Marquee decoration
It is best to think of marquee decoration as but part of the overall look for an event.
Marquees are flexible enough to carry classic styles, romantic styles, functional, funky, lavish... as well as many themed looks.
You need to decide on a style or theme and then pick the table centrepieces, flowers and other items to suit. This isn't always a simple task, but there are a huge number of resources on the web that will help.
The Knot has some idea for weddings, including some eco-friendly suggestions. Special Events magazine has some tented corporate event examples to look at. But there are loads more if you search on Google.
On this page, we highlight a few items particular to marquees that, coupled with lighting and furniture, can help to create the atmosphere you want.
Linings:
Marquees can be lined, a natural accompaniment to formal or traditionally-styled events. Please see this frequently asked question for a photo showing the difference between lined and unlined marquees.
Marquee lining with decor
County Marquees standard linings are pleated and ivory-coloured. They are an ideal backdrop for most styles. They can be set off with swags and roof swags (see below), as well as with lighting effects, theming accessories and bespoke printed linings (the ever popular butterfly, for example).
Swags:
Swags are available in a wide range of colours to suit the overall look of your event.
The photo alongside shows a selection. Pink for a pretty wedding, red to warm up a winter party, white for an elegant corporate do and so on.
We can match pelmet colours as well if required.
Another option is to dangle swags or other fabric ribbons from the marquee roof for a more unusual effect. Massed together, dangling ribbons can look very striking.
Roof swags:
You can also drape fabric overlays across the marquee roof, or hang 'drops' down the wall. Overlays can be single, or multiple for a striped effect. The photo alongside shows multiple fuscia overlays combined with a black-out roof lining. Overlays can also follow down the walls of a marquee with fabric drops.
Striped roof swags are a favourite for barmitsvah marquees - in the right team's colours of course!
Black-out linings:
Marquees can also be completely or partially blacked out, typically in combination with a starlight ceiling.
The effect is dramatic and fun — ideal for an evening party with dancing.
Coloured lighting can enhance the effect by spreading washes of colour across the black.
Poles, walls and windows:
Other marquee specific items to consider include:
- Opening up the walls in summer: drawing back the walls allows the landscape around to be part of your decor while still enjoying the protection of a tent. See this question or this photo for examples.
- Windows: a similar outdoors effect can be achieved on colder days with lots of windows. See this photo for an example.
- Poles: for our traditional tents or on open sides of frame marquees, poles provide another opportunity to make a decorative statement. They can be draped with material, or garlanded with flowers. See this photo or this one for some more ideas.
Flowers, balloons, theming, corporate branding:
Where to start? You can look at the marquee decoration section of our photo gallery for further ideas. Or search for marquee decoration or tent decoration on the internet and see what takes your fancy and fits your budget, venue and season.
Party atmosphere with ballons
Simple and classic
Brazillian themed marquee
Here are some examples we found interesting to set your creative juices flowing:
- Tent roof covered in branches
- Simpler and arguably prettier decoration with branches and paper lanterns
- Hand strung orchid chandeliers
- Opulent tent with tent roof illuminated red and dramatic high table centre pieces
- Marquee decorated with trees and hanging lanterns
- Crescent Moon offer sumptious marquee decoration. Browse their gallery for ideas.
- Jay & I Services offer more economical marquee decor ideas including mandap decoration.
For an example of corporate branding, please see this case study.
Although County Marquees does not stock theme items, flowers etc, we are happy to take on the task of organizing supply, and then integrating them with all the other elements of marquee design to create the look and feel you require.
Or please contact us for advice on your particular requirements.