Five Ways We Upgrade a Marquee for Outdoor Weddings and Events in Winter

Contrary to popular belief, having a winter marquee wedding is not a compromise.

The season may bring shorter days, colder air and a different kind of light, but a well-prepared marquee and prepped grounds overcome all of these. In fact, some of the most atmospheric marquee weddings we have been part of have taken place in the colder months, where the marquee sides are on, the lights are warm, the crowd stays close, giving the whole evening a bonding effect amongst strangers. 

If you are planning to get married or host an event in winter, there are many advantages to having a winter marquee. 1) A marquee keeps the dream of having your wedding at your home only without the competition for dates in the high season). 2) You have considerably less need to get your house and grounds up to photoshoot-worthy standards as guests mostly stay in one place. 3) You can start the day earlier to make the most of the light (meaning either you can finish earlier or party longer depending on which side of 40 you are on) and 4) Your plan B weather contingency is your plan A, minimising the constant “what-if’s” whilst refreshing the weather app.  

If you haven’t experienced a marquee event in winter, these are the logistical upgrades we ensure so that the whole experience is warm, dry, cosy and comfortable. 

1. We get the flooring off the ground

Cold rises from the ground. A raised, level floor system with a subfloor and insulating underlay keeps the cold out and protects against soft, wet ground. Rush matting or carpet on top adds a surface that feels cosy underfoot, not just dry. See more on flooring.

2. We heat the space properly

The marquee needs to have the correct amount of heating to make it warm, otherwise you will be fighting a losing battle. The heater sits outside the structure, with ducting bringing warm air in, so noise and smell stay away from guests. The heaters go on long before the event starts, ensuring the temperature is optimised for guest arrival. 

3. We make the most of lighting

Winter events happen mostly in the dark. Which is an opportunity to make the most of all types of lighting. Festoon lighting, chandeliers and warm-toned uplighting turn create atmosphere, whilst external lighting of walkways and outdoor seating areas is as practical as it is atmospheric. And candlelight, whether real or flameless does most of the work for lower level lighting. Multiple lower, warmer sources build depth and make a marquee feel well thought out and inviting. See more on lighting.

4. We section off areas with linings and cosy textures

Winter events benefit from smaller, defined spaces rather than one large open marquee. Fabric linings, drapes and partition walls break up the interior, hold heat in specific zones, and give guests somewhere intimate to gather rather than one cavernous room to fill.

Textures help soften a space too. Faux fur throws, wool blankets, velvet sofa seating and heavy draping change how a space feels. Guests register warmth through texture – something not to be overlooked when it comes to designing the space.

5. We add covered shelter for the transitions

Guests move between the marquee and outside space all evening, arriving at the marquee, getting some fresh air, visiting the loos and running back to the dance floor. Covered walkways, porches or canopy links protect that movement from wind and rain, so nobody enters the marquee already cold and damp.

Winter isn’t a compromise

Every one of these choices is available whatever the month, only in winter, the order of priority changes: flooring and heating come first, lighting and texture make up for foliage and sunlight to provide atmosphere and the spaces between the marquee, and the outdoors need proper thought to keep people warm and dry.

A marquee built for winter with the right structure underneath it doesn’t feel like a summer wedding with the heating on. It feels like its own kind of event, with its own kind of unique atmosphere, and for a lot of couples that’s exactly the point.

If you are working through your options for a winter event and are interested in talking through what we have available, our experienced team are available for a call.