We ask local marquee specialist Caroline Donaldson-Sinclair your questions

Q – We’re having a large wedding and are thinking of hiring a marquee. What should we take into consideration before booking?

A – "Hiring a marquee provides you with endless options that are only limited by your budget and space. The first thing you should take into consideration is how much you want to spend and what space can you utilise?

"It’s a common misconception that ‘a tent’ is a budget-friendly option. A marquee at its most basic is a sturdy, weather-proof, heated or air-conditioned space, that can include multiple rooms, solid or glass walls, clear roofs, solid floors, decks and balconies.

"Any restriction on the size of the marquee is dependent, not only on the actual ground space, but also on access and the state of the ground. Marquees can be built on slopes, with solid floors that can be levelled or raised, but remember all of these things have a knock-on effect on the budget.

"Once you’ve decided on a size and location, this is where the fun begins. The interior can be decorated in a myriad of ways using different styles of lining, lighting and furnishings. You may choose to have different rooms for dining, dancing and lounging etc. During the summer months, you could also have an exterior deck decorated with sofas and firepits.

"However, you decide to proceed, begin by picking up the phone to an expert marquee company that offers a consultative approach to design rather than an off-the-peg standard box. This way you can encapsulate your vision, and use their expertise to create a bespoke extravaganza."

To find out more about Caroline, visit www.berrymarquees.com