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