Barns can be styled for a sophisticated occasion or left unadorned for a more laid-back one. For weddings, they are a great option for every bride due to their versatility. Couples today are making decisions to start their lives together in ways that are consistent with their beliefs. Ninety per cent of the time that entails a suit rather than a tux, a Wedding gown that is the polar opposite of Princess Diana's, wedding guest dresses that are theme-specific, and homemade cocktails rather than expensive champagne. All of this is in a setting that is more casual and less uptown, like a Barn.

Australia is well-known for its charming farms with exquisite views and barns that have been transformed into gorgeous event venues. Imagine stunning vaulted ceilings with fairy lights, chandeliers, hurricane lamps hanging from wooden beams, vintage-inspired wrought-iron railings, and a fully stocked, rustic bar in the back serving homemade specialty drinks.

What about your barn? What would it take for you to achieve that level?

If you already own a farm with a barn and you are considering using it for your wedding or a grand feast, there are a few things you’ll need to consider. There are many steps that need to be taken in order to create the perfect space for your event. For example, you will need plenty of space, parking, and accessibility.

The second thing you need to do is decide what venue you plan on having. For example, if it's just for an intimate ceremony, you might not need as much space as if it were a reception. Moreover, you will need to decide if all this will be just for your party plans or if you intend on using the place afterwards as a commercial venue.

The third step is determining how much money you want to spend on the project. When renovating a barn for weddings and parties, this will depend on the size of your event and the level of detail that you want in terms of décor.

Lastly, there are some things that may be required by law when it comes to venues, such as fire safety equipment or wheelchair access.

How to turn my barn into a wedding venue or party venue

The beauty about transforming your barn for your own wedding or party is that it can be turned into a business afterwards. As a result, there are a few questions you’ll need to answer before you start your renovations.

1. Legal Requirements

What are Your Town's Ordinances and Zoning Codes?

Check the laws and Zoning regulations in your town. Research the zoning regulations that apply to your municipality, township, or city before marketing your barn as a dream wedding and party location. The majority of farms are not zoned for commercial businesses, but they are typically zoned for agricultural purposes. If you are not a zoned commercial, you will probably need to apply for a variance to your local zoning board. Additionally, you should look into the boundaries between residential and agricultural zoning because certain towns have regulations that prohibit businesses from operating in residential areas.

The presence and location of an industrial kitchen, the number and location of restrooms required, and the eligibility for a liquor licence are all subject to the zoning codes. There are specific regulations and application procedures. Follow each set of regulations to avoid losing your farm and other assets if you're found responsible for running an illegal wedding venue. Recall that zoning regulations are a local matter. You should always check with your local governing body to ensure you comply, even though your state might offer general guidelines on what's acceptable and what's not.

You must also abide by your local ordinances even if you have complied with all general zoning requirements. The success of a wedding venue can be swiftly derailed if you annoy your neighbours with loud music late at night or with mixed traffic at inconvenient times. For instance, most towns have set a time when music and lights must be turned off, typically between 10:00 and 11:00 p.m.

2. Planning and Evaluation

Planning and evaluation are the next steps in creating your dream wedding and party venue. Your barn should undergo a thorough, inside-out inspection by specialists. There may be planks in your barn that can no longer be repaired and must be replaced. Barn doors also tend to have a difficult life and frequently need repair. The paint comes next. Red is a common choice but considers other colours as well. The wagon doors and trim can be crisp white with grey accents to give the building a modern appearance. This will work well for different functions in the barn. The exact opposite, white with grey trim, conjures up images of a chapel. So you can decide on the look you are aiming for and what you think your future guests will like more.

3. Prepare the barn surfaces

The preparation of the surface is the project's most significant component. The quickest way to remove the old paint, dirt, cobwebs, and other debris is with a power washer. The power washer also easily handles the interior floor and rafters. Take special cleaning precautions and consider wearing respirators because the paint on your old barn is likely to contain lead. Attack any remaining paint with scrapers once the barn has had enough time to dry out completely. Replace planks that have been damaged and any other wood that requires repair. Finally, apply caulk to all windows, vents, and other openings.

4. Paint time

You're going to need more paint than you think. Don't be surprised if you only get 300 square feet from a gallon can that says 400 square feet because old wood absorbs it. This task will require a significant amount of ladder work or, if necessary, scaffolding, depending on the size of the barn. Depending on the state of the wood, you'll need to use brushes, rollers, and sprayers. Apply a second coat after the first one has dried. After that has dried, you can take a step back and admire your brand-new barn before you begin to stress about invitations, chair rentals, and where to find a cheap liquor store.

Summary

This article has provided some tips on how to renovate a barn for weddings and parties. It covers the steps you need to take in order to create the perfect space for your event. From legal requirements to planning and evaluation to preparing the barn’s surfaces and painting, each step is explained in detail. We certainly hope this information will help you to create the venue of your dreams.