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 What To Wear to an Asian Wedding: As a Guest

Congratulations on your invitation to an Asian wedding! Wedding celebrations are a great time and you’re sure to enjoy all the events they contain.

Weddings can often be a minefield though, especially when it comes to what to wear – even when you’re not the bride or groom. With South Asian and Chinese weddings especially, outfits tend to be vibrant, intricate, and luxurious, making it hard to choose what you’re wearing on the special day.

At Holiday Inn Brentford Lock our event space is host to many incredible celebrations including Asian weddings. Our large dry-hire event space The Waterfront is the ideal place to hold Asian weddings, with a guest capacity of up to 450 people.

With our experience bringing special days to life as an Asian wedding venue in London, we know a thing or two about wedding attire, so here are our tips for what to wear to an Asian wedding as a guest.

Different cultures

While Asian weddings differ from British or Western weddings for many reasons, it’s important to note there’s a lot of variation between cultures in Asia. Chinese weddings require very different attire from Pakistani weddings. We’ll cover just a few cultures in this blog but it’s best to do your own research on the specifics on the traditional attire if you’re choosing to wear it.

It’s not always necessary to wear the clothes of the bride and groom’s culture, however, it can sometimes be a nice gesture. Every wedding is different, and you’ve been invited because you’re close to the people getting married, so you know best.

A group of five women stand outside, grouped together. they're guests at an Asian wedding and dressed in a variety of rich colours.

Colours

Generally, for Chinese weddings, it’s best to avoid black or white in your wedding guest attire. These colours are associated with the idea of death so it’s a bad omen to wear them to the wedding.

The bride may wear several different outfits during the ceremonies associated with the wedding. Red is often a common colour for these outfits so if you’d like to avoid looking like the bride or clashing with her, stick to another hue. Purples, pinks, and warn tones are usually a good choice.

While red might be a popular colour for the bride’s wedding dress in many Asian cultures, white is also popular. So, across the board, we’d recommend you avoid white clothes – whether it be a suit, lehenga, or a dress

Appropriateness

Try to keep your clothes appropriate. Anything too short or revealing can be considered disrespectful.

Especially for Muslim weddings, modesty is key. Cover your shoulders, knees, and arms. Be prepared you may also need to cover your head in certain ceremonies.

Depending on the ceremony, the day, and the culture of the couple getting married what constitutes appropriateness and modesty may differ but if you’re worried about your outfit, feel free to just ask.

Different Ceremonies

Some Asian cultures have various ceremonies and events spread across multiple days as part of a wedding.

Hindu weddings are comprised of many occasions including the Mehendi ceremony, the Haldi ceremony, and the Sangeet night. Each of these will require an outfit if you’re invited – making these weddings a little time-consuming to prepare for!

This can get a little expensive too but don’t worry. There are many places (especially in London, an easy drive or train ride away from Holiday Inn Brentford Lock) that will rent out outfits for Asian weddings.

Accessories

No matter what wedding you’re going to or the outfit you’re planning accessories are crucial. For Chinese weddings gold accessories will complement your outfit. For Indian and Pakistani weddings, guests will often wear bangles and Jhumka earrings.

Many Asian weddings are long affairs, requiring guests to be present for the whole day. This makes comfortable shoes so important!

Wear What Makes You Happy

At the end of the day, you’ve been invited to the wedding because the happy couple want you there. They’re surrounding themselves with their friends and family and you’re one of them. They want you to be comfortable and to feel good. So choose an outfit you’re happy in and makes you feel good.

If you’re interested in hosting your own Asian wedding or looking for an Asian wedding venue, Holiday Inn Brentford Lock is the perfect space for you. We have a variety of packages available and several catering partners to help you make the process smoother.

Take a look here for more information. 

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THE BEST TIME FOR AN ASIAN WEDDING

When it comes to planning the biggest day (or days) of your life, you’re likely facing a lot of choices. At Holiday Inn London Brentford Lock we know weddings and we specialise in cultural weddings, providing a large blank canvas venue (the Waterfront) for you to make your own.

So, with extensive experience in hosting Asian weddings, we’ve picked up a thing or two about the best time for an Asian wedding.

Asian weddings are diverse events, with many different cultural and religious practices. While Chinese and Indian weddings may be large events with lots of attendees, the actual rituals and traditions can vary a lot, so it’s best to gather the right information for your own day. From Sikh weddings to Hindu weddings, Muslim weddings and everything in between, we’ve been the home to hundreds of special occasions and helped to make dreams come true, so let us do it for you too. Get in touch to see how we can be a part of your Asian wedding.

