Wedding is on the rise, many opt for marquee

With greenhouse gas emissions making the UK s climate warmer and more temperate, many couples are opting for marquees over traditional venues, according to firm Casablanca Hire (www.casablancahire.com). com said it has experienced a steady increase in recent years, especially since the pandemic with bookings rising 30 percent since 2020. The warming climate has resulted in a steep rise in the cost of a traditional wedding, with the average ceremony now averaging 18,400 dollars, according to a 2022 study by Hitched.co. Mark Mangla, from Casablanca Hire, said that the cost of a venue can be significantly reduced and even halved by hiring a marquee.

More recently, we have seen an increase in interest in the wedding market, he said. We rely on calls from couples asking about the price and availability of our services. It makes sense that it is significantly cheaper than renting a traditional venue - especially if you are only having a small reception. The warmer weather also encourages couples to consider an outside option such as a marquee at home or in local areas. There's a sense of a snowball effect with people going to weddings in marquees and thinking about doing it themselves. The cost is a significant factor in their decision, especially when the cost of conventional venues continues to rise and we all have to contend with the cost of living crisis. It s true that you can never depend on the great British weather - but the longer, hotter and drier spells seem to have turned people's heads. Hitched.co notes that this is significantly less than the average cost of an average traditional venue, which is 8,400. In reality, many couples end up spending more than 10,000 when other factors such as drinks and food are brought in.

Renting a marquee allows couples to outsource or even do all of this themselves, Mangla said, which again helps reduces costs. There are no tie-ins with catering and drinks so they have a carte blanche to do it exactly how they want. Some might have a buffet or get their friends behind the bar - it s very much DIY, which I think a lot of people like - a modern, earthy, sustainable approach. Hosting an event in one s own garden is a personal and distinctive element, which is appreciated by family guests. They have full control and if they are savvy they can end up saving themselves a fortune.