Many clients ask us; what do you need to hire in order to get the rustic marquee look?
To create the rustic marquee look, you need more than just a marquee structure. The look is achieved through a combination of the right style of marquee, natural flooring, timber furniture, soft lighting and simple decorative elements. When these pieces come together properly, they create a relaxed outdoor atmosphere that feels warm, natural and effortlessly stylish.
What type of marquee creates the rustic event look?
Not every marquee style creates the rustic aesthetic people are looking for.
Traditional white frame marquees can feel very corporate. They work well for conferences and large functions, but they rarely deliver the relaxed countryside feel people associate with rustic weddings or outdoor events.
For a true rustic style event, the marquee itself becomes part of the atmosphere.
Two styles are typically used.
Hampton style tents are extremely popular. These tents have elegant peaks and flowing lines that feel light and open. They sit beautifully in gardens, vineyards and rural locations.
Pavilion marquees are another excellent option. These structures have a strong timber frame appearance and provide a natural architectural feel. The timber elements immediately introduce warmth and character into the space.
Both of these marquee types allow natural light to flow through the space while creating a relaxed outdoor environment. Instead of feeling like a temporary event structure, they feel like a natural extension of the landscape.
Once the right marquee style is chosen, the next step is thinking about what goes underneath it.
What flooring helps create the rustic marquee atmosphere?
Flooring plays a much bigger role than most people realise.
Without the right flooring, a marquee can feel unfinished or temporary. But with the right surface, the entire event space immediately feels more intentional and comfortable.
Timber flooring is one of the best options for rustic marquees.
A timber floor instantly adds warmth and texture to the space. Guests also appreciate having a stable surface to walk on, particularly if the event is being held on grass or uneven ground.
For weddings, timber flooring also creates a natural dance floor area where guests can gather later in the evening.
Another advantage is visual continuity. Timber flooring blends beautifully with wooden furniture, greenery and other rustic design elements.
Some events also use sections of flooring instead of covering the entire marquee. For example, flooring might be installed only under dining areas or dance floors while leaving other areas natural.
Once the floor is established, the next major visual element is furniture.
What furniture helps achieve the rustic marquee style?
Furniture is one of the most important ingredients in creating the rustic event look.
Plastic banquet chairs and plain folding tables immediately break the atmosphere. Rustic events rely on natural materials and simple shapes that feel relaxed and welcoming.
Timber tables are commonly used for rustic weddings and events. Long wooden banquet tables encourage guests to sit together and create a warm communal feel.
Cross-back chairs are also extremely popular. These chairs combine timber frames with elegant curved backs, adding both comfort and style to the setting.
In some cases, event planners mix different seating styles to create a more relaxed environment. For example, timber benches might be used on one side of the table while chairs are used on the other.
Lounge furniture can also help soften the space. Rustic lounges, timber coffee tables and simple cushions create areas where guests can relax and chat during the event.
The key idea is simplicity. The furniture should feel natural, not overly formal.
Once the seating and tables are in place, lighting becomes the next major factor.
What lighting creates the warm rustic event atmosphere?
Lighting is one of the easiest ways to transform a marquee space.
During the day, natural light fills the structure and the event feels bright and open. But as the sun sets, lighting takes over and defines the mood of the evening.
For rustic marquees, soft warm lighting works best.
Festoon lights are a popular option. These strings of warm bulbs can be suspended across the ceiling of the marquee or hung between poles. The result is a gentle glow that feels relaxed and inviting.
Fairy lights are another favourite choice. They can be wrapped around marquee poles, woven through greenery or draped across beams to create a magical atmosphere.
Some events also incorporate lanterns or pendant lighting to add variation to the lighting design.
The goal is not bright overhead lighting. Instead, the aim is to create layers of soft light that make the space feel intimate and welcoming.
Lighting alone can dramatically change the character of a marquee space.
But there is another element that ties the entire rustic theme together.
How do decorations bring the rustic marquee look together?
Decorations provide the finishing touches that transform a simple marquee into a rustic event space.
The best rustic decorations are inspired by nature.
Greenery is commonly used to soften the structure of the marquee. Eucalyptus leaves, vines and foliage arrangements can be draped across beams, tables and entryways.
Timber signage is also a popular feature. Handwritten welcome signs or wooden directional signs add personality to the event.
Table styling often includes simple linen runners, candles and small floral arrangements. The goal is understated elegance rather than elaborate centrepieces.
Bar areas can also become a feature. A rustic timber bar or drink station adds character and creates a natural gathering place for guests.
The overall approach is simple and natural. Every decorative element should feel connected to the surrounding environment.
Once the styling is planned, it becomes important to think about the location of the marquee itself.
Where should a rustic marquee be set up for the best effect?
Location plays a huge role in achieving the rustic atmosphere.
Rustic marquees work best when they are surrounded by natural scenery. Gardens, vineyards, farms and rural properties provide the perfect backdrop.
The marquee should feel like part of the landscape rather than something placed on top of it.
