The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Dry Hire Wedding: Tips for a Seamless Celebration
If you’re dreaming of a wedding day that’s completely tailored to you, a dry hire wedding could be the perfect solution. But with that freedom comes a little more responsibility and a lot more planning. In this guide, we’ll break down what dry hire actually means, the pros and cons, and how to navigate the logistics with confidence.
What is a Dry Hire Wedding?
A dry hire wedding venue provides you with a blank canvas, usually just the venue space itself, without any additional services such as catering, furniture, staffing, or décor. This type of hire gives you total creative control and is especially popular for couples who want something bespoke or unconventional.
Dry hire venues can include everything from rustic barns and marquee sites to modern warehouses and private estates. They’re particularly well-suited to couples looking for a DIY wedding experience or those hiring a wedding planner to help them bring their vision to life.
Pros of Choosing a Dry Hire Wedding Venue
1. Total Flexibility
With no fixed suppliers or packages, you’re free to create the day you’ve always envisioned. From food trucks to fine dining, live bands to bespoke lighting—every choice is yours.
2. Unique & Personal
Dry hire weddings tend to feel truly personal. You’re not restricted by a venue’s preferred suppliers or rigid timings. You can craft a wedding that’s meaningful, memorable, and distinctly ‘you’.
3. Budget Control
While dry hire weddings can sometimes end up costing more, they also allow you to allocate your budget where it matters most. Want to skip canapés but splurge on a band? You can.
4. Venue Choice
Dry hire opens the door to a wider range of venue types. From private homes and countryside barns to industrial spaces and coastal marquees, you’re not limited to traditional wedding venues.
Cons of a Dry Hire Wedding (and How to Navigate Them)
1. More Planning Involved
There are more moving parts to coordinate: from furniture and cutlery to staffing, power supply, and waste disposal. If you’re not working with a wedding planner, expect to invest a lot of time into logistics.
2. No Onsite Team
Dry hire venues often don’t provide a coordinator on the day. Hiring a wedding coordinator to manage setup, supplier arrivals, and the event flow is highly recommended.
3. Hidden Costs
Things like toilets, generators, refrigeration and rubbish removal are rarely included, and these extras can add up. Always ask the venue exactly what is and isn’t provided.
Tips for Planning a Smooth Dry Hire Wedding
1. Hire a Wedding Planner or Coordinator (hi!)
An experienced wedding planner will be worth their weight in gold when it comes to dry hire venues. They’ll manage logistics, recommend trusted suppliers, and ensure your day runs like clockwork.
2. Create a Comprehensive Supplier List
You’ll need to bring in everything: catering, crockery, drinks, glassware, staff, security, sound and lighting, cleaning, toilets, and waste removal. Start planning early and keep an organised checklist.
3. Get Clear on Rules and Restrictions
Dry hire doesn’t always mean anything goes. Some venues have sound curfews, capacity limits or rules around external catering. Ask all the right questions before you sign.
4. Build a Realistic Budget
Because you’re starting from scratch, it’s easy to underestimate the total cost. Be sure to include hidden expenses like fuel for generators, linen hire, corkage fees, or damage deposits.
5. Prioritise Power and Practicalities
If your venue doesn’t have a reliable power source or kitchen facilities, plan accordingly. You may need to hire a generator, field kitchen or portable refrigeration.
6. Allow Time for Setup & Takedown
Check when you can access the venue for setup and whether you have time the next day to collect items and manage cleanup. If not, you’ll need to factor in extra help or logistics.
Is a Dry Hire Wedding Right for You?
If you’re excited by the idea of building your wedding from the ground up, have a strong vision, and either the time or professional support to bring it all together, a dry hire wedding can be an incredibly rewarding choice. It gives you the freedom to do things your way, in a space that suits your style.
But if the idea of managing dozens of suppliers, setup timelines and technical details feels overwhelming, a full-service venue, or the support of a seasoned wedding planner, might be a better fit.
At One Curious Dream, we specialise in planning and coordinating dry hire weddings across the UK. If you’re considering a dry hire venue and want a smooth, beautifully executed celebration, we’d love to help.
Let’s chat! You can reach me at [email protected] or 0800 772 0765.
Why not keep up with all things behind the scenes at One Curious Dream on Instagram, where you’ll find lots of wedding inspiration and ideas?
