6 Red Flags When Scouting For Your Wedding Venue!

Aside from finding a partner and that bridal lehenga, the trickiest part of planning an Indian wedding is selecting a venue that aligns with your vision. The venue you choose will not only determine the logistics - such as the date, budget, and guest count - but it will also set the tone for your entire celebration. Dreaming of a beachside ceremony, a royal palace affair, or a charming garden event? The venue is the foundation that brings your vision to life. Here are quick questions that you should know to ask before you book the venue!

But before you get captivated by a location’s beauty and Instagram potential, it’s essential to be aware of possible red flags. Whether you are looking to book a venue for smaller pre-wedding functions or the main events. These issues might not seem significant at first but can become major headaches down the line. Here is a checklist of details that you can look for while touring the venue. Attention to detail is crucial, and recognizing even minor red flags early can prevent future logistical nightmares and ensure your wedding day is as magical as you’ve always imagined!

Image via Suryagarh, Jaisalmer

Responsiveness To Queries

One of the first and crucial red flags is the time taken to respond to your queries and how it is done. This is a prelude to how the communication will flow with the venue teams, when you actually book them. If they take more than a week (popular venue) to revert to your query or send basic template style replies for specific questions, we would definitely flag that!

Panel Vendors Only

We get it, most venues have a monopoly of vendors on their panel. That is how it works. But most venues will allow you to work with your venues for an additional royalty fee. If the venue that you are checking out is insistent that they will not allow you any other vendors, apart from their panelled ones, it can be a pain point. A lot of panelled vendors have high rates and may not have the calibre to deliver the wedding that you envision. So this can be a red flag!

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Image via Going Bananas Photography★ 5

Ambiguous Contracts

If one thing that pandemic weddings have taught couples is to have a foolproof contract! Ask for a sample contract from the venue before you even consider booking them and check for cancellation and rescheduling clauses. If the venue doesn’t allow you to shift the wedding at a later date or cancel it due to any unforeseen emergencies (torrential rains, earthquake or some tragedy) then it’s a major red flag. You are going to be investing a sizable sum into the venue and you need to have these clauses clear!

No Backup Plans For Unforeseen Situations

A venue without rain or a super windy day plan? That's a huge red flag. While rain on your wedding day is often seen as a blessing for a happy marriage, it can cause a lot of stress at the moment. With Indian weather conditions fluctuating all year round, in all locations, this is a must-have. If you're considering mostly outdoor venues, make sure to ask about their backup options. They should have clear answers ready - if they don’t, it's not worth the hassle. Whether it's bad weather or an unexpected event, the venue should have a solid Plan B that doesn’t leave you scrambling.

Image via Shot by Banga Studios

Lighting And Sound Infrastructure

Imagine this: you're in the middle of your grand sangeet, everyone is dancing, the music is pumping, and suddenly, the power goes out. Power cuts are a real possibility, and the last thing you want is for your celebration to come to a screeching halt. It's crucial that your chosen venue has backup power sources to handle any unexpected outages during your event.

When you're checking out venues, ask about their power infrastructure. Do they have generators on-site? How quickly can they switch to backup power if needed? What about the capacity—can it handle the lighting, sound systems, and any other electrical needs you might have? Don't forget to ask if the venue has an in-house technician or if you'll need to hire one. Technical glitches can happen, and having a professional on hand to fix any issues quickly can save your day.

Accessibility To The Venue

This may seem like a small one but trust us, this is a red flag! You don’t want guests stuck navigating confusing roads or circling endlessly looking for a parking spot. Ensuring easy access to your venue is crucial for a smooth and enjoyable wedding experience. Consider the approach to the venue. Is it easily accessible by main roads, or do guests need to navigate tricky backroads? Check if the venue has enough parking spots to accommodate everyone. If the parking area is a bit of a walk from the main event space, ensure there are shuttles or golf carts available for elderly guests or those with mobility issues. If they expect you to manage all this with a third-party vendor, BIG red flag!

*Images are for representative purposes only*

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