Hidden Costs of Wedding Venue Hire and How to Avoid Them

When planning a wedding, choosing the perfect venue is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make. While wedding venue hire is often the first line on the budget, many couples are caught off guard by unexpected costs that arise later in the planning process. From corkage fees to equipment rentals, these hidden charges can stretch your budget and cause unnecessary stress. To help you stay in control, we’ve outlined the most common hidden costs associated with wedding venue hire – and how to avoid them.

1. Corkage Fees and Bar Charges

Many venues allow you to bring your own alcohol, but they may charge a corkage fee. This fee is applied per bottle of wine or champagne, and can quickly add up depending on your guest count.

How to avoid it: Always ask if corkage is included in your wedding venue hire or if there’s an in-house bar option. If you’re set on bringing your own drinks, try to negotiate corkage fees during your initial booking.

2. Power Supply for Outdoor Venue Hire

If you're opting for outdoor venue hire, especially in remote locations, you’ll likely need to consider power supply for lighting, music, and catering. These aren’t always included in the standard venue package.

How to avoid it: Clarify what power solutions the venue provides. If you’re hiring a Nordic Tipi or planning a tipi hire celebration, check if the structure includes lighting and if the provider can offer a generator.

3. Additional Furniture and Decor Rentals

Venues may not always include everything you see during your tour. Tables, chairs, linens, and even basic decorations could be added extras. This is particularly true with marquee hire or tipi hire, where providers often supply the structure only.

How to avoid it: Request a detailed list of what’s included in your wedding venue hire contract. If items are not listed, assume they’re not provided. Bundling services from a single supplier may save you money.

4. Site Access and Set-Up Charges

If your vendors require early access to set up, or if your event runs late and needs next-day breakdown, some venues will charge additional fees.

How to avoid it: Ask about access times and whether set-up and clean-up days are included. This is especially crucial for marquee hire or Nordic Tipi events, where set-up can take a full day.

5. Heating and Weather Protection

Outdoor weddings are beautiful but can be unpredictable. Many couples overlook the need for heaters, covered walkways, or flooring in case of rain or cold weather – especially when booking outdoor venue hire.

How to avoid it: Ensure your wedding venue hire includes options for heating or wet weather alternatives. If not, factor in the cost of heaters, flooring, or sidewalls when booking marquee hire or tipi hire.

6. Parking and Transport Costs

Some venues are charmingly remote but come with logistical challenges. Shuttle services, parking attendants, or permits may all incur extra costs.

How to avoid it: Ask about parking arrangements and whether any additional support is needed for guests. You might need to consider hiring transport or arranging pick-up/drop-off services, especially for countryside or outdoor venue hire.

7. Cleaning and Damage Deposits

Many couples don’t realise that a cleaning fee or damage deposit is often charged after the event. This can be a significant amount depending on the venue's terms.

How to avoid it: Clarify whether cleaning is included in your wedding venue hire. Some tipi hire or marquee hire providers include basic cleaning but not deep cleans or damage repairs. Make sure you know what’s expected.

8. VAT and Service Charges

Sometimes, the prices listed don’t include VAT or service fees, which can add a substantial amount to your final bill.

How to avoid it: Ensure all quotes are inclusive of VAT and service charges. It’s wise to ask for a final itemised quote before confirming any wedding venue hire.

Final Thoughts

Hiring a venue is more than just paying for a beautiful location; it’s about knowing exactly what’s included and what’s not. Whether you're dreaming of a traditional manor house, Nordic Tipi celebration, or scenic outdoor venue hire, being aware of hidden costs will help you stay on track financially.

If you're considering marquee hire or tipi hire, remember to ask for detailed quotes and itemised inclusions. These stunning alternatives can create magical memories, but they do come with logistical considerations.

By planning ahead and asking the right questions, you can avoid surprises and focus on what truly matters – celebrating your big day in the perfect setting.