Planning a Barn Wedding? Here’s What No One Tells You!

Barn and farm weddings have become a popular choice for couples looking to add a rustic charm to their big day. These venues offer a unique, romantic atmosphere that many traditional venues simply can’t replicate. But before you jump in and book a barn for your wedding, there are several important factors to consider. Whether you're dreaming of a cosy countryside affair or a large outdoor ceremony and celebration, here’s everything you need to know to make sure your day goes off without a hitch.

Why Choose a Barn Wedding?

Barn wedding venues are incredibly versatile, offering stunning backdrops of rolling hills, fields, and rustic buildings that can be dressed up or kept simple, depending on your vision. No two barn weddings are the same for this exact reason! A farm wedding also provides couples with the chance to create a relaxed and informal atmosphere if they wish, which is often a big draw for those wanting a more laid-back celebration.

Many barn wedding venues also offer ample space, ideal for larger guest lists and activities like lawn games or fireworks. Plus, the natural beauty of the countryside makes for the perfect backdrop to your wedding photos!

Types of Wedding Venue Packages

When you hire a barn for your wedding, you’ll find that venues often offer different packages to suit your needs and budget. Understanding what each package includes is essential for ensuring your day runs smoothly.

• Dry Hire: With a dry hire, you’re essentially renting the barn and nothing else. You’ll have complete control over the look and feel of the venue as it’ll be a blank canvas, but you’ll need to organise everything – from furniture and decorations to catering and potentially even electricity. For couples wanting full creative freedom, this can be ideal. However, this package does require more planning and coordination. Equally, be sure to check what facilities, such as water and power, are available, as some barns are quite basic and may not have either of these readily available.
• Comprehensive Packages: On the other end of the spectrum, some barn venues offer all-inclusive packages. These often cover everything from the venue itself to catering, drinks, and even decorations. Opting for this type of package can take a lot of stress off your shoulders as many of the big decisions are handled for you. Make sure to discuss what’s included in detail with the venue, so you know what you’ll be responsible for.

It’s worth remembering that barns are typically designed for agricultural use, so not all of them will come equipped with the modern conveniences you might expect, like water or electricity. Before you commit, it’s essential to find out if the barn has these amenities or if you’ll need to arrange them yourself. Generators and portable bathrooms are popular solutions for more rustic venues but will obviously add additional costs to your special day.

Prepping for the Big Day

If you or your bridal party/wedding party are planning any outfit changes during the day, it’s sensible to check whether your barn venue has a designated space for getting ready. Some barns have beautifully converted areas perfect for hair and makeup prep, while others might offer little more than a room with a mirror. Always ask to see this space before booking as the last thing you’d want is everyone queuing trying get changed in a toilet cubicle!

If your barn is on the grounds of a manor house or country house then access to these may be included in your hiring of the grounds but again this is something you will need to check with the venue.

Know the Restrictions

Barns and farms are typically located in peaceful, rural settings, but this comes with some drawbacks. One common issue couples face is noise restrictions. Because these venues are often near residential areas or working farms, you may need to keep the volume down, especially later in the evening. If you’re planning a big party, you’ll need to ask about any noise curfews the venue might enforce.

Similarly, some barns may have restrictions on decorations. Many barns are old, with delicate wooden beams and historic features, so double check whether you’re allowed to hang drapery, fairy lights, or attach other decorative elements to the structure. It’s always better to ask for these details early on to avoid disappointment.

Protecting Your Special Day

With so many moving parts to think about, it’s wise to consider getting Wedding Insurance to protect your big day. From unforeseen cancellations to issues with the venue, wedding public liability insurance to your wedding photographer not showing up on the day, Dreamsaver Wedding Insurance is designed to give you peace of mind so you can focus on enjoying your wedding.

Get Wedding Insurance with Dreamsaver

At Dreamsaver Wedding Insurance, we provide cover for barn & farm weddings, civil ceremonies, and weddings abroad!

Plus, you'll benefit from the following areas of cover with a Dreamsaver policy:

• Public Liability Cover - up to £5 million
• Cancellation Cover - up to £80,000
• Financial Failure of Service Suppliers - up to £22,500
• Cover for Wedding Gifts - up to £17,500
• Rings, Flowers & Wedding Cake Cover - up to £17,500

And so much more!

See the policy wording here for full information on what is and is not covered.

Please note: policies must be purchase a MINIMUM of 14 days before the ceremony date.

Click the 'Get a Quote' button below to protect your big day today:

Protect Your Wedding Today

Barn and farm weddings can be incredibly special, offering a beautiful blend of rustic charm and personalisation for when you tie the knot. By carefully considering your options, understanding the packages available, and asking the right questions, you can ensure your wedding day is one to remember. Whether you go for a simple dry hire or a more comprehensive package, and whether you’re planning a stunning barn wedding decoration or a relaxed outdoor wedding venue, make sure to choose the option that suits your vision. Happy planning!

Want to see what some of our previous customers had to say about us? Check out our Feefo reviews to hear what other couples like yourselves had to say about Dreamsaver Wedding Insurance by following the link below: https://www.feefo.com/en-GB/reviews/dreamsaver-wedding-insurance

*This article is for information and entertainment purposes only. It does not constitute advice in any way. The information provided here is correct at the time of writing however please check the latest policy wording here for the latest policy terms, conditions and exclusions.