What to Know Before Booking a Dry Hire Venue

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.

The beautiful Mejuluelda in Borenore NSW

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.

The beautiful Hayshed in Orange NSW. Captured by the talented Angus McKern

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.

Dapper Dunnies for lux bathroom hire & cool room hire

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.

Things to consider when booking a venue

Hi everyone! I thought I would share some helpful wedding (and special occasion) planning tips.

Whether you’re organising a wedding, vow renewal, commitment ceremony, or another celebration – this one’s for you.

Today’s topic: Venues. Booking the right venue is one of the most important decisions you’ll make, so let’s talk about what to think about, what questions to ask, and a few things that may not be on your radar.

Borrodell Winery – Orange NSW

1. Decide on the vibe & style you want

First things first – what kind of celebration are you dreaming of? Are you picturing a rustic barn, a vineyard, a formal hall, a beachfront, a chapel, a garden, or something unique? The style of venue you choose will impact almost every aspect of your day – from logistics to atmosphere.

It’s also okay if you and your partner have different ideas – start with a discussion about what’s most important to both of you and go from there.

2. Always have a Plan B

This is especially true for outdoor ceremonies – and not just because of rain. Wind, extreme heat, or soggy ground from days of earlier rain can all make things uncomfortable or even unsafe for your guests and vendors. Even if the forecast is fine, the ground might still be muddy.

A solid Plan B isn’t a downgrade – it’s a way to ensure the day is beautiful, no matter the weather.


P.S. Planning an indoor wedding is also a great way to ensure your day runs smoothly, no matter the weather!

Uneke Warehouse in Wagga Wagga

3. Venue access – before and after

Ask when you can access the venue for setup. Do you get the space the day before? The morning of? And what about packing up? – do you need to be out that night or the next morning? If you’re DIY-ing anything, this timing matters more than you might think.

Also, check what is and isn’t included in the venue’s package – some venues are fully inclusive, while others are “dry hire,” meaning everything from cutlery to chairs may need to be sourced separately.
*More to come on dry hire venues.

4. Think about transport and parking

Does the venue have enough parking? Is it accessible for buses or have close parking for easy accessibility for those that need it? Consider whether the terrain is suitable for vintage cars or lower vehicles – no one wants a muscle car stuck in a pothole!

Is your ceremony spot easily accessible and safe to get to? Are there any guests who may need assistance to safely get to the ceremony?

If your guests are drinking or travelling from out of town, offering a transport option or shuttle service can take a lot of stress off everyone.

5. Power and lighting

Power is something you’ll only notice if it’s not there. Ask where power outlets are located – this affects where bands, DJs, celebrants, or styling elements can be placed. Extension cords are an easy fix, but not always ideal for safety or aesthetics.

Also ask about lighting – while a moody candle-lit reception might look romantic in person, it could be tricky for your photographer and videographer.

Speak to them about the best way to light your space to balance ambience and photo quality.

6. Trust your vendors – especially when it comes to Plan B

If your celebrant, photographer, or coordinator suggests a change due to weather, sound, lighting, or timing – trust them. We’re here to make your day run as smoothly as possible. We’ve seen a lot of things, and we’re always working with your best interests in mind.

If the weather turns and we need to move things indoors – know that we’re doing it to protect your comfort, your guests, and your memories.

7. Don’t forget the little details

Create a “venue kit” – just in case! Include:

  • Scissors
  • Tape (check with the venue what’s allowed on walls)
  • Cable ties
  • Extension cords/power boards
  • Lighter (for candles) – check the venue allows real flames
  • Umbrellas (clear ones look great in photos!)
  • Phone chargers
  • Spare batteries for any tech

Also, if you’re using a venue-supplied PA system, confirm to connect – Bluetooth, Aux cord? You might need adapters or backup devices.

8. Venue coordinators vs. wedding coordinators

They are not the same – both are amazing, but their roles are different.

  • A venue coordinator looks after what’s promised in your venue package: meals, drinks, timings, bump-in/out, safety and regulations. They’re invaluable, but their responsibility is to the venue & their staff.
  • A wedding coordinator (or day-of coordinator) works solely for you. They liaise with all your suppliers, manage your timeline, and fix things before you even know there is a problem. If your budget allows, hiring one can be a total game-changer.

9. Stay true to what you and your partner want

It’s easy to get caught up in family suggestions, Pinterest comparisons, or what others have done. But your day should feel like you. Choose a space that fits your story, your comfort, priorities and budget.

10. And lastly – enjoy the ride

Planning can feel overwhelming – especially if you haven’t organised a big event before. Lean on your vendors, ask questions, take breaks, and always come back to the reason behind the celebration: your love and your commitment to each other.

No matter what kind of day you choose, it will be magic – because it’s yours.

Thanks for reading – I hope these tips help make your planning just a little smoother.

If you’ve got questions or want more tips, feel free to reach out. You’ve got this!

Until next time,
Kate x