50 Checklist for Indian Wedding Planning
- Choose the wedding date and time: Consider the availability of key people, weather, travel conditions, and cultural or religious holidays when selecting a date and time.
- Determine the wedding budget and create a list of expenses: Make a detailed list of all expected costs, including venue rentals, catering, decorations, attire, and other services, and assign a budget to each item.
- Book the wedding venue(s), including the ceremony and reception locations: Research potential venues, visit them in person if possible, and book them well in advance to secure the desired date and time.
- Decide on the wedding theme and color scheme: Choose a theme and color scheme that reflects your style and preferences and that can be incorporated into all aspects of the wedding, from decorations to attire.
- Select the wedding attire, including outfits for the bride, groom, and wedding party: Consider traditional Indian attire, such as a saree or lehenga for the bride and a sherwani or kurta for the groom select complementary outfits for the wedding party.
- Choose the wedding jewelry and accessories: Select jewelry and accessories that complement the wedding attire and enhance the overall look and feel of the wedding.
- Plan the wedding invitations, RSVPs, and guest list: Choose a design for the wedding invitations that reflects the wedding theme and send them out well before the wedding date. Keep track of RSVPs and maintain an updated guest list.
- Arrange for wedding transportation, such as a horse and carriage or luxury car: Determine the type of transportation used for the wedding party and guests, and arrange it in advance.
- Hire the wedding vendors, including the caterer, florist, decorator, photographer, and videographer: Research potential vendors, read reviews and testimonials, and choose those with a good reputation and who can provide your services need within your budget.
- Select the wedding entertainment, including music, dancers, and other performers: Choose entertainment that reflects the wedding theme and will appeal to the guests, such as traditional Indian music, dancers, and other performers.
- Decide on the wedding rituals and ceremonies, such as the sangeet, mehndi, and baraat: Choose the rituals and ceremonies that are important to you and your families, and plan them in accordance with cultural and religious traditions.
- Plan the wedding decorations, including mandap, centerpieces, and lighting: Choose decorations that reflect the wedding theme and create a festive atmosphere, such as a mandap for the ceremony, centerpieces for the reception, and lighting to enhance the ambiance.
- Choose the wedding menu, including appetizers, entrees, and desserts: Select a menu that includes traditional Indian cuisine and any other foods you and your guests will enjoy.
- Arrange for the wedding favors and gifts for the wedding party and guests: Provide small gifts or favors for the wedding party and guests as a token of appreciation, such as personalized items or treats.
- Book accommodations for out-of-town guests: Reserve hotel rooms or other accommodations for guests traveling from out of town.
- Plan any pre-wedding events, such as the haldi, chooda, or mangni: Plan any pre-wedding events that are important to you and your families, such as the haldi ceremony, chooda ceremony, or mangni ceremony.
- Schedule the wedding rehearsal: Schedule a rehearsal to ensure that everyone involved in the wedding knows their roles and the order of events and that everything runs smoothly on the wedding day.
- Plan the wedding day timeline, including hair and makeup and the ceremony.
- Choose the wedding officiant or priest: Select an officiant or priest who can perform the wedding ceremony according to your religious or cultural traditions.
- Hire a wedding planner or coordinator: If you need assistance planning and organizing your wedding, consider hiring a professional wedding planner or coordinator who can help you with the details and logistics.
- Arrange for wedding insurance: Consider purchasing wedding insurance to protect yourself against unexpected events or expenses, such as weather-related cancellations or vendor no-shows.
- Obtain necessary permits and licenses: Depending on the location and type of wedding, you may need to obtain permits or licenses, such as a marriage license or permits for outdoor venues.
- Plan the wedding seating arrangements: Determine where guests will sit during the ceremony and reception, and create a seating chart to help guests find their seats.
- Arrange for wedding day transportation for the bridal party: Ensure that the bridal party has transportation to and from the ceremony and reception locations, such as a limousine or other vehicle.