HOW LONG ARE ASIAN WEDDINGS?

One of the major differences between traditional British weddings and Asian weddings is the length of the event. While it varies depending on the culture, many Asian weddings are extravagant events that can go on for days. Pakistani weddings can often take up to a week with the first event (the Dholki) taking place weeks before the main celebrations. There are several other important events leading up to the marriage including the Nisbat to celebrate the formal engagement, and the mehndi party, and then comes the Nikah and the Walima.

A Chinese wedding could last four days, if following many traditions, including the Tea Ceremony.

WHAT IS THE RIGHT TIME OF YEAR FOR AN ASIAN WEDDING?

Like any other a number of factors to consider before picking the date.

SEASONS

The season is going to be important when considering booking your wedding. Some couples opt for an autumn wedding to match the rich jewel tones they’ve chosen and embrace a moodier look. Others prefer the bright and colourful vibes of spring and summer. Summer is the most popular time for weddings, with the height of wedding season in the UK being between June and August. Spring and early summer are often a very popular time for Asian weddings in the UK because of the good weather and its association with new starts.

SUPERSTITIONS

Many Asian cultures have superstitions which should be considered when it comes to picking your wedding date. Vietnamese culture for example is incredibly

Hindus have to avoid Amavasya, a day that falls once a month, as marriage is forbidden on this day. It’s also considered unlucky to marry during Shraddha, a two-week period that falls 15 days before Holi.

In Chinese culture it’s thought that leap months are the best and luckiest for weddings as these months are meant to bring abundance.

ASTROLOGY

Due to its importance in a number of different Asian cultures, astrology can be used to help pick the ideal wedding date. Some couples even turn to astrologers to help them decide, using lunar calendars and celestial configurations to find the luckiest and most fitting date.

VENUE

Of course, as with any wedding, making sure your venue is available when you want to host your wedding is crucial! Finding the ideal venue can be tough, especially if you need a large space. The best way to go about hunting for where you’ll be hosting your wedding is by picking an ideal season or month but being open-minded about changing the dates. Then you can make sure you don’t end up disappointed.

When it comes to the best time to host an Asian wedding, it can feel overwhelming and tricky, with lots to consider. At Holiday Inn London Brentford Lock we know what we’re doing. Let us take the load off and help you make your big day as magical as you deserve.

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SUMMER STAYCATION: WAYS TO CELEBRATE YOUR ANNIVERSARY IN BRENTFORD

When it comes to celebrating special occasions, Holiday Inn London Brentford Lock makes the perfect place to rest your head. Located less than an hour from central London and just 33 minutes from famous Notting Hill (a must-visit for any romantic), Holiday Inn Brentford Lock is ideal for a trip to the big city without the hustle and bustle.  Perched on the river Brent, enjoy the green spaces around you and the stunning surroundings as you spend quality time with your loved one. No matter if you’re dropping by to celebrate your 1st, 5th, or 50th anniversary, we’ve got you covered.

YOUR 1ST ANNIVERSARY IN BRENTFORD – PROMENADE AND PICNIC

When it comes to your first anniversary you might think your only options are drinks and dinner. But why not try something a little bit more memorable? Make the most of the great weather this summer and take a walk along the river Brent before ending with an adorable picnic. Grab your blankets, picnic basket, and an array of your favourite treats for an anniversary that will be as memorable and unique as your partner is.

With a laid-back vibe this gives you the opportunity to reflect on your first year together and share fond memories as you stroll hand in hand. Plus, you’ll be able to enjoy the stunning views as you walk. The recent attention that’s been paid to conservation on the area has helped to support the diverse wildlife who call this home – so if you’re partial to some bird watching, then you’re in luck. The Brent Reservoir is a Site of Special Scientific Interest that allows you to spot a variety of wetland birds like little grebes and willow warblers.

YOUR 5TH DATE IN BRENTFORD – RENT A BOAT IN BRENTFORD

When it comes to a five- year anniversary, it’s time to make a splash. To celebrate your commitment to each other and the time you’ve spent together, why not do something memorable? Rent a private boat and cruise along Grand Union Canal for an anniversary adventure like no other. Located on Brentford River Lock, Holiday Inn Brentford Lock is the perfect place to stay if you’re looking to rent a boat.

If you’ve never hired a narrowboat before, it’s sure to be a notable way to spend your anniversary. Explore the area and try something new with your partner.

