Your Ultimate Guide To Planning a Big Barn Wedding

More and more couples are choosing barn wedding venues these days.

Today, we're going to give you the complete guide on how to plan a big barn wedding that'll make your day to remember even more memorable. Before all the breathtaking farm-centric photos, vows under the moonlight, and barn line dancing, there's an enormous amount of work that needs to be done.

Here are some of our best tips for planning your big barn wedding!

7 Tips for Planning a Barn Wedding

Look for Barn Wedding Venues

Before you settle on a private barn location, take a look in your area for barns that specialize in weddings. At Cold Creek Farm, we offer various wedding packages that have varying features depending on what your needs are. 

Not all barn wedding venues are going to be as well equipped as we are, with our 5500 sq/ft climate-controlled barn, DJ booth, full buffet, photographers, and event staff. Most barns are going to be, well...barns. 

If you're looking to get married in the gorgeous mountains of North Georgia, contact us for reservations. We're a family-run operation that has your best interests in mind. We offer the best parts of the barn wedding experience but give you all of the convenience of a standard wedding venue.

Set Aside Money for Extra Features

First and foremost, not all barns are created equally. More often than not, you're going to have to set aside some of your wedding budget to pay for things that might seem a bit mundane. 

We're talking basic lighting, a sound system for the officiant, a speaker system for the ceremony, tables, chairs, and catering. Even running water isn't necessarily a guarantee, so you'll want to ask all of the questions you can possibly think of when you start looking at barns.

Again, barns that are used to hosting weddings will have most of this stuff covered. But if you're just using a relative or friend's barn, be ready to make some renovations or updates.

Noise Complaints

Check on the sound ordinance rules in that particular area. Just because it's your big day doesn't mean that the neighbors are going to want you partying until the wee hours of the morning, dancing to loud music and singing at the top of your lungs. The proximity of the nearest property will probably determine how late your DJ can pump out the jams. 

Prep the Grounds

There's a chance you'll have to prep the grounds yourself. Think about it: barns are typically situated on farms, which aren't usually well-suited for hundreds of guests in tuxes and dresses. The mud, dirt, grass, and rocks might pose a problem for some of your guests.

If you're having elderly people at your wedding, this is especially problematic. Anyone with mobility issues will need some form of special treatment to get from their car to the barn. Rubber mats or sheets of plywood are good cheap solutions for when this situation arises.

Bugs, Weather, and Allergies, Oh My

The other thing you're going to be dealing with is the elements. Specifically, mosquitos, rain, storms, and plant allergies might run the risk of putting a damper on your party. When you decide to get married on a farm, these are the things you deal with.

Have can upon can of bug spray ready to go and line any pathways, smoking areas, and surround the barn with citronella torches. If your wedding is happening in the summer months, you'll want paper fans to combat the heat (barns aren't always designed with ventilation in mind) and umbrellas to block the rain.

Lastly, barns are full of allergenic things like hay, grass, and remnants of long-gone animals. You don't want people sneezing and wheezing through your vows, so allergy-proof the barn just to be safe. Put blankets over hay bales and put allergy drugs in the washrooms for people to grab if need be.

Bring a Change of Clothes

It's completely understandable to want your guests and your wedding party to show up in their formal wedding attire. Since you're going to be partying in a barn, however, you should allow for a wardrobe change after the ceremony is finished.

There's no denying that sandals, running shoes, or even galoshes are going to be more suited for moving around the farm than dress shoes and heels. Also, if it's a hot one, you'll want to ditch the suit jacket as soon as possible.

Arrange Rides

Last, but not least, you'll want to ensure that your guests are able to get home safely. Since there probably won't be accommodations on-site, you'll want to arrange for a school bus to periodically take guests from the barn to the nearest hotel, assuming you've blocked rooms off for the occasion.

For those left behind, you can always order some Ubers or taxis to the farm grounds to get back to the hotel. Under no circumstances should you let anyone that's had a few too many to drive their vehicle from the barn.

Start Planning Your Barn Wedding Today

Your dream barn wedding awaits! Now that you know what's in store, you can start searching for the perfect barn for your wedding today. When you're with a hundred of your closest friends and family members, there's no better place to be.

To book a barn for your North Georgia wedding, visit coldcreekfarm.com.