Whether it’s a large wedding reception or an intimate ceremony, marquees offer the perfect setting for couples to create their dream day. But did you know that there are different types of marquees which suit different uses and events?

At SOCO, we have a wide range of marquee types to suit any occasion. Here are the different types of marquees available to hire on the NSW South Coast & Southern Highlands.

A marquee is an excellent option for couples who want a flexible and customisable space to celebrate their wedding day. Marquees provide a blank canvas, allowing you to create your dream wedding space, but it can also be overwhelming to know where to start when it comes to styling them.

We understand that planning a wedding can be challenging, but decorating your marquee should be an enjoyable and exciting part of the process. Our goal is to provide you with practical advice and creative ideas that will help you transform your marquee into a beautiful and unforgettable space for your special day. We’ve helped thousands of couples with their marquee weddings on the NSW South Coast and Southern Highlands so we know our stuff!

Choose a wedding theme

The first step to decorating your wedding marquee is to decide on a theme. Your theme will dictate the colours, fabrics, and décor items you use in your marquee. Some popular wedding themes include rustic, vintage, bohemian, and modern. Once you have chosen a theme, you can begin to gather inspiration and ideas for your décor. Check out our wedding theme lookbook for more inspiration.

Lighting

Lighting can make a big impact on the overall look and feel of your marquee. Consider using fairy lights or festoon lighting to create a romantic atmosphere. You could also incorporate lanterns or candles to add a soft glow to your space. If you want to make a statement, you could hang a chandelier, rattan lampshade or use uplighting to highlight specific areas of your marquee.

Have you chosen a marquee wedding for your big day? Marquee weddings have become increasingly popular in recent years, providing couples with a unique and customisable option for their big day. They can be set up almost anywhere and lets you enjoy the outside surroundings while protecting guests from the elements. 

However, planning a marquee wedding can also present its own set of challenges. With so many options and decisions to make, it can be easy to get overwhelmed and make mistakes. At SOCO, we’ve helped thousands of couples with marquee wedding hire, so we know how to ensure your marquee wedding goes off without a hitch.

Here are the dos and don’ts of marquee weddings to help you plan your perfect day. By following these guidelines, you can avoid common mistakes and create a wedding that is not only beautiful and memorable but also comfortable and enjoyable for you and your guests. 

Don’t assume a marquee wedding is cheaper

A marquee wedding is almost always going to cost more due to the fact that you need to hire everything from the floor to the ceiling right through to cutlery and crockery. It can still be done on a budget without making too many sacrifices but don’t just choose it because you think it will be cheaper – choose it because you really want it!

Don’t skimp on seating

Because a marquee is a clean slate, you’ll need to hire chairs and seating. If you don’t, your guests will have nowhere to rest and recharge. Our friendly team can advise on the best number of seats to have, whether your wedding is a sit-down or cocktail.

Don’t forget a backup plan

Failure to plan is planning to fail; unfortunately, the weather is something we can’t control. Although marquees are completely water and windproof, You still need to remember a marquee is a temporary structure. Often marquees are placed in large isolated areas not close to amenities or a walk from buildings or permanent structures, meaning guests will have to walk some distance for toilets and other services. Consider having a backup plan to place the marquee a distance closer to amenities should there be an inclement weather forecast for the day.

The best solution is to have a backup plan in place. You can agree with your wedding hire company to access a larger marquee should the weather forecast be unfavourable leading up to the wedding. If it is a busy time, you may need to book the larger marquee in advance or take a chance and hope it is available in the weeks leading up to the event. 

Don’t let the weather dampen your big day, be prepared with a backup plan and a larger marquee that can accommodate your guests and keep them comfortable, no matter the weather.

Now, here’s what to do if you’re having a marquee wedding!

Planning a wedding sounds really exciting when flicking through bridal magazines and scrolling through real weddings for inspiration. The reality can be a little more daunting when final decisions need to be made, deposits paid, and contracts signed.

So how do you choose a wedding venue and feel confident you’ve made the right decision?

We’ve put together a few points to remember when you’re weighing up your options. So when you find “the” venue, you’ll know it will be perfect for the wedding you want.

