Transforming Your Marquee: Creative Decoration Ideas

Event planning can be stressful, especially if it’s a family do and one side wants to murder the other, but the right decorations can transform a simple canvas marquee into an enchanting space that leaves your guests absolutely mesmerised – and hopefully not murderous.

The beauty of marquees lies in their versatility – they’re essentially blank canvases waiting for your creative touch. And you don’t need to be a Van Gogh descendent to hit the decorative high notes!

Lighting: Setting the Perfect Mood

Nothing transforms a space quite like lighting. 

Fairy lights remain a classic choice for good reason – they create that warm, twinkling atmosphere that makes everything feel special. Drape them along the roof beams or cascade them down the sides for an instantly romantic feel. 

For something more dramatic, consider uplighting in your chosen colour scheme, which can completely change the ambiance of your marquee.

Chandeliers are good for weddings or formal events. You don’t need actual crystal – there are plenty of affordable alternatives that create the same stunning effect. 

Paper lanterns offer a more relaxed vibe and come in every colour imaginable.

Fabric and Draping: Softening the Space

Raw marquee walls can feel a bit stark, but fabric draping works wonders. Voile, chiffon, and muslin are all excellent choices that won’t break the bank. You can gather fabric at the ceiling and let it flow down the walls or create elegant swags between the support poles.

For a bohemian feel, mix different textures and patterns. Vintage lace combined with flowing silk creates a romantic, eclectic atmosphere. 

If you’re going for something more modern, stick to one or two complementary colours in sleek fabrics.

Floral Arrangements and Natural Elements

Flowers instantly breathe life into any space. Large centrepieces make a bold statement, but don’t overlook the impact of smaller arrangements dotted throughout the marquee. Consider your season – spring bulbs for Easter events, rich autumnal colours for harvest celebrations, or tropical blooms for summer parties.

If you’re working with a Marquee for hire company like Dynamic Marquees structure, ask if there are specific attachment points that work brilliantly for hanging baskets or trailing ivy. Natural elements like branches, logs, or even potted trees can create stunning focal points whilst keeping costs manageable.

Creative Ceiling Treatments

The ceiling is often overlooked, but it’s one of the most impactful areas to decorate. Tissue paper pom-poms in various sizes create a playful, festival atmosphere. For something more sophisticated, try hanging geometric shapes or origami installations.

Fabric ceiling treatments can completely change the feel of your space. A starlit ceiling using LED lights threaded through dark fabric creates an outdoor evening feel, whilst billowing white fabric suggests clouds or a romantic pavilion.

Themed Decorations and Personal Touches

Don’t be afraid to embrace a theme wholeheartedly. 

• Vintage tea parties call for mismatched plates, cups and saucers, lace doilies, and bunting. 
• Festival themes work beautifully with bright colours, wellies filled with flowers, and rustic wooden signs.

Personal touches make any event memorable. 

Photo displays, memory trees where guests can hang notes, or collections of items that tell your story all create conversation starters and meaningful moments. Project an embarrassing photo of the guest of honour onto the side wall and see them cringe. Fun times!

Floor and Furniture Styling

The floor might seem like an afterthought, but it’s crucial for tying everything together. Rugs can define different areas within your marquee – a lounge area here, a dining space there. For outdoor marquees, consider artificial grass or wooden flooring to create a more refined feel.

When looking for a marquee, ask about furniture options. Mixing different styles – perhaps vintage sofas with modern cocktail tables – creates visual interest and ensures there’s something for everyone.

Your marquee should reflect your personality and the spirit of your celebration. With these ideas as starting points, you’ll create a space that’s uniquely yours and absolutely unforgettable.