When deciding on your perfect wedding venue, there are many factors to consider! Typically, the first decision is whether you would like to have an indoor or outdoor ceremony and reception. Some venue spaces offer a mix of both, for example, hosting your ceremony outdoors and holding your dinner and reception indoors. Recently, Barn Weddings have shot their way up to being the second most popular type of wedding venue. With a quick google search, you will find that Hotels, Barns, and Modern Venues are currently the top three most popular venue spaces for weddings.
Beachy venues will forever be a classic setting for a beautiful wedding day. With multiple locations in the South, we can’t help but be partial to a beachy wedding venue! A beach setting is so versatile; you can dress these types of spaces however you please! Beach weddings are incredibly romantic; the sounds of the waves, the sand between your toes, and the sun in your hair make for an unforgettable day.
Barn wedding venues have risen in popularity over the years for many reasons! Typically, these spaces offer indoor and outdoor options (AKA, a rain plan) and are often very customizable. Much like a beach wedding, a barn setting is very versatile and you can dress these spaces in a number of different ways. We’ve seen boho barn weddings, elegant barn weddings, and pretty much everything in between!
So, which type of wedding venue is best, Barn or Beachy setting? We’re here to break down some pros and cons for both wedding day settings!
Beachy Wedding Venues | Pros
As we previously mentioned, there is something so romantic about tying the knot whilst being surrounded by the natural beauty of the beach. Beach weddings are incredibly unique as they can range from a casual atmosphere, all the way up to a sophisticated type of wedding. Decorations and rentals can be very simple, taking advantage of the natural surroundings, or not! If you want to go all out with decorations, the beach is the perfect place to do that. Your color palette could be bright and vibrant, or soft and neutral; the possibilities are literally endless! What is for certain is that your beach wedding will be beautiful and can be accomplished with very little effort. You can be sure that your guests will, “ooooh,” and, “ahhhh,” over the incredible ocean views. If you’re planning a destination wedding and will have guests arriving a few days prior to your wedding day, a beach setting is a fabulous place for guests to stay occupied and entertained prior to your nuptials!
Chesapeake Bay Foundation
Beachy Wedding Venues | Cons
The main thing to consider when choosing a beach wedding venue is if they have a weather plan. While we can hope and pray for a beautiful sunny wedding day, unfortunately, that doesn’t always work out. This is why it is so crucial that your beach wedding venue has a rain plan! In addition to rain, you will also want to consider the time of year. Hurricane season runs from June through November and should definitely be kept in mind if you’re planning on a beach wedding, especially in the South!
When it comes to choosing your hair and makeup look for your big day, the main factor to consider is the wind. The beach is typically windy; it is very important to remember this, especially when deciding on your wedding day hairstyle! During your trial with your Updos For I Dos artists, mention that you will be saying, “I DO,” on the beach. We totally understand that you may be looking for long beautiful beach waves to flow with your beachy wedding, however, this may not be the most ideal style. For example, if your hair does not hold curl and you’re getting married on the beach, consider pinning (at least) some hair up to maintain some structure. Without pinning your hair up, it is pretty much a guarantee that your hair will blow in your and your loved ones' face while taking photos. With pinning (some) hair up, the odds are better for not having hair in your face in all of your photos. For example, cascading braided hairstyles are a great option for brides looking for the hair down effect
Barn Wedding Venues | Pros
Much like a beach wedding venue, barn weddings are incredibly versatile and customizable! Farm and barn wedding venues provide a rustic and natural backdrop for your wedding, which can be easily dressed up or down to match your desired theme. With high ceilings, large open spaces, and natural-wooden color schemes, these venues are perfect for any type of wedding. You can easily transform the barn’s “blank canvas” to create an unforgettable and unique setting for your big day! It doesn’t stop there; not only can the inside of your barn be glorious, but the outdoor photo opportunities are the big ticket at these types of venues. Typically, barns are located in the most scenic settings and provide endless options for photo backdrops! By choosing a barn venue, you can also take advantage of the great outdoors for your reception, ceremony, or both. We think this is the biggest perk of hosting your wedding day at a barn venue; the option of indoor or outdoor. No matter the weather or time of year, you can rest assured that you and your guests will be taken care of!
With a space so versatile, the possibilities of hair and makeup options are endless as well! If you’re going for boho bride vibes, check out boho hair and makeup looks! (Pssst - our Updos For I Dos Pinterest board is full of incredible boho options!) If you’re planning a more sophisticated barn wedding, head over to our Pinterest board for chic hairstyle inspiration!
Sweeney Barn
Barn Wedding Venues | Cons
The only con (we think) about barn weddings is the accessibility. If you have guests that require wheelchair access, this can sometimes be tricky at this type of venue. If you have a lot of elderly or handicapped loved ones attending, definitely ask the venue about whether or not they can easily accommodate them. Not only can the actual entryway be a challenge, but the venue location can be equally as challenging. Barn wedding venues are typically located on the outskirts of town and not very close to hotels or places for guests to stay. If your guests are not traveling far from home, it's important to consider the availability of parking! If the barn doesn't have paved parking spaces, and the ground is wet or muddy from rain, it can be difficult and messy for guests to park their cars and walk to and from the venue.
How to choose between a barn or a beach wedding?
When it comes to deciding whether a beach or barn venue is best suited for you, the most important thing you can do is research and tour different venues! We highly recommend considering the climate and the time of year when selecting your wedding venue. No matter what type of venue you choose for your event, Updos For I Dos will be there with our expertise and can’t wait to get you and your bridal party wedding day ready!
