generator, a separate kitchen marquee and equipment, cutlery, crockery, additional staff and more elaborate décor to your budget if you go this route.

Arranging a marquee wedding can come across as a complex and challenging task. However, with a specialist wedding co-ordinator, everything should be taken care of on your behalf. If they are reputable wedding co-ordinators, they should be working in conjunction with only the best tent and marquee specialists available in the industry; arrange the meetings with them, manage all of the logistics, visit the proposed location and oversee the entire set-up process on your behalf. If you allow them to do all the work on your behalf, you can enjoy the build up to your day without additional and unnecessary stress.

The details and logistics shouldn’t hinder your decision to hire a tent or marquee, because the final results always seem to exceed most couple’s expectations and tend to be a sensation amongst the guests. With an exquisite and personalised setting that has a truly unique and stylish feel, you can be sure that your guests will be standing in awe of the beauty that has been created. A marquee, by its unpredictable appearance and majestically thrilling nature, always wins hands down!

About the author:

Wedding Concepts is a Cape Town based wedding consultancy specializing in creating exclusive and unique wedding celebrations that represent each couples' individuality, including organising a romantic marquee for your wedding.