STRATHMORE EVENT SERVICES LTD

This rural September wedding was a pleasure to be a part of. With just 7 months to pull it all together from engagement to wedding it was held over two days with the wedding on the Saturday and a lunch on the Sunday the event was held in a marquee on the clients Farm.

Following some initial discussions and research the key companies were appointed to provide: marquee, toilets, electrics, catering and furniture.

The first decision to make was where and how to place the marquee. The field was far from being a pristine flat surface but after discussions with the marquee company a location was agreed and what a stunning view it had over the Northumberland hills.

The build started on the Tuesday before the wedding there were a few hiccups along the way but we liaised with the marquee company and the family and everything was looking perfect by the Thursday evening so the decorating could commence! An English Bride and Scottish Groom called for white roses, purple thistles, lots of tartan, kilts and greenery!

Although it was a good summer it was decided that the toilets should be located within the marquee so guests didn’t have to go outside into the colder evening. We also advised putting in a few heaters which kept the chill off – although once everyone got dancing they soon had to be turned off!

There were twobands booked (one for ceilidh and one for dancing later). To avoid having transition time between the two we advised having a slightly larger stage so that both bands could have their kit set up and be ready to ‘Rock and Roll’! As the bands arrived during the wedding breakfast we met with them and showed them to the stage with all their kit to help them get set up and sound checked. Due to there being a ceilidh a large wooden dancefloor was required.

A small area of the field adjacent to the marquee was fenced off for car parking, with some careful management and guidance all cars were able to be parked in a small area and there was a ‘drop-off’ zone out the front of the marquee for taxi’s and minibuses.

Catering for large numbers in a field is never going to be easy but with careful planning it all went smoothly. The caterers had a nice kitchen area which we located on the back of the marquee so that it would not be seen by guests when they arrived. We installed a temporary water pipe so the kitchen and bar were able to have access to water without having to carry lots and lots of containers!

Through careful pre event planning everything on the day went without a hitch and the bride and groom and their families were able to enjoy a stress-free day with their guests.

SES were absolutely delighted to be a part of such a happy event and look forward to doing many more weddings in the future.

Things to think about when planning your big day:

Toilets, heating, flooring, car parking, kitchen, furniture, waste disposal, lighting, bar service, cloakroom, backups for electrics etc. – you just never know when something can go wrong! Clear up between events if over 2 days, marquee size, positioning and access.