Planning Barn Weddings: Tips & Facts That’ll Keep You Up At Night

If we look at the forecasting trends, barn weddings are totally “in” for next year and the next. Discover all you need to know to host a barn wedding and be inspired by these 45+ deliciously lavish barn wedding ideas.

There is something about barn weddings. It’s not just that they are so country and rustic but they offer a lofty space to throw a bash that can go from simple to the most extravagant.

A barn’s vaulted ceilings and wooden beams tempt us to add lights, chandeliers and hanging centerpieces. Decorating barn weddings can be a dream come true, but fool yourself not, barn weddings are expensive.

Barn Weddings: What to take into consideration

So it’s not all rosy on the barn wedding’s front. The first thing to consider when thinking about hosting one is that, contrary to popular belief, barn weddings are expensive.

If your wedding venue utilizes an authentic barn, not one built for weddings and events where they take care of everything (and I mean everything), it may lack some of the bare necessities. These can be an unforeseen additional expense typical of these wedding venues. Here are some examples.

Electricity

First of all, your caterer, the band or DJ and your lights will need access to electrical outlets. You will need three dedicated circuits, as to not blow out the power for the entire reception. Make sure the barn is wired for the occasion or rent a generator.

Heating and Cooling

Next, you will probably want keep your guests cool or warm depending on when you host your wedding. It’s best to host barn weddings in the spring or the fall months as barns may not have heat or air conditioning. Therefore, the rental of the needed equipment is another expense to consider.

Ensure the roof doesn’t have any leaks, wood is not rotting, etc. Keep an eye out for any items in need of general repair or attention. Ensure these will be taken care of way prior to the wedding date.

Bathroom accommodations

Unless your wedding venue comes facility ready, and if you don’t want your abuela using the outhouse, start making some calls to porta-potty vendors. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by the options they can offer, some even have sinks! If you are feeling fancy, you can rent a tent that covers the bathrooms so they blend with the barn. Maybe hire a bathroom attendant for toilet paper refills, soap and to keep everything clean. What’s a few more items to add to the wedding budget, right? 😉

Legal stuff

Next, depending on the barn, you may need a license and insurance to be open to the public. You should also look into sound ordinances. Even though the barn may be remote, sound ordinances do apply. They will affect your music volume and the wedding schedule.

Guest transportation

As it is usual in the countryside, parking is a long ways from the barn. Think about special transportation arrangements from the parking to the venue for your guests.

Finally, if you took the high road and booked a barn that generally hosts weddings, their owners may have the necessary rentals handy and a list of what else you’ll need. If not, your best bet is to work with a wedding planner who specializes in barn weddings.

Barn wedding ideas that will make you say yes to them once over

It’s mistakenly understood that barn weddings can only be rustic or country themed. Most wedding themes go well with a barn. Go minimalistic or go vintage. You can even go rustic glam, boho chic or extremely whimsical!

Consider holding the reception outdoors. Place the tables outside the barn and the dance floor and bar inside of it. Therefore, when it gets cool outside, your guests have a warmer place where to have fun.

Another idea to consider is celebrating the religious ceremony inside of the barn. Then you can eat outside and party again inside. This will give you enough time to remove the chairs from the ceremony and redecorate this unique space.

Interested in achieving a flattering and cozy look? String up lanterns and twinkly lights, add garlands of Christmas lights to the barn’s ceiling!

A Galley of Barn Wedding Decor Ideas

Wedding cakes fit for barn weddings

Barn wedding tip: The weather conditions will determine what kind of icing you should have on your wedding cake. It maybe the reason why cakes for barn weddings are usually naked.

 

 

More Barn Wedding Decor Ideas

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Photography Credits: Rustic Folk Weddings, MODwedding, Hi Miss Puff, popsugar, Style Me Pretty, Destination Weddings & Honeymoons, the wedding chicks, elizabeth anne designs, deerpearlflowers, House & Home, theberry, Colin Cowie Weddings, candy cake weddings