As a Hindu couple, there are a few important things to know before beginning your venue search.

While we are still in the midst of COVID-19, take a moment to review our latest resources to better prepare yourself before you begin considering venues.  

Critical to do before the search begins:

• Discuss & select your ceremony time
  • {Before noon/12-4pm/after 5pm/still don’t know} 
• Discuss & select your meals to be served
  • {Will you do a lunch after the ceremony and then dinner or just one meal?} 
• Are there any other events you want to host at the same venue (Garba/Sangeet, Grah Shanti or other pre-wedding ceremonies, etc.) 
• You may choose to have the wedding in a mandir.  If so, determine that before beginning the venue search process. 

Advice for a successful search:

• If one location is your preference for all events, you might want to consider venues that have multiple ballrooms.
• Make a decision on what you want in your space before you start venue hunting  – don’t waste time at venues that aren’t a fit  (stage, dance floor, bars, etc.)
• If you have a lot of out of town guests, consider a venue that has sleeping rooms either attached or very close by for their convenience. 
• Think about ALL the food you want to serve your guests beyond the events 
  • Breakfast
  • Chai/Snacks 

Venue search prep questions:

The reception is likely the most expensive part of the equation, so consider the following:  

• Date of event?
• Guest Count?
• Is the type of venue important to you?
  • Ex: Stand-alone, hotel or country club 
• What type of bar options do you want? 
  • Open/cash, premium/beer & wine only?
  • How many hours of bar time will you need?
  • Will there be a cocktail hour?
  • Will you have the bar open during dinner? 
  • What is your bar budget?  (Refer to our Budget Estimator)
• What food do you want to offer? 
  • American fare
  • Desi catering
    • Appetizers only? 
    • Complete dinner?
    • Dinner options added onto American menu?
    • Desserts only? 

DesiWeds Insights:
Read Let the Hunting Begin for more tips and questions to ask venues during your search.