Dry Hire Venues for Hire in London

Your Guide to Hiring Dry Hire Venues in London

Dry hire party venues are blank canvases that allow you to make a space your own. If details are your thing, then adding a personal touch by sourcing your preferred caterer, decor and so on, will really help your event stand out from the pack. It’s no secret that choosing the right space can make or break an event. And although there are venues that can cater to your every need, there are also times when a higher level of flexibility and control is preferable. Whether you’re planning a punchy product launch or a big bar mitzvah bash, dry hire venues give you free rein to go with your choice of suppliers and bring your vision to life.

Don’t want to tie the knot in a venue where you’re obliged to use in-house catering, theming and styling? Here at Tagvenue, we list a range of dry hire wedding venues, from romantic rooftop spaces in central London to charming country houses on the city’s outskirts. Looking for a dry hire wedding space in the capital but aren’t sure where to start? Perhaps you’re after a gorgeous garden where you can set up a marquee, or maybe you’re on the lookout for a BYOB wedding venue for a bring-your-own-everything DIY wedding day – no matter what you’ve got in mind, it’s easy to find your dream dry hire wedding venue with our smart venue search engine.

But what about the cost? One of the bonuses of hiring a dry hire venue in London is that costs are often reduced, especially if your event doesn’t require much catering or you’ve got a cheap catering deal elsewhere. That being said, external caterers will have less or no experience working at your chosen venue, so they’ll be unfamiliar with the layout and access restrictions, which means you’ll have to work harder to make sure things run smoothly on the day.

Things to consider when booking London dry hire venues

• Organising the event will be entirely down to you, with more work and potential headaches – detailed planning and good project management skills are a must.
• Some venues are dry hire only, while others offer it as an option or don’t allow it at all.
• The location (north, south, east or west London) and accessibility (on-site parking, public transport connections, disabled access).
• The atmosphere (do you need something casual, like a local bar or dry hire pub for an end-of-year Christmas party, or are you looking for something a little more formal, like a blank canvas function room or town hall for a high school prom or corporate conference?).
• Historical buildings or museums can be difficult to theme without appearing tacky or over the top.

Tips and tricks

• Have a clear vision for your event.
• Establish what is and isn’t included in the London dry hire venue price - check which spaces and facilities are included and what furniture and equipment you can use, as well as who’ll supply linen, cutlery and service staff.
• Check the fine print. Dry hire is often much more affordable than traditional venue hire in London, but make sure to check any rules and restrictions before you sign the dotted line – some venues may require you to hire security of their choice or penalise you if the clean up is unsatisfactory.

Mastering Dry-Hire Logistics

Is this your first time hiring dry-hire venues? Or was the last party you organized a while ago? Regardless of your prior experience, managing the planning process of your gathering is crucial for a successful event. Dry-hire spaces provide the flexibility to customize the room according to your needs, but it also means taking on additional responsibilities. Let's take a look at some key points to keep in mind so your event will be a smooth and stress-free experience! 

Pre-Event 

• Schedule deliveries of catering or audiovisual equipment well in advance to ensure they arrive on time and are properly set up before the event begins. Remember, London traffic can be unpredictable and busy, so factor in extra time for deliveries to avoid last-minute scrambling. Additionally, inquiring about your chosen venue's unloading zones and any restrictions on delivery times can help you to get more accurate estimates. 

Setup

• Create a step-by-step setup plan outlining tasks, setting deadlines, and assigning responsibilities if necessary! This ensures everyone's on the same page and avoids last-minute scrambling. Include details like furniture arrangement, equipment installation, and technical setup requirements.

• Be well prepared for the installation process! Make sure you have access to essential tools like ladders, screwdrivers, extension cords, and cleaning supplies. Having the right tools readily available prevents delays and ensures a smooth setup process! 

• Don't forget the tech aspect of the setup process! Arrange for installing and testing all sound systems, lighting, projectors, and internet access well in advance. Double-check connections, test functionality thoroughly, and have backup solutions in place for potential glitches. 

Post-Event 

• Don't leave a mess! Establish a clear breakdown plan outlining separating furniture, packing equipment, and returning rentals. Assign specific tasks to team members and ensure everything is completed efficiently and thoroughly.

