|
Weddings can be stressful. Thorough planning, however, can alleviate a lot of this stress. When looking for a venue, make sure you ask all the important questions at the very beginning to prevent any last minute surprises. Although it is important that you like the looks of the venue, make sure to dig deep and see if it will truly work for your specific wedding.
If you are having a South Asian wedding, there are a few important questions you should ask. Keep in mind, many vendors are not familiar with South Asian weddings. If you don’t ask, they may not know to tell. So ask, ask, ask away.
Important Questions to Ask Vendors When Planning Your South Asian Wedding
1. Does the venue allow you to use outside caterers?
Do you want Indian food at your wedding? If so, remember to ask the venue if they allow outside vendors. Specify that you want to have Indian food. Keep in mind, some places only let you use the caterers they have contracts with. However, if you are fixed on a certain caterer, try negotiating with the venue.
Also, if you can use an outside vendor for catering, be sure to ask the questions about what the venue itself will charge per person for: bar, staff, tables, linens, etc. When budgeting you will need to keep in mind that your per person cost will include catering costs and venue charges.
2. How long can you use the place?
When was the last time you went to a South Asian wedding that ran according to schedule? It’s likely you will need the venue for the entire day or at least a good portion of the day. Some places charge extra for this, since they won’t be able to use the venue for another event for the other half of the day.
Also, if you think there is any change your wedding reception may run over, ask what the hourly cost is to extend the reception if you choose to last minute.
3. Are Fires Allowed?
Is walking around a fire important to your ceremony? Some buildings, due to fire code, won’t allow a small fire – and this may make it or break it for you. Ask before it’s too late.
4. Will the venue allow a horse, elephant, camel, etc..
If your ceremony typically requires a barat (the grooms processional), or if your hubby-to-be wants to arrive on a big animal, remember to ask if it’s allowed. Some places will not allow animals. Also make sure to keep the barat in mind when looking for a venue. At times, the location may not ideal for a barat. Think about how the barat will look and if there is enough space to accommodate the number of guests you expect will join you for the barat.
5. If your venue provides a coordinator, ask if they experience with South Asian weddings.
Since South Asian weddings are structured differently from typical western weddings, coordinators without experience with South Asian weddings can sometimes get flustered the day of. If you can get someone with experience, it is always better. If not, it is important to work with calm and collected individuals. You will be spending a lot of time with your coordinator.
6. How early can my vendors come and set up?
Setting up for a South Asian wedding can take much more time than the time required for a western wedding. A mandap (wedding canopy) alone can take 3 to 5 hours to set up. Be sure to ask the venue how many hours your vendors can arrive hours prior to the start of the ceremony. Keep in mind some vendors may not allow for much time, especially if they plan on having another event prior to yours.
| 
