You have secured your date and found the perfect slice of paradise, perhaps a beachfront patch in Burleigh. While that blank canvas is beautiful, booking a dry hire wedding venue (where you rent an empty space without inclusions) means supplying everything yourself.

According to local event planners, mastering your wedding logistics starts by imagining a home dinner party, then scaling those exact requirements up to your full guest count.

To simplify everything, this guide follows a four-phase rental roadmap, covering structures, table scapes, atmosphere, and the “invisible” infrastructure that ensures your day runs flawlessly. You can explore all required items directly through Wedding Hire on Rentsy.

Seating & Structures: Why a Marquee Plan Is Your Best Insurance

Outdoor weddings on the Gold Coast are stunning but unpredictable weather (especially hinterland winds) means structure is everything.

A marquee (fully enclosed) provides full protection, while a pavilion offers shade only. When planning your layout, follow the “Rule of 100”:

• 100 guests = 100 sqm for dining (minimum)
• Add space for dance floor, bar, catering, and walkways

Browse suitable options here:
Wedding Marquee Hire

Furniture That Defines Your Atmosphere

Your furniture choices anchor the entire aesthetic. Explore options here:
Wedding Furniture Hire

Popular styles include:

• Bentwood chairs – relaxed coastal elegance
• Tiffany chairs – classic and formal
• Crossback chairs – rustic hinterland charm

Also consider:

• Ceremony arbours
• Signing tables
• Lounge seating for cocktail hou

Table scape Essentials: Glassware, Cutlery & Linen Done Right

Once your layout is locked, refine your guest experience through table styling.

Browse essentials here:
Wedding Tableware Hire

Linen Matters More Than You Think

Skip heavy fabrics, Gold Coast humidity demands breathable materials like:

• Stonewashed linen
• Lightweight textured cloths
• Neutral tones for a premium look

What You Actually Need (Per Guest)

For a formal wedding, plan:

• Dinner plate + side plate
• 3 cutlery pieces
• 4 glasses (water, wine, champagne, cocktail)

The 15% Buffer Rule

Always hire 15% extra glassware.

Browse glassware here:
Wedding Glassware Hire

Lighting & Atmosphere: From Sunset to Dance floor Energy

Without lighting, even the most beautiful setup disappears after sunset.

Explore options here:
Wedding Lighting Hire

The 4 Essential Lighting Zones

• Pathways – safety
• Dining – ambient glow
• Features – bar, cake
• Dancefloor – energy

Ground & Dance floor Setup

Outdoor setups often require levelling.

Wedding Dancefloor Hire

The “Invisible” Infrastructure: What Most Couples Forget

This is where weddings succeed or fail.

Explore essentials:
Wedding Equipment Hire

Power

Wedding Generator Hire

Refrigeration

Cool Room Hire for Weddings

Essentials Checklist

• Portable Toilet Hire
• Waste Management Hire

Logistics: Delivery, Setup & Pack-Down

One of the biggest hidden costs in dry hire weddings is logistics.

Using multiple vendors = multiple delivery fees.

To streamline everything:
Browse All Wedding Hire Options

Pro Tip: The “Flip”

• Reuse ceremony chairs for reception
• Move during cocktail hour

Pack-Down Matters

Avoid:

• Venue penalties
• Late-night vendor fees

Your 4-Step Action Plan

Final Thought: Build Comfort First, Then Style

Before locking anything in, ask:

• Are guests comfortable?
• Is everything accessible?
• Is weather accounted for?

Once infrastructure is solved, styling becomes effortless.

Start Building Your Wedding Setup

Explore Wedding Hire on Rentsy. From marquees to lighting, furniture to logistics, everything you need, in one place.