Viewing Marquees: Do we need to wait for an Open Day?

Many couples ask us, “Can we view the marquee in person before booking?” This is a great way to really step in to the image of what could be your own event. However many also don't ask. It is normal to expect that viewings can only be done at an official Open day, but that is not the case.

We don't have a site where our structures are up permanently and Open Day events can be hard to arrange, extremely time heavy and costly for the suppliers involved. But if you're planning an outdoor wedding, we understand that there is no better way to visualise your own celebration than physically entering the space. Marquees offer a beautiful, flexible, and totally customisable option if you want to create your dream day in a beautiful and meaningful outdoor setting.

We have good news! We can often arrange private viewings of marquees when they’re set up for real weddings and events and this can be even more insightful than a public showcase.

Photo: Laura Martha Photography • Structures: Podded Yurts  • Venue: The Lakeside at Wild Berry Farm 

Why Visit a Real Marquee Setup?

Seeing is believing. While Open Days can give you a good feel for marquee styling, they often either push boundaries with a mix of styles and themes or can be stripped back due to event constraints so don't always reflect the real feel. When you visit a marquee set up for an actual wedding, you are able to see how it works in real life. Table layouts, lighting and consistent theming, you get to see how it blends with the landscape and venue.

This can give you a much clearer picture of:

• How much space you'll have

• Realistic decor inspiration

• Flow of guest movement

• Lighting and heating options in action

• How different suppliers work within the space

• Budget expectation

Photo: Laura Martha Photography • Structures: Podded Yurts  • Venue: The Lakeside at Wild Berry Farm 

What’s the Etiquette When Visiting a Real Wedding Setup?

It’s important to remember that when you visit a marquee at a real event, you’re being given privileged access to someone’s private celebration sometimes even their home. If the host has kindly allowed us to show you around their setup before the event starts, then this deserves a little extra respect and care.

Here are a few important etiquette points:

• Be punctual: Timings are often tight between setup completion and guest arrivals.

• Don’t touch or move anything: Visits often occur the day/night before the event and tables, decor and place settings are often finalised.

• No photos without permission: Some couples prefer privacy, we’ll let you know what’s OK to photograph.

• Keep the group small: Usually, just you and your partner (or your wedding planner) is best. Don't bring your extended family, which would normally be fine at an Open Day.

• Treat the venue as someone’s home: because sometimes, it actually is.

Photo: Laura Martha Photography • Structures: Podded Yurts  • Venue: The Lakeside at Wild Berry Farm 

Frequently Asked Questions.

Can we request to view a specific type of marquee (e.g. Yurt or Pole Marquee)? Yes, let us know what you're looking for and we’ll do our best to match you with a viewing that suits your needs.

How much notice do you need to arrange a visit? The best thing to do is tell us as soon as possible that you would be interested in viewing a particular structure. We are then able to look at our bookings for the season and ascertain if there would be any suitable opportunities.

Can we speak with the couple during the visit? Generally, no. Out of respect for their privacy, the visit will be managed by our team only. It is sometimes possible to speak with their event planner if available and we can put you in touch with suppliers if you wish to enquire about their services, but this would be at a later time.

Can we visit more than one setup? If timings and locations allow, absolutely. Where we can, we are happy to show you more than one marquee, over a number of appointments.

Do you offer virtual tours as an alternative? Yes! For couples who can’t visit in person, we can arrange live video call to allow walk-throughs during setup times.

Photo: Joshua Tucker Photography • Structures: The Duchess Pole Marquee Venue: Private Residence •

Private Marquee Viewings vs Open Days: What’s the Difference?

To compare your options, we've given you an overview of the differences below:

Feature	Open Day	Real Event viewing
Open to public	Yes	No
Styled setup	Often staged	Authentic styling
Crowd size	Can be busy	Private 1:1
Access to staff	Yes - all day	Yes but time limited
Booking needed	Often not	Essential
Drop in	Yes	No
Variation of suppliers	A diverse selection	Limited

Book a Personal Marquee Viewing Today.

If you’re ready to take the next step in your wedding planning journey, don’t wait for the next open day. Contact us today to arrange a private marquee viewing at a real event near you. Whether you’re in Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire or Northamptonshire, we’ll do our best to find a marquee that fits your style and schedule.

Image: Sarah Anderson Photography • Venue: The Lakeside at Wildberry Farm • Structure: The Earl, Petal Pole Marquee