So you have decided to get married, congratulations!
But now the planning begins. There are a million and one things that need attention – from seating arrangements to menu cards, from photography to DJ – nothing is spared.
And then there’s the wedding venue that needs to be planned well in advance.
As a debutant bride-to-be, it is important that you choose the right wedding venue for your big day.
And if you are planning to tie the knot, here is what you need to put into consideration:
1. The Function Hall:
The function hall of a good and reliable wedding hotel can be customized into different layouts and designs depending on your specific requirements.
It will depend on how many people are attending your wedding – whether it is going to be an intimate family affair or a grand bash where everyone has been invited.
A multipurpose hall that can accommodate 500-700 guests in one go may be ideal for small weddings with around 150-200 guests while a banquet hall that caters to about 50-100 guests would do just fine if you’re planning a slightly more intimate ceremony.
A smaller banquet hall may be suitable for weddings where the guests are around 300-350.
2. The Venue Location:
While hotel venues are great because of their convenience, they are not always easily accessible.
Additional charges may have to be borne by you, which will depend on how far away the venue is from your home or wedding location (which can also be another hotel).
So it is important that you check with the place whether there is any additional transport cost involved before booking the place.
Also ensure whether there is ample parking space available and then book accordingly.
3. The Food:
One of the most important considerations when it comes to picking the right wedding venue is food.
Most hotels today offer sumptuous multi-cuisine fare which varies according to different seasons and local taste preferences (for example, seafood may be served more during winters).
If you are having your wedding or reception in an urban city, there is pretty much everything available for catering – Italian, Chinese, Indian , Continental etc.
Pricing of course depends on the menu that you choose but it’s always advisable that you settle for a buffet spread rather than choosing a fixed menu as buffets are cheaper compared with ala carte menus.
Also if you’re looking at budget weddings , do check with the hotel whether there is an all-inclusive package where you can get not just food but drinks and entertainment as well, in one go.
4. The Decor:
Most major hotels understand that weddings are special occasions for all concerned so they spare no effort when it comes to decor.
You would be surprised by how much creativity goes into each wedding function – from simple candle light dinners to extravagant parties with stage performances, stunning backdrops made of flowers, themed events with perfect lighting etc.
However, do remember that most venues charge extra for putting up fancy decor items which you may have explored if you had more time on hand. But given the fact that most couples are pressed for time, it’s better to settle on a decent venue rather than complicating things with decor that requires more time, money and effort.
5. The Amenities:
Check what all amenities are being offered by the venue of your choice – whether it is complementary drinking water, different menus for kids, cancellation policy etc.
Also specifically ask them if you can order special food items like juices, salads , desserts etc from outside as sometimes the hotel might not have good alternatives available for such special dishes (for example, if you want fruit chaat instead of regular dessert option).
You’ll also need to check whether they provide a free parking space and wifi access (in case you’re having an electronic wedding) . It would be advisable to finalize the venue after settling on these little yet important details so that there are no last minute hassles later.
In a nutshell, always select the venue only after taking into consideration all of your needs and preferences along with those of your guests.
Make sure that there is adequate parking space for everyone, that the location is easily accessible from both home as well as the wedding destination and that they have different menus depending on whether it’s an evening or day reception.
Choose impressive decor items (a nice stage backdrop, gorgeous lighting etc) to make your event stand out even among extravagant hotel weddings.
Finally you should choose buffet options over fixed platters because it saves money and also frees you up to explore other catering options if required.
Lastly, you should look for wedding venues which are eco-friendly and help you conserve water , energy and power. After all, you’ll be telling your grandchildren about that once-in-a-lifetime wedding for years to come, so you might as well try to lower the carbon footprint wherever possible!
Planning a perfect day is not easy. Most of the things are too trivial to notice unless you pay attention. You need to make sure everything is PERFECT! Hiring an event planner will increase your expenditure but will surely help you create a once in a lifetime moment. They will help you set up everything you need and make sure your wedding day is as you’ve always imagined.
