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Depending on the type of wedding, discuss the size
and the number of functions with your side, your fiancé
and both sets of parents. Put a ceiling on the number
of guests at each event - this will require several
rounds of discussions. Start searching for the right
venue(s). Be sure to assess the practicalities of
any venue you survey: is there enough parking space
for your guests? If it is outdoors, will the weather
be good? Does the venue have a Fire Safety Certificate?
Also, make certain there are no hidden costs such
as cleaning up or valet service fees. Whatever you
decide, make sure you place a deposit for the venue
and have the booking confirmed in writing as soon
as possible.
2. Catering:
The success of many celebrations rests upon the quality
of the food and this is often the most expensive part
of any reception. Hotels are expensive, but very experienced.
Once briefed on the head count, menu, theme, etc.
they usually render excellent service. If using private
caterers/ tent house, ask to see examples of their
cutlery, furniture, linen and glasses. Remember to
sample their food, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian
ideally at another wedding or event. Ensure that the
caterer should provide enough food for every guest
and keep the serving dishes full and attractive throughout
the meal. An ongoing rapport with your caterer is
vital for keeping track on the expected head count,
the number of vegetarian and non vegetarian guests,
the time for the actual dinner, how much drink is
ordered for each guest and the seating arrangements.
3. Invitations:
Invitation cards give your guests the first impression
as to the style of the event and hence assume vital
importance. They should be imaginative but elegant.
Remember to send one card to each family on your guest
list. It is a nice gesture to send an invitation also
to friends and relatives who you know will be unable
to attend. TopOrder a few extra invitations to allow
for damages and unforeseen invitees and place the
entire order at the same time to save costs. Invitations
should be sent out no sooner than two months in advance
and no later than one month before. This way, your
guests will neither forget your wedding date nor would
have made other plans. Keeping track of acceptances
and refusals is as important as sending out the invitations.
The same card can be used for the other functions
and celebrations such as the Sangeet and Reception.
4. Photography/Videography:
This is another important feature of any wedding.
Discuss with your photographer and develop an understanding
of what kind of pictures you would like. Once he gets
an idea of the type of wedding you are having, he
will be able to perform better. Book your photographer
as soon as you have seen his previous work and are
satisfied with it. Most of the large photo-agencies
have their own videographers, so work out a deal if
you are having both a photographer and videographer.
Ask them if they album the pictures for you or whether
you need to organize that separately.
5. Flowers:
Flowers are an essential feature of any wedding. Many
hotels and banquet halls do the flower arrangements
and decorations themselves including tables, varmalas,
dolis, sehra, prayers and related rites - based on
your requirements.
6. Accommodation:
Most weddings have guests coming from out of town
and hence you need to make arrangements for their
stay. Depending on your budget, you can seek accommodations
in hotels/guest houses. Besides, stay, you will need
to arrange for at least some of their meals - usually
bed tea and breakfast are a common requirement. Apart
from your guests, you will need first night accommodation
after your wedding and before your honeymoon. If you
are not spending the night with your family, make
sure you have booked a honeymoon suite; some hotels
offer a room free to those who have held their reception
at the hotel, as well as complimentary gifts.
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