Planning A Wedding In Sri Lanka: A Step-By-Step Guide

Planning a wedding in Sri Lanka can be a daunting task, especially if you're not familiar with the location or culture. It's important to start early, with many venues and suppliers being booked a year in advance. You'll need to decide on a location and lock in the details with your wedding planner or agency at least six months before the big day. This will help secure the best rates and ensure your dream wedding spot is available. From there, you can focus on the fun stuff, like choosing your outfit and decorations, while your planner takes care of the logistics.

Choosing a venue

When it comes to choosing a venue for your wedding in Sri Lanka, it's important to start planning early. Many places are booked a year in advance, so it's best to start looking as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

You should also consider the location of your venue. If you're planning a destination wedding, you may need to rely on pictures, reviews, and the expertise of your wedding organiser to make your decision. It's also a good idea to book your venue before you start planning other details, such as decorations and entertainment. This will give you a better overview of the space you have to work with and help you avoid last-minute stress.

Once you've found a few potential venues, it's important to lock in the details early. Wedding planners recommend securing your chosen venue at least six months in advance to ensure you get the best rates and availability. This will also give you more time to work with suppliers and finalise other details, such as your guest list, menu choices, and decoration style.

When choosing a venue, it's also essential to consider your desired locations and the availability of your chosen dates. A wedding coordinator can help you with this process by providing cost estimates and information on the availability of different venues based on your preferred date and season. They can also offer alternatives if your desired locations are already booked.

Inviting guests

When planning a wedding in Sri Lanka, it's important to send out your invitations well in advance. This is especially important if you're planning a destination wedding, as you'll want to give your guests plenty of time to make travel arrangements. It's recommended that you start planning a year before the big day to ensure you get the best rates and can book your preferred wedding ceremony, reception and accommodation choices. Many places are booked a year in advance, so it's important to get a head start.

When sending out invitations, be sure to include all the relevant details, such as the date, time, and location of the wedding. It's also a good idea to include information about accommodation options and transport to and from the wedding venue. This will help your guests plan their trip and make sure they have a comfortable stay.

If you're having a traditional Sri Lankan wedding, you may want to include some cultural elements in your invitations, such as using local language or incorporating traditional motifs. This can add a unique touch to your invitations and give your guests a taste of the local culture.

Finally, don't forget to keep track of your guest list and RSVP responses. This will help you finalise numbers for catering and other arrangements closer to the wedding day. It's also a good idea to have a system for tracking gifts and thank-you notes, so you can keep on top of things and ensure no one is forgotten.

Finalising the guest list

When it comes to the guest list, it is important to deliver the final guest number to your wedding planner or coordinator at least one month before the wedding. This will help them secure the best options for your wedding at a great price and give them more time to work with suppliers.

To make the process easier, create a spreadsheet with the names of your guests, their contact information, and whether they have been invited to the ceremony, reception, or both. This will help you keep track of your guest list and make any necessary changes.

It is also a good idea to send out your invitations well in advance, especially if you are planning a destination wedding in Sri Lanka. This will give your guests enough time to make travel arrangements and request time off from work.

Choosing a colour theme

Planning a wedding in Sri Lanka can be challenging, especially if you're not familiar with the location. It's important to trust your wedding organiser and do your research to avoid last-minute stress.

One of the key decisions you'll need to make is choosing a colour theme. This will help set the tone and style of your wedding and is something you should decide on at least a month in advance.

• Consider the season and venue. Using seasonal colours can elevate your wedding decor, especially if your venue is outdoors. For example, soft pink is perfect for spring, while cool blue tones are refreshing for summer. Warm reds, yellows, and oranges are ideal for autumn, and rich burgundy sets the tone for winter.
• Think about the mood you want to create. If you want to add drama, choose darker colours or jewel tones and incorporate metallics. For a lighter, fresher, or fairytale-like atmosphere, opt for pastel or blush colours.
• Choose a primary colour and experiment with different combinations. Red, blue, and yellow are popular choices, but you can also add neutrals like white or tan for a sophisticated touch.
• Match your colour theme to your wedding style. For example, a classic wedding might feature elegant neutrals like grey, black, white, ivory, or beige, with pops of colour like ruby red or navy blue. A vintage wedding could incorporate brown and rose gold, while an urban industrial theme can handle any colour palette.
• If you're having a garden wedding, find out what flowers will be in bloom and use those colours in your palette.
• Decide on a monochromatic look or add accent colours. A full wedding colour palette typically includes two primary, one to two secondary, and one to two accent colours.

Remember to communicate your colour theme to your wedding organiser and suppliers well in advance to ensure a seamless execution on your big day.

Picking a wedding outfit

Planning a wedding in Sri Lanka can be a challenge, especially if you're not local. It's important to trust your wedding organiser and do your research to avoid last-minute stress.

The first step is to book your venue, but once that's done, you can start thinking about your outfit. It's recommended that you start planning a year in advance, as many places get booked up. You'll want to ensure you have your dream outfit, so start looking early. Decide on your colour theme and style, and then you can start shopping. If you're having a wedding planner, they can help you with this, but it's also a fun task to do with your bridal party. You'll want to collect any special items you want for your outfit, such as family heirlooms or something borrowed and blue. It's also a good idea to visit a spa or beautician to get yourself feeling your best for the big day.

Frequently asked questions