Choose the Right Wedding Venue

Every good marriage starts with a grand wedding. At least, that’s what a majority of wedding-crazy Indians firmly believe in. Right from the bride’s trousseau and to the food and flowers, everything has to be absolutely flawless, or else, you might stand the risk of incurring the wrath of the Bridezilla! If you buy into this theory, you know the importance of the perfect venue in making sure guests are comfortable, while amply complementing the couple in question and being convenient.

So, how do you select that magical venue? Just merely ‘liking it’ won’t suffice. You need to consider a host of factors. Here are some important points to keep in mind when you get down to it.

• Never choose a wedding venue merely based on how it looks… unless of course the magic is too hard to ignore. First, decide on the budget, number of guests, food preferences and theme. Once you have the answers to all these questions, short-list a few wedding venues that fit all these specifications.

• Ask for recommendations and suggestions from friends and relatives. Or, perhaps you remember a great venue from someone else’s wedding or special occasion…add it to your short list.

• Always keep in mind the season and weather before you shortlist a venue. It is a bad idea to plan an outdoor wedding during the rainy season or on chilly winter nights.

• Confirm the rental cost of the wedding venue, with all the inclusions.  Check out the cost of the rooms, caterers, decoration, waiters, staff and cutlery. It is always better to be informed beforehand about the costs rather than having to encounter surprises later on.

• Another important factor to look into when finalising a venue is their decor. If you have a theme in mind, ask yourself if the décor will lend itself to the theme and wedding colours. Unless the venue is extraordinary, do not compromise on the theme of the wedding.

• Find out how many weddings are held in that particular venue per day. You do not want the previous wedding party taking time to clear out while you wait, and you most certainly don’t want the next wedding party breathing down your neck.

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• Lighting can either make or break the whole wedding mood. Make sure the venue is appropriately lit. If it's an evening wedding, make sure the room's not too dim.

• Make sure you visit the site at the same time of day you've chosen for your wedding. It will give you a realistic view and an understanding of the aesthetics.

• Always do a complete check-up of the place. Make sure you have ample plug points, especially if you are partying. Your main user of outlets will be the photography, videography, lighting and entertainment crew.

• Parking is another important factor. It is a real hassle to park three lanes away and walk to a wedding in fine silks! Choose a venue that preferably has a parking space attached.

• Make sure it is accessible through a majority of modes of public transport.

• Have a thorough understanding of any restrictions on the usage of the venue. You should not be surprised to find out that there are restrictions on decoration, décor, flower arrangement, etc.

• Weddings are often remembered for the hospitality and food. Make sure the venue offers excellent spacing for food. Whatever the style, the venue should accommodate and treat guests to a grand feast.

Hope these points act as a check-list to help you select an appropriate wedding venue. If you’ve planned a wedding recently, I’d love to hear what you have to say on this topic!