YOUR 50TH ANNIVERSARY IN BRENTFORD - TREAT YOUR LOVED ONE TO WINE TASTING

While the UK might not be infamous for its wineries or vineyards, Brentford can be a real treat for lovers of an occasional tipple. The area has some incredible venues, unlike any you’d find elsewhere in the UK. Spend an evening with your loved one over a bottle or two and reminisce about your time together. After 50 years, the conversation is sure to flow as you explore treasured memories.

We especially recommend Plonkers – a novel bar with a retro design. You can find Plonkers Wine Bar in Brentford House. If you’re looking for an informal approach to wine tasting, try their Wine Club tasting Night. With a different theme each night, a guided tasting tour of four premium wines, and individual cheese boards, it’s a total treat.

For an extensive wine list accompanied by a delicious dinner, you have to head to Sam’s Waterside. Their offerings are extensive so be sure to check out their star picks – or just head straight to the bubbles with a bottle of Ruinart Blanc de Blancs NV to toast 50 years of joy.

Lovers of ale won’t be neglected on their anniversary trip to Brentford either. The Black Dog Beer House is a beer lover’s dream with their very own in-house brewery (fearless Nomad) and 14 keg lines.

Spend treasured time together with a trip to Holiday Inn London Brentford Lock. Book your special getaway now and treat your special person to a time they’ll treasure forever. 

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9 TIPS FOR AN AMAZING ASIAN WEDDING

Planning a dream wedding, particularly an Asian wedding, requires plenty of time to plan and meticulous attention to detail. Notoriously, Asian weddings are known for their luxury, grandeur and scale – with anywhere between 200-500 guests attending.

At our hotel in Brentford – Holiday Inn Brentford Lock, we have the perfect Asian wedding venue The Waterfront. Over the years, we’ve hosted and planned many extraordinary Asian weddings. During this time, we’ve picked up lots of great tips to ensure we perfectly match your vision for your dream wedding.

Here are our 9 tips on how to make your Asian wedding amazing:

1. START PLANNING EARLY

You don’t want to feel like you’re rushing your wedding details, especially not your guest list – we all know how tricky this is, so give yourself plenty of time.

Start planning your wedding well in advance. We recommend giving yourself at least 12 months. If possible, extending your planning period to 14 months provides even more leeway to meticulously plan every detail of your special day. An early start will only help alleviate the stress that comes along with wedding planning.

2. DECIDE ON A BUDGET

Let’s be honest, weddings are expensive, with Asian weddings costing upwards of £50,000.

To manage this, first establish your maximum budget. Delve into all the details – such as calculating the cost per guest. Carefully consider your finances in alignment with what both you and your partner – and potentially your families – find feasible.

Consider creating a detailed spreadsheet that breaks down all potential expenses, from venue, catering and attire, to decorations, photography and entertainment. This will help you see where your money is going and identify areas where you can possibly cut costs or splurge a bit more, depending on what’s important for you.

It’s also a good idea to set aside a contingency fund within your budget. Unexpected costs can, and often do, arise during the planning of a wedding. Having approximately 5-10% of your total budget reserved for unforeseen expenses will provide a financial cushion and reduce stress as your big day approaches.

3. CHOOSE A FUN THEME

Some may find wedding themes a bit over the top, or too much hassle to plan. But if done in the right way, carefully planned themes can add an extra element of fun in your Asian wedding, making it even more unforgettable.

Choose a theme that reflects the personalities of you both and keep it easy to follow. For instance, a theme idea could be a Bollywood-inspired wedding. Picture this, Bollywood dancers and performers creating a lively atmosphere captivating your guests.

Explore Bollywood wedding ideas further here.

4. INCLUDE A ELEMENT OF SUPRISE

Bringing in an element of surprise will add that extra fun touch to your wedding.

Sticking with the Bollywood theme, you could hire a professional Bollywood choreographer to get your friends and family up on the dance floor, dancing in sync with one another.

5. GIVE OUT WEDDING FAVOURS

Give your guests wedding favours, they’ve come to celebrate with you, so they’ll appreciate a little treat to remember your big day by.

Tying in your culture or theme into your wedding favour will add that extra personal touch, making your celebration even more memorable.

Here’s a few wedding favour ideas:

Mini tea set – Gift your guests a mini tea set with a few sachets of your culture’s traditional teas.

Sandalwood fans – These intricately carved fans not only provide a cooling function during a warm outdoor (or indoor) ceremony, but also make for a stunning decorative keepsake.

