The details that matter
Dry hire or an inclusive wedding venue: what changes?
Dry hire generally means hiring a space with more services arranged separately. An inclusive package bundles specified services. Neither label tells you the complete cost: compare the actual inclusions, responsibilities and compulsory extras.
What does dry hire include?
There is no safe assumption that every dry-hire offer includes the same equipment or support. Ask exactly what comes with the space: furniture, kitchen facilities, power, toilets, heating, cleaning, staffing and access hours. Some items may be included; others may need separate suppliers.
The useful question is “Who provides and manages this?” Work through each service and record whether the venue, a required supplier or your own supplier is responsible.
What does an inclusive package include?
A package can simplify the list of suppliers you arrange, but it still has a defined scope. Ask about the guest count, menu, drinks quantities, room hire, ceremony setup, evening food and staffing. Check which choices change the price and whether a required supplier, minimum spend or seasonal condition applies.
Do not assume accommodation or every drink is included because a package is described as inclusive. The quotation should identify those details.
How do the choices compare?
| Question | Dry hire | Package |
|---|---|---|
| Who arranges suppliers? | Check each service and any required list. | Check what the venue arranges and what remains yours. |
| What is the total? | Add separately quoted services to hire. | Add excluded items and compulsory supplements. |
| How flexible is it? | Confirm permissions, not just the label. | Confirm substitutions and their costs. |
Which format is better for your wedding?
Choose according to the services you want, the suppliers you wish to use and the amount of coordination you are comfortable taking on. A highly flexible space can be right for one couple and unnecessary work for another. Neither format is automatically cheaper.
Use the same date and guest brief for both options and ask for missing items in writing. Our venue-price comparison guide gives you a consistent way to read the responses.