Planning a big party or wedding and wondering how you can style your pop up gazebo or gazebo? We’ve put together a list of our expert tips on how to decorate marquees for any event and included all the equipment not to forget.

Understanding Your Marquee's Purpose & Setting

What Type Of Event Is It Being Used For?

Your marquee's style should mirror the essence of the event. For weddings, soft lighting and romantic décor may be perfect, while corporate events may call for a more polished, sleek appearance. Consider the event's theme and make your marquee a seamless extension of it.

What Is The Venue?

Whether on a beach, in a garden, or an urban setting, make sure your marquee styling complements the surroundings. For a beach event, think airy fabrics and tropical flowers; for a garden setting, incorporate natural greenery.

What Is Your Budget?

Create an exceptional marquee without breaking the bank. Be clear about your budget and prioritise the essentials like flooring and lighting before spending on extra decorative elements.

Choosing a Design Aesthetic

Some of the trendy styles include rustic charm with wooden accents, a modern approach with minimalistic designs, or a vintage flair with antiques and heirlooms. Choose what resonates with the event and the guests.

Aligning With Your Brand Or Personal Style

Corporate Events:

When styling a pop up marquee for a corporate event, the décor must mirror the company's ethos, culture, and brand identity. This alignment goes beyond mere aesthetics; it's about creating an environment that resonates with the company's values.

• Logo and Branding: Incorporate the company's logo, slogans, or colour palette in subtle ways through table settings, banners, or even the gazebo’s exterior lining.
• Industry Alignment: Consider the nature of the business. A tech company might opt for a sleek, modern design, while a firm in the environmental sector might prefer eco-friendly materials and natural elements.
• Message Reinforcement: Use décor to reinforce the message or purpose of the event, whether it's celebrating a milestone or launching a new product. Thematic consistency adds depth to the occasion and resonates with attendees.

Personal Events:

For personal events like weddings, anniversaries, or birthday parties, the styling should reflect the host's or guest of honour's personality, interests, and preferences.

• Thematic Approach: Choose a theme that resonates with the person's hobbies or passions, such as a favourite film, era, or destination.
• Personal Touches: Add elements that tell a story or evoke memories, like photographs, heirlooms, or customised decorations.
• Guest Consideration: Keep the guests in mind when styling, ensuring that the chosen theme is engaging and comfortable for them, fostering a more enjoyable and memorable experience.

Utilising Colour Schemes

Colour is a powerful tool in setting the tone and mood for an event. It can evoke emotions, create visual harmony, and add vibrancy.

• Understanding Colour Psychology: Different colours can evoke various emotions. Blue for calm, red for excitement, green for harmony. Understanding this can help you choose the right palette.
• Consistency is Key: A consistent colour palette creates visual cohesion. Whether it's soft pastels for a romantic wedding or corporate colours for a business event, maintaining consistency enhances the visual appeal.
• Seasonal Consideration: Consider the time of the year. Warm, rich colours might be perfect for a fall event, while bright, lively hues would suit a summer gathering.
• Layering and Contrast: Experimenting with shades and tones within a chosen palette adds depth. Don't be afraid to contrast colours to create focal points or to use neutral tones to balance more vibrant hues.
• Accessibility Considerations: Think about colour visibility for all guests, including those who might have colour vision deficiencies. Consider contrast and readability, especially for essential signs and information.

Functional Marquee Styling Tips

Flooring

Laying down flooring in a pop up marquee can take the space from being a little rough and ready to fancy and finished. It completely changes the look of the marquee and gives a more polished and professional impression that is perfect for a more formal party or wedding reception.

Windows

Most standard pop up marquees come with four large, blank walls and not much else, but many vendors now offer window walls that can be attached instead. These are easily zipped together and are great at not only letting much more light into the space but also adding a more modern and unique touch.

Furniture

Once your pop up marquee is erected, the area inside can suddenly seem huge and slightly overwhelming. Events such as wedding receptions can be transformed with the addition of basic furniture such as tables and chairs. These can be surprisingly affordable and, once it’s decorated and set next to a dance floor, your marquee will be set for a party to remember.