Silk pouches – Small silk pouches or bags in vibrant colours filled with assorted sweets or nuts.

6. GET CREATIVE WITH YOUR WEDDING CAKE

Your wedding cake is more than just a dessert, it’s the centerpiece that can capture the essence of your celebration.

For an Asian wedding, think outside the traditional tiered cake and opt for something that symbolically represents your culture and personality. You could choose a cake designed with intricate henna-like designs or one that features motifs, such as cherry blossoms, peonies or even koi fish.

7. SERVE MOCKTAILS INSTEAD OF SOFT DRINKS

Offering a selection of tasty mocktails instead of the usual (or as well as) lineup of soft drinks can elevate the guest experience significantly.

Mocktails have a sophisticated touch to them that complements the celebratory mood of your wedding. Offer flavours that can match your theme or cultural background.

Some of our personal favourite flavours to include in a mocktail are lychee, jasmine, or tamarind.

8. SHOW OFF YOUR CULTURE

Throughout this blog, we have suggested ways you can incorporate your culture into your wedding. That’s because an Asian wedding is the perfect opportunity to celebrate and showcase your rich cultural heritage.

Incorporate traditional music, dance and attire into your wedding to make it truly stand out. Consider hosting traditional ceremonies like the Indian Sangeet or Mehndi, or include Chinese tea ceremonies as part of the event.

These elements not only honour your roots but also give guests a deeper appreciation and experience of your culture. Don’t shy away from educating guests about the significance of various customs – it can make the event even more engaging and meaningful.

9. PICK THE PERFECT LOCATION AND VENUE

Choosing the right location and venue is crucial in setting the right tone for your Asian wedding.

Ensure the venue you choose can comfortably accommodate your guest list and has the necessary facilities to host the various elements of your wedding, from dining to entertainment, and even traditional rituals.

At Holiday Inn Brentford Lock, our venue The Waterfront is designed to accommodate large, lavish Asian weddings. The scenic views of the lock make a stunning backdrop for your wedding photos, while the versatile space can be transformed to suit any theme or decoration style you envision.

Find out more about our Asian wedding venue here.

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THE ULTIMATE ASIAN WEDDING CHECKLIST: HOLIDAY INN BRENTFORD LOCK

Every wedding requires a lot of planning. But traditionally, Asian weddings are a larger deal. A bigger guest list, detailed and elaborate decorations, and different rituals and ceremonies. With the right planning and preparation though, you can pull together an incredible celebration even without a dedicated wedding planner. No Asian wedding is the same. The term covers so many cultures and religions, but Holiday Inn Brentford Lock has been home to some stunning weddings over the years, so we’re well aware of the steps necessary to pull off your big day.

We’ve put together the essential checklist for planning the perfect wedding.

CREATE A BUDGET

The first step to planning a wedding is working out your budget. How will you be able to decide whether you can have 20 guests or 150 unless you know how much money you have to spend on locations, catering, and more? Work out how much you’re prepared to spend before you start jumping into the next steps.

WORK ON A GUEST LIST

So now you know how many people you can afford to invite it’s time to decide how many people you actually want at your wedding. While all Asian weddings differ, the guest list is usually somewhat larger than other weddings. That’s why it’s important to get this down early before you continue on to look at venues.

PLAN A THEME OR A COLOUR PALLETE

To plan the perfect wedding you have to decide on a theme or colour palette early, this will impact every decision you make going forward from the venue, to the flowers, to the outfits. So take some time and have fun with it. Pinterest is full of wedding inspiration if you’re stuck on ideas, as is Instagram. Check out our Brentford Lock Instagram to see what weddings we’ve hosted in the past!

FIND A LOCATION

When it comes to location, there are plenty of wedding venues across the UK to choose from. With a large guest list and plenty of activities then you’ll have to find a large enough event space to host your big day. A large banquet hall is perfect for this or a large-scale event space. For Asian weddings, a large open space is perfect – especially if you’re bringing in your own caterers and decorators. There are wedding venues that will provide in-house services but usually, the menus are restrictive and you’re given limited options in terms of decor and entertainment. That’s why a large space you can make your own would be perfect for this!

BOOK YOUR OFFICIANT

How you get married is up to you. But most legal weddings require an officiant. For your ideal wedding, you want to hire an officiant who fits your needs. There are various officials who specialise in multicultural weddings including toastmasters and licensed officiants from your culture and heritage. Whatever you need, make sure you’re comfortable with them being such an important part of your journey.

