Planning An Indian Wedding: 3-Month Guide

Planning an Indian wedding in three months may seem like a daunting task, but it can be done. From finding your bridal outfits to booking your hair and makeup artist, there are many things to consider. You'll also need to think about the weather and whether you'll need an indoor backup option or a large outdoor tent. If you're planning to have a Covid-safe event, you'll need to order masks for your guests, ensure all wedding guests are vaccinated, and have someone taking temperatures at every event.

Hair and makeup: book a hair and makeup artist as soon as possible

If you're planning an Indian wedding in three months, it's crucial to book your hair and makeup artist as soon as possible. Hair and makeup artists often get booked 9-12 months in advance, so it's important to act quickly.

Start by figuring out which bridal artist you'd like to work with and reach out to them as soon as you can. Be sure to ask about their availability and book them for your wedding date.

In addition to booking your hair and makeup artist, there are a few other things to keep in mind. First, don't forget to plan for an indoor backup option or a large outdoor tent in case of unexpected weather. You'll also want to lock down your other shaadi vendors as quickly as possible.

With less than three months to go, it's important to be mindful of the time constraints and act decisively. By booking your hair and makeup artist early, you'll be able to ensure that you look and feel your best on your special day.

Masks and PPE: order masks for your guests and ensure they are vaccinated

If you're planning an Indian wedding in three months, you'll need to get organised quickly. One of the first things to book is your hair and makeup artist, as they can get booked up 9-12 months in advance.

Masks and PPE

If you want your wedding to be Covid-safe, you'll need to order masks for your guests. You should also ensure that all your guests are vaccinated and have someone taking temperatures at every event. You could also provide hand sanitiser stations.

You could ask your guests to wear themed masks, or provide them with masks that match your colour scheme. You could even get creative and make your own, or ask a crafty friend to help. If you're providing masks, make sure you order enough for all your guests, and perhaps a few extra in case of breakages.

If you're concerned about guests not adhering to your request to wear masks, you could ask a close friend or family member to gently remind people to keep their masks on, or put up polite signs reminding people to wear masks.

It's also important to ensure that your other vendors are vaccinated, and to ask them to wear masks too. This includes your hair and makeup artist, as well as any band or dance team you hire.

Food and drink: consider fun options like a chai cart or live food station

When it comes to food and drink, there are many fun options to consider for an Indian wedding. You could have a chai cart, or a live food station serving paan shots or jalebi. If you're having a July or August wedding in a hot location, make sure your guests have access to air conditioning. If you're getting married in April, be mindful of the weather and have an indoor backup option or a large outdoor tent.

Guest list: make a draft list with your partner, which can be refined later

Planning a guest list for an Indian wedding can be a daunting task, especially as traditional Indian weddings are often large events. It is important to start early and not leave your guest list to the last minute to avoid stress and rushing around before your big day.

Begin by making a draft list with your partner. This can be refined later, but it is a good idea to get a sense of how many people you would like to invite. Remember that the number of guests you have will change every element of your event, from the catering and seating plan to the money you spend on wedding favours. You might also want to enlist the help of others when drawing up your guest list, but remember that it is your big day and not your family's wedding.

If you are worried about leaving people off your guest list by accident, share it with a trusted friend or family member. Traditionally, guest lists for Indian weddings are looked over by both sets of parents before they are finalised, but you don't have to follow tradition if you don't want to.

To avoid any hurt feelings, it is best to keep your wedding guest list private. This means keeping things under wraps until the wedding is done and requesting that invited guests do not discuss the wedding with others or post about it on social media.

Dates: provide two or three preferred dates to open up more venue options

When it comes to planning an Indian wedding in three months, it's important to be mindful of the weather and have a backup option in case it doesn't go your way. For example, if you're planning a July or August wedding in Dallas, make sure your guests will have air conditioning. If you're planning an April wedding in Houston, have an indoor backup option or a large outdoor tent in case of rain.

Now that you have a South Asian wedding venue and a wedding date, it's important to lock down your other shaadi vendors as quickly as possible. This includes your hair and makeup artist, who often get booked 9-12 months in advance. To open up more venue options, provide two or three preferred dates and be flexible with your choices. Consider the following when selecting your dates:

• The availability of your chosen venue(s) and whether they can accommodate your preferred dates.
• The weather conditions during the chosen month(s) and whether you will need a backup option, such as air conditioning or a tent.
• The lead time required by your other vendors, such as the hair and makeup artist, to ensure they are available on your chosen date(s).

By providing two or three preferred dates, you increase your chances of securing your desired venue and give yourself more time to finalise other important details. It is also beneficial to have a backup plan in case your first choice of venue is unavailable on your preferred dates.

Remember to book your hair and makeup artist as soon as possible, as they are in high demand and tend to get booked up quickly. With less than three months to plan, it's crucial to be decisive and act quickly to bring your dream Indian wedding to life.

Frequently asked questions