Planning a wedding in India is a full-time job with a whole lot of drama. Between your decorator, caterer, and that one aunty who insists on giving her opinion on everything, the wedding venue often becomes the one decision that sets the tone for everything else. But here’s the catch: don’t stop after the basic “What’s the capacity?”, “Is parking available?”, “Can we bring our own caterer?”. You can do better than that. Your venue is not just four walls and a dance floor; it’s the backdrop of your shaadi saga. Before you sign on the dotted line and hand over that hefty advance, here are 15 smart, not-so-obvious questions you should ask the vendor in order to choose the right wedding venue.

1. What happens if there’s a power cut?

No matter where you’re getting married, you need to know if they’ve got backup generators that can handle the AC, lighting, and the DJ’s setup simultaneously. Ask them to be specific about what the generators cover. Because finding out mid-baraat that the backup only powers the emergency lights is the last thing you need.

2. How do you handle overlapping events?

Many larger venues book multiple functions on the same day. Nothing kills the intimacy of your special day quite like bumping into another bride in the corridor or having your guests accidentally wander into someone else’s sangeet. If they do book multiple events, ask about separate entrances, dedicated staff for each event, and soundproofing between halls.

3. What’s your policy on outside decorators?

Some venues have a “preferred vendor” list that’s actually a “you must use these vendors” list in disguise. Others won’t let you nail anything into walls, hang anything from ceilings, or use certain types of flowers. Find out if there are hidden charges for using your own decorator, and get absolutely everything in writing. Your decorator will thank you.

4. What is the exact duration from when we get access to when we must vacate?

“You have the venue for the day” can mean wildly different things. Does your decorator get access the night before? When does the caterer need to arrive? What time do you have to be completely out, including teardown? Some venues charge hourly rates if you run over and you need to know this before you plan your dreamy sunset photos.

5. What does the in-house catering include?

If the venue insists on in-house catering, go deep into the details. Can you bring in a halwai for specific sweets? What about a live chaat counter from your favourite street vendor? Some venues are surprisingly flexible; others will charge you a fortune for “outside food” even if it’s just bringing in your family’s traditional prasad.

6. Can we taste the menu before finalising the food?

Never, and I mean never, commit to a caterer without tasting the food first. Ask if they do menu tastings, how far in advance you need to book one, and whether there’s a charge for it. Some venues only offer tastings if you’ve already paid a deposit (sneaky), whilst others are happy to arrange one during your initial visits. Also, ask if you can taste the exact dishes you’re considering, not just sample items from their menu. The paneer tikka at the tasting should be the same paneer tikka your 300 guests will eat.

7. How many power points are available, and where exactly are they located?

With today’s weddings requiring power for photographers, videographers, DJ setups, photo booths, charging stations for guests, live streaming equipment, and elaborate lighting, you need to know if the venue’s electrical setup can handle it. Will you need to hire generators? Are there enough points near the mandap? This is especially important if you’re planning any elaborate tech elements.

8. What’s your relationship with the local authorities, and have you ever had events shut down?

Whether it’s noise complaints, parking issues, or timing restrictions, you need to know if the venue has ever had problems with local residents or authorities. Ask specifically about their license timings, noise curfews, and how they handle complaints. The last thing you want is the police showing up at 10:30 PM to shut down your reception.

9. Are there any restrictions for photographers, videographers, or drone usage?

This is absolutely necessary. Some venues won’t allow drones at all due to privacy concerns or flight restrictions. Others have specific no-go areas for photographers, restrictions on when flash can be used, or rules about equipment placement. If you’re dreaming of those stunning aerial shots of your baraat or a drone capturing your outdoor pheras, you need to know if it’s even allowed. Also, ask about insurance requirements for drone operators and whether there are additional charges for professional photography setups. The last thing you want is your photographer showing up with a crane and being told it’s not permitted.

10. If something goes wrong on the day, who exactly do we contact, and how quickly can issues be resolved?

Get names, mobile numbers, and backup contacts. Ask them to describe what happened the last time something went wrong and how they handled it. Every venue has had disasters; what matters is how they’ve managed them. A venue that can’t give you a straight answer about their crisis management protocol is a red flag.

11. What do you do with leftover food?

With the amount of food at Indian weddings, there’s often quite a bit left over. Some venues have tie-ups with NGOs for food donation, others bin everything, and some let you pack it up. If giving back to the community matters to you (and it should!), find out the venue’s policy and whether they’ll facilitate donations.

12. How flexible are you with last-minute changes in guest count?

This is an important question to ask in order to choose the right wedding venue because, let’s be honest, your guest list will change. Your cousin will decide to bring six of his friends. Ask the venue how much wiggle room they allow, and what they charge for additional guests beyond your agreed number. Some venues are surprisingly accommodating, others charge premium rates for extras. Also, find out what happens if your numbers decrease. Will they adjust the bill, or is your deposit based on a minimum guarantee?

13. What’s your cancellation and rescheduling policy, specifically regarding acts of God or emergencies?

Post-pandemic, we all know that sometimes you need to postpone weddings. But what about extreme weather, family emergencies, or vendor issues? Get specific details about refunds, date changes, and what percentage of your deposit is truly non-refundable. Don’t just accept “we’ll work something out”. Get it in writing.

14. Are there any upcoming renovations, construction, or major events in the area that might affect us?

Imagine turning up to find out the road to your venue is being resurfaced, or there’s a massive political rally happening next door. Ask the venue to confirm they’ve checked for any major construction, road work, or large public events scheduled in the area around your date.

15. What’s the mobile network coverage and WiFi situation for guests?

In the age of Instagram stories and live streaming, this actually matters. If your venue is in a spot with dodgy mobile coverage, you need to know. Can they provide reliable WiFi for your guests? What’s the bandwidth like? Nothing’s more frustrating than guests complaining they can’t upload photos. And if you have booked a wedding content creator, WiFi is an absolute must.

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