CHOOSE YOUR DREAM TEAM

For your big day, you might decide you want a wedding party on hand to help with the details and support you as you enter the next phase of your life. It’s not an easy job but hopefully, you have people in your life who are happy to step into those shoes. Some Asian weddings (especially Indian weddings) are known for their large size – including that of the bridal party. Bridesmaids in these weddings have many duties so it’s important to choose your team wisely. They’ll help you prepare, coordinate, get ready on the day, take over the Joota Chupai rasam, and more.

SOURCE YOUR CATERING

With lots of guests, you’ll have lots of mouths to feed. Many wedding venues in the UK won’t be able to cater for Asian weddings due to limited menu options so bringing in your own caterer is a great idea to ensure you can craft the menu you’ve been dreaming of.

PICK YOUR OUTFITS

From cheongsam to nikkah, Asian wedding attire is vast and offers endless options. We won’t detail all your options in this blog post, but we’d advise you to think about preparing your attire at this point. If you’re having your bridal or groom attire specifically made and tailored to you, leaving a few months between this point and the wedding date is a great idea in case alterations need to be made. It’s the biggest day of your life – let your imagination run wild and make sure you look your best.

BOOK YOUR ENTERTAINMENT, PHOTOGRAPHER, AND FLORIST

Next up are suppliers. The details and decor are key to transforming a standard space into the wedding of your dreams. Why not take a look at our recent blog on Design Ideas for Asian Weddings in 2024 to see what’s on trend?

Booking your musicians, dancers or any other entertainment ensures that they’re available on your special day and takes one less thing off your plate. Ensuring you have a photographer ready to capture special memories will mean that your guests can put their phones away and truly enjoy the day. Floral decorations are essential and the bigger the better.

SORT THE DETAILS OF THE DAY

For large-scale events, we’d always recommend getting in touch with a coordinator. A wedding coordinator will be in charge of ensuring that set-up is correct and that suppliers are on-site when needed. They’ll handle communications with the venue, letting you sit back and get ready for your big day. Professionals in this industry have the experience and expertise to execute your dreams.

If you’re starting to plan your perfect Asian wedding then get in touch with Holiday Inn Brentford Lock. We have an incredible blank canvas of a venue at the waterside. Why not make use of our waterside location and make a grand entrance by boat? Or look out over the beautiful setting? Brentford can help elevate your special day beyond your wildest dreams. Plus, with such a great open space, you can decorate it your way, meaning each event held in our event space will be totally unique. Get in touch today to see what we can make happen for you: events@hibrentfordlock.co.uk.

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HOW TO PLAN A SUCCESSFUL CORPORATE EVENT

We understand that corporate event planning can be complex and time-consuming. With so many steps to ensure the event goes well, a lot of time has to be dedicated to logistics before the big day itself. Here at Holiday Inn Brentford Lock, we’re very familiar with large events. We’re here to help you with our 10-step guide on how to plan a successful corporate event that can be both rewarding for the organisers and a great time for the guests.

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF YOUR EVENT?

Your first step in the planning process is to understand what the purpose of your event is. When you’re running an event of this nature, you need measurable results at the end so you can tell whether it’s been a success or not. You need this purpose to be generated ahead of time so that the rest of the planning process can cater to this. Two ideas for goals could be:

Brand Awareness: To have your brand reach a wider audience.
Which can be measured by: The number of shares, mentions, and referrals on social media. Track the increase in website traffic.

Guest Engagement: Ensure guests are actively engaging and participating in the event.
Which can be measured by: How long each attendee spent in the event. How many interactions were made by each guest such as questions asked and comments made?

Once you have decided on your top-of-funnel event goal(s) and how these are measurable, you can start on the next step!

SO WHO WILL YOUR AUDIENCE BE?

You have to have a set target audience for your event so that you can plan to meet their needs in a way that suits them. For example, it would be difficult to run an event for both your most important clients and your colleagues. While you might want to impress your clients with statistics and output, showing appreciation for your colleagues will mean crafting a social time that allows them to unwind. Not only do you need to understand your target audience before adhering to further steps, but you also need to work out your headcount.

A pro tip from Brentford Lock – always overestimate your headcount. It’s widely agreed that it is better to invite too many people than too few. Oftentimes with large events, there will be people who turn down the invitation and there will be people who drop out before the event.

Once you have your target audience pinpointed, you can start planning the event to make sure that they have a great time and you achieve your goals.

WHAT WILL YOUR BUDGET BE?

