Different temporary structures have very different footprints, styling and suitability across UK seasons. Your choice affects everything from where you can locate the marquee to how much heating you'll need.
Clear-Span (Frame) Marquees
Modern, versatile. Can be lined with pleated silk for traditional elegance or left clear to view trees and architecture.
Aluminium skeletal frame with PVC covers. No internal poles obstructing views or table layouts.
- Any surface: Can be weighted on concrete, tennis courts, or decking — not limited to grass
- Space efficient: No guy ropes; the footprint is the exact size of the tent
- Best wind resistance: Often rated to 60mph+
- Year-round: Can be fully hard-sided and efficiently heated
Sailcloth / Sperry Tents
"Hampton's" elegance. High peaks, wooden finials, translucent fabric that glows at night.
Premium canvas structure supported by central wooden poles and perimeter guy ropes. The sailcloth fabric creates a beautiful ethereal quality, especially at dusk.
- Stunning aesthetics: Currently the premium choice in the Home Counties
- Natural light: Translucent fabric means less lighting needed during daytime
- Grass only: Must be staked into the ground
- Space needed: Requires extra 2m perimeter for guy ropes (a 12m tent needs 16m space)
Traditional Pole Marquees
Classic English garden party. Canvas elegance with a timeless feel.
Canvas structure supported by central wooden poles and perimeter guy ropes. More opaque than sailcloth, with a heavier, more traditional appearance.
- Classic look: Traditional wedding aesthetic, elegant linings available
- Grass only: Must be staked
- Noisy in wind: Canvas can flap audibly in high winds
- Poor thermal retention: Difficult to heat efficiently
Tipis (Nordic Kata)
Festival, bohemian, cosy. Conical tents with exposed poles and canvas.
Conical tents linked together for larger events. Creates a very atmospheric, intimate space with visible structural elements.
- Festival feel: Perfect for relaxed, informal celebrations
- Dark interior: Sloping walls reduce usable space at edges; significant daytime lighting needed
- Linking vulnerability: Connection points between linked tipis can leak in heavy rain
- Fire pit compatible: Often feature central fire pits for ambiance
Stretch Tents
Sculptural, architectural, contemporary. Flexible fabric tensioned over internal poles.
Creates dramatic, flowing shapes. Best for shaded areas, ceremonies or bar zones rather than main dining.
- Architectural impact: Unique shapes that photograph beautifully
- Open-sided: Not suitable for dining in unstable weather
- Hard to seal: Driving rain is a problem
- Good for ceremonies: Creates a beautiful focal point
Yurts
Bohemian, circular, strong visual impact. Timber-framed with a central crown.
Circular structures that work well as standalone features or linked together. Cosy, distinctive atmosphere.
- Strong aesthetic: Distinctive circular shape with exposed woodwork
- Limited size: Individual yurts are small; need multiple linked for larger weddings
- Boho vibe: Appeals to couples wanting alternative aesthetics
Seasonal Suitability at a Glance
| Structure | Winter | Spring/Autumn | Summer | Wind Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clear-span frame | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | High (60mph+) |
| Sailcloth/Sperry | Not suitable | Risky | Excellent | Moderate |
| Traditional pole | Not suitable | Risky | Good | Moderate |
| Tipis | Not suitable | With caution | Good | Moderate |
| Stretch tents | Not suitable | Not suitable | Dry days only | Low |
Sound and Lighting Considerations
Different structures have different acoustic properties. Tipis with their dark interiors need more lighting and careful speaker placement. Clear-span marquees offer the most flexibility for DJ and band setups. Sailcloth tents look magical with uplighting but the translucent fabric can make daytime lighting balance tricky.
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Making Your Choice
Your structure choice should balance:
- Aesthetic vision: What look and feel do you want?
- Season: When is your wedding? Be realistic about UK weather.
- Site constraints: What does your location allow? Grass only? Hardstanding?
- Budget: Sailcloth commands a premium; clear-span offers best all-round value.
- Guest comfort: Can you keep them warm/dry/comfortable?
Talk to multiple marquee companies early. Share your vision, your date, and your site — they'll help you understand what's realistic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can we have a sailcloth tent in October?
It's risky. Sailcloth tents have limited wind tolerance and poor thermal retention. An unseasonably warm, calm October might work, but you're gambling with UK weather. For autumn weddings, clear-span frames are the safer choice — you can still line them beautifully for similar aesthetics with better weather protection.
Do tipi weddings need more lighting?
Yes. The conical shape and canvas walls create dark interiors, even in daytime. You'll need significant festoon or fairy lighting during the day, and the dark ceiling can absorb uplighting. Budget for more lighting hire than you might expect. The cosy atmosphere is worth it for the right couple.
Which structure is best for a band?
Clear-span frames offer the most flexibility — no internal poles to obstruct sight lines, easy to position staging, and the rectangular shape works well for sound distribution. Tipis can work but the conical space creates acoustic challenges. Discuss with your entertainment early if you're considering unusual structures.
Can I mix structure types?
Absolutely. Many weddings use a clear-span for dining (weather-safe, easy to heat) with a sailcloth or stretch tent for the ceremony or drinks reception (beautiful for photos, acceptable weather risk for shorter use). This hybrid approach gives you the best of both worlds.