1. The Venue

First on the event checklist is some space to do it in. That’s why the first step we put forward on our website is called Where On Earth (clever ey?!). From here everything starts and you can start thinking about where the trapeze act is going.

There are certain things to think about before we decide where the tent goes.

• CEREMONY: If it’s a wedding, does it have a church/registry office near by? Or would you rather do it officially a little before (Harry and Megan style) and then have an unofficial ceremony at the venue? If it’s the first option you’d then need to think about transport on top (there’s all sorts of options out there from double decker buses to vintage cars).
• SETTING: It should have features (trees, a pond/lake?). The more character and wild the better!
• MARQUEE PLACEMENT: Where’s West? Think about where the suns going to be throughout the day (because it’s going to be sunny) and especially where it’s going to set for that golden head shot hour!
• GUEST FLOW: There are generally four stages or areas to an event (wedding or party); 1. Entrance, 2. Drinks Reception, 3. Dining, 4. Party Time – Try not to split the party and use booze and music to help shepherd guests

2. The Marquee

“Whooaa Ed/Marquee Man” (what i seem to go by on event day) – “How can i choose a marquee if i don’t know how many guests i’m having?”.

Don’t worry about this – marquees are like lego, they come in different shapes, can be built up and down in size and joined together when needed – a marquee specialist planning service like us can help you crack your erection questions. When planning we always build enough space (or have a last minute plan in place) for a wet weather drinks reception, and you should do the same.

From the outside, different types of marquees lend themselves to certain styles, but on the inside you can make any of them look like any Pinterest pic. Here’s a very general run through of the main types:

• POLE & ROPE / TRADITIONAL MARQUEES: Both the same thing – big central poles in the middle with lots more around the edge with guy ropes. Best suited for clean, elegant, Summer feel events.
• FRAME / CLEARSPAN MARQUEES: These are metal framed and need linings, unless you go clear roofs or always dreamed about getting married in a storage unit. Good for suspending objects in multiple points and Winter events.
• TIPIS:  Look good tucked into a woodland, but beware of usable space and lack of natural light.
• STRETCH TENTS: Modern, sleek and opaque (look very cool when you shine lights into them from the inside).
• PAGODA MARQUEES: We’re talking about smaller events with these or areas with limited space. They also work well for covering satellite bars or bands.

3. The Caterer

You’re spoilt for choice in East Anglia – there are plenty of amazing event caterers of all varieties!  We know and work with the best of them and will ‘dish out’ the numbers.

Caterers do more than just cook the food though and using the right one to their full potential can take a lot off your plate (on fire here!). They will help you plan the menu, and cook it obviously – but they can also do a lot more to lighten though – again, the broken record note … we’ll guide you through all of it.

The type of catering you want at your event though is the question we’ll be asking so we can do the design in line with it. Do you prefer the idea of:

• FORMAL SIT DOWN: This has been the norm over the years. You arrive, have a drinks reception with canapes, followed by a 2/3 course dinner followed by cheese, coffee, cake, sweets and dancing. Many caterers will also give you the option of adding on a late night snack so that you’re not so hungry for that pillow in the morning (or we’ll find you a food van).
• LIVE FIRE COOKING: Instead of hiding the caterer behind the tent, bring them into the middle of the drinks reception. Who doesn’t like having a drink next to a roaring fire. This might save you the cost of a catering tent and brings a relaxed and interesting atmosphere from the start.
• FOOD VANS: Get your festival on! This ties into the realm of bowl food. This option works well for those who don’t want a formal seating plans and again brings atmosphere and will save a little bit – you also don’t have to have just one!

4. The Florist

If you like the idea of setting up a marquee in a beautiful, wild location – you’re using your florists artistic talents to compliment it, not create it (it’s already there). Getting a florist in is a a great way to add that finishing touch. Here’s what they’ll deal with:

• CHURCH/CEREMONY: Arches, pew ends, urns.
• THE FLOWERS YOU WEAR/HOLD: Bouquets, veils, buttons.
• TABLES: Bottles with flowers, centerpieces, garland runners. We’ll give you plenty of ideas for the possibilities.
• A SPECIAL FEATURE: I always recommend something like this (look left!), especially in the ceiling – one or two elegant floral pieces really help contrast the white of the marquee.

5. Entertainment

So whose busting out the sounds? Or breaking the ice so Dave and Sheila have something to talk about later? These fall into a few different areas which vary both in terms of genre and cost depending on what you’re after. Again, i’ll point you in the direction of the very best around.

• BAND/DJ: These are the most popular choices and there are some incredible one’s out there. Little tip! They can double up so you get a smaller set during the drinks reception and you can often borrow their PA system for the speeches.
• WALKAROUND ENTERTAINERS: Magicians, stilt walkers, dinosaur tribute acts (the list goes on on). These guys are generally ice breakers and will do two or three 20 minute sets.
• COCKTAILS: Maybe set up a secret bar serving your favourite cocktails for later in the evening.
• FIREWORKS: Because why not!

6. Photographer & Videographer

What’s the point in making a once in a lifetime event if you can’t remember it (and it’s likely you might find certain parts tricky to).

A photographer and/or videographer will make sure you can carry an amazing day (the good, bad and ugly) for the rest of time.

When we meet you we’ll ask the type of shots you want to capture and send you recommendations for the best ones for the job.

• PHOTOGRAPHER: We know a good handful of top, top quality photographers. Many of the photos on this blog post were shot by the brilliant Nick at Wild Weddings
• PHOTOBOOTH: I stress that although fun, this is an add-on and not a suitable replacement for a professional photographer or videographer! But if you want an amazing photo booth, check out Pop Up Photo Parlour!