Before jumping into the logistics of the event, you have to have a realistic budget in mind. With event planning, you should expect unforeseen changes and expenses, so it’s worth giving yourself an extra 10% leeway on your budget.

When thinking of your budget, be practical with what you will need for the day. Think of technology, resources, headcount, and importantly catering. Never settle for less with food and drink since your audience is much more likely to be engaged if they’re not hungry or thirsty.

WHAT IS YOUR THEME AND FORMAT?

Once you have decided on your goals, audience, and budget, you can now choose a format and theme. When choosing your theme or topic, keep in mind your target audience and what would be most suitable for the attendees.

For example, if one of your goals is to increase brand awareness, a good idea would be to host a large event with key speakers from the company. Here you could invite potential clients and key people from the industry. It could even generate leads for you! On the other hand, if your goal aligns with changing brand perception, it could be worth investing in a more intimate theme and format. You could decide on peer-to-peer learning opportunities with client roundtables and breakout sessions.

Make sure whichever format and theme you choose, you involve ideas for engagement and fun for your guests so that they will have an enjoyable time. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box.

WHAT WILL YOUR PROJECT TIMELINE LOOK LIKE?

It is easy to get excited and jump head-first into planning your event, but you can’t forget that there are a lot of calculated elements to hosting a corporate event.

Creating a project timeline is important. Start with creating a checklist so that you can keep track and monitor even the smallest details to keep you and your team organised. It’s a good idea to have check-ins like a 3-month review to maintain communication with your team. Outline the milestones that you are aiming to achieve and also any issues that could come up.

Take a look at project management software available to help you with this process such as Todoist or even Google Sheets. Keep track of the deadline and the person responsible for overseeing the task. It is worth investing your time at the start of the project to complete your timeline. That way, you have plenty of time to look around for the best deals and don’t face any pressure to book the only option.

WHERE WILL YOU BE HOSTING YOUR CORPORATE EVENT?

Depending on your desired geographic location, target audience, and headcount, the perfect location will differ. It needs to be a nice location with suitable parking or transport links. It could be a major factor in how many people attend.

Here at Brentford Lock, we offer incredible corporate event spaces at our very own ‘The Waterfront’. We have one of the most flexible spaces near London with fantastic views of the Grand Union Canal. We can offer event spaces for 10 to 500 people, have on-site parking, and complimentary wifi, and offer special offers and packages throughout the year.

We also have competitively priced conference packages that include catering, room hire, use of technology and car parking along with a variety of other inclusions. The Waterfront makes for a perfect venue for any size corporate event. You can find out more information here.

WHAT WILL BE THE LOGISTICS FOR THE DAY?

A key to organising a great corporate event is being aware of all of your logistics for the big day. From caterers to bar staff to audiovisual technicians, there is a whole host of things that you need to be prepared for. For everything to go smoothly, you’ll need an agenda for the day and get all your team members on board.

Curate a delicate balance of freedom and scheduling for your guests so that they have room for engagements but don’t feel restricted to constantly participate. In your agenda, it would be nice to make room towards the end of the day to give your attendees a digital takeaway or premium content access such as personalised information or even a link to photos from the event.

Another pro tip from Brentford Lock is that photo and video content will increase your voice on social media!

WHAT TECHNOLOGY WILL YOU BE UTILISING?

As an event organiser, using clipboards and notebooks to keep your day on track is outdated. It’s time to get with the times. There are plenty of event management software tools and apps that can help you to keep organised all in one place. Using these tools can help with a variety of things from games to on-site check-in for your attendees.

These apps and software can help take a lot of pressure off of you as the event organiser and also help guests keep track of information. Take a look at the options and choose a few that will be useful for both you and your attendees.

HOW ARE YOU GOING TO MARKET THE EVENT?

Like many aspects of your corporate event, your promotion will depend on your target audience. If you are interested in having employees of your company as attendees then internal communications would be the way to go. However, if you are interested in lead generation and gaining larger brand awareness, then industry-relevant publications and email databases would be more relevant.

Don’t neglect social media. Use hashtags across platforms to create a buzz and remember to use consistent messaging across platforms.

You need to ensure that you are promoting the event ahead of time. There is no use in marketing the event a week before. Why not leave enough time for another round of marketing in case you’ve not had enough interest? For larger events, getting in touch with sponsors can be useful as they will help with the costs – but remember, if you are to get in touch with potential sponsors, make them industry and theme-relevant.

WHAT ABOUT AFTER?

