Amalie Focus: Marquee and Tent Hire

There has been a revolution! Well ok, not quite as dramatic as a revolution but a definite positive shift in the marquee and tent hire industry. Most people when asked to describe a marquee will say white, plastic windows you can’t see out of, dodgy flooring and multiple guy ropes to trip over and oh yes, have I mentioned white?! Many clients view marquees as an unfortunate addition they tack onto the main venue to hold extra guests or as the sad alternative to their dream venue due to budget restrictions.

With knowledge and imagination this is now anything but the case and I’m very glad to say there are some innovative and exciting structures out there making tents and marquees a unique, fun and creative space to which to hold your wedding – oh and some of them aren’t white!

Tip Top Tents

There are a few companies who are now solely concentrating on the supply of good quality, original tents. They dramatically range in size holding up to 200+ people depending on the configuration and are also very aesthetically pleasing; both inside and out. They are also named Yurts, Tipi’s, Kungsornen and the largest tent of all; the Giant Hat. Depending on the size of your guest list these can be an extremely versatile option. For example you could have a giant hat for the wedding breakfast and then have smaller ‘off shoot’ tipis for the dance floor, chill out area or the catering. In the winter they can be extremely cosy with open log fires, wood burning stoves and power heaters to keep everyone toasty.

Most companies such as the Beautiful World Tents or The Stunning Tents Company offer a range of sizes depending on your requirements and the space in where it will be erected. They offer a range of novel furnishings as well including awesome sheep or reindeer skins and solid wood benches for the rustic look or wooden bars and comfy seating for a trendy chill out area. The possibilities are endless and a serious funky alternative to a more traditional venue such as a hotel, restaurant or hall.

Modern Marquee’s

Marquees have also undergone a transformation. Ten by Fifteen Structures have created a unique stretched canopy which comes in multiple colours of strong and flexible canvas fabric. This means you can put them up anywhere including on hills or even over flower beds! The Pearl Tent Company, although the more traditional company out there has set the bar seriously high when it comes to the both quality of the materials used and the standards of service it provides. Both of these structures can seat over 350 people; ideal for large weddings where you would like to see everyone ‘under the same roof’ as it were.

Safety and quality are paramount for all of these companies and they will arrange a site inspection first and carry out multiple checks whilst building and also during the event, especially if the weather is slightly adverse. Again many offer extras such as prop hire, furniture, dance floors and even fireworks, making sure your wedding is a fabulous and stunning affair.

I can’t recommend this alternative highly enough, below is a small example of what you can do:

From top left to right by row, pictures courtesy of:

Multiple Grand Hat Tents from the Beautiful World Tents
Amazing centrepiece arrangement from The Stunning Tents Company
Example of gorgeous wooden benches and reindeer skins from Beautiful World Tents
Cool bar and comfy seating area under a grand hat from The Stunning Tent Company
The very impressive Dana Pearl design from The Pearl Tent Company
Seating area, dancing floor and gorgeous lighting from The Pearl Tent Company
Coloured fabric canopy and matching linen by Ten by Fifteen Structures
Example of flexibility due to surroundings from Ten by Fifteen Stuctures

Amalie Loves... THE OYSTER BOYS

Now oysters are definitely a bit like marmite, you either love ‘em or you hate ‘em. Personally they’re one of my favourite treats; especially with some ice-cold champagne if celebrating something special (or at anytime really as I just get cravings for them!).

Imagine my delight though when I came across The Oyster Boys at a recent event. Tucked away I spied the champagne first which obviously grabbed my attention; upon sidling up to the bar I noticed a huge tray of oysters - double whammy! Upon calming my excitement I figured what an imaginative, fun and quirky service the oyster boys would deliver at weddings and wanted to let you all know about them.

For couples who are thinking about having canapés before their wedding breakfast why not try something a little different and have a couple of very handsome and charming Scottish guys (avec kilts!) open and serve your guests fresh, juicy, delicious oysters? They will mingle and entertain your guests giving them both something yummy to eat and talk about. They can provide a range of dressings including lemon, tabasco, shallots in red wine vinegar or my favourite mini bottles of bubbles! It can be as formal or informal as you like with wicker baskets for a more rustic look to a three metre long ice bar which would create some serious ‘wow’ factor.

They don’t just stop at oysters either; Robin Dunlop, one of the Directors of Temple & Shian (the company behind the successful oyster boy’s concept) explained they can provide a full seafood bar giving guests a much larger choice and they’ve also just launched a fabulous new canapé range.

Hmmm... sorry have to go and find some now!

Amalie Loves... HAPPY BOX

Well to be fair, a company with "happy” in their name is going to grab my attention! This week’s awesome find is the innovative gift company Happy Box (think ultra modern version of a wicker hamper). Their Director Charlotte Orton and her glamorous friendly team are storming both the private client and corporate markets due to their versatile set-up, stylish packaging and the use of chic top class products. Clients can pick and choose which luxurious gifts they want in their hamper box, personalising each one to make it extra special. If their elegant black and yellow boxes don’t quite fit your wedding theme, Happy Box offer a bespoke service for arranging personalised packaging or branded gifts to match your design or colour scheme. Additionally they also provide a handy next day delivery service anywhere in the UK.

These hampers provide a brilliant alternative to the usual flowers and gifts for mothers of the bride and other members of the bridal party you wish to say a big thank you too. They're also great for engagement or anniversary gifts too, especially if you're stuck for either ideas or time.

So go on make someone cherished; give them a happy box!