You Need to Know This For Your Marquee Wedding

Backyard and marquee weddings are undeniably romantic — the idea of celebrating under the stars, surrounded by nature and loved ones, is truly special. But if you're thinking a marquee wedding will save you money or be less complex to plan than a traditional venue... let's talk.

Hosting a wedding in a tented space (whether that’s your own backyard, a paddock, or a private property) means creating an entire venue from scratch. And while it offers unmatched flexibility and charm, it also comes with a unique set of logistics and expenses. Let’s walk through the key things you need to know before going ahead with a tented celebration.

1. Budget: The Hidden Costs of a Backyard Wedding

You’ve probably heard it before: “We’ll save money by doing it in our backyard.” While it’s true that marquee weddings don’t come with a traditional venue hire fee, they do require you to bring in everything — and I mean everything.

For an average sized weddings, you’ll need to budget for essentials like:

• The tent or marquee itself

• Tables, chairs, cutlery, crockery and glassware

• Linens and decor

• Power and lighting

• Restroom facilities

• Catering equipment

• Heating or cooling

• Flooring

• Waste disposal

It adds up quickly — and while it can absolutely be worth it, it’s important to know upfront that marquee weddings are often not the cheaper option.

2. Location: Site Visit Essentials

Once you’ve confirmed the budget is doable, a detailed site inspection is a must. This helps your planner and vendors map out the space, understand the terrain, and assess any limitations.

Key things to check:

• Level ground: Uneven surfaces mean added expense or the need for shims/flooring.

• What’s underground: Always contact “Dial Before You Dig” or the local equivalent to identify power, water or irrigation lines.

• Access: Consider the distance from parking or drop-off points for guests, and whether pathways or transport (like golf buggies or valet) are needed. You also need to consider access for trade vehicles - the trucks that carry marquees can be LARGE!

3. Tent Size and Style

Choosing the right size and type of tent depends on your guest count, catering style, and floorplan. Here’s a rough guide for frame tents with seated dining:

• 50 guests: 12m x 9m

• 100 guests: 12m x 15m

• 150 guests: 12m x 24m

• 200 guests: 12m x 30m

Tent types to know:

• Frame tents: Freestanding, good for all surfaces, but often need draping to soften the metal structure.

• Pole tents: Elegant peaks, supported by centre poles, must be staked into the ground.

• Sailcloth tents: Light-diffusing and beautiful, with timber poles, but require grass/dirt surfaces.

• Clear tents: Gorgeous for starry nights — but beware, they can act like greenhouses in hot weather.

A professional tent company can advise on the best option for your setting and aesthetic.

4. Tent Add-Ons to Consider

To keep your guests comfortable and your event running smoothly, here are some tent extras you may need:

• Sidewalls: Essential in case of wind or rain (choose from clear, solid, or windowed).

• Draping: Especially useful for frame tents, to cover metal structures and soften the space.

• Flooring: Can transform the feel of the event and protect guests from muddy ground, but comes with a significant price tag - on average around $6k just for the floor.

• Heating/Cooling: Climate control can make or break guest comfort. Ask the tent vendor what options they have available.

5. Vendor + Catering Tent

If your location doesn’t have a nearby building for vendors, you’ll need a separate marquee for your caterers, entertainers, and possibly your planner and bar team.

Make sure this space includes:

• Prep and cooking areas

• Lighting

• Flooring or ground covering (especially if it’s been raining!)

• Waste bins or a plan for post-event rubbish removal

• Any required catering equipment (ovens, fryers, dishes, etc.)

6. Hidden Logistics

This is one of the biggest considerations for marquee weddings.

• Power: Ensure there are adequate and appropriately placed power sources. You may need to hire a generator (preferably a low-noise model) and distribution boxes to run electricity to every corner. You will need to understand the type and amount of power required by each one of your vendors and ensure you plan for the load and length of time it’s needed - think about your DJ, catering, bar and coolroom requirements etc.

• Water: Your caterer and toilet facilities may need water access. If none is available on-site, consider hiring water tanks or confirming vendors can provide their own.

• Risk Management: It is essential to have a risk management plan when you’re hosting an event that has this many moving parts. You can download a free risk management plan from Google.

7. Restroom Facilities

Unless your property already has guest-accessible toilets very nearby, you’ll need to hire restroom trailers or portaloos. Aim for:

• One stall per 50 guests

• At least one accessible toilet

• Sinks with running water or hand sanitising stations

8. Lighting: Inside and Out

Lighting sets the mood and ensures safety.

• Inside the tent: Look at string lights, chandeliers, or uplighting for ambience. Don’t forget focused lighting for bars, stations, or your cake table.

• Outside the tent: Light up paths, the parking area, and restrooms so guests can move around safely after dark.

9. Noise + Sound Setup

Tents don’t insulate sound well, so it’s crucial to check local noise restrictions — especially if you’re celebrating in a residential area.

Also consider:

• Generator compatibility for your band or DJ (keep in mind these can be VERY loud)

• Speaker placement inside and outside

• Sound spillover to neighbouring properties

10. Set Up + Pack Down Timeline

Marquee weddings aren’t a one-day bump-in. Depending on the complexity of your setup, it may take several days to install everything — and just as long to dismantle.

Work closely with your planner and vendors to build a realistic timeline, and ensure the property is available for the full duration. Everything happens in layers: tent first, then lighting, followed by rentals and floral styling.

11. A Planner or Coordinator is ESSENTIAL

For many, hiring a planner or coordinator is thought of as a luxury. When it comes to tented weddings, especially those on private property, it is essential to at least have a coordinator, if not a planner. The list above is a good starting guide, but there are literally hundreds of logistical items to consider. Believe me, you don’t want to be dragging chairs across the property or setting up a cake table when you’re supposed to be getting ready!

Final Thoughts

Marquee weddings can be incredibly rewarding, offering a truly personalised experience and endless creative freedom. But they’re also very complex — and they’re best approached with expert help.

If you’re dreaming of a tented wedding in South East Queensland or beyond, I’d love to help you bring it to life. From site visits and layouts to vendor coordination and wet weather backup plans, I’ve got you covered.

Planning a marquee wedding? Let’s chat.
Contact me to get started.