If you’re currently planning your wedding then you’ll know that one of the biggest decisions you’ll make is choosing the right venue. In Adelaide, South Australia, we have a wide range of venues to choose from, but have you considered a dry hire venue?

A dry hire venue is essentially a blank canvas – a space that you rent without any of the event services, such as catering, furniture, or decor, being included. While this might seem like extra work upfront, dry hire venues offer incredible flexibility and can lead to a more personalised and unique wedding experience. Let’s dive into why choosing a dry hire venue for your wedding in Adelaide could be the perfect fit for your big day.

A round table setting at Hazelmere Homestead

Sage green inspired table set up for a wedding

Flexibility to Choose Your Own Vendors

One of the most significant advantages of a dry hire venue is the freedom it offers when it comes to choosing your suppliers. With a dry hire, you're not locked into using the venue’s preferred caterers, florists, or stylists. Instead, you can hand-pick the vendors that fit your style, budget, and vision for the day.

This is particularly beneficial if you have specific tastes or if you want to support local businesses. For example, in Adelaide, you could source the freshest seasonal produce from local farmers for your catering, or hire a local Adelaide florist to design custom arrangements. By having the ability to choose your suppliers, you can craft a truly bespoke wedding experience.

Additionally, this flexibility allows you to negotiate directly with vendors and potentially secure better deals, which can be a big win for your budget. You have full control over the quality, cost, and style of your wedding, which means you can create a more personalised and memorable experience for both you and your guests.

Cost Savings with a Dry Hire Venue

Another significant advantage of opting for a dry hire venue is the potential for cost savings. While dry hire venues may initially seem more expensive than a package deal that includes everything, it often works out cheaper in the long run. This is because you're not paying for extras you may not want or need, like expensive venue catering, decor, or equipment.

For example, many dry hire venues allow you to bring your own alcohol, which can significantly cut costs compared to a venue that requires you to purchase drinks through them. You can shop around for the best prices, buy in bulk, or even choose a local Adelaide winery to offer a selection of local wines, which adds a unique touch to your day.

Venues like Hazelmere Homestead in Echunga, with its charming rustic setting, allow you to bring in your own suppliers, giving you the flexibility to build a tailored experience. Likewise, Netherhill Farm in the beautiful Adelaide Hills offers a picturesque setting and flexibility with your choice of vendors, ensuring your wedding reflects your style.

Furthermore, you have the freedom to choose your own catering style. Whether you want a more affordable buffet-style meal, food trucks, or a five-course plated meal, the choice is yours. By using a dry hire venue, you can create the wedding you want without being constrained by a package deal.

More Control Over Your Wedding Styling

A dry hire venue is essentially a blank canvas, and that’s one of the best things about it. The venue doesn’t dictate the decor or overall aesthetic of your wedding – that’s all in your hands. From the type of tables and chairs to the lighting, floral arrangements, and overall theme, you get to curate every detail to match your vision.

For example, Kuitpo Hall in the Adelaide Hills is a fantastic dry hire venue for couples looking to create a rustic or vintage-style wedding.

More Time for Set-Up and Pack-Down

With a dry hire venue, you often get more flexibility when it comes to set-up and pack-down times. Unlike some venues that might limit your preparation and clean-up hours, dry hire venues typically allow you to spend the whole day (or even the day before) arranging the space exactly how you want it. This is a huge benefit if you're aiming for an intricate setup with detailed decor, flowers, or even entertainment stations. It also takes the pressure off on the day of your wedding, knowing you have the time and space to get everything ready without the added stress of being on the clock.

A Personalised Experience for Your Guests

Lastly, a dry hire venue allows you to create a truly personalised experience for your guests. Whether you want to provide a specific type of food, set up a unique entertainment space, or even curate your own playlist, you have complete control over the planning, you can make your wedding as personal as you like, ensuring it’s an unforgettable day for both you and your guests.