Planning Your DIY Wedding? Here’s What you need to Know About Dry Hire Bar and Event Services
If you’re planning your own DIY wedding in a field, marquee, or garden at home, you’ve probably already realised there’s a lot more to think about than just flowers and food. One big decision is whether to choose a dry hire bar service and knowing what’s involved can save you stress (and money) on the run up to and the big day itself.
What is Dry Hire?
Dry hire simply means hiring the bar and certain bar equipment without stock or staff. You provide your own drinks, mixers, and glassware (if not included), and either run the bar yourself or arrange for your own team to serve.
For couples who want full control over what’s served and to make the most of wholesale prices, dry hire is a great option to consider. It’s especially popular for festival-style weddings, tipi weddings, and back garden celebrations where you’re creating everything from scratch.
Key Things to Consider for a Dry Hire Bar
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Licensing & Legalities
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You may need a Temporary Event Notice (TEN) if you plan to sell alcohol rather than just serve it for free.
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Check with your local council well in advance.
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Power & Water
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Does your venue (or garden) have the access, and power supply needed for fridges, lighting, or pumps?
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Consider water access for cleaning and glass rinsing.
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Glassware & Cooling
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Will you arrange the hire of your own real glassware or use posh plastic, and/or disposables?
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How will you keep drinks cold all day, especially in summer?
- Will you wash the glassware or send them back?
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Staffing & Service
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Who will serve the drinks? Friends, family, or professional staff?
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Make sure you have enough hands to keep service smooth, and avoid long queues during peak times.
- Who will ensure glasses are collected regularly keeping tables clear, and get them washed to keep service efficient?
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Waste & Recycling
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Have a plan for collecting empty bottles, cans, and glasses so your space and tables stays tidy during the event.
- Make provision for how, when and where you’ll recycle glass and rubbish for after the event.
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Delivery & Setup
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Check access for the bar unit and horsebox or trailer, as it will need level ground and enough turning space.
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Arrange delivery the day before if possible, so you or who you’ve arranged to do the bar service so you’re not rushing on the morning of your wedding or special event.
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It’s also really worth considering just how much work you want to take on for your own wedding or event as it can become stressful the closer the date comes and the run up to the event itself is meant to be a fun and an enjoyable part of getting married or celebrating something special.
Why The Big Fizz Dry Hire Works for DIY Weddings or Events
Our beautifully restored and converted vintage Rice Beaufort horsebox bar can be hired as a dry hire unit, giving you the flexibility to stock it exactly how you want. We’ll deliver and collect leaving you free to focus on running the event your way and celebrating. Whether you want it to blend with your rustic theme or stand out as a statement piece, it’s the perfect addition to a field or garden wedding.
Our dry hire fee is £600, and you can secure The Big Fizz for your event or wedding date, for a non-refundable deposit of just £250. So whether you want to dry hire with or without staff right now, as the date draws closer, if you then decide you would like staff or additional staff, and specific bespoke services and support, we can discuss how we may be able to assist you nearer the time if we have availability.