So much goes into choosing the right wedding venue — specifically for a South Asian wedding. These often elaborate multi-day celebrations require specific wedding packages and layouts that accommodate guest count, catering restrictions, cultural rituals, and so much more. Before you begin your venue search, make sure you know what to look for and what to prioritize.
We interviewed Shveta Dhillon, Chief Executive Officer of A Panache Affair, one of Los Angeles’s leading South Asian wedding planners. After years of experience planning luxury celebrations, she knows how important it is for South Asian couples to prioritize wedding venues that can accommodate their specific cultural needs. Read on for her insightful tips on how to choose the right venue — and why it’s so important.
Shveta Dhillon has been planning South Asian weddings all over the world for over a decade. She and her team are known for producing luxury events with wow-worthy décor. Clients value her deep cultural knowledge of Sikh and other South Asian wedding traditions — as well as her value on relationship building and seamless coordination.
What is your background, and how did you get started in the wedding industry, specifically producing South Asian celebrations?
Growing up my family was known for our social events. It didn’t matter what the event was; my parents had the ability to curate memorable experiences with an emphasis on ambiance, food, and music. It was as if this was in our blood.
I have consistently upheld this characteristic throughout my personal and professional career. I had successfully planned my South Asian wedding in 2011, and that was the catalyst for my decision to pursue a career in wedding planning.
As a South Asian female, it was natural for me to build my career within the South Asian market—given my knowledge of our culture and traditions. Catering to the Sikh community became my niche market for many years, as there was a limited number of planners who knew the religion and spoke the language.
2. Why is it important to choose a venue with South Asian-specific wedding package?
photographer: Balerina films || photographer: Lin & Jirsa Photography
I do think it is beneficial to a couple and their families to select a venue that has experience with South Asian Weddings and understands the cultural traditions. It will help streamline the planning process, as the packages will be tailored to fit your cultural needs. You will have more flexibility with your options and be able to accommodate any specific requirements. A hotel that’s knowledgeable in the traditions and customs will also create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for you and their guests.
I have personally worked with a few hotels that are newer to the South Asian Wedding market, and I’ve curated their South Asian Wedding packages to meet the needs of a South Asian Wedding. I believe South Asian weddings often require more amenities, and hotels that recognize that could double their business.
As we all know, South Asians Weddings are not small in scale, regardless of guest count. The amount of attention we spend on guest experience and hospitality is astronomical.
3. How does the typical guest count of South Asian wedding impact capacity and space? How does this affect overnight accommodations?
photographer: Ushna Khan Photography || photographer: Ama by Aisha
The typical guest count of South Asian weddings can have a significant impact on capacity and space requirements for the event. South Asian weddings are often large-scale affairs with extended families, friends, and community members in attendance — sometimes numbering in the hundreds or even thousands of guests.
Generally, when we look for wedding venues, we take this into account. We consider the number of outdoor and ballroom spaces and their maximum capacity, then we consider the number of events or types of events being held in each space. We also have to consider the setup in each space as it varies per ceremony.
Moreover, we have to consider the availability of rooms, room types, and any special considerations for elderly relatives and families with young children. Another important factor is hospitality. Providing a comfortable and enjoyable experience for the guests extends beyond the wedding itself.
4. Do certain rituals and traditions require a specific venue set up or accommodations?
photographer: Ushna Khan Photography
Most definitely. Certain rituals and/or traditions have specific requirements for setup and accommodations, and it stems from the cultural or religious customs that are an integral part to the wedding ceremony. This is key to ensure that these customs are properly honored and conducted according to cultural and religious norms.
Take the ceremony into consideration. Most ceremonies have an earlier start time. On-site venue accommodations allow guests to arrive to the ceremony in a timely manner without much inconvenience. Or in some cases, if the ceremony is held at a venue with no accommodations on-site, then it’s essential to find a nearby hotel that can assist guests and family for an on-time arrival.
As per ceremony setup, we would need an earlier setup time: at minimum, the day before or 5-6 hours prior to ceremony. Specific requirements, like the wedding Mandap, need particular care. This canopy like structure, with four pillars representing the four parents who played a role in the couples upbringing (according to some cultures), plays a crucial role in most South Asian weddings. It is where various ceremonies, like the Pheras (couple circling the sacred fire) take place, and the Kanyadaan, where the bride is given away.
Another ceremonial significance that plays a role on wedding day is the Baraat: the groom’s procession to the wedding venue. This usually includes some sort of transportation for the groom and his family and friends, with loud music and/or drums celebrating the arrival of the groom, so it’s important to check any noise ordinances or rental restrictions that the venue may have.
5. Do all venues accommodate traditional South Asian catering requirements? What questions should couples make sure to ask?
photographer: Yuko Weddings
An introduction or walk-thru of the venue space is imperative and important for the couple to attend IF they don’t have a planner involved. More importantly, hire a wedding planner!
Asking these questions can ensure that the chosen venue has the necessary flexibility and meets the essential needs for a South Asian wedding celebration.
- If outside catering is allowed, would kitchen access be allowed?
- What would service of the food look like, and what equipment would be used or needed from the caterer?
- How they would like to handle venue and vendor coordination?
6. Is it it important to have someone on-site from the venue that understands the specific traditions and requirements of a South Asian wedding?
photographer: Balerina films || photographer: Ama by Aisha
It would be beneficial for many reasons. Someone who is familiar with the customs and traditions of the couple can ensure that the venue staff approaches each event with caution. A venue coordinator can effectively communicate with the couple, their families, and vendors regarding specific requirements and preferences for each event.
We all know there is a potential for unforeseen circumstances, and having someone knowledgeable can help facilitate those challenges effectively. Coordinating with vendors is key, so that they are all aligned with the couple’s vision and specific requirements of the event. This person can also assist guests who may be unfamiliar with rituals or customs and can address their questions or concerns with ease.
Most importantly, a venue coordinator can ensure a smooth execution of the event. Having someone knowledgeable can enhance the planning process, ease any stress or tension, and ensure a memorable and culturally respectful experience for the couple, families, and their guests.
7. What else do South Asian couples need to know before committing to a specific venue?
photographer: Lin & Jirsa Photography
There are many important factors to consider before committing to any specific venue, such as:
- Capacity and space
- Ability to accommodate cultural and religious considerations
- Flexibility with dates, timings and venue spaces — especially when dealing with multiple events
- Vendor policies, especially outside catering
- Parking facilities and any transportation options to and from the venue
- Amenities and facilities
- Pricing structure and additional fees
- Payment schedule, deposits, and additional costs for services
- Inclement weather accommodations for an outdoor event space
Thoroughly read your contract, and always sit down with the venue representative to ask as many questions as you like. It is imperative you have a good understanding of what you’re signing. Oftentimes, couples don’t realize there is flexibility in contracts. Considering all these factors will help you make an informed decision.