As we’ve covered, ways in which to measure your success are vital and these come in handy after the event. You can use analysis to gain data-driven results and measure these against your intended outcomes.

Don’t get lost in the data. Guest experience matters. You could use the event-planning software tools to help get feedback at this stage with questionnaires. These results can help you learn what went well and what could be improved to excel at your next corporate event.

We hope that our guide on how to plan a corporate event has helped you get to grips with the basics of corporate event management. Don’t forget to check out our website here as we can provide an amazing space for your corporate events! Get in touch for more information.

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AMAZING DESIGN IDEAS FOR ASIAN WEDDINGS IN 2024

Asian Weddings are a beautiful celebration of love, often honoured through beautiful colours, plenty of florals and a large guest list of those who want to mark the occasion with the happy couple. Before we dive into some of the gorgeous design ideas and trends for Asian weddings for 2024, it is important to recognise that no two Asian weddings are the same. Acknowledging the cultural background of the wedding will influence some of the design ideas, the newlyweds could be from a variety of backgrounds, including North Indian, South Indian and Punjabi. This blog post, however, will showcase some more generalised design ideas that can add a touch of luxury to a plethora of Asian weddings.

MANDAPS

Mandaps often play a central role in Asian weddings. Mandaps, in case you aren’t already aware, are a platform where the soon-to-be-married couple sit during the ceremony. This tradition is not simply for visual effect, the mandap represents a symbolic boundary between the sacred and the secular and is thought to have betoken the world of gods. The style of your mandap reflects your theme and personal style. Traditionally, these ceremonial structures were made from wood, although in recent years there has been a move towards these being more design-led through draping, flowers and crystals.

There is an abundance of different ways that you can style your mandap. You can lean into the more organic, nature-driven choices through whimsical floral branches, cherry blossoms and leafy greens. On the other hand, you can easily add a touch of glamour by adorning your mandap with golden decorations and red roses. It is important, however, to have the embellishment of your mandap be in line with the rest of your theme. You wouldn’t want a pastel wedding theme to clash with a dark, purple mandap!

A traditional Asian mandap

THE VENUE

The design choices for your Asian wedding in regards to the venue itself can often feel like some daunting decisions. Instead of worrying over the fine details to start with, which we will come back to, it can help to first choose a theme for your ceremony. The season in which you are getting married can help you to decide your theme, many people want to align their design with the time of year.

SPRING

Spring offers an incredibly popular time of year to get married. The temperature is often mild, the sun is regularly shining and many guests are more available to attend. The colour pallet that represents this season spectacularly is pastels. These soft hues complement the time of year perfectly. From daffodils, roses and hyacinths to tulips, there is a range of flowers that work well.

SUMMER

During the summer months, people often opt for soft hues, much like during Spring. Nevertheless, bold colours work better for this time of year. Despite the more unpredictable nature of the weather here in the UK, you have a high chance of getting a gloriously sunny day, perfect for those photos outside! Peonies, begonias, delphiniums, daisies and geraniums are lovely flower choices that fit a Summer wedding well.

Asian Wedding Gold Table Arrangement

AUTUMN

Autumn paves the way for a much darker colour scheme and if you want a wedding theme that aligns well with nature, then an Autumn wedding calls your name. For a much cosier option, during these months you can celebrate with gold accents, leafy greens and low-lights that will accentuate the beauty of your venue and give you that extra snug vibe! Think dark greens and berry colours.

WINTER

Gold and ivory are your go-to colour scheme for Winter. If you are lucky, the outside of your venue will be blanketed with snow. Winter Asian weddings can look especially regal and ornamented as the simpler colour scheme allows for more space to add extra accents in the space. Green eucalyptus, gardenia and hypericum are lovely choices for your floral displays.

THE FINE DETAILS

The finer details are just as important as the main theme of the wedding. Asian Weddings often dedicate a lot of venue space for beautiful flowers. Rather than just having vases on the tables, although these are important, you can add an extra dimension to the space through detailed flower walls and floral ceilings. These options create a show-stopping factor but easily blend in with your theme. Creating unforgettable and romantic tables for your guests is also vital, candelabras on tables, reception centre-pieces and smaller flower balls can help to thread your theme throughout the entire venue.

BRENTFORD LOCK VENUE

Here at Brentford Lock, we are masters at helping you create the perfect Asian wedding. Our space allows you to unleash your inner creativity and magically commemorate your special day, just as you had pictured. We can be the perfect location for your wedding day. We are a bespoke hotel, situated next to the riverside, offering a beautiful backdrop for your wedding pictures and a comfy bed for your guests to sleep in afterwards.

