Questions You Should Ask During Your Site Inspection
A new series… just for our favorites - YOU!
Welcome to our brand new blog series “Questions you should ask…”. In the coming weeks, you’ll see a series of helpful topics covered in the form of questions you should remember to ask! We hope you enjoy these, and as always - please let us know if you have any topics you’d like us to cover in the months to come!
Hello friends! Good to have you back! Planning an Indian destination wedding is exciting, but as we have mentioned before, it can also be a tiny bit overwhelming. Many if not most resorts that cater to destination weddings provide a complimentary onsite coordinator who can help you achieve most of your goals, but you will need to ask the right questions to maximize their support. To guide you, we have compiled a list of questions to ask while planning your Big Day!
Sejal and PK enjoying a moment at a scouted photoshoot spot within the resort; Courtesy of Sea & Love Wedding Films
Here’s our list of questions you should be asking to get you started:
Are the venues accessible for all guests? Are they wheelchair accessible? Is it easy for elders to walk around? Is there an elevator nearby for those who can’t use stairs? Make sure you are prepared to meet everyone’s needs!
Where are the restrooms located? We promise you this question will save everyone lots and lots and lots of trouble! There are some amazing venues that might have the added complexity of the bathrooms being a flight of stairs away. If it’s complicated to find, you may even have a cute Etsy sign printed with directions to find the restroom at your event.
Mona and Neeraj enjoying a moment ocean front before their Sangeet! Courtesy of Jonathan Cossu Photography
Where is my backup venue? Luckily for you, we got you all covered! As we have mentioned in our previous blog about rainy days, booking an outdoor venue for your wedding events also comes with a weather backup plan. You know you got one, make sure you go see it so you can plan for ideas in case you end up needing to use it!
Where does food get set up? During your walk through, our best advice is to find a spot that’s the most convenient. If using a ballroom, possibly consider setting up the food in the foyer if you want to create more space inside or if you want to keep the clanging of pans outside. If using an outdoor venue, try to ask if there’s a way to have the food setup closest to a roofed spot (and definitely avoid putting it on the side that has the best natural view; ie - the water at the beach!)
Site inspections always allow for some down time when you can really explore, get to know the destination, and feel prepared for wedding day! Courtesy of Sweet Caribbean Photography
Where are the best spots to place the open bars? Most of our couples end up with enough guests to warrant 2-3 bars with 2 bartenders working at each bar. Don’t take the placement of these bars lightly! Be specific about where you want them by asking your coordinator to point out where they will be in relation to the dance floor and the food. You ideally want to keep them away from the best backdrop of the venue as that is a highly photographed area.
What sort of lighting is included in the venue? Is it basic wash lighting or no lights at all? If it’s an outside location, are there any string lights included around the area? If it’s at the beach, is the walkway to the stretch of beach you are using lighted? Will there be lighting set up for the bars and the buffet? Once you know, you can work them into your venue layouts and make sure to order the right number of uplights, lighting trusses, and string lights from the AV company. It is definitely worth visiting your venue at night to see how lit up it naturally is and where you want to add more!
Ruchi and Eric went for an intimate look for their welcome dinner on the beach with bistro lights providing most of the light; we did add some wash lights on either side for the buffet set-up! Courtesy of Andre Gouin Photography
What is the ideal baraat route for my ceremony location? This is definitely something you should go over while visiting your potential or chosen venue. Do the walk! If it’s a little hard to walk around or it feels like too long of a walk (even now that you’re wearing swim trunks and flip flops!!!!!) how bad is it going to be with a wedding outfit on? Will your elders be comfortable walking around? Is there any shade or a bar where guests can get water at the starting point or along the way?
Do you have a bridal suite on property, and if so - what’s the cost and what’s included? Most Resorts offer a Bridal Suite at the spa. If that’s something that you’re interested in, figure out pricing and ask if it can be used without using the on-site spa hair and makeup staff (if you plan on bringing in your own vendor). Can it be open at 4:00 or 5:00 AM if needed? Have a look at the space and compare it to the space you’d have in your room. What feels more comfortable to you? Does the rental fee include snacks, mimosas, or otherwise?
Not the biggest fan of the included bars, many couples like Shradha and Sameer choose to rent upgraded bar set-ups from the local decor companies - this set-up was so beautifully arranged for our clients by Nirali Shah Events; Courtesy of Andre Gouin Photography
What are the vegetarian and gluten-free menu options at restaurants? Let’s face it - many guests will have dietary restrictions. How a resort takes care of their guests who have specific dietary needs is very important. It’s definitely worth paying attention to where the staff ask, what the menu items are, and if the chef at each restaurant is willing to make modifications or create special dishes for your guests.
Where are the best spots to take pictures before each event? Don’t leave this one to chance. It is very important to figure out a few unique spots where you can take your pictures once you are all glammed up before each event! We normally try to find spots that have great natural or built architecture, privacy, and accessibility where you don’t have to trek too far in those heels! We recommend finding 4-5 spots that you love ahead of time!
Nima and Adesh had some great pre-scouted locations for their shoots since they chose a photographer who has many years of experience shooting in Riviera Maya; courtesy of Button Up Photography
Shaadi Destinations is the premier, award winning, modern-day destination wedding travel agency for South Asian couples seeking a streamlined process, incredible experiences, and a party friends and family will never forget! We save our couples thousands of dollars while throwing them the wedding festivities dreams are made of.
We live and breathe destination weddings - with just one consultation, you will be light years ahead in your destination wedding planning process. In less than one week, Shaadi Destinations will find you the most perfect resort that meets your needs, your budget, and your desires. With our vendor relationships and pre-negotiated exclusive perks at resorts across Mexico and the Caribbean, we are confident we can find exactly what you are looking for. You'll find we have the best rates, best incentives, and best booking experience.