Your Guide to Hiring Asian Wedding Venues in London
Dreaming of a traditional Asian wedding or a multicultural celebration that incorporates the best of both worlds? You’re in the right place. Tagvenue lists hundreds of London’s most popular Asian wedding venues, from luxurious hotel ballrooms to traditional Indian wedding venues.
The most popular types of venues for Asian weddings in London:
- Banqueting halls – an elegant space lends a real sense of occasion to a reception.
- Outdoor venues – pretty gardens and parks make picture-perfect backdrops.
- Luxury venues – a grand or impressive venue will build excitement around your wedding reception.
- Manor houses – stately homes and historic houses are both popular choices.
- Dry hire venues – a fantastic option if you’re planning to hire your own Asian wedding caterer or you’re after a cheap Asian wedding venue in London.
How to Plan An Asian Wedding
- Personalising your wedding is a fantastic way to show off your culture and amp up the festive atmosphere.
- Wear a traditional Asian wedding dress, serve cocktails or non-alcoholic drinks made with your favourite flavours from home, include local delicacies, chaat or street food on your menu, or order a wedding cake with a fun design, like a henna-inspired cake or a spring-inspired cherry blossom cake.
- And if you're planning a themed wedding, make sure to choose a reception space that will complement it.
- If you are still stuck for ideas check out our expert tips on how to go about planning an Asian wedding.
Popular Asian wedding themes
- Royal – decorate your venue with rich silk drapes and incorporate elements from regal weddings, such as folk performers, puppet shows or a procession of musicians
- Bollywood – dress up as iconic movie stars, roll out the red carpet and make your first dance a choreographed Bollywood number (hire a videographer to capture all the fun!).
- Paper and origami – use paper flowers instead of real flowers for your centrepieces and hang paper parasols or Japanese paper cranes (traditionally folded by the bride and groom for luck) from a focal point.
- Far East – decorate your venue with shoji-style paper lanterns, lucky bamboo plants, river stones and orchids arranged in gorgeous sprays.
- Colour-specific – use traditional Indian wedding colours (red, yellow and green), traditional Chinese wedding colours (red and gold) or, for a celebratory atmosphere, embrace a host of vibrant colours (oranges, purples, cerise pinks, etc.) and encourage female guests to wear eye-catching saris.
Remember that when it comes to planning a wedding in London, it’s the little touches that will make your day truly memorable, whether that means burning your favourite incense, stocking your candy bar with individually-wrapped Korean confections, or sending your guests home with personalised fortune cookies.
Planning an Indian wedding in London?
Indian weddings are epic celebrations of love. Known for their festive atmosphere and traditional ceremonies, planning a South Asian wedding can be overwhelming.
Whether you’re organising an authentic South Asian wedding or are hoping to put a modern twist on a traditional Indian union, planning with purpose is key, especially for larger celebrations.
Add a touch of elegance to your event by holding your South Asian wedding somewhere special, like a banqueting suite or ultra-modern city hotel, or choose a unique event space that'll wow your guests, like a gorgeous garden or charming country house.
Questions to ask when viewing a wedding venue in London
- Will you have exclusive use of the wedding venue?
- What public transport connections and parking facilities are there?
- How long will you have access to the venue before your wedding is scheduled to begin?
- Who will be responsible for the decorations?
- Can do a menu tasting and can the in-house catering team accommodate special dietary requirements (halal, vegetarian, etc.)?
- Whether there are any restrictions about noise, photography or fireworks?
- What time do your guests have to leave the wedding location?
- What does the hire fee include (check what furniture and equipment you can use, as well as who’ll supply the linen, crockery and service staff)?
- Are there are any additional costs (civil ceremony fee, corkage fee, cake-cutting fee, late licence fee, etc.) and whether VAT is included?
Cultural Considerations and Venue Requirements for Asian Wedding Venues
Asian weddings are renowned for the way they reflect the traditions and heritage of diverse communities across Asia. These weddings often involve intricate ceremonies and rituals that are significant for the couple and their families.
Religious Ceremonies: Asian weddings may be influenced by various religious traditions. Each religion has its own set of rituals and ceremonies that are performed as part of the wedding festivities.
- Hindu weddings typically include rituals such as the exchange of garlands (Jaimala), circling the sacred fire (Saptapadi), and applying sindoor (vermilion) on the bride's forehead.
- Muslim weddings involve ceremonies such as the signing of the marriage contract (Nikah), the exchange of vows (Ijab-e-Qubul), and the recitation of prayers and blessings by an Imam or religious officiant.
Family Traditions: Asian weddings often incorporate family traditions and customs that have been passed down through generations. These traditions may vary depending on the couple's cultural background and regional customs.
- These ceremonies may include Mehndi ceremonies (henna application), Sangeet (music and dance celebrations), and Baraat (the groom's procession).
Gender-Separate Spaces: In many Asian cultures, there is a preference for gender-separate spaces during certain parts of the wedding festivities, particularly religious ceremonies.
- This may include separate areas for males and females to participate in rituals such as prayers or religious blessings. Having venue facilities that accommodate this requirement ensures that guests can observe religious customs comfortably and respectfully.
