Your wedding day is almost here—exciting times! But with so many details to handle, from finalizing venues to coordinating vendors and planning ceremonies, it can feel overwhelming.
Between finalizing venues, coordinating with vendors, and balancing traditions with your personal style, it can feel overwhelming. But don’t worry—we’ve got you covered.
This checklist is designed to break everything down into clear, manageable steps so you can focus on enjoying the journey rather than stressing over the details. Whether it’s booking the perfect caterer, choosing your dream outfits, or ensuring every ritual goes smoothly, we’ll guide you through it all.
So, take a deep breath, grab a chai, and let’s turn your wedding planning into an organized, stress-free experience—one step at a time.
Planning a wedding in India is no small feat—it’s a full-blown production involving rituals, family, traditions, and endless details. But don’t worry! We’re breaking it all down into a practical, week-by-week checklist so you can plan your dream wedding without losing your sanity.
Note: While this checklist is designed for a 12-month timeline, we understand that not everyone has that much time to plan their wedding. Feel free to adjust the timeline to fit your schedule. Whether you're planning with 6 months or 3 months to go, you can still follow this guide and adapt the steps accordingly.
You can “Download this Checklist” to help organize wedding planning step-by-step:
Wedding Planning Checklist.pdf
Wedding_Planning_Checklist - Excel Template
Finalize the wedding date – Choose an auspicious date based on family traditions, astrology (if followed), and seasonal considerations. Check venue availability for your preferred dates.
Decide on wedding type & scale – Discuss whether you want a traditional wedding, a destination wedding, or an intimate or grand celebration. Consider how many events will be included (e.g., Mehendi, Haldi, Sangeet, Reception).
Discuss budget allocation – Have a transparent conversation with both families about budget distribution. Allocate funds for key expenses like venue, catering, outfits, photography, and decor.
Create a preliminary guest list – Categorize guests into family, friends, colleagues, and acquaintances. Estimate the number of attendees to determine venue capacity and catering needs.
Research & book a wedding planner (if needed) – If you opt for a planner, research their portfolio, compare pricing, and book early to ensure seamless execution.
Start shortlisting venues – Look for venues that fit your guest count, preferred aesthetics, and logistical needs. Check for indoor and outdoor options and evaluate services like catering, decoration, and parking.
Plan pre-wedding events – Decide on additional ceremonies like Roka, engagement, bridal shower, or bachelor/bachelorette parties. Determine the scale of each event.
Shortlist wedding photographers & videographers – Research photographers whose style matches your vision. Review their past work, discuss pricing, and ensure they are available for all events.
Book the wedding venue – Once you've finalized your venue, secure the date by signing the contract and paying the advance.
Select and book your wedding photographer & videographer – Look through portfolios, check reviews, and ensure they align with your vision. Indian weddings have multiple events, so choose someone who captures candid and traditional shots beautifully.
Plan pre-wedding ceremonies – Decide on dates and locations for events like the engagement, mehendi, sangeet, and haldi.
Begin researching wedding outfits – Start looking for bridal lehengas, sarees, sherwanis, and other attire for different functions. If opting for designer wear, bookings should be made early as custom orders take time.
Book your caterer – Food is one of the biggest highlights of an Indian wedding. Finalize your catering service and begin discussing menu options.
Hire a decorator & theme planner – Decide on the overall wedding theme, color palettes, and décor preferences. Book decorators who can bring your vision to life.
Look for entertainment options – Whether it’s a live band, DJ, or traditional folk performers, book them now to avoid last-minute availability issues.
Explore wedding invitation designs – Begin browsing designs for physical and digital invitations. Decide if you want a traditional, modern, or themed invite.
Finalize bridal & groom trousseau shopping – This includes daily wear outfits, accessories, footwear, and traditional gifts exchanged between families.
Book hair & makeup artists – Bridal and groom styling is crucial. Top artists get booked early, so schedule trials and finalize them now.
Plan your pre-wedding shoot – Decide on a theme, location, and outfits. Book your photographer for the shoot in advance.
Start designing wedding cards – Finalize the wording, design, and order prints in batches if needed. Consider eco-friendly or digital invitations.
Research honeymoon destinations – If you’re planning an international trip, check visa requirements and travel seasons.
