Thinking of booking a unique wedding venue? Hiring a room only unique wedding venue takes a lot of investment both financially and physically. Choosing and agreeing on the venue is only the first of many decisions that you will need to make.
Before committing to a unique wedding venue…
…it’s always a good idea to know what you’re up against in the wedding planning department and how much time and money you will have to invest. So before you fall into a trap of being lured by what seems to be very cheap venue hire for your unique wedding venue, here is a little list of things that you may need to plan into your budget. This will help you get a good sense of the bottom line and and figure out if the space is really right for you (and your budget).
Venue inclusions
It’s really a great idea to know exactly what’s included in the venue. Some venue spaces will come with tables and chairs and a PA system for example, and others come with absolutely nothing. Here are some examples:
- PA
- Lectern
- Tables
- Chairs
- Heating / Air Con
- Crockery and cutlery
- Venue planner / Representative on the day
- Security personnel
Marissa and Jon. Lion Gate Lodge awning is a great plan b for rainy days. The private garden features in the background. Image Bloom Photography.
Kitchen
Is there a kitchen at this venue? If not a make shift kitchen will need to be set up and will need a suitable location. If there is a kitchen then don’t be shy in taking photos of the appliances and ask if things work. Check the fridge and think about if you will need extra refrigeration. Look at the ovens (if there are any) and take photos of these too. Email your photos to your caterer and have them cost out your event based on what is supplied by the venue. You may need to allow extra in your budget for kitchen equipment.
Bathrooms
Does this venue come with enough bathrooms for your event? If not then consider how much it will cost you to hire suitable bathroom trailers for your event.
Lighting
Sometimes the unique wedding venue wont always come with sufficient lighting, take a good look at all the interior light. Do they dim, do you need to add in more ambient lighting. If you were wanting to add in your own lighting features (such as festoon lighting), can they be rigged easily? Are the venue strict about rigging points, or being able to install anything at all.
Location
Is your unique wedding venue in a residential location, are there any special noise restrictions that will apply? Is it heritage listed? What time are you able to use the space until? Some venues in built up residential areas may insist on the function concluding earlier in the evening than others. Read through all the fine print and question anything you don’t understand before signing the contract. If you are able to have any of the rules relaxed get it down in writing.
Bilgola Surf Life Saving Club. Image courtesy Sugar Love Photography.
Cleaners
Does the venue come with cleaners? Will cleaners be coming through the venue prior to your guests arriving to make sure the bathrooms are spotless, and the floors are clean after vendors have finished bumping in. Are you expected to clean the venue after you’ve departed?
Amanda and Nick get married at Alto in Melbourne catered by Damn Fine Food.
Access, Set Up and Bump Out
This one is a big one because it can get really expensive if you get it wrong. Ideally it’s always less stressful if you have a 2-3 day venue hire period. The day before the event, any special lighting and room treatments can be installed prior to tables going down. Event day tables are finished being set and decor put into place. The day after the event, vendors dismantle and bump out. If vendors are required to come back straight after an event that concludes at midnight, this will come at a premium so be careful. You also need to considering hiring some help to set up and run things for you. In the early planning stages, it’s fun to think about doing all of this yourself. But the reality of it is there will be so much for you to do, this is the last thing you want to be taking responsibility for. Planning and setting up weddings in unique locations is something we are really good at doing, chat to us if you’d like to find out more. And the final thing that most people forget is bumping out. If you have done a lot of the decorations yourself, you’ll still need someone to pack it up (assuming that you aren’t going to return the following day to do it yourself!). We can help with one of our bump out packages.
The view from the Harbourside Room does not disappoint. Image Lara Hotz.
We love to help plan weddings in interesting and unusual places, but doing something bespoke like this often entails more work (and expense) then just coming up with the venue hire fee. If you’d like to chat to us more about helping with wedding planning, wedding coordination – or if you’re considering a quirky location and just want some well considered advice, you can get in touch and book an appointment and we’d be happy to arrange a consultation.
You may also find these articles useful:
- Venue Reviews
- Hacks on sourcing a unique venue
- Checklist for planning a great wedding at home
- How do I know if I need a wedding planner?
- How do I know if I need a wedding coordinator?
- Top tips on setting up your wedding decorations