For example, positioning the marquee under large trees can create beautiful filtered light throughout the day. Placing it near open fields or water views also enhances the relaxed outdoor feel.
Access is another important factor. Guests should be able to move easily between the marquee and other areas of the venue, such as ceremony spaces, bars or outdoor lounge areas.
When the marquee location works well with the landscape, the entire event feels more cohesive.
With the location decided, it becomes easier to design the overall event layout.
How should the layout of a rustic marquee event be planned?
A good layout helps guests move comfortably throughout the event.
The first step is defining the key zones within the marquee.
Most rustic marquee events include a dining area, a dance floor and sometimes a lounge area. These zones should be arranged so guests can move easily between them.
Dining tables are usually placed toward the centre or one side of the marquee, while the dance floor sits nearby to encourage people to join in later in the evening.
Bar areas are often positioned toward the edges of the space to prevent congestion.
Lounge furniture can be placed along the sides to create quieter areas where guests can relax.
Clear walkways are important as well. Guests should always be able to move easily between tables, the bar and other areas of the event.
When the layout flows naturally, the event feels comfortable and well organised.
But many people still wonder whether rustic marquees are only suitable for weddings.
Are rustic marquees only used for weddings?
While rustic marquees are extremely popular for weddings, they are also used for many other types of events.
Corporate events sometimes use rustic marquees to create a more relaxed environment for staff celebrations or networking functions.
Birthday parties, engagement parties and anniversary celebrations also work beautifully in rustic marquee settings.
Even community events and outdoor festivals use similar marquee styles to create welcoming spaces for guests.
The rustic look appeals to many people because it feels authentic and comfortable. It avoids the formal atmosphere of traditional function rooms while still creating a beautifully styled event environment.
This flexibility is one of the reasons rustic marquee events continue to grow in popularity.
Why do rustic marquee events continue to grow in popularity?
Rustic marquee events have become increasingly popular over the past decade.
One reason is the desire for more personalised events. People want celebrations that feel unique rather than identical to every other function held in a hotel ballroom.
Rustic marquees allow event planners to design a space that reflects their own style.
Another reason is the connection to nature. Outdoor events feel refreshing and relaxed compared to enclosed venues.
Guests enjoy the open atmosphere, natural surroundings and fresh air.
Rustic styling also photographs beautifully. The combination of timber furniture, greenery and soft lighting creates stunning images that couples and hosts can remember for years.
Perhaps most importantly, rustic events feel genuine. They focus on creating a welcoming space where guests can relax, talk and celebrate together.
That simple goal is what makes rustic marquee events so memorable.
Bringing everything together to create the rustic marquee look
Achieving the rustic marquee look is really about combining several key elements.
The process begins with selecting the right marquee style, such as a Hampton tent or pavilion structure. From there, flooring, furniture and lighting help shape the atmosphere.
Decorations, greenery and thoughtful layout planning complete the environment.
When all these pieces come together, the result is an event space that feels warm, natural and inviting.
Rustic marquee events offer something special. They create a setting where guests feel comfortable, where the environment feels connected to nature and where celebrations unfold in a relaxed and memorable way.
With the right planning and the right hire items, it is possible to transform almost any outdoor space into a beautiful rustic marquee event.
Making the look work
When people imagine a rustic marquee event, they are usually picturing something very specific.
They imagine a relaxed outdoor space. Soft lighting glowing as the sun sets. Timber furniture filled with friends and family. Music drifting across the evening air while guests move between the dance floor and the bar.
That feeling does not come from just one hire item.
It comes from combining several simple elements in the right way.
The first step is always choosing the right marquee structure. Styles such as Hampton tents or pavilion marquees create the foundation for the entire event. Their open design and natural character allow the surrounding environment to become part of the celebration.
From there, flooring, furniture and lighting begin to shape the atmosphere.
Timber flooring adds warmth and stability underfoot. Wooden tables and cross-back chairs create a relaxed dining environment. Festoon lighting and soft fairy lights slowly transform the space as the evening progresses.
None of these pieces are complicated on their own.
But when they are thoughtfully combined, they create something that feels effortless and welcoming.
Decorations and styling then add the personality. Simple greenery, candles, timber signage and understated floral arrangements help soften the structure of the marquee and connect it with the natural surroundings.
Another important factor is the setting itself.
Rustic marquees work best when they are placed in beautiful outdoor environments. Gardens, vineyards, country properties and open landscapes allow the event to feel connected to nature rather than separated from it.
This connection is one of the main reasons rustic marquee events have become so popular.
They feel authentic.
Guests are not sitting inside a closed room. Instead they are sharing an experience in an open space that feels relaxed, personal and memorable.
For weddings, celebrations and special gatherings, this atmosphere is often exactly what hosts are hoping to create.
By choosing the right marquee style, selecting natural furniture and lighting, and carefully planning the layout and decorations, it is possible to design an event that feels both elegant and comfortable.
The result is a rustic marquee celebration that guests will remember long after the final lights are switched off.