How to choose the Perfect Wedding Venue
- Uraysha Ramrachia
- Sep 4, 2018
- 2 min read
One of the first things you need to decide on once you are engaged is WHERE ON EARTH ARE YOU DOING THIS THING.
Bear in mind that some venues book up years in advance... I remember my friend once confided that her mum had a standing booking at Kendra Hall, just in case her daughter chances upon a groom! Venues are a serious thing, you don't want to set the absolute perfect date and then realise that your venue isn't available!
Here are my Top 6 things to think about when you're deciding on a venue:
1) What date are you looking at? This is major important when you're looking at outside vs inside... I will not freeze my tootsie rolls off OUTSIDE in a midriff-baring lehnga in the middle of July! Also, venues usually charge more for peak dates (e.g Easter) so budget brides can use this to their advantage.
2) Guest List. Some venues (sadly, most of the super pretty ones) come with a very restricted seating capacity. So if you're looking for a full on band baaja baraat Indian wedding with all your extended mosies and mamas, maybe steer clear from these. And start working on your guest list ASAP so you know your numbers when looking for quotes!
3) Theme. I love a wedding with a theme, and obviously the theme will dictate the venue. We can't do 'fairytale garden' in the middle of a hall. Or maybe you can, but I wouldn't.
4) Your budget. Just say the word 'wedding' and vendors seem to quadruple their prices!
5) What's included? Hand in hand with budget, you need to be looking at what the wedding packages include. Some venues include draping, some don't, some include speakers for sound, some will insist you use their in-house caterers, some give you the tables and chairs. Also- some venues have very restrictive service provider lists, meaning you can only use the decor guy that they have already approved! Madness.
6) The venue of the venue. I'm not trying to be funny, but you do need to compare where the venue is situated to where you will be getting dressed/the guests will be coming from. If it's a destination wedding, is there enough suitable accommodation nearby? If you aren't staying the night at the venue (and you're deciding to get married in the evening), is the venue too far away from home? Personally, I looked for a venue that was relatively close to my home in Westville, Durban. I get queasy on car rides, and the last thing I wanted was a 1 hour drive to my venue on my wedding day when I'm ALREADY nervous.
Lookout for my next post, which will introduce you to some of the most coveted wedding venues in Durban (including a pricing guide!)
*Pic Credits- The stunning shot of the castle at Shepstone Gardens (above) was taken by Shezaad Ali Photography. Check our Service Provider page for more information.
Did I forget anything in my 'Wedding Venue Search' list above? Comment below so we can help another sister out!
Furthermore, keep in mind that if you want a wedding in the middle of Drankensberg or deep in the Midlands, not only will you need to sort accommodation for your own family for that weekend, but you'll also need to pack up your Pundit ji from Dbn, and put him or her up for the weekend as well .... and not many priests are keen on this because they may have you booked for your haldi night and wedding afternoon, but they also have 3 kathas, one Nau Graha, and a car pooja booked for your wedding morning...
As your official Durban agent, and sister of the bride, i visited quite a few venues in Durban and more specially, the upper highway area on your behalf.....
You need to bare in mind that many of the boutique picturesque venues just don't cater for the size of a typical Indian wedding, and even if you decide to go small with the guest list, the venue may not be suitable because many don't allow "naked flames" .... ie. A Hawan Kund !