Destination weddings have become a common marriage trend and London happens to be a sought-after place for Indian couples to have dreamy weddings in picturesque locations. But there are certain things that Asian or Indian couples need to take care of for planning a great Indian wedding in London.
Having a charming Indian or Asian wedding in the lively UK capital is a dream of several young oriental couples. But planning an Asian or Indian wedding in London can be a tricky affair as you need to take care of certain things, especially legal requirements before you can put your marriage plans into action.
Although there is a myriad of things to take care of, knowing about the basics will at least give couples an idea of how and where to get started. This article is meant for all those couples who wish to have a joyous Indian or Asian wedding in London in the right way.
Keep scrolling to learn about the legal requirements and other critical factors you need to take care of for getting married in London.
1. LEGAL REQUIREMENTS
Legal formalities are the foremost things to handle for getting married in London. Even a single impending document can mar your plans of having the wedding of your dreams. Here are a few things to take care of.
- Updated Documents
Whether you’re immigrated or are an Indian-origin resident in London, you need to have documents updated. Valid passports, visas, address proof, immigration status, and any additional document that is required must be at immediate disposal.
Indian couples who want to have a destination wedding in London must conduct their research well in advance including visa application as they might need a marriage visitor visa for the same. For more details, you can visit the following link:
https://www.gov.uk/marriage-visa
- Marriage Notice
In the UK, a couple must notify a specified register office of their intention to get married. The notification should be given a minimum of 28 days before the wedding and both spouses should be present during this process. This step is the official beginning of your marriage ceremony in London.
- Marriage Registration
Next comes the process of marriage registration. In case an Indian or Asian couple intends to reside in London for a long period post-marriage, they will need to register their marriage for proper legal recognition.
- Other Requirement
For an Indian couple to get married in London, at least one of the partners must have resided in the city where the notice is to be given at least seven days before giving the notice. This step is a must for legal recognition of the marriage.
2. VENUE BOOKING
Once you’re done with the legalities, the next critical thing to do is to find the right venue. Here are a few things you will need to do to find and finalize your wedding venue.
- Licensed Location
London is home to some of the most exotic wedding locations. But not every place will be suitable. When selecting a wedding venue, ensure it is licensed for weddings by the local council.
You will find several hotels, event spaces, and historic sites that offer licensed facilities. You can research online or get locations from local authorities.
- Accommodating Facilities and Ambiance
When planning an event, especially a grand Asian or Indian wedding in London, the size of your guest list is a key factor in choosing the right venue. London offers an array of options – grand ballrooms that can host hundreds of attendees, or more intimate chapel settings perfect for smaller gatherings.
As you evaluate potential venues, also consider the overall ambiance you want to create, whether that’s a traditional Haveli-inspired feel or a contemporary art deco aesthetic.
Choose a venue that aligns with your cultural preferences and can accommodate any traditional customs you plan to include. Additionally, you will also need to discuss the traditional details like having Mandaps, seating arrangements, pre-wedding rituals, etc.
- Services and Adaptability
Last-minute changes or emergencies are common in weddings. Make sure that your venue is adaptable to such changes. If it’s an outdoor setting, ensure that it is prepared to embrace the sudden weather changes.
You also need to find additional services that come with your selected venue as some places offer decoration and catering services too. Knowing that will help you to make vendor selections accordingly.
3. VENDOR HUNT
Next comes another critical phase, the vendor hunt. From decoration to photography, the impeccability of planning an Indian wedding in London depends mostly upon finding the right vendors. So better start early. Here are a few steps to do it the right way.
- Online Research
The most basic yet the most effective step is conducting online research for the right vendors. But again, you need to be cautious here as you will get bombarded by names. So, check the reviews, testimonials, portfolios, and the vendor’s experience in planning Indian weddings.
- Word of Mouth
If you already have friends or family residing in London, then the best way to find a good vendor is to reach one through word of mouth. Ask them for names and then carry on with your research.
4. PLAN THE BASICS
Apart from the main events, there are other crucial aspects of having an Indian wedding in London. Some of them are listed below.
- Guest Accommodation
Guests are your responsibility. So, you need to ensure that their stay is comfortable. Book convenient accommodation for yourself and any guests traveling from India or Asia.
London offers a wide range of hotels, serviced apartments, and Airbnb rentals to suit various budgets and group sizes. When selecting accommodation, prioritize areas with easy access to public transportation or proximity to your chosen wedding venue.
- Travel
Research flights well in advance, especially during peak travel seasons. Explore group booking options if you have a large number of guests traveling together. Be sure to also research and address any visa requirements for your guests.
5. HIRE A WEDDING PLANNER
You can either go through all the trouble mentioned below or you can eliminate it with one single step, hire a wedding planner.
While you will still need to go through the pain of handling the legalities, other hassles can be handled by simply finding and hiring the services of a wedding planner in London who has experience and expertise in organizing Asian or Indian weddings in London.
ADDITIONAL TIPS
- Health and Safety Guidelines
Carefully review any relevant health and safety guidelines, especially if there are ongoing health concerns or regulations in place. Ensure your venue and vendors adhere to these guidelines to prioritize everyone’s well-being and safety.
- Wedding Insurance
Consider purchasing wedding insurance to provide financial protection in case of unforeseen circumstances like cancellations, accidents, or other issues.
- Get Legal Advice
Consult a legal expert who understands both the UK and your home country’s marriage laws. This will help ensure all legal requirements are properly addressed, and your marriage is recognized in both locations.
- Cultural Sensitivity
Given London’s diverse population, your wedding will likely include guests from a variety of cultural backgrounds. Be mindful and inclusive in your planning, considering factors like dietary restrictions, religious practices, and other cultural nuances.
The Takeaway
Organizing an Asian or Indian wedding in London can be fun. But there are lots of things that you need to take care of first, the foremost being the legal requirements of getting married in the UK capital.
Make sure that your documents are ready and that you adhere to the marriage criteria for foreigners. Then comes the part of finding and finalizing a licensed venue, getting the right vendors, and taking care of travel and accommodations.
However, while you need to handle the legal requirements, you can hire Indian wedding planner services in London by teaming up with an experienced partner and making your dream London wedding come true by carefully organizing everything with the right assistance.