Prayer Rooms: For weddings that involve religious ceremonies, having a dedicated prayer room or sacred space within the venue is essential. This provides a quiet and private area for guests to engage in prayers, meditation, or other religious practices.
Catering Options: Asian weddings often feature elaborate banquet-style meals with various traditional dishes.
- Catering options should reflect the culinary preferences of the couple and their guests, offering a selection of authentic Asian cuisine prepared with high-quality ingredients.
- Venues should be able to accommodate dietary restrictions and preferences, such as vegetarian, vegan, or halal options.
Specialised Setups: Some venues offer specialised setups or services specifically tailored to Asian weddings. This may include:
- Mandap setups for Hindu weddings feature a decorative canopy or structure where rituals are performed.
- Arrangements for Mehndi ceremonies, including designated areas for henna application and comfortable seating for guests.
- Provision of traditional wedding attire or accessories for the bridal party, such as bridal veils, turbans, or ceremonial attire.
When selecting a venue for an Asian wedding, it's important to consider facilities and services that accommodate Asian wedding customs, including prayer rooms, separate spaces for males and females, appropriate catering options, and specialised setups for ceremonies and rituals.
By choosing a venue that understands and respects the cultural significance of these traditions, couples can create a meaningful and memorable wedding experience for themselves and their guests.
Finding Asian Wedding Venues in London
Here are some tips to help you find the perfect venue and create a memorable experience for you and your guests.
Set a Realistic Budget for Venue Rental and Expenses
- Define Priorities: Determine which aspects of the wedding are most important to allocate the budget towards, whether it's the venue, catering, decor, or entertainment.
- Research Average Costs: Conduct research to understand the average costs associated with venue rental and related expenses for Asian weddings in London. Consider factors such as venue size, location, amenities, and peak wedding seasons.
- Allocate Funds Wisely: Allocate a portion of the overall wedding budget specifically for venue rental and associated expenses. Be realistic about what can be achieved within the budget constraints and prioritise accordingly.
- Consider All Expenses: In addition to the venue rental fee, consider other expenses such as catering, decor, staffing, insurance, and any additional services or amenities required for the wedding.
- Negotiate and Compare: Don't hesitate to negotiate with venues to secure the best possible deal. Compare quotes from multiple venues to ensure you're getting good value for money without compromising on quality.
Wedding Venue Logistics
- Location: Choose a venue location that is convenient for both the couple and their guests. Consider factors proximity to transportation hubs, and ease of travel for out-of-town guests.
- Transportation Options: Assess the availability of transportation options to and from the venue, including public transportation, parking facilities, and nearby accommodations. Provide guests with clear instructions and information on transportation arrangements.
- Accommodation for Out-of-Town Guests: Consider the accommodation needs of out-of-town guests and ensure there are sufficient options nearby. Negotiate group rates or block bookings with hotels to secure discounted rates for wedding guests.
- Accessibility: Ensure that the venue provides full disabled access. Check for wheelchair accessibility, elevator access, and other facilities to accommodate all guests.
- Weather Considerations: Consider the seasonal weather conditions in London and plan accordingly. Consider indoor and outdoor venue options and contingency plans in case of inclement weather.
- Timing and scheduling are key factors to consider when planning your wedding. You should carefully choose the date and timing to avoid peak seasons, when venue prices may be higher. It's important to be flexible and consider any cultural or religious considerations that may impact the timing of your event.
- Vendor coordination is also crucial. You should consider how the venue's location and logistical setup will impact coordination with other wedding vendors, such as caterers, decorators, and entertainment providers. Make sure that the venue is easily accessible for vendors and that there are no restrictions or limitations that may hinder their setup or delivery of services.
FAQs about Asian Wedding Venues in London
How much does it cost to hire an Asian wedding venue in London?
When searching for an Asian wedding venue, consider event spaces with hourly hire rates starting at £70 for a blank-canvas setting. For a full day, wedding venue hire typically starts at £1000. Many London venues also offer wedding packages starting around £1500. Keep in mind that off-peak and peak rates can vary significantly. If you’re flexible with your wedding date and time, ask venue managers for more details on the rates. (Based on Tagvenue data.)
Which areas of London are best for Asian wedding venue hire?
With its great public transportation system no place in London is too far to be reached by your Asian wedding guests, but if you want to ensure easy access, look for venues near tube stations. By following the tube, you will also be able to find venues away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre. If your guests are flying into London, book a venue near the airport of their arrival. For breathtaking views, you can hire a venue right by the Thames River. A rooftop wedding venue in Central London can also provide amazing views of the city’s famous skyline.
Can I transform the event venue in London to fit my dream Asian wedding?
With the plethora of Asian wedding venues we have on offer, you are sure to find just what you dream of. But if you still can’t find what you’re looking for, consider hiring a blank canvas space, which you can transform to fit your needs. We encourage you to contact a venue manager before booking the venue to ask whether you would be able to decorate or transform it to your liking.
Can you recommend the best venues for an Asian wedding in London?
Some of our top recommendations include The National Gallery, right in the heart of London, which will provide you with an elegant wedding experience. How about a wedding and a sightseeing cruise? City Cruises Ltd will let you have both at the same time. With top-notch wedding packages, Oatlands Park Hotel is another great option for a fantastic small to medium-sized wedding celebration in London.