Planning a wedding takes a ton of time, effort, and money. Lots and LOTS of money, according to Zola’s national wedding average. Rest assured, you don’t need to spend $30,000+ to have a beautiful wedding—you can still have a stunning celebration for a fraction of this cost. It just requires a little craftiness and savviness (and that’s where I come in!) In this guide, I’ll show you my step-by-step process for transforming a blank slate wedding venue into your dream celebration space.
Not only did I plan my own backyard wedding for under $20,000 (and let me tell you, we SPLURGED!), I also planned my cousin’s wedding for just $10,000 and have helped countless other couples plan their weddings for less.
The big secret? Going with blank slate, or DIY wedding venues. These do it yourself venues save you thousands—not only on rental costs but also through the flexibility they offer for catering, decorations, and more.
Of course, DIY venues come with their challenges. They don’t call them “do-it-yourself” for no reason. However, with the right strategies, you can turn any backyard, park lodge, or beach into the perfect wedding venue. Let’s dive into how to make it work!
Want to make sure you don’t miss a single detail?
Download my Free DIY Wedding Venue Checklist to ensure you’ve got everything covered—from rentals and decor to supplies and permits.
Your Step-by-Step Guide to Blank Slate Wedding Venue Logistics
I’ve used this process over and over again to transform DIY and blank slate venues into epic wedding celebrations. So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t stress. I’ve got you covered. Just take it one step at a time!
Section 1: Understand the Basics
1. Confirm what the venue provides.
Before diving into your plans, confirm what the venue provides. Understand what tables, chairs, lighting, or other equipment are included and what you’ll need to rent. Knowing this upfront will help you avoid surprises and budget appropriately.
2. Confirm what permits or special use permissions are required.
Double-check if you need permits for amplified sound, alcohol, or parking. Permits can take time to process, so handling this early will prevent last-minute headaches.
3. Take LOTS of photos. I mean it. Every angle!
When touring the venue, snap detailed photos of every space. Capture straight-on angles of indoor and outdoor areas. These photos will be invaluable when creating mock-ups for your layout and design later.
4. Create or request a floor plan
Some venues may provide a floor plan with measurements, but if not, create your own. Measure key areas like rooms, doorways, countertops, and walls—essentially anywhere you’re planning to use for decorations or major elements.
5. Visit at different times of day
Visit the venue at different times of day to get a sense of lighting, weather patterns, and any potential logistical issues. This step is especially important if your wedding will take place outdoors.
PRO TIP: Once you nail down these details, mark them on your printable checklist! It’s the easiest way to stay organized while you plan your DIY wedding.
Section 2: How to Use Tools to Tranform Your Blank Slate Wedding Venue Into Your Vision.
1. Create Floor Plan Mock-Ups Using SmartDraw
Whether you’re creating your own floor plan or using a venue-provided one, create layouts for both your ceremony and reception. Tools like SmartDraw (which offers a free trial) make it easy to visualize your setup and adjust logistics.
Here’s an example of one I made for a park lodge wedding venue:
2. Create mock-ups in Canva using all the photos you took!
Take your wedding design a step further by uploading your venue photos into Canva. Then, create mockups of each of your wedding setups, including your ceremony, reception tables, welcome table and more.
You can do this in two ways:
- Save images of decorations you love from Pinterest or Google, upload them to Canva, and remove the backgrounds to overlay them on your venue photos.
- Use Canva’s extensive library of assets to explore decor ideas and color palettes.
Here is an example before and after mock-up for the head table I created for that same park lodge wedding referenced above. Simply move the slider left to right to see the mock-up vs. final setup!
PRO TIP: Before picking specific decorations, start with a mood board. Use a free Canva template to combine photos of your venue with inspiration images. Play around until you’ve settled on a cohesive look, feel, and color scheme.
Section 3: Nail Down the Logistics of Your Blank Slate Wedding Venue Setup
1. Set Your Timeline Early
Confirm when you’ll have access to the space for setup and tear-down. If needed, request extra time and confirm any associated fees. Having a clear timeline will help you coordinate with vendors and your setup team.
2. Draft Clear Setup Instructions
Using the mock-ups you created, list out everything that needs to be set up for your ceremony and reception. Include details like table placements, decor installation, and lighting arrangements.
3. Gather the Troops
Setting up and tearing down a DIY venue takes more hands-on day-of support than an all-inclusive venue. Here’s how to prepare:
- Recruit Volunteers: Identify helpers well in advance and share your mock-ups and setup instructions with them.
- Assign Specific Tasks: Make sure everyone knows exactly what to do, when to arrive, and how long their tasks should take.
- Appoint a Lead: Assign one person to oversee the setup crew, direct vendors, and ensure everything goes according to plan.
4. Ensure You Have a Day-Of Venue Point of Contact
Have direct contact information for the venue manager or staff in case of last-minute needs or emergencies. This person can be a lifesaver on the big day.
Section 4: Delegate and Prepare for the Big Day
1. Appoint a Day-Of Coordinator
Even for a DIY wedding, you need someone to oversee setup and troubleshoot. This could be a professional coordinator or a trusted friend who’s up for the challenge.
2. Have a Setup and Breakdown Plan
Create a detailed schedule and assign tasks to your wedding party or helpers. A clear plan will keep everything running smoothly.
3. Stock an Emergency Kit
Prepare an emergency kit with essentials like tape, scissors, extra decor items, a sewing kit, and anything else that might come in handy during setup or the event.
4. Don’t Skip the Rehearsal
Whether it’s the day before or a week prior, don’t skip your rehearsal. Walking through the ceremony and setup will give everyone confidence and clarity for the big day.
Ready to Transform Your Blank Space Into Your Dream Wedding Venue?
Choosing a blank space wedding venue can be an incredible way to save money and create a unique, personalized celebration. While they do come with extra work, with the right preparation, tools, and team, your big day can be as magical and seamless as any traditional venue wedding.
Ready to get started? Download the free DIY Wedding Venue Checklist to make your planning process a breeze.
From rentals and decor to day-of coordination and emergency supplies, this checklist has everything you need to turn your DIY venue into the wedding space of your dreams—without breaking the bank!