The Most Rock n' Roll DIY Wedding Venue in Scotland

DIY wedding venue Scotland - Claire and Andrew

I cannot believe how cool this wedding was. If you’re a live music fan you will know just how ICONIC the Barrowland Ballroom is. Everyone who is anyone in the music industry has played there from Oasis to Blondie, Iggy Pop to David Bowie. Even Britney Spears has taken to the Barrowland’s stage!

The Barrowland isn’t a traditional wedding venue by any stretch of the imagination. However, when it came to choosing their wedding venue Claire and Andrew knew they wanted somewhere that would reflect their love of music. Throughout their relationship they have seen numerous bands and singers at the Ballroom and so it stood to good reason this was the place they really wanted to hold their wedding. Luckily enough they were able to make it happen.

Barrowland Ballroom wedding

Claire and Andrew reached out to me in September 2021. They’d planned most of the wedding themselves, from the ceremony at the Glasgow University Memorial Chapel to the reception at the Barrowland Ballroom. They knew that with all the moving parts, a non traditional blank canvas reception venue and two locations they needed support. Those weeks heading up to the wedding would need a go between, someone to be a point of contact for the numerous suppliers involved, someone to pull it all together and help with set up the day before and someone to coordinate on the day. That’s where I came in with my Final Few Weeks + On The Day service.

DIY Glasgow city centre wedding

Following their wedding ceremony at the beautiful and atmospheric Glasgow University Memorial Chapel there was time for a quick drinks reception in the Cloisters - another iconic Glasgow spot. So many couples get their wedding photos taken there, it’s stunning.

Then everyone headed over to the Barrowland Ballroom to party. And when I say party I mean PARTY! Claire and Andrew wanted their wedding reception to feel like a gig, they’d gone all out. The decor, most of which they did themselves, was just amazing. There was so much detail, with neon signs (some hired, some their own), stationery artwork all drawn by Andrew, they’d designed a table plan and the tables were all named after bands they’d seen at the Barrowland. Incredible!

However, they didn’t do it all alone, oh no. They’d assembled an absolute wonder team of suppliers. Everyone was amazing, Floral Menagerie created the most awesome florals, transporting them between the chapel and Ballroom. The Little Cake Parlour had put together an epic dessert and cake table - all vegan. Ronit Quayle had written and led their Humanist ceremony, that was a real joy to listen to and really summed up Claire and Andrew as a couple.

And of course, I can’t miss out the super talented Euan Robertson who was on photographer duties. He’s a gig and wedding photographer - what a combo! - so this was right up his street. His photos are perfect and absolutely encapsulate the live music feel that Claire and Andrew wanted.

For both Claire and Andrew it was so important that their reception felt like a gig. They went to town, with a big guest list (loads of friends turned up in the evening) and a brilliant live band. The Barrowland was packed out and The Get Down band absolutely nailed it. The dancefloor was heaving… there was even a mosh pit. Not something you normally see at a wedding that's for sure!

What Claire and Andrew did best though was to fully embrace their day. They were so relaxed and chilled out, they knew they didn’t want to stress or worry about anything on the day which is why they booked me. I was able to take everything off their hands leaving them free to enjoy and have fun in the run up to the wedding and on the day itself.

They had the most fantastic day, Their wedding celebration was an absolute triumph for them! It was completely and utterly about the two of them, their love for each other, their love of music and their love of partying with their favourite people. It was also one of the most epic gigs I’ve ever experienced!

Are you looking for a diy wedding venue planner in Scotland? Look no further! Contact me here so we can chat all about your plans.