Pick Your Theme & Plan Your Marquee Decorations Around It
The first step in decorating your marquee or stretch tent is to decide on a theme. A clear theme helps streamline your decoration choices, ensuring everything looks cohesive. A particular colour can be a theme, but often you’ll want to consider a style theme alongside this.
Popular style themes include:
- bohemian
- rustic
- festival
- elegant
- tropical
Other popular themes include particular decades, such as the 70s or 80s, and themes around movies or TV shows – anything from James Bond and Peaky Blinders to Mamma Mia and Bridgerton.
Each theme brings a unique vibe, whether it’s the relaxed feel of a bohemian setup or the sophisticated atmosphere of an elegant affair.
Once you’ve chosen a theme, select a colour palette that complements it. For instance, a rustic theme might feature earthy tones like browns and greens, while a tropical theme could be vibrant with shades of pink, yellow and turquoise. Consistent colours across your decorations will tie the whole look together.
Figure Out Your Party Marquee Layout
When planning how to decorate your marquee, it’s important to consider the layout as well as the theme. An open plan layout will mean different furnishings and lighting choices to a marquee with a separate bar, lounge and dining area.
Consider different seating options to match the style of your event. Lounge areas with sofas and coffee tables create a relaxed vibe, while formal dining setups with elegant chairs and round tables are perfect for a more sophisticated gathering.
If dancing is part of your party plan, incorporating a dance floor is essential, and you’ll want to plan for how much of the space it’ll take up.
Get The Lighting Right
Lighting is a vital part of how you decorate a marquee and you’ll want to bear in mind the timing of your event and the seasons. For a daytime or summertime event, colourful lighting will create a party vibe under your marquee. For an evening-to-night or winter event, you’ll want to think about both indoor and outdoor lighting.
One of the simplest yet most effective marquee decoration ideas is the use of string lights and fairy lights. These can be draped across the ceiling, wrapped around poles, or hung around the perimeter of the tent to create a magical, twinkling effect that enhances the ambiance as the sun sets.
For an added touch of elegance, consider hanging lanterns or chandeliers. These lighting options not only illuminate the space but also serve as stunning focal points. Paper lanterns are perfect for a whimsical feel, while crystal chandeliers can elevate the glamour of a formal event.
Modern LED lights offer lots of possibilities for customising your marquee’s lighting. Use coloured LED uplights to match your party’s theme and create a dynamic atmosphere. Position them around the tent to highlight key areas and add depth to your decorations. Uplighters are also a great choice for the exterior of your party marquee for when guests are arriving and leaving.
Use Draping & Fabric To Create Areas
Transform your marquee or stretch tent into a luxurious space with ceiling drapes. Swathes of fabric cascading from the centre to the edges can create a tent-like feel and soften the look of the structure. Choose fabrics in colours that match your theme for a cohesive look.
Using fabric drapes along the walls can help hide classic marquee tent’s structures and introduce colour and texture. For stretch tents which have a more dynamic covering and less obtrusive structures, fabric drapery can help you designate areas, like lounge areas, creating a more intimate and enclosed feel.
Consider Furniture & Furnishings
Enhance your tables with beautiful tablecloths and runners. Whether you prefer classic white linens or vibrant, patterned fabrics, the right choice can tie your theme together and add a polished look to your dining area.
Select furniture that complements your theme. For a rustic event, wooden tables and benches work well, whereas for an elegant theme, traditional cross back chairs and round tables with fine linens are ideal.
Adding a dancefloor will help designate a space specifically for dancing and can add to the overall aesthetic. Wooden or chequered dance floors can fit various themes, from rustic to classic. Light-up dancefloors are great for birthdays and for wedding receptions, as well as 70s or 80s themed parties.
Bring In Nature With Floral Arrangements
Your party marquee is going to be outdoors and likely to be near some greenery. So why not bring a bit of nature into your tent with carefully chosen floral arrangements.
Flowers are a versatile and beautiful decoration element. Create stunning table centrepieces that reflect your theme. For a tropical party, consider using exotic flowers like orchids and hibiscus, while a rustic theme might feature wildflowers and greenery.
Hanging floral arrangements are a great way to take your decorations to the next level. Suspend flowers and greenery from the ceiling or along the edges of the tent to create a lush, enchanting environment.
Floral arches and pathways also make a grand impression. These can be used at the entrance to welcome guests or along walkways to guide them through different areas of the party.
Decorative Accessories & Party Activities
Balloons are a fun and festive addition to any party. Create balloon garlands or arches in your chosen colours to add a playful touch. Personalised banners can also be used to convey messages or highlight special areas like the cake table or photo booth.
Custom signs are both practical and decorative. Use them to direct guests, display the menu, or welcome them to the event. Signs can be designed to match your theme, whether rustic wooden boards or elegant calligraphy on mirrors.
A well-decorated photo booth can be a highlight of your party. Use themed backdrops, props and lighting to create a fun and memorable space where guests can capture their favourite moments.
Include Some Personal Touches
Adding handmade or personalised decor items can make your event feel unique and special. From DIY centrepieces to custom party favours, these details show thoughtfulness and creativity.
Let your guests join in the fun too! A guest book or a photo wall where guests can leave messages or snapshots can add a personal touch to the event.
Sending guests home with themed takeaways, like personalised candles, small potted plants or custom-made ornaments, is a sweet way to help them remember the good times long after the party’s over.
Let Your Creativity Shine With Stretch + Tents
Decorating a marquee or stretch tent for a party is an exciting opportunity to unleash your creativity and personalise your event. For those looking to rent stretch tents or find additional decoration options, consider Stretch + Tents. We offer a range of party stretch tents and can assist with various decoration needs to ensure your event is perfectly styled and equipped.
Remember, the key to a beautifully decorated marquee or stretch tent lies in the details and the personal touches that make your event unique. Happy decorating!
