Planning an Indian wedding can be an exhilarating yet overwhelming task. Where do you begin with the planning? How do you ensure that every detail is executed with perfection? Fear not, we have created the ultimate guide to planning your dream Indian wedding. Whether you are the bride, groom or a family member involved in the planning process, this guide will give you the tools and knowledge you need to create an unforgettable celebration. So, let’s dive in and make your dream wedding a reality.
Crafting Your Indian Wedding Timeline/ Checklist
Planning the timeline for your Indian wedding is an essential part of the process. Getting the timings right ensures that every aspect of your planning runs smoothly and you have a checklist to follow.
Ideal Planning Duration
The timeline typically begins 12 to 18 months before the big day, or as soon as you have confirmed your engagement.
Brief Checklist for Your Indian Wedding Planning
Pre-wedding Planning
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Finalise the number of wedding events. Set the date for the wedding and related events.
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Create a budget considering venue costs, supplier fees and miscellaneous expenses.
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Create a guest list.
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Select and book the venues for each ceremony.
Supplier Coordination
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Book an experienced wedding planner who can assist in orchestrating the entire event. Our wedding planning service can give you expert guidance with your planning, including managing your budget, making supplier recommendations, booking venues, coordinating suppliers, events and coordinating the wedding day. Please get in contact for your free consultation.
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Secure suppliers for catering, floral arrangements, photography, videography, entertainment and cake supplier.
Ceremonial Arrangements
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Decide on traditional customs and rituals to be incorporated into each ceremony.
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Plan the bridal trousseau, groom’s attire, and attire for the wedding party, allowing time for fittings and alterations.
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Arrange transportation and/ or accommodation for the wedding party.
Setting Your Wedding Budget
Before diving into the intricacies of planning your dream Indian wedding, you need to lay a strong foundation by setting a realistic budget.
An Indian wedding involves many rituals spanning over numerous events and days. It is therefore, no surprise that the costs associated with an Indian wedding can vary widely. On average, a traditional Indian wedding in the UK can range from £20,000 to £100,000, depending on the scale, location, and preferences. This would include venue hire, catering, décor, attire, jewellery, photography, and transportation, among other essentials.
When budgeting for your wedding, it is important for you to consider which elements of the wedding are very important to you and your partner. Whether it is a dream venue, exquisite bridal attire or a lavish feast for your guests, allocating funds ensures that you are able to have the wedding of your dreams without overspending.
Selecting the Perfect Venue
When it comes to planning an Indian wedding, choosing the perfect venue is one of the first decisions you will make. The venue sets the scene for the entire celebration and can significantly impact your guests’ experience. To ensure that you select the perfect location for your special day, please consider several factors below.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Venue
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Capacity and Space: ensure the venue has capacity to accommodate all your guests. Consider the layout and available spaces for the different wedding rituals and events such as the religious ceremony, reception, and other cultural ceremonies.
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Amenities and Services: Look for venues that offer essential amenities such as a kitchen for catering, furniture, linens, and audio-visual equipment. Additionally, inquire about setup and cleanup services as well as any specific cultural requirements you may have. You can either hire a venue with the catering and other services included or hire the venue only (dry hire).
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Location and Accessibility: Consider the convenience of the venue’s location for your guests. Whether you opt for a local venue or a destination wedding location, accessibility and transportation options should be taken into account.
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Cultural Sensitivity: Ensure that the venue is respectful of Indian customs and traditions, and can accommodate specific cultural requirements such as space for religious ceremonies, traditional decorations, and accommodating attire changes.
Booking Accommodations for Guests
In addition to selecting the perfect venue, it is important to consider accommodations for your guests. Whether your wedding is at a local or destination venue, providing information about nearby hotels, resorts, or lodging options will ensure that your guests have a comfortable stay during the festivities. Consider negotiating group rates or room blocks to provide convenience and cost savings for your guests. Also consider whether the venue itself has rooms that can accommodate guests.
Curating Your Dream Wedding Menu
When planning your menu, consider the dietary preferences and restrictions of your guests. From vegetarian and vegan options to Jain, gluten-free, and lactose intolerant considerations, a thoughtful approach to catering ensures that all guests feel included and catered to.
As the wedding includes many events, from the Sangeet and Mehndi ceremonies to the reception, partnering with a caterer who specialises in providing catering for multi-day events will be extremely convenient and economical.
The Guest List and Invitations
A good starting point is to outline the must-invite guests, such as immediate family and close friends, before expanding to extended family and acquaintances. Remember, each guest contributes to the ambiance of your celebration, so choose wisely!
Determining the Size of Your Guest List
Consider the capacity of your chosen venue, your budget, and your vision for the day. Will you have an intimate gathering or a grand celebration? Reflect on the atmosphere you want to create and how many guests will contribute to this ambiance. While it’s tempting to invite everyone you know, being selective ensures a more meaningful and manageable event.
