1. Start by contacting vendors and setting up appointments to discuss your needs.
Before you can begin to plan your Indian wedding, you must contact vendors in order to get a better understanding of the services they provide and how much they will cost. This includes finding caterers, photographers, videographers, florists, decorators, entertainers, and more. It is important to book as far in advance as possible in order to secure the services of each vendor.
2. Determine the budget for your wedding and stick to it.
Once you have contacted your vendors and received an estimate of their fees, it is time to determine a budget for your wedding. Make sure that you factor in all necessary costs, such as permit fees, taxes, gratuities, etc., so that you are not surprised by unexpected expenses on the day of the event. It is also a good idea to set aside some money for any last-minute needs or changes of plan that may arise during the wedding planning process.
3. Choose a color scheme and theme for your wedding.
The color scheme and theme of your wedding will set the tone for the entire event. Choose a vibrant palette that reflects the culture and traditions of India, such as reds, oranges, and golds. The theme can be based on a particular era or region in Indian history, or it could be something more modern and abstract. Whatever you decide should also reflect your own personal style and taste.
4. Select the music that will be played during the various ceremonies.
Music is an important part of any wedding ceremony, especially an Indian one. Traditional songs are usually played at various points throughout the event including pre-wedding rituals like Mehendi, Grah Shanti puja, Sangeet night celebrations, etc. You can also select music that reflects the couple’s personal tastes and preferences.
5. Create a seating chart for your guests.
It is important to plan out the seating arrangements for your wedding in advance, as this will make it easier to accommodate all of your guests. Ensure that special family members are seated together in an area close to the altar or stage. You may also want to consider setting aside special tables for children or other groups of guests that require separate seating arrangements.
6. Hire a photographer and videographer to capture all the special moments.
A great way to preserve the memories of your wedding day is by hiring a professional photographer and/or videographer. They will be able to capture all of the important elements of your event and create a lasting record that can be shared with family and friends.
7. Plan out the menu and decide on catering options.
For an Indian wedding, you will need to plan out a menu that reflects the culture and traditions of India. Consider having traditional dishes such as samosas, biryani, paneer tikka masala, naan bread, etc. You may also want to consider hiring a caterer who specializes in Indian cuisine for your wedding day.
8. Order Indian wedding invitations and send them out to guests.
Indian wedding invitations are typically more elaborate than regular Western invitations, often featuring intricate designs or colorful illustrations depicting various aspects of Indian culture. They typically also include information about the ceremonies and rituals that will be taking place throughout the wedding. Be sure to order and send out your invitations several weeks in advance of your wedding, so that all of your guests have enough time to make arrangements to attend.
9. Have henna artists available for pre-wedding events.
Henna is a popular element of traditional Indian weddings, and having henna artists present at your pre-wedding events is an excellent way to get your guests involved in the festivities. They can paint intricate designs on the hands and feet of both the bride and groom, as well as other members of the wedding party.
10. Book a venue and make arrangements for decorations.
Finally, once all of the other arrangements have been made, you will need to book a venue and make arrangements for decorations. Consider having a mandap or stage set up at your ceremony location, as this is a traditional part of Indian weddings. You can also decorate the space with colorful fabrics and flowers in order to create a vibrant atmosphere that reflects the culture and traditions of India. Make sure to allow plenty of time for setup before the wedding day so that everything is in place when your guests arrive.