Wedding FAQs

Why should we have a marquee wedding?

Marquee receptions are about freedom. Freedom to have your wedding where and when you choose to create a unique experience. Freedom to express your individuality, to choose your favourite caterer, to be involved in the set-up as much or as little as you want, freedom to set your own time limits. The freedom to make the day yours.

How much will a marquee wedding cost?

Every wedding we have helped create is an individually tailored event. We’ll ask you a few questions to discover what you are looking for and then we will give you a detailed quote.

What size marquee will I need?

We can advise you on the best size marquee so your wedding feels intimate, enjoyable and comfortable. If you plan a formal bridal table, a dance floor, space for a band etc, the marquee needs to be large enough accommodate these without being cavernous. You should allow approximately 1.3 square metres per guest for dining. You then need to allow space for things like a dance floor, buffet tables, present tables and entrance space.

I have a site in mind. How do I know if it will be suitable?

When you are choosing a location you should consider issues such as the size and slope of the pavilion area, the environment and season, parking, and where any service such as toilets and generators can be placed. Keep in mind that a pavilion can be erected more quickly and cost effectively on level ground and truck access to the site will really help to keep labour costs to a minimum.

We will happily come and inspect your site before we prepare our quote. By doing this, we can be sure that we can provide and deliver the best marquee for your site.

What is the difference between a marquee and a structure?

A marquee is a traditional peg and pole tent. This is the most common and familiar type of pavilion. The ceiling slopes gently downward from a row of tall centre poles to the wall poles. Seen from the outside, the tent’s undulations have a soft, curved look. Marquees also use guy ropes to tension and secure the roof. Walls are hung from a line on the inside of the ceiling and held in place on the ground using small pegs.

A pavilion or structure are the most flexible and stable form of temporary structure and are ideal for tight spots. They have no guy ropes so need very little clearance around its sides, whereas the traditional marquees need at least 2 metres. Our Pavilions can be constructed to virtually any size, on any surface and can be as narrow as 3 metres wide. An important advantage of the Hoecker Pavilion is that it has no interior poles so the entire floor space is yours to use unobstructed. At Barlens we only use genuine Hoecker Pavilions, which are the industry benchmark.

Should we have a floor?

Generally the more formal the feel you are looking for, the more important a floor is. If you are planning a relaxed daytime reception in a beautiful garden you may not need a floor, by having your guests walking on grass you will really bring the feeling of the garden into your reception. If you are a planning a formal evening reception, a floor will help you achieve a more sophisticated and stylish environment.

What is the best size and shape table?

It depends on the type of atmosphere you’d like to create. Traditionally most receptions have been seated on round tables of eight to ten guests. Alternatively you could try our rectangular banquet tables that can seat up to twelve guests (but are probably better with ten). Guests tend to find these tables friendlier as they are only 1.2 metres across so everyone on the table is within easy talking distance while at the same time leaving plenty of room to put table decorations or even platters in the centre.

What about a bridal table?

Formal bridal tables are still a popular option however over the past couple of years we have noticed a move away from the traditional bridal tables. Many bridal couples now prefer to have a central table rather than a formal and/or elevated head table. You could set your table apart with extra lighting, a different shaped table or even a different chair type. It really depends on you and what you feel comfortable with.

What about decorating the pavilion?

You really are only limited by your imagination and because you won’t need to work around a permanent venue you can make the venue reflect your style. Feel like looking up at the stars during dinner? In a Barlens pavilion you can add a clear roof and clear walls for a truly spectacular impact. Of course we have a range of ceiling linings to give a soft romantic feel and we can also drape the walls. Sidewalls can be solid white for privacy, or clear to take in the view and the warmth of the sun. At Barlens we have a huge range of candelabras, urns and vases and beautiful table linen available. Barlens will happily provide expert advice on lighting your pavilion and the surrounding grounds through to making sure you have enough champagne glasses.

When do you set the marquee up?

Our objective is to make your reception as hassle and stress free as possible. With this in mind we always try to have your wedding pavilion set up at least 2 days in advance of the function and we leave it with you until the next working day after the event. For a Saturday wedding we would deliver on Thursday and collect everything on the following Monday. The advantage of this is that it allows plenty of time for set-up prior to the event and time for you to use the marquee again for a post-wedding brunch the day after.

Talk to us today for a wedding that you and your guests will never forget.