Country Wedding
This case study is of a wedding typical of many that we contribute towards. The marquee is usually elegant but simple and 'unfrilly', with emphasis on space and layout rather than excessive features.
To give a good idea, the marquees in the film 'Four Weddings and a Funeral', supplied by Complete Events, are prime 'Country Wedding' examples (we would do a case study on our small contribution to the film, but it would not make great reading, given that so much time was spent, as on all film sets, 'waiting' for things to happen!).
Many of our customers like to have an intimate wedding with their closest friends and family, with a late afternoon or early evening reception. This often takes the form of a seated, waitress served Wedding Breakfast, with either a formal (long) or informal (round) 'Top Table'.
At this event Drinks Reception was on the lawn. Should weather have been poor Wet Weather Reception would have taken place on the dance floor, saving on excessive marquee space. The Wedding Breakfast was not rushed, instead quiet and relaxed, allowing time for a lengthy meal, unhurried speeches and of course cake cutting.
Guests sat eight to a 5' round table, with a formal Top Table (long). This is a reasonably spacious seating arrangement (contact us for alternative seating arrangements - there are many, but it is likely that a certain style will suit your event).
The formalities having been completed, the reception then moved slowly into a full blown dance party with band and disco, with all their extra guests joining them at around 7.30pm. The informal party atmosphere was complemented by a fork buffet for the guests. This style allowed guests to mix and mingle and the dancing to start earlier.
The marquee had a neat but unsophisticated matted floor, with ivory pleated linings throughout. This look is uncomplicated but perfectly smart, and in conjunction with PVC windows that draw like curtains, an open-sided typical Summer marquee provided a warm and relaxed atmosphere. Guests were able to wander in and out of the marquee as they wished, using a smattering of outdoor furniture in the picturesque garden.
Toilet facilities (luxury trailer unit) were in the garden, at the end of a decorated covered walkway (at such a relaxed affair, and given the time of year, it is often seen as over-luxurious to incorporate toilets within the main marquee structure itself).
12-armed chandeliers provided good quality but simple lighting, upon a dimmer system to enable the dining lighting to be altered according to the client's requirements (namely when the band and disco lighting needed to supply maximum effect).
Wedding Brief
Numbers: |
150 for afternoon Wedding Breakfast |
Date: |
June 2000 |
Schedule: |
2pm : Wedding, followed by photos etc |
Catering: |
Waitress served Wedding Breakfast, formal seating |
Drink: |
Waitress served Champagne reception |
Entertainment: |
Disco & band |
Equipment: |
Marquee (matted and lined with dancefloor etc) |
This style of event has many advantages:
-
It allows for a natural break after speeches, an ideal opportunity for older guests or those who have travelled some distance and wish to get home that day to depart before the noisy party starts!
-
Costs can be controlled - a smaller marquee is needed, catering costs are typically lower, a pay bar can be introduced to the evening party etc
-
It allows for two distinct elements to the reception, 'Formal Breakfast' and 'Informal Party' hopefully keeping everybody happy
Because it is a popular style of Wedding marquee and event, it is often easier for our customers to visualise the layout and look, given that they are likely to have been to similar events as guests themselves. This obviously provides confidence and peace of mind at an early stage.
For more information about our wedding services please CLICK HERE
