It’s not about spending a fortune or copying what everyone else is doing. It’s about transforming open space into something personal, warm, and beautiful. Here’s how to take that patch of grass and turn it into a show-stopping, Pinterest-worthy wedding venue.
You can’t host an outdoor wedding without a reliable space to gather. Marquee wedding hire gives you exactly that. It becomes your main structure, offering shelter, shade, and a defined area to design around.
You’ll want to start by measuring your available space, then figure out how many guests you’re expecting. From there, you can choose the right size and shape. Traditional marquees, sailcloth tents, clear-span designs — the style you go for will shape the entire look of your event.
Keep in mind:
Ground conditions matter. Check if the marquee can be staked properly or if you’ll need weights for hardstanding areas.
Weatherproofing is non-negotiable. Even in summer, rain and wind can strike.
Lighting needs planning too. String lights, chandeliers, and uplighting all make a big impact once the sun sets.
The marquee is your base. Once it’s in place, everything else can start to take shape.
Create a Layout that Actually Works
A field gives you total freedom. That’s great, but it also means you have to make every decision, from where the loos go to where the dance floor sits. Start with a rough sketch. You don’t need to be an architect, just draw out zones:
● Ceremony area
● Marquee or covered space
● Reception tables
● Dance floor and bar
● Chill-out area or firepit zone
● Catering and behind-the-scenes spots
Spacing is key. You want flow, not crowding or bottlenecks. Think about where guests will walk, how they’ll move between spaces, and what they’ll see first when they arrive.
Don’t forget power sources. If you’re in the middle of nowhere, you’ll likely need a generator. Factor this in early to avoid last-minute stress.
Give the Entrance a Bit of Drama
You’ve got one chance to make a first impression. That first walk into the venue should feel special. Even a simple field can deliver that if you frame the entrance properly.
Use wooden arches, vintage doors, floral installations, or even hay bales and lanterns. If guests are parking on-site and walking in, mark a clear path with signs or festoon lighting. You want people to feel they’re arriving somewhere magical, not wandering onto a farm.
Let Nature Do Some of the Work
Don’t fight the surroundings. If your field is already scenic, build around that. Got a killer tree line? Frame it as your ceremony backdrop. Rolling hills? Open up the marquee sides to let guests soak in the view.
The natural setting is a major advantage. Use it. The fewer elements you need to add, the more effortless (and budget-friendly) the overall vibe becomes.
You can elevate things with:
● Wildflowers dotted around the space
● Potted plants and greenery along walkways
● Logs and natural textures for seating or signage
You’re aiming for balance. Keep things curated, not cluttered.
Think About Comfort, Not Just Looks
Pinterest doesn’t show the mud, midges, or melting guests. But if you ignore comfort, people will remember, and not in a good way.
Provide shaded spots, especially for summer weddings. Parasols, covered chill zones, or even trees with blankets beneath them can make a difference. For colder months, baskets of blankets, outdoor heaters, and a fire pit add warmth and atmosphere.
Toilets need proper attention too. Don’t skimp here. Luxury portable options exist and are worth every penny. Add mirrors, hand soap, even a few sprigs of eucalyptus. Small touches change the whole experience.
Design with Intent, Not Just Aesthetics
Anyone can throw fairy lights and bunting at a space. But it takes a bit more thought to make a venue feel cohesive.
Pick a theme or tone and use it consistently. That doesn’t mean rigid colour palettes or copy-and-paste styling. It just means thinking about the experience as a whole.
Is it rustic and relaxed? Go for wood, hessian, and simple greenery. Want a modern edge? Choose clean lines, monochrome elements, maybe even industrial accents like metal or concrete planters.
Use texture and layers. Mix materials. Think of how it’ll feel as well as how it looks, from the crunch of gravel underfoot to the flicker of candlelight in the evening.
Lighting might be the most powerful design tool you have. Once the sun goes down, it’s all people see — and it can completely transform the space.
A few ideas worth considering:
● Fairy lights across the marquee ceiling or trees
● Lanterns lining walkways or clustered around seating areas
● Up-lighting on trees or the marquee exterior
● Festoon bulbs for that golden-hour glow
● Candlelight on tables, steps, and bars
Don’t overdo it, but don’t leave it too sparse either. You want mood, warmth, and visibility.
Every part of your setup plays a role in the wedding photos. Think ahead about where those key shots will happen.
Create a few visual “moments” that stand out — not just for social media, but for the couple’s memories. That might be:
● A floral arch or fabric-draped frame
● An unusual backdrop for the ceremony
● A lounge area styled with vintage furniture
● A quirky photo wall using natural elements or signage
You’re not aiming for clutter. Just a few intentional, standout spots that tell the story.
A Field Can Be Magic If You Let It
It doesn’t take a manor house or sprawling vineyard to pull off a wedding that turns heads. With the right planning and a bit of creativity, an empty field can be something truly special.
Let the space lead the way. Use what’s there. Build a layout that makes sense. Prioritise comfort just as much as aesthetics. And focus on atmosphere, not just decorations.
That’s how you take a field and turn it into a wedding venue people won’t stop talking about.
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