Lighting

Once the sun sets and lights go down, keep the party going with the assistance of some beautiful and atmospheric lighting. Outdoor lights are perfect for creating ambience and ensures partygoers can continue enjoying the event late into the night, or even into the early morning!

Heating

Creating a comfortable environment for your guests means considering temperature control, especially in cooler seasons or late-night events. Gazebo heaters are an efficient and stylish way to ensure your guests remain warm and cosy. Available in various designs, from sleek wall-mounted units to portable propane heaters, gazebo heaters can be seamlessly integrated into the décor while providing essential warmth.

When selecting the right heater, consider factors such as the size of the marquee, the power source available, safety features, and the overall aesthetic of your event.

Decorative Elements

Decoration is key to styling a pop up marquee. Add tablecloths, candles, flowers and table decorations to lift the space and show your own personality at the table. Want to inject a bit of colour or add décor to the walls while emphasising the height of the marquee? Why not add some patterned or bespoke printed bunting to really add some flair?

Tablecloths

A fundamental yet often overlooked aspect of marquee styling, tablecloths can instantly transform the look of a venue. From elegant silk for a refined look to rustic burlap for a countryside vibe, the choice of fabric, colour, and texture can create various moods and styles to align with your event theme.

Candles

Candles add warmth, romance, and a touch of magic to any marquee setting. From tall candelabras for a grand impression to floating tea lights for a whimsical effect, candles can be used in countless ways. Experiment with sizes, shapes, and scents to create an intimate and personalised ambiance.

Flowers

Flowers breathe life into any décor, offering freshness and natural beauty. Choose seasonal blooms that complement your colour scheme and theme. From elaborate floral centrepieces to dainty flower vases on cocktail tables, flowers can be as bold or subtle as you desire, always adding a touch of elegance.

Table Decorations

Personalise your event with thoughtfully curated table decorations. Whether it's ornate silverware, themed napkin rings, or creative place cards, each element contributes to the overall aesthetic. Consider using items that resonate with the event's theme, like seashells for a beach wedding or branded coasters for a corporate gathering.

Bunting

Bunting adds a playful touch to a marquee, perfect for casual gatherings or to infuse some fun into formal events. Available in various materials, colours, and patterns, personalised bunting can be hung across the ceiling, walls, or even outdoors, creating a cheerful and welcoming atmosphere.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overcrowding the Space: Filling every inch with décor can lead to a cramped and uncomfortable environment. Balance the desire for lavish decoration with the need for functional space, allowing guests to move freely. Using a floor plan or professional guidance can help avoid this pitfall.
2. Mismatching Themes: Consistency is key to a cohesive look. Avoid using disparate styles, colours, or themes that may clash. The décor, from furniture to lighting, should align with the chosen theme to create a harmonious appearance.
3. Neglecting Guest Comfort: While aesthetics are important, neglecting guest comfort is a common mistake. Ensure there's enough seating, appropriate temperature control (like gazebo heaters), and accessibility to restrooms and other facilities. These functional aspects should never be overlooked.
4. Improper Lighting: Lighting sets the mood but overdoing it with overly bright lights or going too dim can ruin the ambiance. Consider the time of the event, natural light available, and the desired atmosphere when planning lighting.

   

5. Forgetting Safety Measures: Safety should always be a priority. Avoid using flammable materials near heat sources, secure any hanging decorations properly, and ensure that all electrical installations comply with safety standards. Overlooking these details can lead to serious issues.
6. Underestimating Setup and Breakdown Time: It takes time to create a magical marquee space, and rushing through the setup can lead to mistakes and oversights. Likewise, breakdown requires time and care. Plan accordingly to avoid unnecessary stress.

Style Your Gazebo With TFH Gazebos

At TFH Gazebos, we sell a wide range of gazebos, pop up marquees and accessories. Get in contact today or browse our stock for more information. With these gazebo styling tips in mind and our great selection of products, you can’t go wrong!