What’s the difference between a dry hire or DIY wedding venue VS an all inclusive wedding venue?
Which one fits your vibe and personalities best?
Right, let’s get into it. If you’re deep into planning your epic, personality-packed, joy-filled wedding day and staring at venue options wondering what is a dry hire wedding venue, what’s an all inclusive wedding venue, how do I know which option would suit me best? I’ve got you covered.
As a wedding planner who’s all about bold, vibrant, untraditional celebrations, I’ve helped couples pull off both styles. The key is knowing which route fits your vibe, lifestyle and how involved you want to get. I will break it down and help you figure out where your dream day starts.
First up - Dry hire venues:
This is an ideal option for a complete blank canvas to do it your way and therefore can also be described as Do It Yourself venues (DIY). Dry hire venues are perfect for couples who’ve got big ideas; really want to put their own stamp on each part of the day and aren’t afraid to roll up their sleeves and get stuck in. The sorts of venues include rustic barns, private estates, industrial warehouses, back gardens, quirky community spaces, fields, privately owned land or village halls. They are one of a kind wedding venues where there isn’t much there to start with, perhaps just an open field. They won’t be wedding factories and generally there is so much more flexibility.
Pros:
Ultimate creative freedom – You want neon signs, grazing tables, a disco ball over your tipi dance floor? It’s all possible.
Total personality – Every inch of your day can reflect your style, from colourful linens to mismatched glassware to the local street food truck.
Choose your people – You’re not tied to in-house caterers or suppliers. Want to bring in your favourite pizza van or florist you found on Instagram? Go for it.
Cons:
There is a lot to plan (or get a pro involved) – From power to loos, bar staff to drainage, shelter to heating, access issues to neighbours. There’s a lot to manage.
Costs can sneak up – Once you add in staff, generators, perhaps toilet hire, glasses, lighting etc, it may not be the cheap option you first thought. Yes you can save on your decor so perhaps it may balance out for you. Make sure you research all of the potential costs involved before choosing the dry hire wedding venue option.
Logistics queen required – You’ll need someone running the show on the day, when you’ve poured so much into the planning, its a given you want everything to run seamlessly and how you’ve planned on the day itself. Also you don’t want your guests asking YOU where the napkins are or where does this need to go…
Full-Service Venues: All Inclusive Packages
Full-service venues are ready-to-roll. You get a wedding package, an in-house coordinator, and most of your basics like catering, tables, chairs, staff, and facilities included. These venues are ideal for couples who want to focus on the fun and let someone else handle the nitty-gritty.
Why You Might Love a Full-Service Venue:
Less stress, more chill – Let someone else handle the logistics while you sip Champagne.
Experienced team – You’ve got a venue team who knows their stuff, and they’ve got your back.
Set-up is sorted – Kitchen, loos, parking, lighting, it’s all there already and included (most of the time, but always best to check)
Things to Consider:
Less flexibility – You might have to stick to their preferred suppliers and certain design rules.
Timings - It might be strict on the day of your wedding due to another wedding the day before so you are unable to decorate yourself. You may need to delegate a team to set certain things up on the morning of your wedding which is not ideal. You may also have to depart early the next morning.
Not always the cheapest – Convenience comes at a price.
Set packages – If you’re dreaming of something totally different, it might be tricky to push boundaries.
Which One’s Right For You? Ask Yourself This:
Do you crave creative control and want to break all the rules? DIY might be your thing.
Prefer to hand over the reins and just turn up looking iconic? Full-service could be a dream for you.
Got time and love the planning side? DIY it (but I can take the edge off!).
Want a curated, seamless experience with minimal effort? Full-service wins.
Final Thoughts From Your Favourite Planning Powerhouse
Whether you go full DIY or opt for an all-inclusive vibe, the best venue for you is the one that feels like you. If your day is full of bold design, joy-filled energy, wholesome food and “this is f***ing cool” moments, you’ve already nailed it.
And whatever you choose, if you want me in your corner making sure it all flows beautifully, you know where to find me.
Photographers:
@carolineopacicphotography
@carapippa_photography