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What to Do Before Booking Your Rustic Barn Wedding Venue
- Adrienne Barnes
- Apr 8
- 4 min read
Congratulations on your engagement! As you embark on your wedding planning journey, one of the most exciting steps is choosing the perfect venue. At The Old Barns at Dry Run Farms, we understand that selecting the ideal location for your big day is a crucial decision. To make the process smoother, here’s a helpful guide to what you should do before booking your wedding venue.
Establish Your Budget
Setting a clear budget is the first step in narrowing down your venue options. Your venue is likely to be one of your biggest expenses, so understanding what you can afford will help you make an informed decision. Consider your overall wedding budget, including costs for catering, entertainment, flowers, photography, and more, and allocate a portion specifically for the venue. At The Old Barns, we pride ourselves on transparent pricing, so there are no hidden fees or surprises.
Start Planning Your Guest List
The size of your guest list plays a key role in selecting a venue that fits your vision. Do you want an intimate gathering with close family and friends, or are you planning a grand celebration? At The Old Barns, our expansive grounds can comfortably accommodate both small and large guest lists. Whether you're envisioning an outdoor ceremony in our tranquil gardens or a celebration in one of our charming barns, knowing your numbers will help guide your choice.
Choose Your Date or Season
While you don’t need an exact date set, narrowing down your preferred season or timeframe is important. Our venue offers flexibility for various wedding seasons, but remember that peak seasons, such as spring and fall, often fill up quickly. If you have a specific date in mind, reach out to us early to check availability. Choosing a date that aligns with the season will also help you make the most of our picturesque outdoor spaces.
Consider Your Venue Style
Think about the atmosphere you want to create for your wedding. Do you imagine a rustic barn wedding, an elegant garden celebration, or a charming outdoor ceremony by a peaceful pond? The Old Barns offers a variety of spaces to match different styles, whether you’re looking for a rustic barn reception or a romantic garden setting for your ceremony.
Think About Location
Consider how far your venue is from home or if you're planning a destination wedding. If many of your guests will be traveling, you’ll need to factor in lodging and transportation. The Old Barns is conveniently located just outside Columbus, Ohio, making it easy for guests to access, with nearby accommodations for those staying overnight. Even more convenient, we offer lodging for up to 22 people on property in our two repurposed barn homes. The Carpenter Barn can sleep 10-12 and boasts an in-ground pool and hot tub. The Justice Barn sleeps up to 10 and also has a hot tub. Coming this summer, we also will have a historic 1816 reconstructed log cabin just for the bride & groom on wedding night.
Research Venue Capacity
It’s essential to ensure the venue you choose can comfortably accommodate your guest list. Our venue can host groups of up to 280 when utilizing the upper level overlooking the dance floor. At The Old Barns, we offer plenty of flexibility, with both indoor and outdoor spaces available. Whether you’re hosting a small gathering or a larger celebration, we can cater to your needs while maintaining the charm and intimacy of our venue.
Reflect on Your Style
Your venue should reflect your personalities as a couple. If you want a traditional feel, a ballroom might be the right choice. If you're more inclined toward a rustic or outdoor wedding, our farm setting with its barns and open fields might be exactly what you’ve envisioned. Consider the atmosphere you want to create and how the venue can enhance your theme.
Ask the Right Questions
Before booking, make sure to ask essential questions to avoid any surprises. At The Old Barns, we believe in transparency and provide detailed information about everything that’s included in the rental fee, from tables and chairs to linens. It’s also important to inquire about cancellation policies, vendor flexibility, and time limits for your event.
Planning your wedding should be an exciting and stress-free experience, and choosing The Old Barns at Dry Run Farms can help ensure your big day is everything you’ve dreamed of. By following these steps before booking your rustic barn wedding venue, you’ll be better prepared to find a space that fits your vision, guest list, and budget. Start your journey with us and let us help make your wedding day unforgettable!
Thank you for stopping by our blog! We hope that you will consider hiring a locally owned wedding venue for your big celebration. Locally owned wedding venues provide the best wedding experience, they tend to have little to no turnover, they support the local economy and they are part of the community. In an effort to support locally owned wedding venues, we will feature six small business wedding venues in each of our blogs. Find locally owned wedding venues in the wedding venue map on
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