The True Cost of DIY Weddings: Why a Full-Service Venue Saves You Money
Why Adler Ranch is the Best Wedding Venue in Minnesota for a Stress-Free, Affordable Wedding
Planning a wedding is one of the most exciting times in life, but it’s no secret that costs can skyrocket quickly. Many couples look for ways to save money, and DIY wedding projects seem like a budget-friendly option. However, what starts as a cost-saving measure can often turn into a logistical headache, hidden expenses, and unexpected stress for everyone involved.
Instead of cutting corners, choosing a venue that offers comprehensive services—like Adler Ranch, a red barn wedding venue in MN—can actually save you money in the long run. If you’re searching for wedding locations near me that include everything you need without surprise costs, here’s why a wedding venue that has many inclusions in MN is the smartest investment. At Adler Ranch, we include so many items with the venue rental that result in a lower cost for you, as well as a setting that is so unique it requires very little decoration. In this wedding planning blog we’ll explain the true cost of DIY weddings: why a full-service venue saves you money.
Adler Ranch Wedding Venue, The True Cost of DIY Weddings: Why a Full-Service Venue Saves You Money
1. Photography & Videography: Professional Memories Are Worth It
One of the biggest regrets couples have is not hiring a professional photographer or videographer. Your wedding day is once in a lifetime, and these professionals capture memories you’ll cherish forever. A friend with a camera may not understand lighting, movement, or how to frame moments beautifully.
How Adler Ranch Saves You Money:
With breathtaking natural backdrops, the incredible vintage lighted sign collection resulting in neon-lit night scenes, and a curated vintage aesthetic, our venue naturally enhances your photos—reducing the need for extra décor or elaborate setups. We can even help you with a shot list of the best places to have photos at Adler Ranch!
Photography & Videography: Professional Memories Are Worth It
Eric Vest Photography
2. Wedding Coordination: The Key to a Smooth Day
A wedding planner or day-of coordinator ensures your event runs seamlessly. Without one, couples and their families can find themselves overwhelmed handling last-minute details instead of enjoying their big day.
How Adler Ranch Saves You Money:
Our team helps manage logistics so you don’t have to hire a separate coordinator for as many hours of your day, however, we still recommend one!
We offer vendor recommendations, timeline assistance, and day-of event management built into your venue rental. The vendors on our list have proven they can do the job and do it well! While we will handle many things, specific service from a Coordinator is worth the money! We will do all set up of furniture, the Coordinator will decorate. We will keep things clean over the duration of your event. We will clear the tables, collect the trash, monitor and maintain the restrooms and put away all the furniture and do all the cleaning at the end of your event.
Professional Food Service Matters
Trust your venue to direct you to the best caterers in the area! Great drinks, great vibes—the Grain Bin Bar at Adler Ranch makes every wedding feel unforgettable without the extra cost
The Depot Smokehouse & Tavern at The Grain Bin Bar!
3. Catering: Professional Food Service Matters
Food is one of the most memorable aspects of a wedding. Hiring a professional catering service ensures proper portion sizes, high-quality meals, and seamless service. Wedding catering is more than just the food, the caterer needs to provide service and serve the food safely. Trust your venue to direct you to the best caterers in the area!
How Adler Ranch Saves You Money:
We work with caterers familiar with our venue, so there are no surprise costs for kitchen setup or staff logistics. All our caterers bring staff and they know exactly what to do, how to do it and they all do it well! The food is also affordable, tastes incredible and is safely prepared!
Our Grain Bin Bar offers a unique yet functional beverage service area—saving you from renting an additional bar setup. Bartenders are included!
Cocktail hour at Adler Ranch, where from ‘I do’ to last call at the Grain Bin Bar, Adler Ranch is the affordable wedding venue near me that brings wedding dreams to life!
4. Entertainment: A DJ or Band Keeps the Energy Alive
A professional DJ or live band keeps the party going, reads the crowd, and avoids awkward silences. A DIY playlist might seem cost-effective, but it lacks the engagement a professional brings. We have space for the live band and we’ve also had the live band outside in the large venue grounds which was a great time for all involved!
