Marquee Event Design on a Budget: How to Get a Luxe Look for Less

07 January 2025

Creating a stylish and elegant marquee event doesn’t have to cost a fortune. With some creativity and careful planning, you can achieve a luxurious look without breaking the bank. Here are practical tips to help you design a stunning marquee event on a budget.

Focus on Key Statement Pieces

When working with a limited budget, it’s essential to invest in a few key statement pieces that make a big impact. This could be a beautiful chandelier, a statement floral arrangement, or elegant furniture.

Tip: Choose one or two standout elements and build the rest of your decor around them. This way, you can create a cohesive look without spending excessively on every detail.

DIY Decor Elements

Creating some of the decor yourself is a great way to save money while adding a personal touch to your event. Here are some DIY ideas:

Fairy Light Backdrops: Create a fairy light backdrop by hanging strings of lights behind a simple curtain or fabric drape. This adds a magical glow to your marquee at a fraction of the cost of professional lighting installations.

Homemade Centrepieces: Craft your own centrepieces using affordable materials like candles, glass vases, and fresh greenery. Consider collecting jars or bottles to use as vases, and fill them with seasonal flowers or fairy lights.

Reuse and Repurpose

Reusing and repurposing items is a smart way to keep costs down. Here are some ideas:

Repurpose Venue Items: If you’re hosting your event at a location that provides furniture or decor, see what can be repurposed for your marquee. For example, use existing chairs or tables and dress them up with elegant covers or runners.

Reusing Ceremony Decor: For weddings, consider reusing ceremony decor for the reception. Items like floral arrangements, lanterns, or signage can be easily transferred to the marquee to save on additional costs.

Opt for Affordable Lighting Options

Lighting is one of the most effective ways to transform a marquee, and you don’t have to spend a lot to achieve a luxurious look:

Fairy Lights and Lanterns: Fairy lights and lanterns are budget-friendly and versatile. Hang them from the ceiling, wrap them around pillars, or place them along pathways to create a warm, inviting glow.

Candles: Candles are an affordable yet elegant lighting option. Use a combination of pillar candles, tea lights, and votives to create a romantic atmosphere.

Choose a Simple, Elegant Colour Scheme

A simple and elegant colour scheme can give your event a high-end look without the expense. Here’s how to do it:

Neutral Tones: Opt for neutral tones like whites, creams, and soft pastels. These colours create a classic and sophisticated look that never goes out of style.

Metallic Accents: Incorporate metallic accents like gold, silver, or rose gold for a touch of glamour. Use these sparingly in elements like table settings, candle holders, or picture frames to elevate the overall look.

Rent Instead of Buy

Renting items instead of buying them can significantly reduce costs. Consider renting the following:

Furniture and Decor: Rent chairs, tables, and decor items from a reputable supplier. This allows you to achieve a luxe look without the hefty price tag of purchasing everything.

High-Quality Linens: Renting high-quality table linens and chair covers can instantly elevate the look of your marquee. Choose fabrics that complement your colour scheme and add a touch of elegance.

Final Thoughts

Designing a luxurious marquee event on a budget is entirely possible with a bit of creativity and smart planning. By focusing on key statement pieces, incorporating DIY elements, repurposing items, choosing simple colour schemes, and renting where possible, you can create an elegant and memorable event without overspending. Ready to plan a budget-friendly yet luxurious marquee event? Contact TMCL today, and let’s start designing your dream celebration!