Dry hire venues are a dream for modern couples who want to ditch tradition and create something completely their own. If you’re planning a non-traditional wedding or event in London, chances are you’ve come across the term “dry hire”—and might be wondering what it really means.
At Dita Rosted Events, we love working with unique, blank canvas spaces like MKII, Longfield Hall, One Friendly Place, and The Roost. We offer full planning, on-the-day coordination, bar services, venue styling, and décor hire—all tailored specifically to dry hire venues.
Here’s what you need to know.
What is a Dry Hire Venue?
A dry hire venue is a space-only hire—meaning you’ll get the venue, but everything else (furniture, catering, bar, décor, coordination) is up to you.
It’s ideal if you want creative freedom and control over every detail.
Why Choose a Dry Hire Venue in London?
London is packed with incredible, unusual venues—from light-filled studios to old music halls, warehouses, and eclectic townhouses. Dry hire gives you access to these character-filled spaces without being tied into a cookie-cutter package.
A few of our favourites:
Longfield Hall in Camberwell: A Grade II-listed Victorian hall with original architectural features—ideal for elegant, nostalgic, or community-focused celebrations.
Venue dressing & styling at Longfield Hall, Camberwell - provided a full bar service as well. Created freestanding clouds and table decorations using dried and preserved flowers.📷 Jess Jill Photos / DR Events
The Roost in Dalston: A Victorian townhouse filled with vintage furniture, moody lighting, and layered textures—perfect for editorial-style weddings or intimate parties.
The DR Events Bar Team at a fab 50th Birthday party at The Roost in Dalston.📷 DR Events
One Friendly Place in Deptford: A quirky, multi-level venue packed with character, colourful rooms, and rooftop access—great for bold, creative couples.
First floor styling of One Friendly Place for a very special birthday party. Eccentric and fun!📷 DR Events
MKII in Clapton: A blank canvas warehouse with industrial charm and beautiful natural light—perfect for minimalist or contemporary styling.
Ceremony & backdrop styling at MKII in Clapton. Rustic & modern - using a mix of textures with the soft fabrics and greenery. Added in fun touches with the mirror balls and the festoon lighting to nicely frame.📷 DR Events
MKII in Clapton: A blank canvas dry hire warehouse with industrial charm and beautiful natural light—perfect for minimalist or contemporary styling.
What You’ll Need to Think About (and How We Help)
Dry hire venues don’t come with much—but that’s where we come in.
1. Planning & On-the-Day Coordination
Dry hire means there’s no in-house coordinator. We step in to:
Build a stress-free timeline, troubleshoot & come up with creative solutions
Manage your suppliers - and finding them too! We have a long list of trusted go to’s
Handle logistics and flow on the day - the works that happens behind the scenes is plentiful and too long of a list to mention - just know it’s all covered!
You relax and enjoy—while we make sure everything runs smoothly behind the scenes.
2. Bar Service
No bar? No problem. We provide:
Bespoke bar setups (indoor or outdoor)
Signature cocktails, curated drinks menus
Professional bartenders and all equipment
Whether you want a cocktail hour, make your own drinks station or espresso martinis for dessert—we’ve got you covered.
📷 Jess Jill Photos / DR Events
3. Décor Hire, Styling & Sustainability
Dried & preserved flowers and foliage for a sustainable take on table decorations. Created by Dita Rosted Events.
Dry hire spaces are blank for a reason—you get to make them yours.
We offer:
Full styling & design: Moodboards, layouts, colour stories, tablescapes
Décor hire from our in-house styling prop studio: Think mix of style candle holders, bud vases, textiles, draping, lighting, mirror balls, signage, projectors and so much more. It's full of versatile pieces we reuse again and again—so you can rent, recycle, and avoid unnecessary buying.
Eco-conscious floral design: Our dried and preserved flower arrangements are long-lasting, biodegradable, and designed to be reused. Less waste, more beauty.
On-site setup & breakdown: So you don’t lift a finger on the day
Our aesthetic is flexible, modern, fun, never ever cookie-cutter and always personal. Whether you want bold colour, moody textures, or a clean minimalist vibe—we’ll create something that reflects you.
Questions to Ask When Viewing a Dry Hire Venue
What’s included in the hire fee (tables, lighting, kitchen access)?
Are there any noise curfews or time restrictions?
Is there parking or easy access for suppliers?
Can you use your own suppliers—or are there restrictions?
What’s the power and facilities setup like?
Need help choosing the right one? We’ve worked at many of London’s most exciting dry hire venues—and we’re happy to recommend the perfect fit for your vibe and budget.
Final Thoughts
Dry hire isn’t for everyone—but if you want a rule-free, fun, creative design-led celebration in a unique, unusual, one-of-a-kind London venue, it’s the best way to go.
With the right team (that’s us!), these spaces can be transformed into something magical—without the waste, stress, or standardised packages.
MKII in Lower Clapton, London | Dita Rosted Events Wedding Planning & Styling | Decor Prop Box South London Events Planning Studio
Ready to plan a one-of-a-kind event in a dry hire venue?
We’d love to hear your ideas. Let’s make events that are spoken about for years! #bestweddingever
Get in touch or email us at dita@ditarostedevents.co.uk]
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