Venice Themed

To build up suspense, the marquee was approached by an unusually long and intensely red walkway with a dramatic change of colour visible at the end.

Arriving at the marquee, a fabric reveal framed a glimpse of Venetian styled bridge, glistening canal complete with gondola beneath, and the party beyond.

Passing over the bridge and canal, the first large marquee housed a reception area with traditional Venetian Colombina masks dangling from the roof and spectacular lighting. A second bridge – a dramatic stone effect affair – offered a tempting view of the enticingly lit dining area on the other side. This was a classic night time marquee with hanging Carnevale masks and Venus de Milo statues for table centrepieces. Energy efficient purple LEDs on top of standard uplighters and starcloth lining created the atmospheric lighting.

Both bridges were built for the occasion. Layering bubble wrap with fairy lights, black plastic and dark material created the canal. The stone bridge wasn’t just for effect. It covered fencing between the reception and dining marquees.

The layout involved several marquees with hard floor throughout and lots of starlight lining : a 9m x 21m (30′ x 70′) tent for a drinks reception and loos; a 3m x 6m (10′ x 20′) marquee to accommodate one of the two Venetian style bridges; a 12m x 24m (40′ x 80′) marquee for a sit down meal with an adjoining catering tent; and last but not least 55′ of vibrantly illuminated walkway leading to the first big marquee.