A barn can be used for a variety of purposes. When you want to create something like a wedding venue, a barn is one of the most affordable options. That, however, does not mean that creating a barn wedding venue is easy.
Today, I will share with you how to start a barn wedding venue. Once you go through the article below, it will become easier to start a barn wedding venue.
How to start a barn wedding venue?
To start a barn wedding venue, you have to research the competition; after that, look at your finances, choose the right location, go ahead with repairs and renovation, creating a network of vendors, launch your venue, and market your venue.
I will go into the details of all the steps below. Once you go through this guide, it will become easier for you to start your barn venue.
1. Research the competition:
The very 1st thing you need to do is look at the other barn venues in your area. Not only that, you have to look at the other kinds of wedding venues in your area as well.
You have to find the most popular wedding venues and discover why they are so popular.
Once you conduct this exercise, it will become easier to research the competition.
Not only that, you have to look at the amount they charge as well.
By doing complete market research, it will become easier to find out whether it is viable to start a barn venue in your area or not.
For example, if your area is crowded with barn venues, starting one might not be that much of a good idea.
With proper research, it will undoubtedly become easier to take this decision.
2. Do not ignore the finances:
Whether you’re starting a barn wedding venue or a normal one, it is crucial to look at the finances. You have to find answers to questions like:
• How much will it cost to start a barn venue?
• What can you charge per booking?
• Can you find investors?
• Will you be able to access financing through banks or other institutions?
• How much will the upkeep and maintenance of the barn venue require?
Creating a proper business plan is easy once you find answers to these questions.
3. Choose the right location:
You need to keep in mind that for any wedding venue, the location is pretty important. The same is true for a barn venue as well.
The backdrop of any wedding venue plays a vital role in its success. If concrete buildings surround it, such a wedding venue might not be good enough.
You need something like hills or a natural backdrop for the barn venue.
If you have such a backdrop in your private residence and it has a lot of land, you can create one such venue in your backyard as well.
However, before you opt for financing, you had to take a look at the zoning laws and the building regulations. Once you do so, after that only, it will become easier to start a barn venue.
4. Do not skimp on renovations and repairs:
If you’re erecting the entire structure from scratch, there is not much maintenance or renovation work needed. However, if you’re working on an existing barn, it is essential to carefully do the renovations and repairs.
Many people skimp on them. However, you have to remember that proper space is needed for things like:
• Bathrooms
• Catering space
• Parking
• Entrance and exits
• And so on
When working on the barn, it is crucial to take into account these areas. Once you do so, it will undoubtedly become easier for you to plan the barn properly as a wedding venue.
Moreover, you might need to add specific areas to the barn as well, like the kitchen area, bridal suite, and so on.
The best thing is to hire an architect to help you out. Once you do that, it will become easier to build a proper barn venue.
5. Create a network of vendors:
While planning the wedding, nobody likes to deal with multiple vendors. If you want to create a robust business plan, it is crucial to create a network of vendors. These can include:
• Debtors
• Event organizers
• Decorators
• Valet providers
• And so on
That way, you can provide a seamless experience to your clients as well.
You need to create an open-vendor policy. This will ensure that if someone wants to bring their vendors, they can certainly do so.
Once you provide these options to your clients, your bookings will undoubtedly go up.
6. Launch the venue:
You need to officially launch your venue to let the public know that your venue is available for wedding bookings. You cannot just create and expect everyone will come to know.
To launch your venue the right way, follow the tips below:
• You can keep a launch party. Sure enough, it will cost you, but it will certainly let everyone know that your venue is available.
• You have to keep the prices low at the start to get some bookings.
• During the construction phase, you can contact your friends and relatives with pictures and videos of the venue. Chances are, you might be able to get your first bookings if you keep the prices low.
Using these 3 tips, you can launch your venue in a effective manner.
7. Market as much as you can:
Your work doesn’t get over after the launch. In fact, after the launch, you have to take specific extra steps which can help you get more bookings. This involves marketing your venue as much as you can. I will highlight ways in which you can do so.
• Social Media:
You have to create channels or pages on different social media networks and consistently upload content on the social media networks. Reaching out to broader audience is easy using social media.
• Among event managers:
Let all event managers in the area know that your wedding venue is available. Offer them specific special deals as well. The reason for the same is that they can bring you consistent bookings. Once you offer them lucrative deals, it is easy to keep your wedding venue booked throughout the season.
• Use venue directory websites:
There are numerous venue directory websites available. Once you list your venue on these websites, you will easily get more and more bookings.
Some of these websites are Venues by Tripleseat, EventUp. Once you list them on these websites, it becomes easy for your target audience to find your venue.
• Create a website:
The most obvious thing is to create a website for your wedding venue. It will allow your audience to find your wedding venue through search engines.
Not only that, you can take bookings and inquiries through the same as well. It will widen your reach.
Using these 4 tips, it is easy to market your venue as well.
So, if you’re planning to start a barn wedding venue, this guide can come to your rescue. I have highlighted the most necessary steps which you need to undertake. These steps will help you make your barn venue successful.
If you’re looking for some accessories for your barn wedding venue, you can go through my post on solar barn light, remote control outdoor floodlights here and here. These will help you choose the best accessories.