We’re here to get your show on the road! Weddings in remote places and tight spaces are our jam. Ror’s Kitchen rolls in 4x4s and we pack our gear in trailers: we relish a logistical challenge. We’ve got our own gazebos and awnings, will work whatever the weather, and can operate without power.
There are quite a few things to consider when it comes to marquee event catering logistics. Luckily, we’ve thought of them already.
General considersations and planning
Site Choice and Terrain
You’ll need somewhere flat- if the marquee’s on a slope it will make it difficult to dance! You may get away with coir mat flooring, or you may need wooden flooring if the ground below is soft or uneven. If there is heavy rain, think about where puddles might form, and consider that a wooden floor can get slippery when wet.
Access
For vehicles, you’ll need a solid track to the marquee site, free from low-hanging branches. Marquees often come in on lorries, and the same goes for cater hire (furniture, glassware etc. usually comes in a 7.5 ton DAF lorry, which is 3.6m tall and up to 8m long). Unless you have good access up to the marquee site, things will need to be carried or trailered in from the closest accessible point. You may also need to use porta-loos, or consider the walk to the nearest accessible drop off point for a nice loo. For your guests, is the route suitable for walking in nice (/high-healed) shoes, and do you need special arrangements for anyone in a wheelchair? You also need to consider drop-off points, signposting, and parking if you’re arranging buses or taxis. Parking attendant is a great job for an unlucky usher!
Water
You don’t necessarily need running water – we can bring that. But it’s helpful if it’s there. A garden tap or hose pipe will do fine.
Security
Security- depending on where you are, it could be worth considering security to cover a marquee full of booze on the night before the event. This is usually something we can help with if you need.
Heaters
When are you planning your wedding? How warm will it be? You’ll probably need heaters for when it gets cold, as even in midsummer, the temperature drops on a clear night.
Loos
You’ll need them. But they typically have their own water supply.
Site Choice and Terrain
Power- you’ll need power, probably in the form of a generator. Even if you’re next to the house, running a modest wedding can, at peak times, use the same amount of electricity the equivalent power to boiling 8 kettles (about 24kw). That’s 8 individual sockets, most likely from 3+ different 32A circuits, and if something trips in the house, this will create a headache for whoever knows where the fuse board is!
Weather
Consider what happens if it’s rainy or windy. What about renting umbrellas? British weather is unpredictable; you’re as likely to have a monsoon in July as you are in January. And stilettos + muddy grass? Some people offer stiletto caps or flipflops. As a bare minimum, you need to consider having an inside space for your reception, so probably a larger tent than you need.
Catering Tent
A catering tent is almost always a good idea. This should be at least 6m x 6m, but possibly bigger, depending on your numbers. This will also house the crates for hired glasses and plates.
Midges
It’s going to be a still, glorious day for your wedding (we promise!), but with that comes the possibility of midges. The odd fire pit smoking outside will help, as will midge repellent on tables just in case!