The choice of a raw or a dry-hire wedding location has never been more sought-after, with more couples seeking out unique ways to mark their wedding.
However, having an empty canvas to design your dream party could be daunting as there’s plenty to think about. However, Tonia Adleta of Aribella Events is here to assist.
As the Creative and Owner Director of a prestigious event-planning and floral design business, Tonia has planned weddings in a myriad of places that aren’t wedding-like.
She’s also been kind enough to provide her top suggestions for locating ideas and arranging the details for your wedding in raw space. So, if you’re dreaming of an industrial-style event in a warehouse or the idea of a rustic barn party, Make sure to take note of her advice!
Every bride wants their wedding day to be memorable to remember. A way to make yours stand out? Change a space that isn’t yours into the area of your desires.
By selecting a raw space, it is possible to design an event that hasn’t been created before and will never exist in the future.
A lot of couples are looking at raw spaces like an industrial loft, a brewery, or an airport hangar as a means to make an intimate space to (sometimes) reduce costs or to avoid the idea of a “cookie cutter” wedding.
Getting Started
The first step in defining your home is to reflect on the person you are as a couple. What is your story of love? What is it that inspires you and sets you apart? This is your day, and everything about the event should reflect your personality.
Personal touches can enhance your wedding beyond an event that is merely a product of a Pinterest page, though Pinterest can be a good beginning point.
It’s also a good opportunity to hire professionals, even if your lightbulb of inspiration hasn’t fully come on.
The initial fragments of ideas could be transformed into reality by using an experienced designer or paying close focus to the specifics and specifications of your area.
Below are a few points to think about when contemplating a venue with no ambiance:
Setting up and Planning Your Space
It is important to arrange an on-site meeting with your designer/planner If you have one since they’ll be your primary contact with vendors.
If you are able, schedule your visit around the same date and time the wedding ceremony will take place. If there will be a ceremony that is designed for an early start, be sure to schedule your appointment later at the end of the afternoon.
If the event is scheduled to be held in the evening, you should try to schedule a later slot. This will let you know what the ideal lighting in the room will be like at this time of the day.
If you’re considering ways to divide up the space, you can think of the drape of curtains or any other fabric for an easy method to create a dramatic impact. You could also consider doing some construction to make temporary walls that make it easier to divide your space.
Everything is possible with the right budget and time. However, this is seldom an event; therefore, be sure you prioritize your budget as well as your time and your family members’ and friends’ time, especially if you’re counting on them to help you build specific elements.
Although the natural light and the acoustics in the venue at the time of your wedding aren’t very adjustable, There are a lot of ways to customize the atmosphere for your big day.
If you’re looking to soften the industrial feel, think about different types of lighting that can play off the rough edges to create a soft environment.
It is also worth considering what kinds of music or performers could assist in setting the scene to be used for your ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception.
Communications & Logistics
If you’re in a raw room, it is essential to consider all aspects of your guest’s experience, from helping them locate the right venue to setting the appropriate temperature.
It is typically one of the most challenging aspects of working with a rough space. That’s why it is beneficial and comforting to employ a professional wedding planner who is experienced and can give the planning to them.
If you are planning your venue for raw space, take into consideration the following factors:
Bathrooms There are restrooms available on the premises, or do you need to arrange for temporary facilities, such as executive restroom trailers, to be in place?
Heating and air. If the event is held indoors or outside, you’ll want to ensure that your guests are at ease. Think about both the temperature of the natural environment and other sources of cooling and heating to ensure that you and your guests remain relaxed and stress-free during your special day.
If your wedding is in September or April, then you might need to have cooling and heating options to choose from based on the weather conditions for the day.
Transportation Collaborate with the planner of your wedding as well as your transportation providers to coordinate your transportation.
The materials for the wedding must be delivered prior to the event, leaving plenty of time for setting up. If you can, think about the transportation and parking requirements for guests, too.
Kitchen Do you own an operational kitchen? Or do you have to collaborate with your caterer to make sure that they have the food already prepared and ready for serving? Do you require an additional kitchen tent that is equipped with extra power or an alternative generator?
Accessibility: Do you have accessibility for disabled people and elevators or ramps when needed? Is the parking area simple and easy to find?
The day of your wedding is an ideal occasion to reflect on the love story of your partner and celebrate your vows. If you decide to go this route in an open space, it can be an exciting and unique way to display your personality in a unique setting.
Two of my most memorable weddings featured a carnival-themed ceremony in a hangar at the airport (the groom and the bride’s father were avid aviation fans) as well as a lavish wedding held on an Equestrian farm (the groom’s work included racing horses, and the couple bonded during a country music group’s performances during their long-distance courtship and the band that wrote their first song for dance and played during the wedding reception.)
In my 20 years of experience as a wedding planner, trust me when I tell you any venue can create an amazing, personal backdrop for your wedding. Whatever platform you choose to choose for your wedding, I hope that it will make your wedding day memorable.
