20 Essential Tips to Help You Plan Your Wedding

Once you have a date in mind, it’s time to start the planning. It is a stressful process. Differing perceptions and differing values lead to a chaotic jumble of ideas. So keep calm and write it all down.

Here are 20 things you must start with:

1. Registry forms

In India, you need to submit a form at the registrar’s office at least 30 days before the registration. Make sure this is the first thing you attend to.

2. Guest list

Do you want a big do or a small, intimate gathering of close friends and family. Accordingly, draw up a guest list.

3. Invites

Do you want a video invite? Do you want hand-written notes? Do you want the traditional invitation cards? Pick a theme and design, order ahead. You need time enough to send them all out.

4. Menu

This one is the most fun and yet, most nerve-wracking part. Everyone has an opinion on the wedding menu. Be open to suggestions. But put your foot down and stick to the theme you want.

5. Destination

A destination wedding is easy to achieve. In fact, in some cases, it can even be easier and cheaper.

6. Venue

Check out some options before picking your venue. This will give you a better idea of what is on offer.

7. Accommodation

Do you want everybody to stay at or near the venue? Figure out the accommodation part early to get better rates on rooms.

8. Beautician

This is particularly important for an out-of-town bride. Read up reviews, talk to the beauticians over the phone and book their services as soon as you know your dates.

9. Spa

If you don’t want to live up to the stereotype of a harassed bridezilla, make sure you book a spa the day before. You may need some pampering. And you could do with some soothing of frayed nerves.

10. Decoration

Do you want a white wedding? Or, are you looking forward to that traditionally Indian explosion of colors? Pick a theme and write down all décor elements you’d like to see at the venue. Don’t forget the flowers.

11. Music

No wedding is complete without peppy music for your guests to shake a leg to. But remember, it is your big day. So make sure to put down your favorite songs on the playlist.

12. Rituals

The two of you need to sit and see which ones you’d like to incorporate and what you’d like to leave out. Get both families on board and plan it. It would give you an idea of how long the actual wedding would take.

13. Attire

Are you looking at a traditional wedding? Would you want a color scheme? Sherwani or suit? Lehenga or sari? Make up your mind.

14. Budget

Once you get all these elements in place, it should give you an idea of the expenses. You may already have a wedding fund. You may provision for a Wedding Loan. Pool all resources and create a budget.

15. Jewelry

This one’s a no-brainer. Are you going to put all your wedding jewelry on display? Do you want something lighter for the reception? Plan ahead.

16. Gifts

If you want a goodie bag or favors for guests, start collecting them ahead of time. In fact, don’t let vendors know you’re getting them for a wedding. Chances are you’d get them cheaper.

17. Photography

Get a photographer and videographer in place. You may want a pre-wedding shoot or a video invite. Check online to look up their work before you finalize though.

18. Make-up

Finalize a make-up artist. Make sure you discuss theme, attire and color scheme in general for the two of you to arrive at a bridal look.

19. Transport

There must be a car at the disposal of the bride, one for the groom. and enough to ferry the bridal party to and from the venue.

20. Wedding planner

Enlist a wedding planner to help you execute this plan. It is easier when you know what you want. Just offload the actual work.

Read Also: 4 Ways to Make your Wedding Memorable with a Wedding Loan

A word of caution, though. Don’t put all your savings into the wedding of your dreams though. It’s always better to hold on to savings for rainy days. A that you can pay off in the near future makes for a more practical idea.