This one’s for the DIY-loving, Pinterest-pinning, checklist-ticking couples out there considering a dry hire wedding venue.
If you’re new to the term, a dry hire venue is basically the “bring-your-own-everything” option of the wedding world. It gives you full creative control — but with that freedom comes a little more responsibility (okay, a lot more).
Let’s run through some helpful tips and a checklist of what you might need to consider so your dream wedding doesn’t turn into a logistical puzzle.
Access: When In & When Out
Before anything else, ask your venue:
- When can you bump in? (set up)
- When do you need to bump out? (pack down)
- Is the clean-up included? Or do you need to take the rubbish and mop the floors yourself?
Tip: If you have to be out the same night, make sure you’ve got a solid pack-down plan — or some very kind helpers.
Furniture: If It’s Not There, You’ll Need to Bring It
Common items you might need to hire or buy:
- Tables & chairs (for dining, cake, bar, guestbook, gifts etc.)
- Cake tables and styling items
- Lounge furniture or cocktail seating
- Wine barrels, bar stools, umbrellas for outdoor settings
- High bar tables and yard games
Bonus tip: If you’re crafty or have time, Facebook marketplace can be a goldmine — and you can resell after your big day.
Power, Lighting & Amenities
Ask yourself (and your venue):
- Is there power onsite? Enough for caterers, music, lighting, etc.?
- If not, do you need a generator? If so, speak with your vendors about how much power they need to ensure you get the right size generator for your power requirements.
- Will you need to bring in extra lighting — fairy lights, festoons, floodlights for parking areas?
- Are there bathroom facilities? If not, you’ll need to hire portaloos or fancy “dapper dunnies” (yes, they exist and they’re lovely).
Hot/cold tip: Depending on the weather, you might also need heaters, fans, or fire pits — just check what’s allowed with your venue.
Food & Drink Logistics
Once you’ve got the what (e.g., food trucks, canapés, sit-down meal), you’ll need the how.
Think about:
- Table linen, napkins, plates, cutlery
- Glassware (for each drink type)
- Serving platters, tongs, salad bowls
- Ice buckets, cool rooms or eskies
- Bar equipment (buckets, fridges, bottle openers, mixers, etc.)
Cool tip: Don’t underestimate how much ice you’ll need… and how fast it melts in Aussie sun.
If You’re Using a Marquee…
Marquees can be magical, but they come with extra considerations:
- Do you need a floor? Or just a dance floor area?
- What’s under the ground? (Pegging a marquee in = cheaper, but unsafe if there’s plumbing or power underneath)
- If pegs aren’t allowed, your supplier may need cement weights — which costs more.
- Check if you need a kitchen marquee or catering tent.
Safety tip: Always “dial before you dig” if you’re setting up on private property — better safe than sorry.
Decorations
Dry hire means you’re in charge of all the pretty bits too. That includes:
- Signage and easels
- Seating charts
- Ceremony arbours and florals
- Centrepieces and table numbers
- Candles, vases, and styling extras
Creative tip: Mix hired pieces with a few DIY touches for a personal and cost-effective setup.
Don’t Forget the Boring (But Important) Stuff
Not fun, but necessary:
- Rubbish bins (and bags!)
- Recycling and rubbish removal plan
- Cleaning gear (just in case)
- Emergency backup (batteries, phone chargers, first aid kit)
Budgeting for Dry Hire
Dry hire venues can look more affordable upfront, but once you factor in everything you need to bring in, the budget can climb quickly. That’s not to say it’s not worth it — just make sure you plan and price accordingly.
Tip: A spreadsheet is your new best friend. List out every single item you need to hire, buy, borrow or delegate.
Ask for Help!
If this list has you feeling a little overwhelmed — don’t panic. Many vendors (especially planners and on-the-day coordinators) are super familiar with dry hire logistics. Lean on their experience!
Even if you’re going down the DIY route, hiring a coordinator for just the wedding day can be a total sanity-saver.
Final Thought
Dry hire weddings are like building your dream house from the ground up — a little more work, but all the heart and personality you could ask for.
You get the freedom to do things your way, and the memories made while putting it all together? Totally worth it.
So take a deep breath, stay organised, and remember: at the end of the day, you’re marrying your person — and that’s the real magic.
Celebrations by Kate 