• Ensure thorough cleaning of the venue space as per the agreed-upon terms with the venue management. This includes sweeping floors, wiping down surfaces, and removing any decorations or leftover materials. Leave the space in the same condition you found it in, or even better!

• Properly dispose of all waste generated during the event. Separate recyclables from general waste and make arrangements for their appropriate disposal. Additionally, double-check that all hazardous materials are disposed of safely and in accordance with local regulations. Get familiar with garbage collection rules in London and any specific guidelines provided by the venue management. 

Planning an event from scratch can be challenging, but with proper planning and attention to detail, it can be a rewarding experience! Remember to communicate well with everyone involved, including the managers of your chosen venue, vendors, staff, and attendees. For more detailed guides on event management, check out our definitive event planning checklist!

FAQs about Dry Hire Venues in London

How much does it cost to hire a dry hire venue in London?

Dry hire venues in London offer an affordable option for hosting parties or events in a versatile space that can be easily customized to meet various needs. The cost of renting these venues in London varies based on their capacity, special features, and location. Prices are typically per hour, with rates starting from £50 for smaller spaces and exceeding £200 for larger venues. The best time to book a dry hire venue in London is during the week when it's less crowded and it's easier to secure your desired space. (All information from Tagvenue.)

Which areas of London have the best dry hire venues?

London is known for its vibrant and eclectic atmosphere, and that goes for its venues as well. You will have many types of spaces to choose from here, whether you're looking for a restaurant, a private room or something more extravagant. We recommend Shoreditch and Dalston in East London, as these areas are both full of character and amazing venues to boot! Dalston's history is rooted in the late 19th century when it was a thriving centre for the arts and industry and thus it features plenty of dry hire spaces that are suitable for grand occasions, while Shoreditch has more of an edgy feel and is a great place to hire a dry hire venue for events such as art exhibitions or music gigs. In South London, we recommend Clapham and Brixton for their character and charm. You can hire a dry hire venue in Clapham for all sorts of events, from weddings to theatre productions. Brixton is a great place to hire a venue for events such as festivals or conferences. In Central London, there are many options to choose from, particularly the conveniently located and always fashionable Covent Garden and Soho. You can easily hire dy hirre venues there for parties or weddings.

What occasions are great for booking a dry hire event venue in London?

Dry hire venues are perfect for any occasion that needs a space to be set up quickly and easily, without the burden of having to worry about adapting the event to the fixed set-up. Whether you're planning a wedding, a corporate event, or just a casual get-together with friends, hiring a dry hire venue in London is sure to make your event preparation enjoyable and stress-free. From stunning white-tablecloth venues to rustic barn spaces, there's always the perfect space for your particular event.

For weddings, dry hire venues are great because they're often more affordable than traditional venues and allow you to customise the space to fit your vision. You can add decor and lighting touches that make it feel like you've rented an entire castle while still keeping costs down. Corporate events are also well-suited to dry hire venues because they can be customised for any type of event, including presentations, product launches, or parties. You can choose from a wide range of options depending on whether you want something small and intimate or larger and more extravagant.

What are the benefits of hiring dry-hire venues?

Dry-hire venues give you the keys, literally, to unleash your event vision. You get to design every detail, from the menu to the music, without limitations. This level of customization allows your event to stand out and be truly unique, leaving a lasting impression on your guests. Plus, you can potentially save money if you're comfortable shopping around for individual vendors. You can compare prices and negotiate deals, potentially achieving more competitive rates compared to bundled packages offered by wet-hire venues.

But remember, with great freedom comes great responsibility. Planning and managing multiple vendors requires time, effort, and organization. Also, don't forget about the hidden costs!

While the venue rental itself might seem affordable, factor in equipment rentals, staffing needs, and potential permit fees. Make sure you have a comprehensive budget that accounts for all the necessary expenses.

Ultimately, dry-hire events shine for those with a clear vision, a love for planning, and the resources to manage it all. If convenience is key, a wet-hire venues might be your better fit. Weigh the pros and cons carefully to create an event that reflects you perfectly!