How to Choose the Right Barn Backdrop for Your Wedding

There's so much choice when it comes to choosing a wedding venue now that it's perhaps unsurprising that barns - what with their picturesque country setting and rustic charms, are increasingly sought after among couples planning their big day.
As with other types of venues, barns have variants, such as size and style, so it's worth doing some research to figure out what sort of barn you'd like to use for your big day. Keep reading for some considerations to think about when planning your barn wedding.

The Size of Your Wedding Party
Barns are available with a range of capacities so, whether you're hoping for an intimate gathering or something more elaborate, you should be able to find a barn that will accommodate the number of guests you want to invite.
Some venues have external facilities so they can hold more guests, such as marquees that can be accessed via French doors from the barn itself, or a glass orangery that is covered yet open at the sides.

Your Budget 
How much you have to spend on your big day will dictate - to some degree - the barn you choose for your wedding. If you find a barn you really like but can't quite stretch to, you might be able to free up a bit of money by scrapping unnecessary extras or deciding to make your invitations or favours by hand rather than buying them, for example. Often, the lower-key the celebration, the better it fits in with barns as venues, which are traditionally understated and rustic; a budget barn wedding can be as simple and cost-effective as you like.

The Style of Your Celebration 
What sort of ambiance and style you want to create for your wedding will influence the type of barn you choose for your big day. Some barns are attached to manor houses, while others are standalone venues, and you'll find them in lakeside, parkland and country settings. Inside, barns usually have wooden and brick elements, but the decor varies from barn to barn. Some buildings have been fully modernised in a minimalist, sleek style, while others retain their rustic features.

The Location 
Whereabouts the barn is positioned might be an important consideration within your plans; you might want a venue not too far from home so that all your friends and relatives based nearby will be able to attend. Alternatively, you might decide you want to get away from it all for your special day and choose a far-flung location tucked away in the countryside. Consider issues like how easy it will be for you to reach the venue, how well signposted it is and whether there is overnight accommodation at the site or nearby if the barn is based in a dimly-lit or remote location.

The Facilities 
In addition to the location of the barn, give some thought to the facilities on hand or nearby. If you're planning to say your I dos at the barn, is there also scope to use the venue for a meal and reception? If not, is there somewhere in the local vicinity you could use to continue your celebrations? Some barns have churches in the nearby area, which you might be able to hire for a traditional ceremony before visiting the barn for your reception, while others are equipped with catering facilities and a stage, so you can arrange for a band to play at your reception.