- AWH Editorial Team
- May 03, 2026
- Wedding Planning How-To
What Is Included in an Asian Wedding Pac...
The phrase "wedding package" appears frequently in Asian wedding marketing, but it means different things from different venues and suppliers. A "complete wedding package" from one venue might include catering, décor, and entertainment; the same phrase from another might mean hall hire, tables, and chairs — with everything else additional.
This guide explains what Asian wedding packages typically include, the most commonly excluded items that couples discover too late, and the exact questions to ask before signing.
What a Venue Wedding Package Might Include
When a venue markets a "wedding package," the elements commonly bundled together include some or all of the following:
Almost Always Included
- Hall hire for the agreed hours
- Tables and chairs for the stated capacity
- A bridal suite or changing room
- Basic security (doorman or security staff)
Often Included (but verify)
- In-house catering (Halal or otherwise) — check whether this is included or separately quoted
- Linen (tablecloths and napkins) — check colour options and what standard is included
- A basic sound system and DJ booth (not a DJ — just the equipment)
- Parking (on-site or dedicated nearby spaces)
- Catering staff (service staff, not just kitchen staff)
Rarely Included in a Standard Package
- Stage and mandap décor
- Table centrepieces beyond basic linen
- DJ (the entertainment, not just the equipment)
- Dhol player
- Uplighting and atmospheric lighting beyond the venue's standard setup
- Floral décor (beyond any included linen centrepieces)
- Wedding cake
- Photography and videography
- Mehndi artist
- Hair and makeup
Common Supplier Packages
Photography and Videography Packages
A photography package for a South Asian wedding might include: a fixed number of days' coverage, a specific number of photographers, a highlight film of a set duration, a number of edited digital images, and (sometimes) an album. What it rarely includes without separate discussion: same-day edits, drone footage, raw unedited footage, or full-length film edits. Always confirm the complete deliverables list.
Catering Packages
A catering package is typically quoted per head and may include: food preparation, serving, crockery and cutlery, some service staff, and basic setup and teardown. It rarely includes: specialist equipment hire (e.g., chafing dishes beyond a basic set), linen, additional staff for a large event, drinks, or late-night service charges.
Décor Packages
A décor package might bundle: mandap structure hire, a number of table centrepieces, ceiling draping, and lighting. What varies enormously: the quality of the mandap, whether flowers are fresh or artificial, how many tables are included, and whether any setup or teardown labour is included. Always get an itemised breakdown before comparing quotes.
The Most Important Question: What Is NOT Included?
The most valuable question you can ask any venue or supplier when reviewing a package is: "What is not included in this quote that I might need to add?" A confident, comprehensive answer to that question is a sign of a professional supplier. Evasion or vagueness is a warning sign.
Additional Charges to Watch For
- Early access fees — If your decorator or caterer needs access before the hire period starts, this may be charged separately.
- Corkage fees — Charged by venues when you bring in external caterers or drinks.
- Overtime charges — If the event runs past the booked end time, overtime charges can be significant.
- Service charges — Some caterers and venues add a service charge (10–15%) on top of the quoted price.
- Parking charges — Some venues charge for parking even if it appears to be on-site.
- Minimum spend requirements — Some hotel venues have a minimum bar spend or minimum catering spend that must be met.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a "complete Asian wedding package" really complete?
Rarely. The term "complete package" is marketing language, not a guarantee. Every package has exclusions. Ask specifically what is not included and get the full itemised list in writing before signing.
Do Asian wedding packages include a DJ?
Usually not. Most venue packages include a DJ booth or sound system at most. A professional DJ is almost always a separately booked and separately priced supplier. Some venues have preferred DJ suppliers they can recommend; others allow fully external DJs.
Is photography included in an Asian wedding venue package?
Almost never in the venue hire package. Photography is almost universally booked separately. Some wedding coordinators or all-inclusive wedding agencies bundle photography into a full-service package, but standalone venue packages rarely include it.
What should I check before signing a wedding package contract?
Check: the full itemised list of inclusions and exclusions, any minimum spend requirements, the payment schedule and cancellation terms, what happens for overtime, whether external suppliers are permitted and at what additional cost, and when you need to provide final numbers to the caterer.
Can I build my own package by mixing a venue with external suppliers?
Yes — and this is how most South Asian weddings are put together. Couples book the venue separately from the caterer, photographer, decorator, DJ, and other suppliers. This gives full control over quality and cost in each category, though it requires more coordination than an all-inclusive package.
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