Attire and Styling for Your Indian Wedding
Will you be opting for traditional wedding attire for yourself and your partner? You will need outfits for the different ceremonies. Use Pinterest for inspiration. Secure a professional make-up artist and hair stylist for the bride and possibly the bridal party.
Choosing Your Mehndi Artist
Before booking, ensure you consider their experience and expertise in creating intricate bridal designs. You may also wish to book Mehndi Artists for the Bridal party and other guests for your Mehndi night.
Decor and Ambience
From vibrant and colourful themes to elegant and traditional motifs, there are endless possibilities to create a magical atmosphere for your special day.
Consider a theme for your wedding and look for professionals who are familiar with Indian weddings. Review their portfolio to ensure their style aligns with your vision.
Capturing Memories: Photography and Videography
Hiring the Right Photographer and Videographer
Selecting the perfect photographer and videographer for your Indian wedding is an art in itself. It’s not just about their technical skills, but also about their ability to understand and capture the cultural nuances and emotions of the occasion. Look for professionals with experience in Indian weddings, as they will be familiar with the customs, rituals, and the significance of each moment. A portfolio showcasing their work in similar settings can provide insight into their style and expertise. Additionally, meeting them in person allows you to gauge their personality and ensure they align with your vision.
We have prepared an article about hiring a photographer, which can be found here.
Creating a Shot List for Ceremonies and Events
Create a shot list for ceremonies and events. Work with your photographer to outline the key rituals, family portraits and candid moments you wish to be recorded. This detailed shot list will guide the photographer.
Music and Entertainment
Live Music and DJs for an Indian Wedding
Live music is a popular choice for Indian weddings, adding an authentic and soulful touch to the festivities.
In contrast, DJs bring a modern flair to the celebration. Look for entertainers who are well-versed in playing a mix of traditional and contemporary music. Also consider their experience in hosting and coordinating the flow of events. Your DJ will make the announcements throughout the reception party so they need to be well-versed in hosting.
Arranging Performances and Acts
In addition to live music and DJ sets, arranging performances and acts can add an extra layer of excitement to the wedding festivities. From graceful classical dance performances like Bharatanatyam and Kathak to high-energy Bollywood dance routines, captivating live performances can be extremely popular with guests.
Further, incorporating interactive entertainment acts such as photo booths, tarot card readers, and live caricature artists can provide guests with unique and engaging experiences.
Managing Logistics
When it comes to managing the logistics for an Indian wedding, ensuring smooth transportation for guests and coordinating with suppliers are crucial elements that contribute to the success of the event.
Transportation for Guests
Consider the number of guests, their accommodation locations, and the wedding venues when planning transportation logistics. It may help to create a travel itinerary with recommended transportation modes, nearby airports and hotel options. Consider offering shuttle services or transportation from designated pick-up points to the wedding venue.
Coordinating Suppliers
Effective coordination with suppliers is fundamental in ensuring that all aspects of the wedding run smoothly. Collaborate closely with your suppliers and the venue to create a detailed timeline that encompasses everything from the ceremony and cocktail hour to the reception and any post-wedding activities. Include buffer time in case of unforeseen delays and set-up and tear-down schedules for the suppliers.
Final Touches Before the Big Day
The big day is just around the corner, and you’re one step closer to making your dream Indian wedding a reality. It is time to ensure that all the final touches are in place to make the day seamless and memorable.
Reconfirming Bookings and Schedules
Double-checking and reconfirming all the bookings and schedules with your suppliers is crucial at this stage. Reach out to your caterer, decorator, photographer, and any other suppliers involved in your wedding to confirm the arrangements. This will give you peace of mind and help avoid any last-minute hiccups.
Pre-Wedding Pampering and Relaxation
Amidst all the hustle and bustle, it’s essential to take some time out for pre-wedding pampering and relaxation. Treat yourself to a rejuvenating spa session or a calming yoga class to ease those pre-wedding jitters and feel your best on the big day.
Remember, these final touches will contribute to the overall experience and ensure that everything unfolds beautifully on your special day.
Conclusion
Planning an Indian wedding can be a daunting task, but with the right tips and guidance, you can navigate through it smoothly. From setting a budget and choosing the perfect venue to finalising he number of wedding events, this comprehensive guide provides you with all the essential information you need to plan a memorable and beautiful Indian wedding. With a clear timeline and checklist, you can ensure that every aspect of your special day is thoughtfully organised, allowing you to focus on creating cherished memories with your loved ones.
Let us help you
As an Indian wedding planning company, we at Luxury Design Events pride ourselves on ensuring that every aspect of your wedding is handled with the utmost care providing you value for money. Our expertise extends to helping you negotiate with suppliers to ensure your dream wedding does not come with an unrealistic price tag.
