Planning A Kerala Christian Wedding: A Step-By-Step Guide

Planning a Kerala Christian wedding involves a number of steps. First, the bride and groom's families must be mutually convinced and satisfied with each other's family status and background. Then, a wedding date is fixed by the parents. It's recommended to choose three good dates to ensure a convenient date can be chosen without worry. The wedding ceremony itself involves the bride and groom's families moving to the church, where they are welcomed by little girls carrying flowers. The families bring flower and fruit baskets to symbolise wellbeing and prosperity. The bride and groom then light a lamp together in front of the altar, before the priest takes charge of the wedding by reading Bible verses. Before the wedding, it's important to confirm vendors such as photographers, caterers, DJs, bands, stage decorators, bridal makeup companies, transportation and hotel bookings.

Choosing a date and venue

Once you have chosen a date and venue, it is important to start giving 'save the date' invitation cards to your friends and family members. This will help them plan their attendance and ensure that they can be a part of your special day. It is also crucial to confirm your vendors, such as photographers, caterers, DJs or bands, stage decorators (florists), bridal makeup companies, and transportation providers.

To make the most of your budget, it is helpful to draft a plan and prepare in advance. This includes considering all the factors that go into creating your dream wedding, from the venue to the decorations, and ensuring that you have the necessary funds to make it happen. By being organised and thorough in your planning, you can have a perfect wedding while also staying within your financial means.

Budgeting

When budgeting, it is a good idea to draft a plan and prepare in advance so that you can have the wedding you want at a decent price. You should look closely at each factor to work out where you can save money and where you want to spend more.

There are many expenses to consider when planning a wedding. You will need to think about the cost of the venue, including the wedding hall and any stage decoration. You will also need to budget for catering, including the wedding cake, and drinks. Other costs include photography, videography, entertainment such as a DJ or band, transportation, and accommodation for guests.

It is important to confirm your vendors and pay them in advance. You should also ask for a receipt if you are paying in cash. When budgeting, it is a good idea to add a buffer to your total as there may be hidden costs or unexpected expenses.

Invitations

Once you have chosen a date, it's time to start thinking about invitations. It's a good idea to give your friends and family members a 'save the date' card in advance, so they can make sure they are free. You should also finish distributing RSVP cards and follow up with guests who have not responded.

When it comes to the invitations themselves, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, budget. How much can you afford to spend on invitations? You can either design and print them yourself, or hire a professional to do it for you. If you're having a themed wedding, you might want to incorporate this into your invitations.

Another thing to consider is the wording of the invitations. Make sure you include all the important information, such as the date, time, and location of the wedding. You might also want to include a dress code and any other relevant details, such as transport or accommodation options for guests.

Finally, don't forget to proofread your invitations before sending them out. Check for any spelling or grammar mistakes, and make sure all the information is correct.

Vendors

When it comes to vendors, there are a few key things to keep in mind when planning a Kerala Christian wedding. First, it is important to discuss your budget and decide how much you are willing to spend on each aspect of the wedding, including the venue, catering, photography, transportation, and entertainment. Once you have a clear idea of your budget, you can start scouting for vendors.

For a Christian wedding in Kerala, you will typically need to hire a wedding planner, a caterer, a photographer, a DJ or band, a stage decorator (florist), a bridal makeup artist, and transportation. It is also common to book hotel rooms for out-of-town guests. When selecting vendors, be sure to read reviews, compare prices, and ask for recommendations from friends and family.

Once you have chosen your vendors, be sure to confirm the details of their services and make advance payments to secure their services for your wedding date. It is also a good idea to follow up with them closer to the wedding date to ensure that everything is on track. In addition to vendors, don't forget to purchase wedding rings, ornaments, and dresses for the couple. If you wish to purchase a vehicle specifically for the wedding, this should also be arranged in advance.

To create a memorable entrance for the bride and groom, consider hiring a pandal decoration team to install tents and illuminate the house with lamps and serial lights on the wedding day. This will not only create a beautiful setting for your celebration but also symbolise wellbeing and prosperity for the newlyweds.

Wedding attire

If you want to respect the culture and customs, it's best to avoid anything too revealing, such as sleeveless dresses, short skirts, or low-cut tops. It's also worth noting that some churches are more orthodox and traditional, so it's a good idea to find out the type of church the ceremony is in. For example, women in churidhars and sarees cover their hair with the free cloth during the ceremony.

For brides, the traditional Kerala bridal saree is white and gold, but bridal gowns are also becoming popular, especially with younger brides. These gowns can be made from lacy georgettes, sheer chiffons, gold Kancheevarams, or Benarasi saris, and often feature delicate embroidery and beadwork.

Frequently asked questions