A Wedding in the family is a momentous affair the entails a lot of planning, decision-making, nail biting and tons of merriment. This Wedding Planner is specifically designed to provide a pragmatic and organised approach towards making yours wedding a runaway success from the word 'go'. By following the guide step by step, all yours plans will run to perfection.

Wedding Date

Even though the date is usually based on the auspicious time given the family pandit, make sure that it does not clash with any other event in the family.

Budgeting

How do you plan to finance the wedding? It is a good idea if the parents commit a specific amount of money, and the bride and groom supplement it. Take references from friends or relatives who have recently conducted weddings.

• Maintain a budget file to check your expences.
• Make a list of urgent and optional items.
• Assign each element an approximate amount or a percentage.
• Get quotes from more than one service provider for catering, photography, decor, venue etc.

Engagement

Traditionally, rings and gifts are exchanged between the bride and the groom's families in this ring ceremony. Buy the egagement rings well in advance so that the engaged couple can try them out before the ceremony.

Guest List

The number of guests likely to attend will decide your planning of venue, accommodation, catering and finances.

• Compile a consolidated list of invitees with their postal address and telephone numbers.
• To avoid duplication of common friends, discuss the list with the other family.

Invitation Cards

Invitation cards are now available in individualistic and unique designs. If there are a number of ceremonies and budget is a constraint, opt for simple, traditional cards.

• Place the order with printer for invitations well in advance. Always order a few extras.
• It is in good order to place a small map of the venue on the card.
• Start mailing the invites two months in advance for outstation guests.
• It is a nice gesture to send invitation to family and friends who you know will not be able to attend the ceremony.
• Based on the RSVPs, compile a list of confirmed attendees.

Service Provider

The service provider include the caterer, photographer, videographer, florist, DJ, printer etc. Start negotiating for better service and rates as soon when the date is fixed.

• Get references and interview several service provider.
• Do not make bulk advance payments in cash.
• Have all contracts formally signed on paper.
• You could hire an event manager for your entire wedding arrangements.
• If it 's the season from weddings, book the service provides in good time.

Venue

The venue will depend on the wedding theme, the number of guests, the ceremonies to be conducted, buffet or sit-down dinner, live band, indoor or outdoor arramgement etc.

• Book the venue once the date of pre-wedding and wedding ceremonies have been fixed.
• Check the seating capacity/arrangements, music, parking space, electricity, power back-up and fire safety.
• If the marriage function the planned outdoors, check for wether conditions and permission from related authorities.
• Confirm all bookings in writing a month before.
• Visit the site a day or two before the ceremony

Catering

You can choose between hotels/banquet halls or private caterers. Go by recommendations.

• Inspect the cutlery, furniture, linen, napkins and hygiene.
• Order for any essential items that the caterer does not provide.
• If alcohol is being served ,ensure appropriate glasses and bar services.
• Re-check and sample the food menu a week before the ceremony.
• Assigning a family member to supervise the catering services on the wedding day.

Floral Decor

Floral decorations are done on the bridal dais, mandap, doli, suite, getaway car, welcome gate and other focal areas. Also select flowers for varmalas, sehras, rangolis, headgears etc.

• Book a florist; decide about the wedding theme and list out the areas to be decorated.
• Floral decorations must start a day or two prior to the wedding

Photography

Photographs and videotapes are precious memories of joyous moments.

• Book experienced photographers through reference.
• Inform the date and times of the wedding, as well as those of pre and post- wedding ceremonies.
• List out priority shots for every ceremony. A family member must guide the photographer for shots of both the families.
• Inform the video technician of any special music or effects that you desire beforehand.

Accommodation

Arrange suitable accommodation for your guests for a comfortable and pleasant stay.

• Request the groom's parents for a list of people likely to require accommodation.
• Make hotel reservations in advance.
• If using vacant houses/rooms of friends and relatives, ensure services of a cook and washerman.
• Hire extra furniture, crockery, mattresses, bed linen, fans/coolers etc.and ensure water and electricity supply.
• Keep a list of the various accommodation and there occupants.

Transportation

Note the arrival time of guests and assign a person to receive them.

• Hire cars/mini vans to transport guests.
• Arrange for a getaway car for the bridal couple.
• Keep a handy list of the hired vehicles along with their numbers and name of drivers.

Bridal Trousseau

Your bridal attire should complement your personality and style.

• Start shopping for the trousseau in good time.
• Scan wedding magmzines for contemporary styles and trends.
• Select the right accessories to complement your dresses including bags, underwear and shoes. Avoid high heels on your wedding day.
• Select/design your wedding and reception outfits and try them out.
• Keep time for alterations and final fittings.

Jewellery

Besides jewellery pieces passed on to you by your grandmother and mother, buy some contemporary and trendy jewellery from reputed jewellers, and insist on certificates of purity. The mangalsutra is the most important piece of jewellery besides bangles, kadas, nose rings, tikka, earring, chokers and necklaces. Maintain a list and the expences incurred against each item.

Groom's Trousseau

Decide upon a western or an athnic look. kurta pyjamas, churidars, pathani, dhoti, shawls, sherwani, bandhgalas, chiga or achkans are a few ideas. If height is a constraint, avoid bandhgalas and achkans.

• Coordinate tie-pins, cuff links, rings, gold chain, watch and bracelet with the wedding outfit.
• Wear simple but elegant shoes with a western outfit and jootis with an ethnic.
• Try out your headgear. It should be different from those of the baratis.
• Follow a complete grooming regime a week before the wedding.
• On Wedding day keep hair short, gelled and shampood, and shave closely. Spray a deodorant and keep tissues and your wallet handy.

Gifts

Make a list of people you have to buy gifts for, including those from your spouse's family. It is a good idea to give smaal gifts of appreciation to friends and relatives who have helped with the wedding arrangements.

Festive Week

Complete all painting, plumbing and electrical repairs a month before the festivities begin.

• Arrange for additional domestic help.
• Maintain a list of things to be bought and stock up on extra ration, groceries, gas cylinders, crockery etc..
• Plan a weekly menu to avoid last minute decision and worries.
• Keep your jewellery in a safe place.

Ladies Sangeet & Mehendi

Decide whether it will be a small family gathering or a big event with a professional band in attendence.

• Book a Mehendiwala well in advance. He/she should bring the necessary materials.
• List the songs and hand out the lyrics to all, or you can used taped music as a back-up.
• Hold practice sessions prior to the wedding, if you are so inclined.
• Arrange for snacks or a caterer if the gattering is large.

Reception

Decide whether it will be a sit-down affair or a buffet.

• Make the arrangements in advance and confirm with the venue manager/caterer in writing.
• Specify the number of guests expected to the caterer if you do not want to pay for extra food.
• Set up a gift table and assign a family member to receive gifts. Maintain a list of the gifts.
• Allocate space for a live brand, bar and dining.

Honeymoon

Your choice of a honeymoon destination will depend on your budget, time available, prevailing weather conditions and preference.

Health Check

It is advisable to get a through physical examination done. Consult a gynaecologist to help delay or pre-pone your menstrual cycle and discuss the contraceptive methods you could use.