He liked it and he put a ring on it… UH UH OH! Now what? You’re engaged and have a year to plan for your Big Fat Asian wedding! There’s so much to think about and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Organisation and planning are crucial so that everything runs smoothly and the event itself is stress free. A stress-free wedding… is that even a thing? YES and my breakdown of your to-do list is going to help clear your mind. There’s a lot to do over the next 12 months… But whether you are holding a Nikaah, taking those Char Lavaan’s, or Saat Phere, I am here to help you every step of the way! Obviously, you’ll need to take the Phere without me… might be a little awkward. Anywho, let’s begin!
12 months before the wedding
- The first and most important step – set the date for the wedding. The question is… do you want a summer or a winter wedding? Summer weddings mean you’ll be ready with your kaala chashma when that infamous song blasts; you’ll get great outdoor photos; and less sickness related cancellations. Winter weddings mean venues are more likely to offer discounted prices, you won’t be getting those dreaded sweat patches, and evening receptions always feel more magical when its dark out. What’s more important to you? Weigh it all out and let family and friends know your date asap.
- Calculate the number of guests that will be attending. Having a rough number of guests is important before selecting your venue and booking your caterers.
- Book your priest. Many do this last minute, thinking they’ll just book anyone who is available, but do your research. Nowadays, many priests often explain what each ritual means during the ceremony itself. Many also now translate in English and even bring a little sense of humour and fun to the wedding ceremony. If this is important to you, find out which priest best suits your needs.
- Book your venue. Consider the location carefully. Will the majority of your guests be able to travel with ease?
- Begin your research into what sort of colour theme you will have and what sort of wedding outfit you want to wear.
- Start printing your wedding invitations. Eeeee! It’s beginning to feel more real! You’re getting married!!
6 months before the wedding
- Shop for your Bridal Lengha! This can be one of the most exciting and stressful parts of the wedding BUT when you find the one, the butterfly feeling of being a dulhan-to-be will begin setting in.
- Shop for your jewellery (have you got your wedding rings to exchange? Will there be a Mangalsutra? Will you be wearing a Bridal Chura?). What accessories, if any, are needed (e.g flowers for the hair), and what shoes will you be wearing? The groom should also shop for his outfit to ensure both of your outfits complement each other.
- Dispatch the wedding invitations to all of your guests.
- Plan the decor for your venue and choose the details of your Mandap or equivalent.
- Choose your caterers and arrange a tasting menu.
- Book your entertainment – Will you have a live band, a DJ, dancers, and/or dhol players?
- Book other details if applicable– e.g. Will there be a chocolate fountain, a photo booth, a chaat station, or wedding card letter boxes?
- Book your photographer and videographer.
- Book your Makeup Artist. Did I mention my insta? @TanyaMann.mua*cough cough … hint hint* 🙃
- Book your Hairstylist.
- Book your Mendhi Artist.
- Select your Honeymoon destination.
3 months before the big day
- Before ordering your wedding cake, don’t forget to go for a cake sampling because… well, why not? 🤤
- Don’t forget to book your appointment with a registrar – you won’t legally be man and wife without one.
- Time to prep your skin! See my page on Bridal Skin Care for more.
- Book the car you’ll be leaving the wedding in.
- Order wedding favours and buy gifts that will be presented during the ceremonies.
1 month to go
- Discuss your choice of music with the band and/or DJ – especially for the highly anticipated first dance and practice your dance if either of you are feeling nervous about it.
- Tackle the hardest job of all – the dreaded seating plan!
- Try on your dress again, does it need loosening or tightening? This is your time to make sure the fit is perfect.
- Book your hotel room, or if you are going straight to your inlaws/own home will someone be decorating your bedroom?
2 weeks – and counting
- Speak to all the vendors involved in your wedding to finalise and confirm all the last details, such as arrival time, outstanding balances, etc.
- Anyone giving a speech should have theirs written and ready by now.
1 week and time’s flying
- Go for a manicure and pedicure.
- Get your eyebrows and waxing done.
The Day of the Wedding!
- Hopefully you got an early night and are feeling refreshed for the day ahead.
- Relax and enjoy the process of getting your hair and makeup done.
- Spend a few precious moments with your immediate family before the day officially begins .
This list isn’t definitive and there will be plenty more things that you’ll want to add that are important to you and your family, but hopefully having this list will help clear your mind a little and what seems like a never ending mountain of planning will soon become a stress free pathway towards your perfect day.
Real talk: Not everything will go to plan but that’s okay! Your guests won’t notice or remember the small mishaps or changes in plan. They’ll remember the happiness on your face as you walked in and how tightly you held your parents as you said goodbye and walked into your new life. Treasure every moment of the day/night, because it’s true what they say… it really does go by so quickly!
Now print out this list and go get married!
Love Tanya x
Posted on March 20th 2020