A Marquee wedding at Home in Hertfordshire
Hattie and Julian celebrated their wedding at their family home in Hertfordshire with a multi-day weekend of celebrations surrounded by their closest family and friends.
They chose a wedding date in July in the hope of warmer temperatures and a glorious sunny weekend. In true British fashion, the weather gods decided not to play ball with us and we had all weathers thrown at us! This, however did not dampen our spirits and with all our backup plans we had in place, the weekend could not have gone any better.
How to PLAN A WEDDING - wet weather plan
In the main garden of the family home, we arranged for a stretch tent to cover the ceremony area. The stretch tent allowed a good cover in the event of poor weather but also some shade in the event it was a warmer day.
Couples often dream of having a completely open outdoor ceremony especially with a summer wedding however we always recommend that you have a good backup plan for all weather types including a heatwave! Therefore Hattie and Julian agreed that having a good open covering of s stretch tent allowed all eventualities to be covered with regard to the weather conditions.
We wanted to create a guest journey using the family home and gardens. Guests arrived to a drinks reception in the open plan entertaining space of the house and greeted with champagne and rose before being seated for the ceremony.
The ceremony area was adorned with white and green floral designs and installations from Mad Lilies. It all complemented the surrounding gardens so well. Teamed with the white wash cross back chairs, it created additional light for a very wet July wedding day.
Photo Credit - Lewis Membery Photography
WEDDING CEREMONY AT YOUR FAMILY HOME
There is something quite special about having a wedding ceremony at home. Hattie and Julian asked a close friend to officiate their ceremony and it was truly heartwarming, authentic and moving. Hattie and Julian legally married the week before at a registry office with their closest family members but celebrated their actual wedding day at home with a personal ceremony in the garden.
Mad Lilies created a natural, English country garden style floral arch to frame the backdrop of the water feature in the background with meadows lining the aisle.
Another enchanting edition to the ceremony included Julian’s old guitar teacher playing throughout the wedding ceremony.
SPERRY TENT MARQUEE FOR THE DINNER & DANCING
After the guests enjoyed a champagne reception with canapés from Caper & Berry, they were lead through the trees into another area of the garden for the main Sperry Tent from Sail Tent Company.
As the weather was extremely wet, we hired a couple of golf buggies to ensure the guests did not have the have the wet walk to the marquee. Although, I think the Groomsmen had more fun driving them!
Guests enjoyed panoramic views of the gardens however the space felt somewhat intimate, romantic and inviting with the grey clouds but the soft candlelight and light urbane chalk and sage green linens creating such a beautiful space.
We created a welcome space for the dining area with a large white circular bar from W Collection to ensure it was centre stage for when the party started. Above the bar, Mad Lilies installed a stunning floral chandelier. This lead guests to the stage and dance floor where they did not move from all night! It really was a party to remember!
THE EVENING PARTY INSIDE A MARQUEE
Due to the weather being less than kind to us, it meant for such great energy and the atmosphere in the marquee was incredible for the evening party. The Deps band had the guests on the dance floor all night long. Guests enjoyed a DJ live with sax at the end of their meal to create. transition through to the evening party and entertainment.
We had the golf buggies on hand all night long to ensure all guests were looked after in the event they were leaving early or needed a lot to their car or taxi.
Having the bar and dance floor positioned next to each other meant for a sensational atmosphere as people weren’t having to disappear off to get a drink or catch up with friends as it was all so close together.
Being on hand throughout the full day means I can ensure I am available for all your needs - including drying your hair! This picture alway makes me smile and a great memory of what was such a fabulous weekend.
MULTI-DAY WEDDING - BBQ FAREWELL PARTY
As with all fabulous wedding days, they have to come to an end but we couldn’t end it there so the family hosted a farewell BBQ party for all the guests the next day.
Caper & Berry welcomed guests with tea, coffee, smoothies, pastries and of course Bloody Marys! Before the Rosé wine, beers and champagne started flowing again, guests enjoyed a delicious BBQ with wholesome salads.
We were lucky enough to have the sun shining for most of the farewell party so guests enjoyed the gardens, reminiscing over the wedding weekend and enjoying each others company in a really relaxed, laid back vibe.
Those of you that may have been following me for some time or work with me, know how much I love a marquee wedding at home. Being an expert in my field and planning marquee weddings at home for nearly 13 years comes with a wealth of experience and knowledge. Here is another marquee party I designed, planned and produced that you might like to see
Susie Evans MARQUEE WEDDING planning - Suppliers
I would like to say a huge thank you to the following team who helped bring our clients vision together and celebrate the best marquee at home wedding!
Wedding Planner + Design // Susie Evans
Photographer // Lewis Membery Photography
Marquee // Sail Tent Company
Florist // Mad Lilies
Caterers + Bar // Caper & Berry
Videographer // John Taylor Films
Cake // Angela Jane Cake Designs
Luxury Toilets // Fortis Hire
Furniture Hire // Co-ordination Event Hire
Hair + MUA // Kristina Gasperas
Band // The Deps Showband
Bar and Soft Furnishing // The W collection
Stationery // Silk and Ink Designs