Desi Wedding Planning Timeline: 12-Month Checklist

12-Month Desi Wedding Planning Timeline

12 Months Before - Set your budget and identify funding sources - Book your venue(s) — Gurdwara, temple, mosque, and/or banquet hall - Start your guest list (expect 200-500+ for most Desi weddings) - Book your photographer/videographer

10 Months Before - Book your caterer (tastings are essential!) - Find your decorator/florist - Start outfit shopping (lehenga/sherwani can take 3-6 months) - Book the DJ/dhol player

8 Months Before - Book the priest/officiant - Finalize the event schedule (how many events over how many days?) - Send save-the-dates - Book makeup artist and hairstylist - Book hotel room blocks for out-of-town guests

6 Months Before - Order invitations (digital or physical) - Finalize catering menu - Book mehndi artists - Plan Sangeet performances and start choreography - Book transportation (Baraat horse, limousines)

4 Months Before - Send formal invitations - Finalize decor and floral designs - Arrange for wedding favors - Plan the reception program (speeches, first dance, etc.) - Schedule bridal trial for makeup and hair

2 Months Before - Confirm all vendors - Finalize seating charts - Plan the Baraat route - Arrange for wedding day coordination - Break in your wedding shoes!

1 Month Before - Final dress fittings - Confirm guest RSVPs and finalize counts - Create day-of timeline for each event - Prepare vendor payments - Assemble emergency kits (sewing kit, safety pins, painkillers, etc.)

Wedding Week - Distribute final timeline to all vendors and family - Confirm all deliveries and setup times - Pack overnight bags for each event - Delegate tasks to family and bridal party - Breathe and enjoy every moment!