When planning a marquee wedding, one of the first decisions couples face is which type of marquee to choose. At Abacus, we’re often asked: “What’s the difference between a Sailcloth marquee, a Clearspan marquee, and a Traditional pole marquee—and which one is right for our wedding?”
The truth is, each style has its own strengths and drawbacks. Sailcloth marquees are celebrated for their elegant, rustic charm, Clearspan marquees for their flexibility and strength, and Traditional marquees for their timeless, romantic appeal. But deciding between them can feel overwhelming if you’re not familiar with how they differ in terms of look, layout, cost, and practicality.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key pros and cons of each option. Our aim is not to persuade you one way or the other, but to give you the honest facts so you can make the best choice for your wedding.
Sailcloth Marquee – Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Striking, elegant look with high peaks, sweeping canvas, and natural wooden poles (the best looking structure for the exterior (in our opinion!)).
- Creates an airy, light-filled space thanks to the translucent sailcloth canopy.
- Beautiful both inside and out—guests see a structure that feels designed for celebrations.
- Perfect for rustic or countryside weddings where aesthetics are a priority.
Cons:
- Internal central poles are required every 6m, which can restrict how you arrange furniture, bars, and dance floors.
- Must be installed on grass with space for guy ropes, so not suitable for every venue.
- Less robust in high winds than Clearspan structures, so site selection matters.
- Best suited to spring and summer months; not ideal for mid-winter. (April – September)
- Standard coir matting flooring not as practical as a hard floor & carpet option you get with a Clearspan marquee. You can upgrade to a boarded floor & carpet option
- Typically around 10% more expensive than Clearspan equivalents if you opt for the upgraded boarded floor & carpet option (replaces coir matting, a less practical floor)
Clearspan (Frame) Marquee – Pros and Cons
Pros:
- No internal poles, giving a completely open and flexible interior (hence the term “clearspan”)
- Perfect structure for a contemporary “white wedding” look
- Can be installed on almost any surface—grass, gravel, or hardstanding—using weights or stakes.
- Strong and weather-resistant, making it a reliable option year-round.
- Highly versatile for styling: clear roofs, starlight linings, or blackout panels are all possible giving you the ultimate freedom in exactly how you would like your marquee to look like
- Has a more practical floor as standard using a hard floor & carpet compared to the Coir Matting with a Sailcloth
Cons:
- More of a “blank canvas” look compared to Sailcloth, so it often needs styling and décor such as florists to create atmosphere.
- Not as “grand” in height in comparison to a Sailcloth
- Clear PVC panels can trap heat on hot days if not carefully managed with ventilation and shading.
- Clearspan structures can sometimes look “corporate” rather than wedding on the exterior
Clearspan Marquees give you much more versatility in styling and the overall look and is a perfect structure for “white wedding” vibes. Adding in transparent roofs or even blackout linings over the dance floor too.
Traditional Pole Marquee – Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Timeless, romantic charm that works beautifully in countryside or heritage settings.
- The internal poles can be dressed with flowers, fabrics, or lighting for added effect.
- Natural canvas material offers a softer, classic look in daylight and photographs well.
Cons:
- Like Sailcloth, internal poles restrict layout options.
- Being made of natural canvass, rather than a composite material, it is very difficult to remove stubborn stains from the roofs/walls for a perfect clean look.
- This style of structure has not changed in design since the 80’s, most brides opt for a Sailcloth rather than a Traditional marquee, as it offers a more contemporary but rustic look.
- Requires soft ground for guy ropes, limiting where it can be installed.
- Less stable in strong winds compared to Clearspan/Sailcloth structures, making weather conditions more of a consideration.
Summary
Choosing between Sailcloth, Clearspan, and Traditional marquees depends on your priorities.
- If you want a show-stopping, elegant structure with rustic character, a Sailcloth marquee is hard to beat.
- If flexibility, cost-efficiency, and reliability are top of your list, a Clearspan marquee is the most practical choice.
- If your dream is a classic English country wedding with a timeless feel, a Traditional pole marquee might be the perfect match.
Still unsure? Our team is here to talk you through your options and show you real examples from previous weddings. With our experience across all three marquee styles, we’ll make sure you choose the one that truly fits your wedding vision.
Call Us on 01462 262012
Email Mark directly about your Wedding at [email protected]
