The Indian / Pakistani Wedding Ceremony Check List

Do this now!

Decide the size of the wedding and number of functions.
Allocate responsibilities between both families
Draw up guest lists for all functions (sangeet, mehendhi, wedding, reception)
Visit possible venue(s) to discuss availability
Interview caterers, hotels and restaurants and discuss sample menus
Order invitations from India for all functions
Select a professional photographer and/or videographer
Select a mandap and floral theme for your wedding
Audition musicians/Visit musiacians whilst they play live/make music arrangements for the Sangeet
Start purchasing your trousseau, wedding, and reception outfits
Speak to travel agents about honeymoon destinations
Plan your wedding budget, collect estimate from all your wedding professionals
Set dates for pre-wedding celebrations (hen's night, kitchen tea, bucks night).

Take it easy... 2/3 months to go
Have all your bookings confirmed in writing
Invite pandit/granthi for the ceremony
Remain in contact with your all your wedding professionals: caterers, mandap specialist, florist, musicians etc.
Send out invitations
Choose wedding rings
Shop for tikka gifts, brides helpers, grooms helpers & parents
Keep a record of acceptances and refusals (Pass this responsibility to a family member)
Finalize your honeymoon plans, make sure your passports and vaccinations are upto date and you have applied for all necessary visas
Book accomodation for out of town guests(family homes, local hotels or rent a house)
Plan your menu and any special requirements with the caterers
Have a trial photo shoot with the photographers you have decided on

Hold onto your seat….this month will fly .... 1 month to go
Be sure your wedding clothes are collected and ready to wear
Make appointments with hair-dresser and beautician and have trials with BOTH
Organize Mehendi artist and select some patterns
Order mithai and related items
Finalize plans for the Sangeet (dancers, dj)
Book your hotel for your wedding night if required
Make sure that you and the groom have luggage for the honemoom, think about what you want to pack
If required, book a horse and some musicians (dhol players) for the groom's arrival
Book wedding cars

Lets get cracking... 2 weeks to go
Finalize the number of guests and inform the caterers in writing
Arrange for all your trousseau to be ironed and packed
Confirm with the florist the exact arrangements for collection or delivery of all flowers
Make final checks on all your bookings
Order relevant traveller's cheques or foreign currency, if needed

All set... 1 week to go
Confirm all bookings
Confirm final guest list
Confirm menu with caterers
Arrange for drinks to be delivered
Confirm arrangements for hired crockery, cutlery, glassware or table linen, if separately hired from carterers
Your wedding clothes should be ready, try on outfits

The day before the wedding
Your florist should prepare and soak all flowers and foliage and have them ready.
Make sure wedding cars are clean
Pack your honeymoon suitcase, ready for delivery to the reception. Make sure your fiance has packed his/her suitcases
Visit the hairdresser and beautician
Try to relax, spend some time with parents and have an early night.