How to Plan a Stress-Free Wedding in a Dry Hire Venue
- manuelasams1
- Mar 28
- 3 min read
Pain Point: Many couples may not realise that dry hire venues require extra planning, as everything from furniture to catering must be arranged
Dry hire venues are a fantastic choice for couples looking to create a unique and personalised wedding. Whether you're dreaming of a colourful, relaxed wedding in a tipi on your property, a charming woodland ceremony, an industrial warehouse celebration, or a stunning beachside reception, dry hire venues give you the freedom to bring your vision to life. But with great freedom comes great responsibility, because unlike traditional venues, dry hire spaces require extra planning.
So, how do you plan a stress-free wedding in a dry hire venue? Here’s everything you need to know!
1️⃣ . Understand What’s Included (and What’s Not!)
Unlike all-inclusive venues, dry hire spaces typically provide only the venue itself, meaning you’ll need to source everything else, from furniture and catering to lighting and staff. Before booking, ask the venue what is included in the hire fee. Some key questions to ask:
✔ Does the venue provide tables, chairs, or any furniture?✔ Is there an in-house catering option, or do you need to hire external caterers?✔ Are there bathrooms on-site, or do you need to hire portable toilets?✔ What are the power supply and lighting arrangements?✔ Does the venue have any restrictions (e.g., noise curfews, preferred suppliers, or decoration limitations)?
2️⃣ . Create a Wedding Day Timeline
With a dry hire venue, you'll be responsible for setting up, managing, and clearing everything after the wedding. Having a solid timeline ensures that everything runs smoothly and avoids last-minute panic. Things to consider:
What time can suppliers start setting up? When will sound checks and lighting tests take place? How long will food service take, and when will speeches happen? What time does the venue need to be cleared and cleaned?
A wedding day coordinator (like me! 😉) can take the stress off your shoulders by managing these logistics so you can simply enjoy your day.
3️⃣ . Hire the Right Suppliers
Since you’re starting with a blank canvas, choosing experienced and flexible suppliers is key to ensuring a seamless event. Your supplier list may include:
Caterers & Bar Service, DJ or Live Band, Photographer & Videographer, Marquee or Tent Hire, Lighting and Power Supply, Décor Specialists, Portable Toilets (for remote locations), Furniture & Tableware Rentals
Choose suppliers who have experience working in dry hire venues, as they’ll understand the challenges and solutions needed for a smooth setup.
4️⃣ Plan for Comfort & Practicalities
Since dry hire venues can sometimes lack the built-in comforts of traditional venues, thinking ahead about guest experience is essential. Consider:
Heating & Cooling – For outdoor venues, rent heaters for cooler months and fans or shade structures for hot weather. Parking & Transport – Ensure guests can easily access the venue and arrange transport options if needed. Seating & Lounging Areas – Create cosy spots for guests to relax during the reception. Power & Generators – If your venue lacks electricity, you’ll need to hire a generator for lighting, catering, and entertainment.
5️⃣ Have a Clear Pack-Down Plan
At the end of the night, everything needs to be packed up, which can be overwhelming if not planned in advance.
✔ Who is responsible for clearing the venue and removing decorations?✔ What time do suppliers need to collect their equipment?✔ Are there any penalties for leaving items behind?
Having a wedding day coordinator can help take care of all of this, ensuring that the day runs smoothly from start to finish.
Enjoy a Stress-Free Dry Hire Wedding!
Planning a wedding in a dry hire venue may seem like a big task, but with the right planning and support, it can be a truly magical experience. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, Two Become One Wedding Planner Ltd is here to help! From timeline management to coordinating suppliers and handling logistics, we’ll make sure your day is as stress-free and enjoyable as possible.
I understand that your wedding day is a reflection of your unique love story and personal style. That’s why I’m dedicated to creating bespoke experiences that truly capture your personality. Discover how our On The Day Wedding Coordination & Management service can support you in the lead-up to your big day and ensure everything runs seamlessly.
Get in touch today to chat about how we can bring your dream wedding to life!
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