You can find out more information here.

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5 REASONS TO SPEND CHRISTMAS AT OUT HOTEL IN BRENTFORD

The Christmas party season is fast approaching and it’s time to start thinking of those all important festive dos. Finding the perfect event for your Christmas gathering can seem like an impossible task, but we make the process easy at our Brentford hotel.

Discover why you should book your Christmas event at our hotel in Brentford, and see how we can make your Christmas one to remember.

FLEXIBLE EVENT SPACE

Our flexible event space can be tailored to your party’s needs. We offer a variety of rooms that can be used as you wish for up to 500 people, meaning whether you need to host a small office gathering or a big family event we have the space for you!

Dining room decorated for Christmas

GREAT TRANSPORT LINKS INTO CENTRAL LONDON

Wanting to head into the city? Our Brentford hotel is near convenient transport links to get you into central London in no time.

So if you want to be away from the hustle and bustle of the city, but still want to enjoy a merry tipple in the centre after your event, we’re the perfect base for you!

FESTIVE APRES-SKI THEMING

Feel the festive spirit and bring the slopes to Brentford with our Apres-Ski themed parties. Transport yourself to a winter wonderland with our immersive décor and Christmas themed menu and party add-ons.

It’s an ideal way to get even the grumpiest Scrooge in the mood for the party season!

External view of hotel across water with snow

THE PERFECT PARTY OPTIONS

You can’t have the perfect party without everything you’ll need to make it a night to remember! With arrival drinks, photo opportunities with a VIP entrance, and a DJ with a dance floor you can let loose and have fun to celebrate the festive season.

We also offer essentials that always help the event run smoothly, such as free car parking, cloakroom and a cash bar. You know your party will be in good hands with us!

DELICIOUS FESTIVE FOOD OPTIONS

The best bit about Christmas? The food of course! Our Christmas party catering can fit around your needs. If you want a more formal and sophisticated event, we offer a festive 3 course sit-down meal, or a tasty buffet with a wide array of options for large and small functions.

We know how important food is at any event, that’s why our talented chefs have worked hard to perfect our menu and deliver top quality food so you can feast in style.

Food being plated in kitchen

Need a place to crash after the festivities? Book a room in our hotel now.

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CHRISTMAS PARTY IDEAS AT OUR BRENTFORD HOTEL

It’s never too early to start thinking about Christmas party ideas. Our Brentford hotel offers various Christmas party ideas to get you in the festive spirit. So whether you’re planning an entire office blowout, or something more casual with friends, we can help build the perfect Christmas party. Keep reading to explore how we can sprinkle your festive event with our Christmas magic.

APRÉS SKI PARTIES

Get ready to experience a truly unforgettable Christmas celebration with our exclusive Après-Ski-themed party nights. Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of winter wonderland festivities, where our immersive décor and delightful Christmas menu set the stage for an evening of joy and high spirits.

Whether you’re gathering with friends, family, or colleagues, our venue can cater for up to 500 people. We provide options for exclusive room use and joint parties, making it the perfect choice for Brentford-based businesses and families alike.

Explore our Après Ski Parties here: Après Ski Christmas Parties 

ARRIVAL DRINKS

Everybody loves free drinks! To kick your Christmas party off on the right note, we offer a warm welcome to guests with complimentary arrival drinks. As they step into the room, they’ll be greeted with a welcome drink to get the party started.

FESTIVE MENU

At the heart of every Christmas party is a delicious feast, and our team of talented chefs has crafted a delicious festive menu to delight your taste buds. From traditional Christmas pudding to a refreshing winterberry fruit salad, our menu offers a range of mouthwatering dishes for party guests to tuck into.

Explore our menu by downloading our Christmas brochure here: Christmas Après Ski Parties Brochure

DJ AND DANCE FLOOR

No Christmas party is complete without music and dancing! Our resident DJ will spin all the party classics, keeping the dance floor alive and your guests in high spirits throughout the night. We provide plenty of space away from the tables for everyone to let loose and dance the night away.

Dining room set up for Christmas

STAY THE NIGHT

To ensure your guests can fully enjoy the festivities without worrying about travelling home, we offer the luxury of booking a room to stay the night after the party. Additionally, our residential packages provide the ultimate Christmas experience, combining a day meeting, party night, and one night’s bed and breakfast.

To enquire about your 2023 Christmas party get in touch with us here: Contact Us 

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