A Memorable Hindu Wedding: Planning And Checklist For Your Big Day

Planning a Hindu wedding can seem like an overwhelming task, but with the right checklist, it can be a hassle-free experience. The first step is to decide whether to hire a wedding planner or event coordinator, and to start researching venues. You'll need to decide whether you want all your events to be held in the same venue or different venues, and whether you want to conduct a havan or light candles/diyas. Next, you can start thinking about caterers, photographers, DJs, and mandap decorators. You'll also need to book a priest/pundit or officiant, and start making your initial guest list.

Hiring a wedding planner or event coordinator

Before hiring a wedding planner, it is important to keep the information organized. You can use Google Docs to keep track of your desires and priorities, as well as your budget and guest list.

When it comes to venues, you will need to decide if all the events will be held in the same venue or different venues. You will also need to put a deposit on the venue and find out if they allow you to conduct havan or light candles/diyas.

After the venue is sorted, you can start researching caterers, mandap decorators, photographers/videographers, DJs, makeup artists, and cake vendors. You will need several caterers and photographers for the different events, and you might need different decorators for each venue/event.

Choosing a venue

When it comes to choosing a venue, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, decide if you want all the events to be held in the same venue or different venues. This will help narrow down your options. Once you have a few venues in mind, schedule appointments to visit them and find out their policies on decorations and whether they allow you to conduct havan or light candles/diyas. It is also important to take your budget and the number of out-of-town guests into account when choosing a venue. Consider the size of the venue and whether it can accommodate all your guests comfortably.

Another thing to keep in mind is the date of your wedding. If you have a specific date in mind, make sure the venue is available on that day. You may also want to think about the theme or style of your wedding and choose a venue that complements it. For example, if you are having a traditional Hindu wedding, you may want to choose a venue that has a mandap or can accommodate one.

It is also a good idea to research caterers and photographers/videographers at this stage, as some venues may have restrictions on external vendors. If you are planning on having a DJ, make sure the venue allows for this as well. Finally, don't forget to put a deposit on the venue to secure your chosen date.

When it comes to choosing a venue, it is important to keep your partner's desires and priorities in mind. Communication is key, so make sure to discuss what each of you wants and find a venue that ticks as many boxes as possible for both of you.

Booking a priest or officiant

Planning a Hindu wedding can be a daunting task, but with the right checklist, you can ensure that your big day is memorable and stress-free. One of the most important aspects of a Hindu wedding is the priest or officiant, who will guide you through the rituals and ceremonies. Here are some things to keep in mind when booking a priest or officiant for your Hindu wedding:

First, it is essential to start your search early. Hindu priests and officiants are in high demand, especially during the wedding season, so it is advisable to begin your research as soon as you have set a date. Contact several priests or officiants to inquire about their availability and rates.

When considering a priest or officiant, it is crucial to ensure that they are well-versed in Hindu wedding rituals and traditions. Ask about their experience, the types of ceremonies they have conducted, and whether they can tailor the ceremony to your specific needs and desires. It is also important to discuss any specific rituals or traditions that you would like to include in your wedding, such as the exchange of garlands or the lighting of the sacred fire.

Another factor to consider when booking a priest or officiant is the language. If you or your partner do not speak the priest's native language, ensure that they are fluent in a language that you both understand. This will ensure that you can follow the ceremony and understand the rituals being performed.

Finally, don't forget to discuss the logistics and financial aspects. Ask about their fees, travel expenses (if applicable), and any other additional costs. It is also essential to inquire about their availability for rehearsals and other wedding-related events.

By following these steps, you can confidently book a priest or officiant who will help make your Hindu wedding a beautiful and meaningful celebration.

Planning the events

Next, you should start researching caterers, mandap decorators, photographers/videographers, DJs, makeup artists, and cake vendors. You will likely need several caterers and different decorators for each venue/event, and you might need to book different photographers for the pre-wedding shoot, various events, and the main ceremony. You should also arrange tasting sessions for the food and cake.

You should also start making the initial guest list, taking your budget and out-of-town guests into account. You can use a spreadsheet to keep track of names, contact details, events invited for, etc.

Finally, you should book your priest/pundit or officiant and look into Dakshina (donation).

Researching caterers

When it comes to researching caterers for your Hindu wedding, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it's important to start your research early, as caterers can book up quickly, especially if you're planning a wedding during peak season. Secondly, you'll need to consider the different events that typically take place during a Hindu wedding and decide whether you want to use the same caterer for each event or hire multiple caterers.

Once you've determined your needs, you can start reaching out to caterers to gather information and compare prices. It's important to be organised during this process, so consider creating a spreadsheet to keep track of the caterers you're interested in, their availability, and their pricing. You can also use this spreadsheet to note down any special requirements or dietary restrictions you may have, to ensure that the caterers you're considering can accommodate your needs.

When researching caterers, it's a good idea to ask for references from past clients and to read online reviews to get a sense of their reputation and the quality of their services. You may also want to ask for sample menus and pricing breakdowns to understand what is included in their packages and whether there are any additional costs you need to consider.

Finally, don't forget to schedule tasting sessions with your shortlisted caterers. This will allow you to sample the food and ensure that it meets your expectations in terms of taste, presentation, and quality. It's also a good opportunity to discuss any specific menu requests or customisations you may have.

Frequently asked questions