Does it fit with your vision as well as your budget?

With wedding venues accounting for around 50% of the average Australian wedding, you must ensure the venue fits your vision of the day without pushing you into unforeseen debt. Deciding on the figure you’re willing to spend may help narrow potential options.

Does it have the right amenities? 

Don’t assume the perfect-looking venue will include everything your guests need to have an amazing time. Simple things like the number of toilets, baby changing areas, or wheelchair access could mean a venue option won’t work.

Is it the right size for your guest list? 

Keep your guest list in mind when scoping out venues. No point in falling in love with a converted barn that can house 250 guests if your list only has 50 people on it.

Sit down meal or canapés?

Will you have guests mingling all night with canapes flowing from the kitchen or a more formal dinner with seating plans? Either way, you need to know which venues are more suited to which style of the evening. A rustic barn may not have full kitchen facilities needed for a sit-down meal but would look great with high tables full of canapes and a DIY dessert bar.

What’s included or not included? 

Some venues will include everything your wedding needs to run smoothly. Others will provide the basics, and you will be expected to arrange the rest. While both have their merits, you need to be clear from the beginning so you can still budget for the extras. you will need to buy or hire.

Even if the venue says they provide everything, will it fit with your wedding theme? Ask about their policy on using outside suppliers, as some may have a preferred list of providers to be used.

In case of emergency…

It’s always good to have a backup plan, just in case something doesn’t go quite right. Check with your potential venue about what contingency options they’d be able to provide in cases like wet weather or power outages. And then cross your fingers that you won’t need to use them! 

Why not BYOM (bring your own marquee) or, better yet, ours!

If you haven’t been able to find a venue that ticks all your boxes, maybe you should think outside the box and create your own venue. With so many beautiful locations across the NSW coastline, a marquee wedding is a perfect way to create an exceptional event. There’s something about a wedding marquee that elevates the celebration.

Consider how SOCO can help you every step of the way

Your ideal wedding venue will largely depend on your personal taste and how you want your wedding to look. But if you’re still struggling to know what that might be, check out the range of wedding planning resources and find our wedding venue and vendor booklet.

In recent years we have seen the rising popularity of the marquee wedding. This style of wedding is so appealing to couples as it really allows you to put your personal ‘stamp’ on the wedding and ensure your guests have a one-of-a-kind experience. A marquee wedding on the South Coast of NSW is perfect- there are so many amazing locations!

Be warned it is more work but the benefits far outweigh any of the extra work involved- all the couples who have worked with us over the years will attest to that! I feel it is very important for couples to be prepared for what is ahead when choosing a marquee wedding- it certainly isn’t something that suits everyone.

So when looking at the key differences between a marquee wedding and a venue wedding you need to consider the following:

Cost

A marquee wedding is almost always going to cost more due to the fact that you need to hire everything from the floor to the ceiling right through to cutlery and crockery. It can still be done on a budget without making too many sacrifices. Ideas include finding a space that has a level compacted surface so you don’t need a floor or even having a cocktail-style function instead of seated which eliminates a large amount of hire equipment and food packages (depending on the caterer!) may also be less.

Creative license

If you like to DIY then a marquee wedding is certainly your style! By its very nature a marquee wedding provides you with a blank canvas by which to start ‘painting’ with your own style. You can source styling items that suit your tastes and reflect your personality as a couple then take time out with close family and friends to set it all up prior to the wedding. Over the years I have seen some absolutely amazing DIY weddings all through creative thought and not much $$.

Weather

Weather can be a downside of having a marquee wedding as everything to do with the wedding is essentially outside. Although the marquees are completely water and windproof the walls on it are not ideal should you have bad weather as guests still have to walk to and from the marquee for amenities etc. The best idea, in this case, is to have a backup plan in the form of agreeing with your hire company to have access to a larger marquee should the lead-up to the wedding be wet. Generally, if it is a busy time you may need to actually book the larger marquee or take the gamble and hope it is available in the weeks leading up to the event. A larger marquee will ensure there is ample space for all guests inside the marquee to eat and mingle. It may even serve as a backup plan for your ceremony should it rain (fingers crossed!).

