A roundup of some of Colombo's best hotels, reception halls and caterers, so that you know just how much you'd be paying for that extra plate on your big day...
Written By Zainab Faizal
All those who have been married or even been a guest at most weddings would have probably come across that awkward moment when you meet a few relatives, who you probably never knew existed.
Except that they do, and you need to make small conversation, pretty much screaming in your mind, ‘Who on earth are these uncles and those snotty aunts?’, whilst also making a mental note to never let your mother or in-laws take care of the guest list (in case you tied the knot again!)
And of course, since we can’t really chase them away, since you know ‘more the merrier’, blah blah blah, we decided to tell you just how much that extra plate cost you (or your parents!).
Five Star Hotels
The Kingsbury Colombo
A popular wedding destination, there certainly cannot be a more awe inspiring venue. The Kingsbury has a fabulous range of menu options and these range from the classic Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum wedding menus with delectable delicacies starting from 4500 LKR per person.
Price per head
LKR 4500 upwards
Call: 011 2 421 221
Hotel Galadari
Another favourite for most Sri Lankans, with their outstanding cuisines and faultless levels of service, Hotel Galadari is definitely your place - from the extravagant to completely unconventional weddings.
Price per head
Biriyani - LKR 3800 nett
International buffet - LKR 5650 upwards
Call 011 2 544 544 for more info.
Cinnamon Grand Colombo
When it comes to making your wedding dreams into a reality, you know Cinnamon Grand always has your back for they are well known for incredible weddings over the years and their mouth watering food!
Price per head
Biriyani - LKR 4700 nett
Buffet - LKR 5500 nett
Sit down dinner - LKR 6900 nett upwards
Call 011 2 437 437 for more info.
Ramada Colombo
With an elegantly opulent ballroom, Ramada certainly does excel with an amazing menu.
Price per head
Biriyani - LKR 3200 onwards
Typical wedding buffet or sit down - LKR 4850
Call 011 2 422 001 for more info
Cinnamon Lakeside
Weddings are all about special moments, and Cinnamon Lakeside's setting is the perfect way to go!
Price per head
Biriyani - LKR 4500 nett
Sit down dinner - LKR 6500 upwards
Buffet - LKR 5300 nett
Call 011 2 491 000 for more info.
Wedding Receptions
You don't always have to head to the star class hotels for the perfect wedding. If you’re looking for an intimate venue while wanting to be cost efficient, with quality food and service, here’s a list you can refer to!
Marine Grand
A well loved banquet hall, which allows for your own customisation of the menu - from the main course to desserts and drinks. After all, every wedding guest secretly wishes for delicious food!
Price per head
Biriyani (mutton, beef or chicken) - LKR 1100
Buffet - LKR 1500 onwards
Call 0114 443833 for more info.
Miami Reception Hall
Miami is a much adored venue by Sri Lankan Muslims.
Price per head
Biriyani - LKR 925
Customised buffets - LKR 1050Call 0112 504362 for more info.
Shaharan Hall
This wonderful venue can be specialised for any type of wedding - with dazzling wedding facilities and cultural foods.
Biriyani - 1250 LKR per person
Customised buffets are priced on request
Call 011 2 731938 for more info.
Golden Rose
Golden Rose, with their breathtaking ballrooms, are sure to add that little something to the most memorable day of your life.
Price per head
Typical Biriyani - LKR 2400 onwards
Also available are a wide range of items priced from LKR 3690 to 6100
Call 011 2545455 for more info.
Chimes Receptions
Chimes specialises in all sorts of important functions, including weddings, with a cosmic range of menus.
Price per head
Range - LKR 1250 to 2250Call 076 727 4182 for more info.
Caterers
For those of you who are hoping to get married in your back-garden at home, or have a venue fixed and need the food taken care of, caterers are obviously the way to go. Hassle free and efficient. We've compiled a list of potential options.
Udumbara
A successful party is a masterpiece and this is their core belief. If you choose Udumbara, you'd be choosing delicate food and uncompromised quality, artfully presented by their staff.
Price per head
Range - LKR 580 to 1270 LKR (for savory dishes and international cuisine).Call: 0112 501606 for more info.
Tasty Caterers
You can either choose from a wide range of menus guaranteed to tantalise and delight your taste buds, or you could send in your own requests for a personalised menu.
Price per head
Dinner or lunch - LKR 2000 onwards
Finger foods - LKR 1000 onwards (inclusive of cocktails and mocktails).
Choose from a range of western, fusion, continental, celebrations or even
Singaporean & Mexican!
Call 0112 081 041 for more info.
Galle Caterers
Offering a wide selection of mouth watering Biriyani options and other customised menus, their food is really something special.
Call 011 4949222 for more info.
Pot Biriyani
Biriyani, Biriyani, Biriyani! Check out their really user friendly website for more details.
Price per head
Range - LKR 700 onwards.Call 0777330938 for more info.
Opulent
One of the best caterers in Sri Lanka, offering Eastern, Western culinary fare.
Price per head
Range - LKR 3300 upwards.Call 011 2865994 for more info.
"We got married at the Kandy Oak Ray Regency, a fantastic venue and had a Biriyani inspired wedding, with 600 guests. It costed around 1200 LKR per head and yes we did have a few guests that we probably met for the very first time! Haha, after all, they are relatives"
- Rimas & Azeema
Now you have quite an array of options before you. Next time you meet and aunt or uncle you've never met before at a wedding, smile and be polite. At least you know the price per head you're paying for them!