How Adler Ranch Saves You Money:
We quickly create space by flipping a few tables—ensuring a seamless transition from dinner to dancing without additional rentals.
Our venue layout supports a smooth audio setup, eliminating the need for extra sound equipment rentals.
The Blonde & The Bohunk at Adler Ranch
We love live music! We especially love LOCAL LIVE MUSIC! Host your live band for your wedding dance using either our venue reception space, or on stage in the vast venue yard! Live music under the stars—Adler Ranch sets the stage for an unforgettable wedding celebration
5. Venue: The Right Choice Eliminates Hidden Costs
Choosing the right wedding venue in Minnesota is about more than just aesthetics—it’s about logistics. A backyard wedding or a DIY venue might seem affordable, but when you factor in chair and table rentals, lighting, restrooms, and weather contingency plans, trash management and parking, costs quickly escalate.
How Adler Ranch Saves You Money:
We provide tables, chairs, setup and teardown services, eliminating rental fees. We also provide a Something Borrowed Collection for you to use for free!
Our indoor and outdoor spaces allow for flexible setups without additional tent rentals.
You get built-in amenities like restrooms, parking, and designated bar areas, avoiding extra expenses.
We do ALL the cleanup, we bus the tables, put away the furniture and clean the floor. All you and your family do at the end of your event is collect your gifts, cards and any decor you’ve brought! And, you can use our decor also!
The S’more Bar At Adler Ranch Wedding Venue, A cozy fire, gooey s’mores, and great company—Adler Ranch brings sweet moments to every wedding
6. Florals & Decor: The Professional Difference
DIY florals may sound fun, but they require proper storage, handling, and assembly on the big day. Professionals ensure everything is fresh, balanced, and placed correctly. And don’t forget, if Aunt Suzie brings bunches of flowers to the venue and sets them up, she also creates a great big mess requiring clean up also!
How Adler Ranch Saves You Money:
Our Something Borrowed Collection includes a variety of decor items—whiskey barrels, centerpiece options, and unique vintage accents—saving you from buying or renting additional decor.
Our local area has options for Decor and florals that can be delivered and even set up on wedding day! Ask us for our vendor referrals! We even have a floral RENTAL vendor that has done great work!
7. Hair & Makeup: A Flawless Look Lasts All Day
Your wedding photos last a lifetime, so professional hair and makeup artists ensure you look your best. DIY attempts can lead to smudging, mismatched tones, or styles that don’t hold up all day.
How Adler Ranch Saves You Money:
We offer wedding party suites (The Cabin and The Gas Station) for comfortable hair and makeup prep—eliminating the need to rent a hotel room for getting ready. Additional hours can be rented for your package if you’d like more time in the The Cabin for HMU. We also have local recommendations for HMU so you can avoid travel fees by hiring local! If having your HMU completed at a Salon is more your vibe, Alexandria MN, (within 5 miles of the venue) has great options for HMU on your wedding day as well.
The Adler Ranch Cabin
The Cabin is one of two wedding party suites offered at Adler Ranch. The Cabin at Adler Ranch offers the perfect cozy retreat for the wedding party to relax and refresh on the big day.
8. Attire Alterations: The Importance of a Perfect Fit
Your wedding attire should fit like a dream. Skipping professional alterations can result in discomfort and wardrobe malfunctions.
How Adler Ranch Saves You Money:
Ask us for recommendations of local stores for your wedding attire! Alexandria has local options and they all do a great job!
Our wedding couples love our Cabin and Kurt’s Gas Station, two wedding party suites that are available for use until your reception starts and are always included in your wedding rental packages. They’re a great place to get dressed and enjoy some your wedding party lunch and hang out before the wedding begins.
German Beer Garden tables at Adler Ranch, easy extra seating and included in your rental.