Reliable vendors

This is an essential part of any marquee wedding. You need to source suppliers that are both honest and reliable as well as happy to go out of their way in the lead-up to the wedding to help with any last-minute emergencies. With this style of wedding, you will probably have a large number of suppliers to deal with, more so than a regular venue wedding, so sourcing suppliers that tick the most boxes in terms of reducing your workload is advisable. Vendors that know and have worked with each other before are an even bigger advantage as they know how each other likes to work and will often work out logistics between themselves saving you time and stress. Always try to use vendors that have been recommended, as you know the quality of their work. You should visit their showroom to see their equipment, food, flowers, look at books, and whatever the service is that they provide to ensure you are happy with the quality of their work. And remember in this business cheap almost certainly comes with a catch so make sure you fully research the companies and their products and services

Hopefully, this short overview has helped you if you are considering a marquee wedding. It is more work but it is one of the most wonderful ways to have your special day (trust me I know!)

Check out our website for more venue options on our Locations & Venue Inspirations page

Erin xx

Firstly, congratulations! Whether it’s a spur-of-the-moment decision or something that’s been in the works for a while, finding a partner to share your life with is something to celebrate.

If you’ve begun to tell people, you may have started to hear those same old questions over and over.

• When’s the wedding?
• Do you have a theme
• Are you having a big do?
• Is it going to be inside or out?

This list goes on!

So, down to planning the big day. But where to begin? What are the key decisions?

How do you start planning a wedding?

Most important is having a day you both enjoy and will remember for all the right reasons. So start by taking some time to discuss the bigger picture with your partner. You don’t need to make every decision in one go. But having a general idea of what you both want will help make other decisions easier.

• Are there any non-negotiables? Something vital that you need to be included or considered from the beginning.
• What are the must-haves? Things that you really want to make the day as memorable as possible.
• Anything you’re more relaxed about? Not fussed either way but happy to go along with it if your partner wants it.

It’s good to get any potential issues out in the open straight away. There’s no point in planning an intimate wedding for close family only if your partner has been dreaming of a giant party with an equally giant guest list.

Jot all your thoughts in a notebook and keep it in a place where you can both add notes when inspiration strikes.

Get organised with an organiser 

Having a dedicated notebook for all your planning is a simple way to get started and stay organised. You could use a simple notepad or splash out in a personalised notebook. Either way, it’s a smart way to keep all the details, thoughts and ideas in one place. You could even create your own fully customisable wedding planner and choose your own inserts. Our Planning Resources include printable lists that you can use in your planner, making it even easier to tick all the right boxes.

Bonus; Once the honeymoon is over, you can use your planner for everyday use. 

Now you can start your guest list, choose your bridal party and save some suggestions for music choices. Once you’ve talked things over with your partner, you should have a rough idea of how you both want the day to go. Now you can start putting together some of the finer details of the day. This is where the fun can start!

Choosing a wedding theme

Having a theme or “feel” that you want for the day will help you decide on venue options and potential vendors. 

Are you thinking of a more classic style or leaning towards a bohemian feel? Maybe a glamorous wedding with a black-tie dress code, or go more relaxed with a garden wedding with barefoot bridesmaids? If you need some inspiration, look no further than our Gallery teeming with different set-ups. Our Real Wedding blogs are also a good way to see how some of our couples created their dream events. 

The options are only limited by your imagination, so open your mind and let your heart be free!

Venue

The venue usually represents a significant amount of the budget, so it’s important to get it right. Once you’ve settled on your theme, you’ll need a venue that reflects that vibe. But before you rush into any hasty decisions, have a check over your non-negotiables in case there’s something you need to keep in mind.

For example, if it’s important that your wheelchair-bound Nana is on the guest list, you’ll need a venue that has the right accessibility. A boho wedding in the middle of a paddock might sound perfect, but wouldn’t be practical for Nana’s needs. 

Is it big enough for your potential guest list? Make sure there will be enough room for all. No one wants to overflow to the carpark! If there is an open area, you could potentially add in a marquee or a sperry tent to increase capacity. Or simply to offer your guest a range of spaces to enjoy the day.

