From a sun-drenched wedding at a British stately home to a beautiful brand birthday in a wildflower meadow, at Wills Marquees we’ve been lucky enough to be part of some truly special moments. But we also know that organising the perfect marquee celebration isn’t as simple as picking a location, sending your invites and turning up on the day.
Hosting a truly unforgettable outdoor celebration takes a lot of planning and preparation. In fact, we’ve helped countless people host their dream events, providing not only a beautiful sailcloth marquee but also guidance and support on these special days.
Today, we’re breaking down three events that we were lucky enough to be part of. We’ll explain why they were so successful and highlight how you could achieve the same. So let’s dive into some of these spectacular marquee events.
1. A rustic romance at a stately home
This beautifully styled marquee wedding for artist and designer Sasha Compton and Tom Holliday at Newby Hall in North Yorkshire combined classic outdoor charm with thoughtful design.
We constructed a completely bespoke traditional canvas-and-pole marquee, positioned within the stunning gardens, which offered guests unique views of the lush surroundings while they dined and celebrated the happy couple.
Why it worked so well:
Setting and structure: not only was it a breathtaking location, but the marquee was positioned to make the most of the surroundings and natural beauty.
Cohesive theme: the rustic romance styling, and Sasha’s vision, shone through every little piece, from the intricate place settings to the floral décor.
Beautifully local: the couple was keen to support local suppliers, sourcing food and drink locally, keeping the produce fresh and a distinctly local feel.
Lessons for your marquee event:
Understand your location and play to its strengths. Trust your instinct and follow your theme. Finally, try local suppliers – you won’t regret it.
Image by Nigel John.
2. A quintessentially British marquee
The iconic brand and luxury leather goods creator Métier chose a Wills marquee to host its fifth birthday, creating a truly special corporate event.
Nestled in the tall grass and wildflowers of a Cotswold meadow, the ivory-toned marquee hosted guests for dining, drinks and dancing, giving the Italian brand’s birthday a distinctly British flair while retaining its identity. The festivities were featured in Vogue and showcased to other businesses how corporate marquee events should be done.
Why it worked so well:
Reflecting a brand: a British marquee and an Italian brand – you may think these are two different worlds, but you couldn’t be further from the truth. Both are lovingly crafted and built to last.
Layered experiences: cocktails under the trees and breakout firepits, this wasn’t just a sit-down meal. It offered a layered experience that guests loved.
First impressions: from the tall grass, slightly obscuring the marquee as you approached, to the festoon lights marking the way, the experience was curated from the very beginning.
Lessons for your marquee event:
Your event should reflect you and your story – whether it’s a business or a happy couple. Don’t settle for just a party – give your guests a true experience. It’s true: first impressions are everything.
Image by James D Kelly.
3. A natural celebration in the mountains of Bolivia
From the cobbled courtyard that hosted the ceremony to the picturesque mountains that towered overhead, everything about Sam and Sophia’s La Paz wedding was spectacular.
Floral décor and a grass floor brought a sense of the outdoors and natural charm beneath a 12x34m sailcloth canopy. Flowers, fairy lights and candlelit birdcages added warmth and authenticity to an already showstopping celebration.
Why it worked so well:
Celebrating nature: keeping the grass floor and using natural materials preserved the outdoor feel of the day.
Embracing colour: from the bridesmaids’ blue-tinted dresses to the vibrant floral displays, thoughtful flashes of colour added depth and contrast to the natural tones.
Relying on lighting: when the sun went down, the canvas marquee was beautifully illuminated, creating a warm and inviting space in the darkness of the night.
Lessons for your marquee event:
Embrace nature wherever you can – it is, after all, an outdoor celebration. Colour can lift and enliven your décor, even within a natural theme. And remember, lighting is far more than functional; it shapes the atmosphere and helps create a space your guests will truly want to be in.
It’s easier than you think to create a stunning marquee event
Hopefully, you can now see some of the key ideas that made these three marquee events work so well – and how you can take those same principles and apply them to your own celebration to create something truly unforgettable.
Event planning shouldn’t be a chore. At Wills Marquees, not only do we provide beautifully crafted, traditional sailcloth marquees, but we also offer complete support throughout the process. With more than a decade’s experience, our team is ready to guide you in creating a celebration – whether that’s a wedding, corporate event or landmark birthday – that feels nothing short of breathtaking.
If you’d like to discuss any of our marquees, or need help planning your marquee event, get in touch – we’re here to help.
