Charm and realness

New England has a lot of history and each barn has its own story to tell. One of the most important things to think about when choosing a place is how real it is. You don't just want any old barn you want one that has a story and a personality.

First think about the barn's history. Was it ever used as a barn or was it only built for weddings? There is something special about a barn that used to hold animals and hay. The wooden beams of the house remind you of hard work and simpler times. Learn more about the barn's past. Most property owners are happy to talk to you about their property.

Also pay attention to the small details in the architecture. A well maintained classic building will have a lot of different textures such as old wood stone accents and wrought iron fixtures. These things not only look good in pictures but they also make your ceremony and reception feel more real. You could look at sites like WeddingWire to help you find venues that are truly charming.

The Setting and the Place

Think of fields full of green grass in the summer and landscapes covered in snow in the winter. There is more to New England than just the beautiful scenery all year long.

First think about where it is and how easy it will be for guests to get there. You probably want to invite people from all over the country and maybe even from other countries. How easy is it for them to get to your house? Look for barns that aren't too far from Boston Providence or other big cities or airports. It should be easy to find but it should also feel like a vacation.

Next think about the natural world. Do you know of any nearby gardens orchards or ponds that would be great places to take pictures? You don't need a lot of extra decorations to make your wedding look grand. Just use the trees and plants around you. Look at the area around the barn. Will the pictures have power lines in them or will they show only beautiful untouched nature?

Places to stay and things to do

The rustic charm of a barn is a big draw but don't forget about the modern comforts that can make or break an event. If your guests are going to be with you for a whole day or more you should make sure they are comfortable.

First things first does the barn have air conditioning or heating? Because the weather in New England can change quickly you should make sure your guests are always comfortable. You also don't have to rent heaters or fans at the last minute with these systems.

Consider the state of the bathroom. A lot of barns don't have running water so they use portable toilets instead. If that's the case check to see if they are in good shape and think about whether or not you want them for your big day. Some places have portable restrooms that are sleek and high end and they look almost like a regular bathroom. These can save lives and are very helpful to your guests.

Services and being able to change things

A barn wedding venue that can change what it offers can be a big plus. Not every couple wants the same thing so it's important to be able to plan your wedding the way you want it.

Talk about what you get when you rent the space. Will you have to rent tables chairs linens and decorations separately or are they all included? Some places offer all inclusive packages that make planning easier while others let you start from scratch. Do you want to be in charge of every little thing or do you want to make things easier by choosing all inclusive options?

Consider the options for food. Can you bring your own food or does the venue have a list of caterers they like? Some barns have their own catering that goes well with the mood of the place. Make sure your team has a place to get ready if you want to bring them in. This will help them do their jobs well. On the day of the wedding no one wants to have to deal with problems with the logistics.

Prices and Agreements

Let's talk about the budget now. Weddings and barn venues can both be expensive even though they are both charming in a rustic way. Knowing how much money you have to spend ahead of time can help you make choices and avoid surprises.

Know how much you can spend and stick to that amount. When you talk to venues be honest about how much money you have. Many planners are happy to help you plan a memorable day that fits your budget. Remember that negotiating is a normal part of the process. Be careful of extra costs that aren't obvious like service charges tips or overtime.

Look over the payment plans and deposits. What part is due when you sign and are there ways to get your money back if something goes wrong? It's a good idea to include pandemic related clauses in your contract because things are so uncertain right now. Websites like NOLO give you useful information about the most important parts of a contract so that you can be sure to cover all your bases.

Lastly think about what the price of the venue means in terms of value. In the long run a more expensive venue with a lot of options can save you money because you won't have to rent extra things or services. Look at different venues and what they offer to find a balance between what you want and what you can afford.

There are so many options for planning a barn wedding in New England which is naturally beautiful and charming. But it's important to make sure that the venue fits your needs and vision not just how it looks. With these things in mind you're well on your way to making memories that will last a lifetime.