Lined vs Unlined Marquees: What’s the Difference?
Once you’ve decided on the type of structure for your wedding, typically a Clearspan or a Petal Pole marquee - the next major decision is the interior finish. This is where many couples pause. The structure determines shape and footprint, but the lining determines how the space feels from the inside.
Understanding the difference between a lined vs unlined marquee is essential because it affects lighting, acoustics, heating, styling flexibility, and cost. It also influences how formal or relaxed the space feels, particularly for UK weddings where weather and seasonal planning matter.
In this guide, we explain what marquee lining actually is and how it works in petal pole structures.
What Is a Lined Marquee?
A lined marquee features a fabric interior system that sits beneath the structural frame. This can be seen in the picture below with the white roof and wall lining. When people ask about marquee lining, they are usually thinking of Clearspan structures with pleated ivory fabric concealing an aluminium frame. That lining system does not translate directly to sailcloth.
Lining isn’t one product - it’s usally a set of interior components
In a Petal Pole marquee, “lining” usually refers to the following to create a full lining look:
Roof swags / draped overlays (fabric runs that sit beneath the roof and soften the canopy lines)
Wall linings or curtains
How linings attach in a Petal Pole marquee
Petal Pole marquees rely on timber poles, guy ropes and a tensioned canopy. That means the attachment logic is different from a framed structure. Linings are typically:
Tied or clipped to internal points along the roof seams or perimeter
Draped between poles to create consistent arcs (common with swags)
Installed in sections so you can line key areas without lining everything
Why couples line a Petal Pole marquee
Couples usually choose lining components for one of four reasons:
Visual finish: to add a softer ceiling line and a more “complete” look for to the marquee
Colour control: to warm up an all-white sailcloth interior or introduce a subtle tone when used in sync with our uplighters and fairy lights like in the picture above
Lighting support: to give the lighting designer more surfaces and structure to work with visually
Comfort and acoustics: to take the edge off echo, draft perception and general “hollowness” in a large canvas space.
Acoustics: fabric makes a measurable difference to feel
Hard surfaces bounce sound; fabric absorbs and breaks it up. A Petal Pole marquee is already softer than a metal-framed, unlined space because it’s canvas and timber, but lining components can further reduce “ring” and help speeches feel less sharp — especially in long rectangular layouts with many hard table surfaces.
If you’re planning a band, lining won’t replace good speaker placement and a competent sound engineer, but it can contribute to a more controlled environment.
Heating: lining helps perception more than it transforms insulation
For UK weddings, couples often ask whether lining “makes it warmer”. In a Petal Pole marquee, the honest answer is:
It can help by reducing draught perception (especially with wall curtains) and by creating a slightly more enclosed feel.
It won’t turn a pole marquee into a fully insulated room. The marquee is still a tensioned canopy with ventilation and air movement.
If you’re marrying in April, early May, late September or October, lining can be part of a comfort strategy, alongside solid flooring, appropriate heaters, and sensible door/entrance planning. However if your marquee is in the middle of summer, it is usally the case that the marquee needs more ventilation throughout event, ending up with taking sections of walls and lining off.
What Lining Changes Visually
Without lining, you see:
The full sailcloth-like canopy
Roof seams
The natural colour of the canvas
With lining, you introduce:
Defined fabric lines
Additional texture
Subtle colour control
A more enclosed ceiling feel
Lining does have the ability to completly reform the space, depending on the vibe you are going for.
What Is an Unlined Petal Pole Marquee?
An unlined Petal Pole marquee is simply the structure as designed: exposed timber poles and translucent sailcloth overhead.
This is not a “basic” version. It is the standard aesthetic. It is extremely popular by couples wanting to achieve a rustic vibe with the marquee wedding.
Daytime Appearance
In daylight, the sailcloth canopy filters natural light evenly across the space. This creates a soft, bright interior without artificial lighting.
For summer weddings on private estates or gardens, many couples prefer this openness. The interior feels connected to the landscape rather than enclosed from it.
Evening Appearance
In the evening, an unlined sailcloth marquee creates a warm glow when lit from within. Festoon lighting, pendants and pole-mounted uplighters tend to work particularly well.
The canopy reflects warm light evenly. The timber poles become vertical features that help structure the layout visually.
For couples wanting a relaxed, rural atmosphere, this simplicity often works better than additional ceiling dressing.
Lined vs Unlined Petal Pole – Key Differences
Atmosphere and Visual Impact
A lined Petal Pole marquee feels more structured. The ceiling reads more clearly in photographs, and the space can feel slightly more contained and intimate.
An unlined interior feels more open. You notice the canopy shape and the vertical rhythm of the poles. It can feel lighter and more seasonal, particularly in peak summer.
Neither is better - they simply create different moods.
Lighting and Rigging Flexibility
Lighting is one of the most important practical considerations.
Petal Pole marquees are not designed for heavy production rigging, whether lined or unlined. Lighting must work with approved attachment points, usually around poles or perimeter rails.
However, lining can:
Improve light diffusion
Add warmth to ceiling tones
Make uplighting feel softer, especially through the lining walls
Unlined interiors tend to suit:
Festoon lighting
Pendant fittings
Pole-wrapped micro lights
Warm uplighters
Seasonal Suitability
In the UK climate, season matters.
Petal Pole marquees are most commonly used between late May and early September.
For peak summer weddings, unlined sailcloth performs well. The breathable canopy and ventilation work in your favour, couples usally opt for taking the walls off, like in the photo above, if theweather is going to be hot for the wedding. As adding over 100 people into an enclosed space can turn into a suana really quick
For shoulder-season weddings (April, early May, late September), lining, especially wall curtains, can improve comfort perception. It won’t turn the marquee into a fully insulated venue, but it can help reduce draught and make the space feel less exposed.
Heating planning remains essential either way.
Which Option Is Right for Your Wedding?
From a planning perspective, ask yourselves:
Are we hosting in peak summer or shoulder season?
Do we want the timber poles to stand out clearly?
Is our styling formal, relaxed or rustic?
Are we prioritising lighting design?
Where do we want to invest our budget?
Choose lined if you want:
A more finished ceiling line
Warmer interior tone control
A slightly more intimate feel
A polished look for speeches and photography
Choose unlined if you want:
The sailcloth canopy to be the feature
A lighter, open atmosphere
A simpler build
A strong connection to your outdoor setting
A rustic themed wedding
There is no “upgrade” or “downgrade” here. It’s about alignment between structure, season and styling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is marquee lining worth it for a Petal Pole marquee?
It depends on your styling goals and season. Lining adds visual refinement and warmth but increases cost. If you want a more structured interior, it is often worthwhile. If you prefer the natural sailcloth look, it may not be necessary.
Are sailcloth marquees lined as standard?
No. Petal Pole marquees are usually supplied unlined, as the canopy and timber poles are intended to be visible. Lining is typically an optional addition.
Does lining make a Petal Pole marquee warmer?
It can improve comfort perception, especially with wall curtains, but it does not fully insulate the structure. Proper heating design is still essential for non-summer weddings.
Is an unlined Petal Pole marquee cheaper?
Generally yes, because you avoid additional fabric and labour. However, total wedding spend depends on what you choose to invest in elsewhere.
Continue Planning Your Marquee
Interior finish is only one part of the decision. If you are still comparing structures or want to understand how Petal Pole differs from Clearspan in layout, weather performance and styling flexibility, read:
It will help you decide on the right foundation before refining the interior.