News
Planning a wedding in Wiltshire often comes with one big question — how big should your marquee be? Some couples start with guest numbers, while others think about dance floors, dining layouts and countryside views. The truth is, both matter. Your marquee size should reflect not just how many guests you have but also the atmosphere you want to create.
Choosing the right size isn’t about squeezing people in or wasting space. It’s about finding the perfect balance between comfort and charm, between intimacy and celebration. Here’s how to choose the right marquee size for your Wiltshire wedding and how White Horse Marquees can help you bring your vision to life.
How Do I Choose The Right Size Marquee For My Wiltshire Wedding
Start by thinking about three essentials — how many guests are coming, what type of celebration you’re hosting and where your marquee will sit. A relaxed garden party will need a very different setup from a formal dinner, while a marquee in Wiltshire’s rolling countryside might call for space to include hay bales, rustic bars or live music.
For extra guidance, explore How Much Does It Cost To Hire A Marquee In Wiltshire. It breaks down how marquee size affects price and layout, giving you a clear idea of what’s realistic.
When calculating size, allow roughly this much space per guest · 10–12 square feet for seated dining · 6–8 square feet for standing receptions · 15–18 square feet if you’re including dancing or bar areas.
Overestimate slightly. Guests mingle, photographers move around and your evening will feel much more relaxed if people have room to breathe and move freely.
What Marquee Size Works For Different Guest Numbers
Here’s a quick guide to help you imagine your setup before booking your Traditional Marquee or Pavilion And Frame Tent.
- 50 guests — around 30ft x 30ft, ideal for small weddings with space for dinner and a bar
- 100 guests — about 40ft x 40ft, perfect for a sit-down meal, speeches and cake cutting.
- 150 guests — roughly 40ft x 60ft, giving you space for dining and dancing comfortably.
- 200 guests — 40ft x 80ft or larger, great for full-day celebrations and live entertainment.
These are flexible estimates. The White Horse Marquees team can adjust layouts to fit your venue, especially in Wiltshire’s charming but varied landscapes where gardens, fields and estates all bring different possibilities.
If you’re planning an evening reception with more guests than your day ceremony, you may want to include an additional canopy or smaller side tent. These can act as bar areas or chill-out spaces, ensuring your marquee feels open and inviting without overcrowding the main space.
Should I Allow Extra Space For Dining, Dancing And Bars
Yes — and it’s one of the most common mistakes couples make. As soon as you add tables, bars or dance floors, your space needs change.
For dining, allow 15 square feet per person if you’re using round tables or 12 square feet for long ones. If you’re adding a dance floor, set aside about 2 square feet per dancing guest. Bars and catering zones need space too, and don’t forget the band area if you’re having live music.
Working with White Horse Marquees ensures every part of your marquee layout flows naturally. Their experts help design spaces that look elegant, feel open and let guests move freely throughout the evening.
If you’re planning a large celebration, connecting a smaller Pavilion Tent for your bar or lounge creates a beautiful balance between structure and space. It also gives your guests different environments to enjoy throughout the night, from quiet chats to lively dancing under the lights.
How Does The Layout Affect Marquee Size
Your layout determines how guests interact. Think about where the entrance, tables, band and bar will sit. Do you want a wide-open space or distinct areas for each part of the day?
White Horse Marquees can visit your Wiltshire venue to measure and map the best setup. A smart layout can make even modest marquees feel spacious. For inspiration, their News section shares real wedding examples and photos from Wiltshire couples who’ve made the most of their settings.
If your wedding is outdoors with beautiful countryside views, consider positioning your marquee to frame that scenery. White Horse Marquees can suggest layouts that take full advantage of Wiltshire’s landscapes while keeping your guests comfortable whatever the weather.
What Makes Wiltshire Weddings Unique
Wiltshire’s countryside gives marquee weddings their magic. From gardens in Devizes to fields near Salisbury, every location offers something different. Traditional canvas marquees blend beautifully into these natural backdrops, giving your day a timeless, elegant feel.
The Traditional Marquee range at White Horse Marquees includes window walls, soft linings and wooden poles for a classic countryside look. If you’d like something weatherproof but still airy, explore their Frame Tents, ideal for spring and autumn weddings.
You can also pair your marquee with outdoor touches like festoon lighting, wooden signage and floral entrances that enhance Wiltshire’s rustic charm. The team can provide styling ideas that make your space feel magical from the first step inside.
How Can White Horse Marquees Help You Choose
Every marquee White Horse Marquees provides is bespoke. Their team tailors layouts to guest numbers, location and the overall feel of your day. They also help with essentials such as power supply, catering tents, flooring and lighting — so your marquee feels as seamless as a permanent venue.
Visit their Services page to see how their planning support covers everything from layout to décor advice. They make the whole process simple, ensuring your marquee is perfectly sized and beautifully styled.
Their team also understands that many Wiltshire couples want something traditional yet stress-free. With years of experience managing countryside events, they handle the practical details — from site visits to setup — while you focus on enjoying the celebration.
Real Wiltshire Wedding Examples
One couple in Marlborough chose a 40ft x 80ft marquee for 180 guests, adding a small pavilion for the bar and lounge. Another couple near Trowbridge went with 30ft x 60ft for 120 guests, leaving room for a buffet and a band stage. Both said their marquees felt intimate yet open — the ideal mix for a countryside wedding.
You can see more of their setups and layout ideas in the News section, filled with local inspiration from real White Horse Marquees weddings.
Why Local Expertise Matters
Wiltshire’s charm lies in its terrain — and local expertise makes all the difference. The White Horse Marquees team understands how to plan around hills, gardens and unpredictable weather, ensuring your marquee stays stable, stylish and dry no matter the season.
Their advice goes beyond marquee sizing. They’ll help you choose flooring, lighting and decorative touches that complement the setting perfectly. And because they’re based locally, they can coordinate setup and delivery around your schedule, giving you peace of mind from start to finish.
The Perfect Fit For Your Wiltshire Wedding
Choosing the right marquee size is about more than numbers. It’s about creating a space that feels warm, relaxed and unmistakably you. Whether you’re hosting 50 or 250 guests, White Horse Marquees can bring your vision to life with layouts that make every inch count.
If you’re ready to start planning your marquee, get in touch with White Horse Marquees for a bespoke size guide and personalised plan designed specifically for your Wiltshire wedding.