- Plan for the wedding cake and desserts: Choose a wedding cake that reflects the wedding theme and taste preferences, and consider providing other desserts, such as cupcakes or a dessert bar.
- Arrange for a wedding day emergency kits: Prepare emergency kits with safety pins, stain remover, and extra makeup, to ensure that you and your wedding party are prepared for any unexpected situations.
- Prepare for the wedding speeches and toasts: Decide who will give speeches and toasts during the reception, and provide them with guidance and tips on how to prepare.
- Plan for the wedding photography and videography: Select a photographer and videographer who can capture the special moments of your wedding day, and provide them with a shot list and any special requests.
- Arrange for wedding day activities for children: If children will be attending the wedding, plan activities to keep them entertained, such as coloring books or games.
- Prepare for the wedding day weather: Depending on the location and time of year, prepare for potential weather conditions, such as rain or extreme heat, by providing shelter or shade for guests.
- Plan for the wedding ceremony music: Choose music that reflects the wedding theme and personal taste, and arrange for musicians or a DJ to provide music during the ceremony.
- Arrange for wedding day setup and cleanup: Ensure the wedding venue is set up and decorated according to your specifications, and arrange for cleanup after the event.
- Plan for wedding day security: Consider hiring security personnel to ensure the safety of guests and prevent any unwanted incidents.
- Provide transportation for the wedding gifts: Arrange for transportation of gifts and other wedding items after the event, such as a designated vehicle or storage space.
- Plan for the post-wedding events, such as the reception or after-party: If you plan to have a post-wedding event, such as a reception or after-party, ensure that it is well-organized and that guests are informed of the details.
- Plan for the wedding favors: Choose and purchase wedding favors that are meaningful and memorable for your guests, and arrange for their distribution during the reception.
- Arrange for the wedding attire: Choose and purchase wedding attire for the bride, groom, and wedding party, and ensure that alterations are made as necessary.
- Arrange for the wedding rings: Choose and purchase wedding rings for the bride and groom, and arrange for any necessary engraving or resizing.
- Plan for the wedding day timeline: Create a detailed timeline of the wedding day, including the ceremony, reception, and any other events or activities.
- Arrange for the wedding invitations: Choose and purchase wedding invitations, and arrange for their mailing or distribution to guests.
- Plan for the wedding decorations: Choose and purchase wedding decorations, such as flowers, centerpieces, and lighting, and arrange for their setup and display.
- Arrange for the wedding reception food and beverages: Choose a menu and arrange for the food and beverages to be provided during the reception, including any dietary restrictions or preferences.
- Plan for the wedding reception entertainment: Choose and arrange for entertainment during the reception, such as a band, DJ, or other performers.
- Arrange for the wedding ceremony rehearsal: Schedule and plan a wedding ceremony rehearsal to ensure that everyone involved is prepared and familiar with their roles.
- Plan for the wedding ceremony readings and music: Choose readings and music for the wedding ceremony that are meaningful and appropriate, and provide them to the appropriate individuals.
- Arrange for the wedding ceremony decor: Choose and purchase decor for the wedding ceremony, such as an altar or arch, and arrange for their setup and display.
- Plan for the wedding ceremony rituals: If your wedding involves any special rituals or customs, plan for their inclusion in the ceremony and guide participants.
- Arrange for the wedding ceremony and reception rentals: Arrange for the rental of any necessary equipment or items, such as chairs, tables, linens, or audio-visual equipment.
- Plan for the wedding day beauty services: Arrange hair and makeup services for the bride and wedding party, and schedule appointments accordingly.
- Prepare for the wedding day’s emotions: Prepare yourself and your partner for the emotional aspects, and consider ways to manage stress and anxiety.
Disclaimer – While this list will help you plan. Always a good idea to engage a wedding planner and speak to family elders to ensure nothing is missed. This is not an exhaustive list, but only essential wedding planning items.