Plan wedding accommodations – Reserve rooms for out-of-town guests at hotels near the venue.
Send out Save-the-Dates – If you have guests traveling from other cities or abroad, send digital Save-the-Dates so they can plan ahead. You can easily create and share custom templates using Wedd.ai's social media integration. It allows you to design beautiful, personalized Save-the-Date cards and instantly share them on social platforms
Book pandit (priest) & discuss rituals – Whether you’re following Vedic traditions, Sikh Anand Karaj, Muslim Nikah, or Christian vows, finalize the priest and discuss the ceremonies.
Confirm venue decoration details – Finalize stage setup, floral arrangements, lighting, and other aspects with your decorator.
Shop for wedding accessories – Buy bindis, choodas, dupattas, safas (turbans), mojaris, and other essentials.
Finalize outfits for pre-wedding functions – Sangeet, Mehendi, and Haldi have unique outfit styles. Ensure fittings are done well in advance.
Book mehendi artist – Check their designs, past work, and schedule your session (bridal mehendi can take hours!).
Plan wedding menu tasting – Indian weddings are all about food! Work with your caterer to finalize appetizers, main courses, desserts, and drinks.
Create a transportation plan – Arrange cabs, buses, or shuttles for guests, especially if venues are in different locations.
Book bridal/groom spa & wellness sessions – Pamper yourself with skincare, hair care, and relaxation treatments.
Order wedding favours – Choose gifts like personalized sweets, scented candles, or traditional potlis for guests.
Confirm entertainment schedule – Finalize DJ playlists, live performances, and entry themes for the couple.
Start choreographing sangeet dances – Arrange dance practices for family & friends for a fun-filled sangeet night.
Schedule bridal/groom fitness & wellness plans – If fitness goals are on your mind, join yoga, gym, or meditation classes.
Plan wedding hashtag & social media strategy – Create a hashtag and hire a team for live social media coverage.
Begin honeymoon bookings – Finalize flights, hotels, and itineraries.
Confirm guest list & RSVPs – Send reminders to guests who haven’t confirmed yet. Make use of Wedd.ai forms to streamline the process. You can create and send digital RSVP forms to your guests, track responses automatically, and follow up with reminders, ensuring no one is left out.
Plan bride/groom wedding trousseau – Shop for post-wedding outfits and essentials.
Final dress fittings – Alter bridal lehengas, sarees, sherwanis, and other outfits for a perfect fit.
Decide on baraat & bridal entry themes – Choose music, performances, and fun surprises!
Shop for bridal makeup & skincare essentials – Invest in long-lasting, high-quality products.
Confirm gift registry or return gift selection – Set up an online gift registry or finalize return gifts.
Check marriage license & legal paperwork – Ensure all necessary paperwork is in place.
Plan final pre-wedding event logistics – Make a run-through plan for haldi, mehendi, and sangeet.
Start bridal skincare treatments – Follow a skincare routine for a natural glow.
Coordinate with family for customs & traditions – Clarify last-minute ritual plans.
Book wedding cake & dessert table – Choose cake designs & sweets for the reception.
Host bachelor/bachelorette parties – Celebrate with close friends!
Confirm honeymoon itinerary – Print tickets, book excursions, and finalize travel insurance.
Do a full wedding dress rehearsal – Ensure everything fits perfectly.
Confirm catering menu & guest headcount – Make last-minute adjustments.
Coordinate vendor payments – Clear all pending deposits.
Pack honeymoon bags & wedding day essentials – Organize everything in one place.
Do a final venue walkthrough – Confirm event flow.
Prepare wedding speeches & vows – If giving speeches, start practicing!
Order emergency wedding kits – Include safety pins, bandaids, perfume, bobby pins, and tissues.
Enjoy pre-wedding relaxation – Take a break before the big day.
We get it—wedding planning can feel like a mountain to climb. But here’s the thing: "A goal without a plan is just a wish." And trust us, you want a plan!
From budgeting to choosing vendors, having a solid checklist for your marriage arrangements makes everything smoother. And hey, you don’t have to do it all alone! If you want to make your wedding stress-free and actually enjoy the journey, Wedd's got your back. Let’s turn all your wedding checklists into action. Hit us up, and we’ll help you nail every detail!
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