Simple Steps to Conquer Your Indian Wedding Planning Timeline

Okay, let's address the elephant in the room: Indian wedding planning is NOT for the faint-hearted. With a thousand and one things to do, from picking the perfect venue to coordinating 17 pre-wedding functions (slight exaggeration, but you get the drift!), it's easy to feel like you're drowning in a sea of to-do lists. But fear not, bride and groom-to-be! We're here to throw you a lifeline with our step-by-step guide to breaking down your wedding planning steps. By the end of this, you'll be sailing through your wedding prep like a pro!

Breaking Down the Wedding Planning Steps

Now that you've got the basics of Indian wedding event planning down, it's time to dive into the nitty-gritty. Here's a step-by-step breakdown:

Step 3: Creating Your Guest List

Ah, the guest list—the bane of every Indian couple's existence when it comes to Indian wedding event planning. Large Indian weddings are the norm, but that doesn't mean you have to invite every distant cousin twice removed. Start by making a list of your must-have guests, like immediate family and close friends. Then, divide up the remaining invites between both families.

A handy tip to this wedding planning step is to create tiers within your guest list: an A-list for your nearest and dearest, a B-list for those you'd like to invite if space allows, and a C-list for those you feel obligated to invite but wouldn't mind leaving out. This makes it easier to make cuts if needed.

Step 4: Selecting Your Wedding Venue

Your wedding venue sets the tone for your entire celebration, so plan this wedding planning step wisely. When scouting locations, consider factors like capacity, accessibility, parking, and accommodation options for out-of-town guests.

If you're having a traditional Hindu ceremony, ensure the venue allows you to light a sacred fire and has a suitable space for the mandap. For a Muslim wedding, you may need separate areas for men and women. And of course, don't forget to ask about the venue's decor restrictions and whether you can bring in outside vendors.

Step 5: Hiring Your Wedding Vendors

With your venue booked and wedding ceremony itinerary done, it's time to start hiring your other wedding vendors. This includes your caterer, decorator, photographer, videographer, makeup artist, and entertainment (like a DJ or live band).

Do your research and read reviews before making any decisions. Schedule meetings with potential vendors to discuss your vision and get a sense of their style and personality. And don't forget to get everything in writing, including a detailed contract outlining the services provided, the timeline, and the payment schedule.

Step 6: Choosing Your Wedding Attire

For many couples, choosing their wedding outfits is the most exciting part of the wedding planning steps. But with so many options out there, it can also be overwhelming.

Choosing the Perfect Lehenga and Saree for Women

Start by considering your wedding style and venue. A heavy, embellished lehenga may be perfect for a grand ballroom wedding, while a lightweight, flowy saree is more suited to a beachside affair.

Colour is another important factor. Red is the traditional choice for Indian brides, but don't be afraid to experiment with other shades like blush pink, mint green, or royal blue. And of course, don't forget about the blouse! From sleeveless to full-sleeved, heavily embroidered to understated, the options are endless.

For some stunning bridal wear inspiration, check out Mohey's exquisite collection. They have everything from classic red lehengas to contemporary pastel sarees, all crafted with the utmost attention to detail.

Choosing the Perfect Kurta Pajama Set and Sherwani for Men

Grooms, you've got plenty of dashing options too! A traditional kurta pajama set is a great choice for pre-wedding functions like the haldi or mehendi. Look for one with intricate embroidery or a fun, printed pattern to make a statement.

For the wedding day, you can't go wrong with a classic sherwani. Choose a rich, regal colour like gold, maroon, or navy blue, and look for intricate embellishments like sardosi or thread work. Complete the look with a coordinating safa (turban) and juttis (traditional shoes).

Need some help putting together your wedding wardrobe? Manyavar has you covered, with everything from simple kurtas to ornate sherwanis, all made with the finest fabrics and craftsmanship.

Step 7: Sending Out Your Wedding Invitations

Your wedding invitations give guests a sneak peek into the style and tone of your big day. This wedding planning step should reflect your wedding theme and colour palette and include all the essential details like the date, time, venue, and dress code.

If you're having a destination wedding or a multi-day celebration, consider sending out save-the-dates first. This gives guests ample time to make travel arrangements and block off the dates on their calendar.

For the actual invitations, you can go the traditional route with paper invites or opt for digital invitations to save on cost and paper waste. Just be sure to send them out at least 2-3 months in advance to give guests enough time to RSVP.

Step 8: Finalising Your Wedding Day Timeline

As the big day approaches, it's crucial to have a detailed timeline in place to ensure everything in your wedding ceremony itinerary runs smoothly. Start by outlining the key events of the day, like the baraat, ceremony, and reception. Then, work backwards to fill in the smaller details like hair and makeup, photos, and transportation.

Don't forget to factor in some buffer time for unexpected delays or last-minute hiccups. It's also a good idea to appoint a day-of coordinator (either a professional or a trusted friend or family member) to handle any issues that arise and keep everything on track.

Making Your Wedding Planning Manageable

We won't sugarcoat it—planning an Indian wedding is a massive undertaking. But by breaking down the process into smaller, manageable wedding planning steps and staying organised, you can minimise the stress and enjoy the journey to your big day.

And if you need a little extra help along the way, don't hesitate to lean on your team of trusted vendors, like the experts at Manyavar and Mohey. With their stunning collections and commitment to quality, they'll make sure you look and feel your best on your wedding day.