Choosing the Right Design & Layout
Complete Events spends much time working with our customers to achieve the look and feel of the marquee they want for the Big Day.
Central to this is the importance of choosing the right size and layout of marquee. We very often employ CAD (Computer Aided Design) software to accurately draw scaled layouts of marquees, so that our clients can 'relate' to what the marquee will look and feel like. Most importantly it gives them a spatial awareness (furniture layout etc) that may not be clear from simply a written quotation.
Listed below are some example AutoCADs:
- Daytime & Evening layout of the same wedding marquee
- Simple Reception marquee
- Reception layout for 220
- Party Layout for 120
Whilst it is obvious that too little space will result in a cramped and uncomfortable environment, too much space is far from ideal, as the intimacy and party atmosphere of an event can become too diluted and therefore lost.
Reception Area
Ideally this should be the first space that guests encounter, thereby 'keeping them in suspense' as to how the dining area will appear. Reception should be large enough to allow guests to mingle easily. In particular this area should be large enough to accommodate all of your guests in case of rain - a factor often overlooked in the understandable quest to save money.
Consideration should also be given to easy access for guests to toilets/cloakroom facilities, as well as to the practicalities of caterers' access for drinks service.
Dining
The dining area is often one of the most visually spectacular areas of a marquee, as the combination of the table layouts, lighting and décor arguably offer the biggest opportunity for visual impact and the all important 'wow factor'.
Decisions have to be made as to whether it is best for the dance floor to be central to the dining area - where most guests will be closest to the dancing action, or whether greater impact can be achieved by having the stage / dance floor at the end of the marquee.
Buffet tables, bar/s and viewing points have to be allowed for, and the position of the Bride and Groom's Top Table and Cake Table are also important, as photo opportunities, speeches, the cutting of the cake etc have to be considered.
By positioning windows carefully one can maximise the natural views offered by the marquee site, whether it be for a daytime event or at night, when outside lighting can provide stunning illuminated views of the features outside.
Safety issues also have to be given careful consideration as emergency evacuation of a structure in the event of fire has to be possible with minimum difficulty. This is especially relevant when split-level dining designs are incorporated.
Reveals
Reveals are an excellent way of introducing the element of surprise and fun to your wedding reception. A reveal is actually a false wall that is easily removable to 'reveal' an area behind. The most popular application is to shield a band area/stage/dance floor or dining area from view until a given moment.
Typically the dance floor can be revealed by dropping the false wall after speeches, giving the band the signal to start playing, or alternatively the dining area can be revealed at the end of reception.
The results can be wonderful - we have seen dance floors filled within a matter of seconds! Give us a call to discuss how we would incorporate this feature into your plans.
Behind the Scenes
Obviously the requirement for plant and technical infrastructure is substantial for a facility large enough to support a wedding reception for a few hundred guests. The positions of equipment like generators, toilets, heaters, service areas, skips etc. needs careful consideration to ensure convenient access for all the suppliers as well as not spoiling the views from and appearance of the marquee for your guests.
Call Us...
...to discuss the layout and design of your marquee. Quite simply we have the knowledge and experience to cut through the sometimes lengthy design process, and provide you with your best options.
For more information about choosing a design layout please CLICK HERE
