Next-Level Event Design: Customising Tents, Marquees, and Truss Boxes for Impact

Temporary event structures, like stretch tents, marquees, and truss boxes, are incredibly versatile.  Whether you’re hosting a corporate activation, festival, or VIP event, these structures provide a blank canvas to create a huge variety of spaces, and thus, experiences (depending on their setting.)  Event design is everything.

But when it comes to modifying or dressing these spaces, many planners find themselves scratching their heads and wondering what’s best.  At WH Silverbacks, we frequently get asked, “What’s the best way to customise our temporary structure?”

With years of hands on experience designing and installing structures for prestigious events like Wimbledon, Sail GP and the London Marathon, we’ve gathered insights on how to make your event space truly unique, without compromising functionality or aesthetics.

Here we’ll share out top ideas to upgrade how your blank event structure looks so it is eye catching and memorable.  The good thing?  These are all wallet friendly, safe, environmentally sound and practical.

You wouldn’t buy a car without talking to someone who knows a thing or two about cars would you?  So the same goes for event structures and getting the very best out of them.

Before diving into design ideas, always start by consulting your structure supplier. They work with these structures regularly and can share valuable insights into what works, what doesn’t, and how to achieve your vision without unnecessary complications.

For instance, your supplier may be aware of materials that seamlessly fit their structures, trusted contractors for customisations, or even high-impact design ideas you hadn’t thought of.  Leveraging their knowledge as a first port of call will ensure smoother execution and can help avoid costly mistakes down the line.  You’re also more likely to be able to push creative boundaries further than you would on your own.

Stretch tents are beloved for their flexibility, aesthetics, and ability to transform into stunning event backdrops.  But, beyond the tent itself and the setting, there are lots of ways to make them even more special and visually striking.  Here are our top suggestions:

• Lighting:
  • Festoon lights are a simple yet elegant solution to add charm to the structure.  They create a cozy and relaxed atmosphere perfect for evening events.
• Linings:
  • Stretch tent linings, whether attached to the tent’s underside or external surface, provide endless customisation possibilities.  Fabric linings can add layers of personality to your space.  Beyond their visual appeal, linings are smart choices for the future too.  By creating a unique pattern or theme once, you’ll have a stunning, reusable asset for future events too.
• Flooring:
  • While stretch tents don’t require flooring at all, adding a floor can drastically change the look and feel and overall ambience.  Here’s how…
    • Solid flooring: Create a polished atmosphere with carpeted solid floors that feel luxurious and VIP-ready.
    • Astroturf: A playful and practical option for outdoor themed or casual events.
    • Dandy Dura mats: Practical and stylish, these mats can also be used to create walkways for guiding foot traffic and are super durable.
• Foliage:
  • Faux foliage is a great tool for event decor, serving both aesthetic and practical purposes.  It softens the event space by introducing elements of nature into the stretch tent space, enriches the theme with colour, and can cleverly conceal structural elements like ropes or weights.  Set dressing your stretch tent with fake flowers can not only enhance the visual appeal but also helps in defining the event’s style and colour scheme, potentially bringing wider areas together, coherently.

Truss boxes bring a modern, industrial look to an event and are naturally customisable and a great blank canvas.  There are so many options here!  As well as the options listed above for Stretch Tents, here are some nice ways to make your Truss Structure look really eye catching…

• Leg Covers:
  • Truss socks: Typically available in black, these Velcro-seamed covers are quick and cost effective.
  • Custom covers: Have leg covers tailor made in specific colours, branded designs, or printed logos can be a great addition.
  • Timber cladding: For a rustic or polished look, timber-cladded legs can be left natural or painted to match the overall vibe and style of the event.
• Branded Walling: Options like PVC banners or timber clad walls with printed graphics allow branding opportunities while, importantly, maintaining structural stability.
• Branded Facias: Timber facias adorned with logos or sleek graphics can make the truss box finish totally different, and unique, reinforcing sponsorship or brand creative and visibility.

From small, intimate gatherings to grand spectacles and VIP events, marquees one of the most trusted temporary event structures.  But, while they’re versatile, they’re often perceived as standard and straightforward.  The good news is that you can easily make a marquee look very different to the run of the mill white box, with some of these additions…

• Flooring: Similar to stretch tents, adding flooring upgrades the feeling inside the marquee, whether it’s solid floors for VIP guests or fun Astroturf for outdoor-themed events.
• Internal Walls: Create tailored setups by installing internal wall partitions to segment spaces for workshops, private lounges, or dining areas.
• Printed PVC Branding: For large scale events, branded gables or walling can create striking visuals without compromising structural integrity.
• Windows and Entranceways: Walkways into a marquee, and strategically positioned windows can really change the feel of what may otherwise be a standard feeling space.  Internal drapes that separate an area for a reveal later during your event are also great ways to bring energy and excitement for your attendees.
• Internal Zoning and Set Dressing: Furniture, florals and creative lighting all have a part to play here and really, if you can imagine it, there’s not much that’s not possible within a Marquee structure!

When customising temporary structures, it’s not just about creativity – it’s about execution and Event Design.  Generally speaking, most creative ideas are possible, but it’s important to consider safety, cost and install and de-rig time too though.  Here are some key lessons to keep in mind:

1. Talk to Your Supplier First:

Your supplier knows your structure better than anyone else. Before engaging external contractors, ask for their guidance.  This avoids missteps like choosing unsuitable materials or accidentally causing damage to the structure which may be costly, or unsafe.

1. Understand And Consider Any Modification Policies That Apply:
   

Some structure providers prohibit external contractors from making adjustments to a structure (or attaching something to it) without explicit approval.  If this is the case, it’s for good reason as damage caused by drilling, cutting, or improper installation can lead to additional bills for repairs or even complete replacements.  By speaking with your supplier at the outset about customisation options, you’ll be on the right page from day one.

1. Prioritise Cost-Effective, Practical Solutions:

From reusable branded linings to low maintenance flooring options, work with your supplier to explore customisation ideas that balance innovation and practicality.  While getting creative is important, event spaces can be large, so in order for costs to not spiral out of control, work out what impact you want to have, why, and then prioritise how to do this best within your budget.  There are normally ideas to fit all types of budget so collaboration and discussion is key here.  Experienced suppliers will often be able to create a visual render so you can see what your options are likely to look like, before you decide which way to go.

Whether it’s a branded stretch tent, a decked-out truss box, or an elegant marquee, the possibilities for customisation are endless when it comes to Event Design.  Start by collaborating with your supplier, explore tailoring options, and make your event appeal visually but all while keeping the structure safe and event ready.

By choosing smart solutions and trusted suppliers, you can turn temporary setups into extraordinary spaces for experiences that leave a lasting impression on guests.

With WH Silverbacks, you gain access to experts with huge experience and reliable support every step of the way. From offering creative ideas to streamlining implementation, we help ensure your vision becomes reality while keeping functionality, safety, and cost-effectiveness top of mind.

Have a Project You’d Like to Discuss? – Get In Touch

Get in touch with our expert team today to find out more.  

• Tel: 01202 096957 
• Email: info@whsilverbacks.co.uk