Introduction
There’s something irresistibly romantic about a marquee wedding. That sense of anything is possible — a blank canvas you can turn into your own private wonderland. But let’s be honest: we live in Perth. Summer is gorgeous, but it’s also hot. Really hot. And no one wants their guests melting into the lawn by the entrée. The good news? With clever design, a little planning magic, and the right team, a marquee wedding in Perth can be as effortless and stylish as it looks on Pinterest. With the odd fan and parasol chucked in for good measure!
Why Marquees Are Having a Moment
Flexibility is the big draw. A marquee can pop up on a Swan Valley winery lawn, a private estate in Peppermint Grove, or your family property overlooking the coast. It’s a choose-your-own-adventure approach to weddings — no cookie-cutter ballroom, no rigid floorplans. You decide the mood, the layout, the vibe. And when done right, it feels like stepping into a world that was created just for you.
Keeping Guests Comfortable (and Happy)
Nobody wants to sit through speeches while fanning themselves with the menu. That’s where design meets logistics:
- Flooring: A raised surface keeps the marquee cooler and the heels intact.
- Shade: Extra lounges under umbrellas and purposing choosing tree canopies to create natural retreats.
- Airflow: Open sides, fans, or discreet air-con keep things fresh.
- Timing: Late-afternoon ceremonies glide into golden hour — cooler air, better light, happy guests.
Florals That Thrive in the Heat
We love our roses, but in peak summer? They don’t love us back. On hot Perth wedding days, florals need to be chosen with care so they stay looking fresh from ceremony to reception. Heat-sensitive blooms like hydrangeas, tulips, or delicate garden roses can wilt quickly under the sun, so we have to be careful and calculated with which flowers we pick, where they go, and for how long. It is also prudent and actually required by most planners and stylists that marquee wedding receptions have marquee roof covers. These keep the flowers fresher longer, in a slightly lower temperatures in the shade and out of the blazing sunlight. (These covers also shade us poor lowly wedding vendors from sweltering in the heat – we’re out there for a while when we’re setting up!)
Talk to your florist and / or planner / stylist – we’ve done it a hundred times and we know the best way to make your florals and your floral budget go further in whichever weather conditions your wedding date falls on. We may even consider mixing fresh with faux florals in some locations to survive the heat over a longer period of time.
Unique Ways to Keep Guests Cool in WA’s Warmer Months
Couples often ask how to make summer marquee weddings both stylish and comfortable. Here are some chic, unexpected touches that will have your guests thanking you:
- Personalised handheld fans that double as ceremony programs.
- Signature iced cocktails or spritz stations served on arrival (personally I’m going for a frozen margarita slushie machine!)
- Frozen fruit popsicles offered as palate cleansers between courses.
- Cool-down zones with parasols, outdoor lounges, and misting fans.
- Cold-pressed juice shots for a refreshing non-alcoholic option.
- Chilled towel baskets scented with citrus or lavender, handed out before dancing.
- Cocktail hour or late-night gelato cart to surprise guests as they cool off from the dance floor.
These thoughtful extras not only manage the heat but elevate the guest experience—making your wedding feel considered, stylish, and quintessentially WA.
Choosing the Right Venue
Guest numbers, logistics, and your design vision should all play a part. A venue should feel like it was made for your celebration — not one you’re trying to squeeze yourself into. Choosing your wedding venue in Perth, WA is a reflection of who you are as a couple. Think about what you love to do together—do you spend Sundays at the beach, enjoy exploring local wineries and breweries, or feel most at home in nature? Perhaps you thrive in the energy of the city, surrounded by luxury hotels and skyscrapers. These lifestyle choices help narrow down whether a vineyard estate, coastal venue, garden setting, or urban rooftop suits you best. Visit a few venues, experience the atmosphere, and see which one aligns with your personalities and the wedding style you’re dreaming of.
Closing Thoughts
A marquee wedding is never just “put up a tent and hope for the best.” It’s an orchestration — balancing style with comfort, beauty with practicality, wow moments with the little touches that make your guests feel thought of. Marquees give you the freedom and creativity to create something truly personal, bringing luxury styling and heartfelt intention together in one space, curated exactly for you.
Because the best weddings don’t just happen—they’re designed. And marquee weddings in Western Australia? They’re a stage set for magic—heat and all.
