What is your most memorable wedding?
We have built structures over trees, ponds and fountains in the past which always look amazing once incorporated into the marquees. Each event is so personal to the couples that we often see great new ideas each season which we then pass on
Describe your style in 5 adjectives.
Approachable
Elegant
Fresh
Fun
Unusual
What about your business are you most proud of?
Our customer service, it is lovely getting feedback from a client who has had an amazing day and knowing you helped them achieve it
What is your No. 1 wedding planning tip for couples?
Try to be honest with your supplier about your budget, we want you to have your dream day and can advise what you need and what you can do with out to achieve it
What is your favourite personal touch you have seen at a wedding?
We had a client who collected various butterflies in the lead up to her wedding, she had them all over the inside of the marquee it looked beautiful
Describe your typical process with a couple.
Our typical process, after couples make their initial enquiry this tends to be by phone or email, we will get a feel for what they are looking for and produce an itemised quotation based on guest numbers, location, surface, preferred finish and budget. Depending on numbers we might suggest one of our great package options. Once we know we are on the same page regarding their requirements and they are looking at progressing the order, we can carry out a site visit to check the areas suitability. The need for a site visits prior to booking is not always necessary, it does depend on location, so for example if it is a venue we are familiar with or a large open area this is not always needed. Some clients prefer to get booked first to ensure availability and then have all their suppliers meet together, some have busy lives and don't always have time for site visits, others prefer to have a site visit first. It is really personal choice as to what works best for you, we try to be as flexible as possible to what works best for the couples. Once a client is happy with the quotation and wants to make a booking we always recommend confirming the order as soon as they can. People are always surprised at how quickly dates get full especially in Summer months. As a company we try to be as flexible as possible so still allow changes to orders even after booking, most weddings evolve in the run up to the big day, so for example couples will often not know final numbers until nearer the day. We find that it is generally the build/ collection slots and structures that get booked the quickest, some venues will have strict installation and dismantle days/ times so again this can affect availability. During the run up to the wedding our contact with clients does vary, some couples have very few queries and some may contact us weekly, we can be as involved or distant as suits. As the big day draws closer then there are often a few adjustments, someone needs an extra table, chair, or wants to add some outside furniture or the weather is different to anticipated so a back up plan is needed, heaters etc. This is all normal and we are here each step of the way. We then carry out installation, again each client/ location is different some want to be there at the build up and some would rather leave us too it, there is no wrong or right way it is whatever the client wants. We always have a hand over to go through how everything works and out of hours contact details. We then disappear leaving everyone to have fun and party, we then reappear at pre arranged collection day to magically take it all away again :)
How do you create an ambiance in a marquee?
Lighting has come a long way since the early days, with the introduction of LED it is now possible to have some incredible effects without the huge power supply that they would have needed once upon a time. Simply changes to lighting can transform a marquee, often really budget friendly as well.
Where is the most exciting place that you have put a marquee?
Over the years we have built marquees in some weird and wonderful locations, unusual places aren't always as exciting as you'd imagine, they often come with unique challenges, give us a lovely venue with good vehicular access any day! But some of the more unusual requests on roof tops (up in a service lift!) middle of woodlands (lots of carrying) By beaches (exposed!) Islands (windy) underground carpark (dark) over swimming pools (refreshing). We've also had a few exciting high profile clients which can be interesting as they often have quite creative events, but pressure point security gardens can be a challenge for stakes!
What is your record time for putting up your marquee?
On festival builds, which are pretty much multiple empty structures on our 6m and 9m wide, our guys got it down to 11 minutes per 3m bay on one site, they had a lot to get through and the sun was shining which always helps! Clients are always amazed at how quickly everything is cleared from site after their event.
What is your favourite design of marquee and why?
Trends change but I will always love the less is more finish, a beautifully lined marquee with open sides to bring the outside in, crisp white linen and beautiful green foliage and flowers, you can't beat it.