MARQUEES:THEMED DESIGN AND 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, and 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. 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. Top Hat Marquees standard linings are pleated and ivory-coloured and are an ideal backdrop for most styles. They can be set off with swags and roof swags, 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. 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 broad ribbons of fabric from the marquee roof for a more unusual effect. Decorative swags come in a wide range of colours.

Roof swags:

You can also drape fabric overlays across the marquee roof, or hang 'drops' down the wall. This can either be a single overlay where a single red overlay and matching drop create a striking highlight; or overlays can be combined for a popular striped effect. Striped roof swags are a favourite for Bar Mitzvah marquees - in the right team's colours of course!

Blackout 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.

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.
  • Windows: a similar outdoors effect can be achieved on colder days with lots of windows.