A wedding day as unique as you are—at an affordable wedding venue near me that blends vintage charm with modern convenience
9. Transportation: Keeping Guests on Schedule
Coordinating guest transportation ensures that everyone arrives on time. Relying on personal vehicles can cause confusion and delays.
How Adler Ranch Saves You Money:
With on-site parking and clear venue directions, transportation is simplified. While we don’t allow any overnight camping, cars are welcome to stay overnight. We also have vendor options for safe shuttles to ensure the safety of your guests!
Serving up unforgettable moments—Adler Ranch’s Grain Bin Bar is just one more reason it’s the best affordable wedding venue near me Max Craven Photography
10. Rentals: The Details Matter
Low-quality rentals can clash with your vision and result in added stress. Professional rentals ensure everything is clean, matching, and photo-ready.
Rentals: The Details Matter
We have recommendations of vetted rental companies for those times you need some extra space!
How Adler Ranch Saves You Money:
Tables, chairs, vintage decor, and additional seating are included in our venue package—eliminating the need for costly rentals.
Our German beer garden tables offer additional outdoor seating at no extra charge. We also have fun outdoor bar seating areas at our Silo Bar, our Conoco Bar area and our luggage bar cart! These vintage bar seating areas are one of a kind and our wedding couples and their guests have been loving them!
If you still need rentals, we have recommendations of vetted rental companies that are local to the area and do great work!
Final Thoughts: The True Cost of DIY vs a Full-Service Venue
At first glance, DIY might seem like the more affordable option, but hidden expenses, time, and stress quickly add up. A wedding venue like Adler Ranch helps simplify your planning by including key amenities, built-in rentals, and a stunning backdrop—all in one package.
If you're searching for affordable wedding locations near me that combine breathtaking scenery with practical cost-saving advantages, Adler Ranch is the ideal choice.
Ready to Say 'I Do' at Adler Ranch?
Contact us today to schedule a tour and see why Adler Ranch is one of the best wedding venues in Minnesota for couples who want a seamless, beautiful, affordable and budget-friendly wedding day.
At Adler Ranch, we take pride in being an independently owned and operated wedding venue, nestled in the picturesque lakes area of Alexandria, MN. When you celebrate your wedding with us, you’ll experience the care, dedication, and attention to detail that only a family-run venue can offer. Every detail of your day is handled with the intention to make it as extraordinary as your love story. Hosting only a limited number of weddings each season allows us to provide the personalized attention and intentional moments that make your celebration unforgettable.
What truly sets Adler Ranch apart is our unparalleled collection of vintage signs—treasures we’ve lovingly gathered over 35 years. This carefully curated collection adds a unique charm, character and history to your wedding day, offering a backdrop like no other venue in the area. The signs tell their own story, creating the perfect setting for capturing memories that will last a lifetime and offering a setting for wedding photography like none other.
For more wedding inspiration, planning tips, and engagement advice, be sure to follow Adler Ranch on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok. Let’s make your dream day a reality! 💕Thanks for visiting! ~Marlys
Adler Ranch Wedding Venue, located two hours from both the Minneapolis MN and Fargo ND areas, one hour from ST Cloud MN
Adler Ranch is a locally owned and operated business. We sincerely hope to encourage couples to learn more about the value and importance of choosing a locally owned business when it’s time to book your wedding venue & vendors. With locally owned venues you will often see a higher level of hospitality, better communication and a greater desire to truly ensure your wedding exceeds expectations. We are thrilled to support wedding venue owners from around the country with a weekly shout out in our blog. you can find locally owned wedding venues featured on this wedding venue map.
A shout out to these independently owned wedding venues located around the country that offer their support and encouragement: Lambermont Events, Arcadia Academy, Pleasant Pastures, Price Creek Events, Springhaus Farm Blog, Cakes Rock Media The Venue 112 Contact, Vista West Ranch Contact, The Creek House Contact, Antler Ridge Contact, 5 Family Ranch Contact
