Common Marquee Wedding Mistakes in Cornwall (And How to Avoid Them)
Marquee weddings in Cornwall are beautiful, flexible, and completely bespoke — but they are also one of the most complex types of weddings to plan. Without the structure of a traditional venue, even small oversights can quickly snowball into stressful problems on the day.
As a Cornwall wedding planner specialising in marquee weddings, I’ve seen the same mistakes come up time and time again. The good news? With the right planning and professional support, they are all avoidable.
If you’re planning a marquee wedding in Cornwall, here are the most common mistakes couples make — and how to avoid them.
Mistake 1: Underestimating the Logistics
One of the biggest misconceptions about marquee weddings is that they are “more relaxed” to plan. In reality, they require more logistics than a venue-based wedding.
Common oversights include:
Assuming power will be straightforward
Forgetting about catering infrastructure
Not allowing enough setup time
How to avoid it:
Treat your marquee wedding as a full event build. A professional marquee wedding planner in Cornwall will plan every logistical detail from the outset.
Image by I Do Film and Photos
Mistake 2: Choosing a Site Without Proper Assessment
A field or garden may look perfect, but appearances can be deceiving.
Common site issues include:
Poor access for delivery vehicles
Uneven or soft ground
Exposure to wind or poor drainage
How to avoid it:
Have your site assessed by an experienced Cornwall wedding planner who understands marquee requirements and local conditions.
Mistake 3: Getting Power Planning Wrong
Power is one of the most frequent causes of problems at marquee weddings.
Typical mistakes:
Underpowered generators
Sharing power between catering and entertainment
No backup plan
How to avoid it:
Work with professionals who calculate power loads properly and plan for contingencies — especially important for marquee weddings in Cornwall.
Image by I Do Film and Photos
Mistake 4: Not Planning Properly for the Weather
Cornwall’s weather is part of its charm, but it must be respected.
Weather-related mistakes include:
No flooring in wet conditions
No heating for evening temperatures
No shade during hot spells
How to avoid it:
Plan for all scenarios, not just the forecast. Weather contingency planning is essential for a stress-free marquee wedding in Cornwall.
Mistake 5: Overlooking Guest Comfort
When building a wedding from scratch, guest experience can sometimes be unintentionally overlooked.
Common comfort issues:
Toilets too far away
Poor lighting at night
Congested layouts
How to avoid it:
Good logistics create good guest experiences. Thoughtful planning ensures comfort without compromising the overall feel of the day.
Mistake 6: Trying to Coordinate Everything Yourself
Many couples assume they can manage supplier coordination on the day — but this often leads to stress and missed moments.
Problems include:
Suppliers asking questions during the ceremony
Timings slipping
No one overseeing the bigger picture
How to avoid it:
Hire a marquee wedding planner in Cornwall to manage suppliers, timelines, and problem-solving discreetly in the background.
Mistake 7: Leaving Planning Too Late
Marquee weddings require longer lead times than traditional weddings.
Last-minute planning can mean:
Limited supplier availability
Rushed decisions
Increased costs
How to avoid it:
Start planning early and secure experienced suppliers who understand marquee weddings in Cornwall.
Image by I Do Film and Photo
Why Experience Matters with Marquee Weddings
Most couples plan one marquee wedding in their lifetime. A professional planner does it repeatedly — across different sites, seasons, and weather conditions.
As a Cornwall-based marquee wedding planner, my role is to:
Anticipate issues before they arise
Coordinate suppliers seamlessly
Ensure the day runs smoothly, whatever happens
Experience is what turns a complex event into a calm, enjoyable celebration.
Planning a Marquee Wedding in Cornwall?
If you’re planning a marquee wedding in Cornwall and want expert support with logistics, coordination, and calm on-the-day management, I’d love to help.
Get in touch with Caroline Griffiths Wedding Planner to discuss how I can help you avoid common pitfalls and create a smooth, stress-free wedding day.
Get more info here with my Ultimate Marquee Wedding Checklist for Cornwall Couples.
Caroline Griffiths