Keep your options open and visit a few venues so you can see for yourself which is right for you. The choice of potential places can be endless. We’ve done some of the hard work to get you started and created a list of our favourite wedding venues on the NSW South Coast.

Get familiar with the facilities

You’ve got your ideal venue in your sights and the date is pencilled in. Things are coming together nicely. Then, you realise there aren’t enough tables and chairs for the formal wedding breakfast you had planned. No need to panic or change all your plans just yet. Whatever your venue can’t provide to style your big day, you can hire from external vendors, such as SOCO.

From cutlery and crockery to napkins and nightlights, we can coordinate the furnishings and decor you need to make your vision for your big day a reality.

• The weather report says it’s going to be a bit chilly by the evening? We’ve got heating options for that.
• Need backdrops for those perfect pictures? We’ve got decor choices for that.
• Dreamed of a dance floor for your first waltz together? We’ve got your floor covered.

And if we can’t supply it, we’ll know someone who does. 

Show off your style

Styling a wedding isn’t as simple as a table cloth with matching napkins. It’s about those special touches that truly make the event your own. But it’s not always easy to know exactly what will work and what won’t. Our Collections and Packages take all the guesswork out of it so you can concentrate on enjoying the day.

From furniture that works in all sorts of venues, to complete table settings, you can rely on us to have thought of everything.

Have the right people on your team

Creating the perfect atmosphere for your event takes more than one person. This is why it’s important to have vendors you can rely on to bring everything together.

With over a decade of experience in the Events industry, we have worked with our fair share of suppliers and vendors. Our Vendor Planning List is full of our favourites that we trust, knowing they have the exceptional attention to detail that you need when planning a wedding.

Our list includes 

• Catering
• Photographers
• Celebrants
• Florists
• Mobile bars
• Wedding planners
• Wedding stylists
• Music

Dress to impress

It’s time to say Yes to the dress! All eyes may be on the bride, but the whole bridal party will be up front for the ceremony, so it’s a good idea to plan the whole look. Nothing has to be matchy matchy if that’s not your thing, but it’s good to have a cohesive look that brings the party together.

If you’re having a traditional bridal party, a few things to think about could be

• Will the bridesmaids wear the exact same dress or the same colour in different styles?
• Long gowns or shorter dresses?
• Will the groom match the groomsmen or the bride?
• Tuxedos or shirts and trousers?

There’s no need to make these decisions on your own. Getting others involved can help take the pressure off you and give them a chance to have a say. They’ll be the ones wearing the outfit all day so they need to be happy in it. 

As for the bride’s dress, there can be so many decisions to make, that it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Looking through magazines can help give you an idea of what you might like, but our best tip, try on everything! You may have your heart set on a particular style, but a dress can look different when tried on. Something you may have dismissed could actually be THE dress. 

If you’re going to a bridal shop, 

• Take along some trusted friends who will give their honest opinion. 
• Be open to suggestions from shop assistants.
• Consider your comfort as you’ll be in that dress all day.
• Schedule enough time for delivery and any alterations that may be needed.

But most importantly, have fun!

The finishing touches

No one likes that ominous feeling you get in the pit of your stomach when you think you’ve forgotten something. Even if it’s just a small thing, it has the potential to put a damper on your day.

This is exactly why we created our Wedding Run Sheet Checklist. Curated over many years and many, many wonderful events, this template will help get you started on your own timeline of events.

It includes space to 

• List and confirm all your suppliers and their details.
• The day before run sheet 
• On the day run sheet 

So you can make your own play-by-play schedule ahead of time and keep everyone in the loop. That way, the chances of anything being forgotten or overlooked are practically zero.

We’re here for you

If you’re beginning to wonder how you’re going to be able to do all this, that’s where we come in. We want to help create the wedding of your dreams and take away any stress so you can enjoy the whole experience.

If you have a question – big or small – about your event, our team is happy to help you in any way we can. So get in touch today and let’s get planning your dream wedding on the NSW South Coast.