The
Blending of the Elements
Marriage
& the Law
From
Paper to Platinum
Birthstones
Read
the Right Book
Catholic
Weddings
Hindu
Weddings
The Art
of Gifting
The
Lighter Side of Weddings
Beauty
and the Bride
Grooming
the Groom
Marriage
Customs in Goa
Budget
Checklist
Planning your wedding can be a daunting task but, with the help of our wedding guide, you can easily get everything organised. To begin with, we have prepared the following step-by-step planner to ensure the smooth running of the big day itself.
15-6 MONTHS
Arrange everything with the person who is performing your
wedding.
Agree on a
budget with your family and fiancée (see Budget
Checklist)
Compile the guest lists with both families and choose
your best man, ushers, bridesmaids, pageboys, karaoli,
dhedo and dhedi.
Book the venue and the caterers, (get at least three
estimates from different caterers, and ask them for
sample menus and drinks lists)
Start looking around to see what you and the bridesmaid /
karaoli are going to wear. Book a designer well ahead, if
you have something special in mind.
5 MONTHS
Book your wedding cars / transport for the family and
guests and liaise with friends and family about
whose cars will be used on the day.
Book a photographer/video company, asking to see samples
of their work
Now's the time to start browsing for ideas for your
wedding list. See our checklist.
4 MONTHS
Confirm arrangements with the person who is performing
your ceremony. Discuss with them the service, readings
and music you would like / the puja itinerary in the case
of Hindus.
Order your wedding stationery - you will need
invitations, Mass booklets, thank-you notes, etc.
Discuss the flowers - for your bouquet, head-dress,
buttonholes, church and reception, floral decor at venue,
garlands, roses for the guests, loose flowers, etc. -
with your florist .
Order your wedding rings, mangalsutra, bangles, etc.
Order your cake, ladoos, kapann, mithais, etc.
3 MONTHS
Fulfil registration formalities.
Check or renew your passport. Arrange to have your name
changed on your passport, so that it's the same as the
name on any travel documents
Book a hotel for your wedding night, if needed.
Shop for your wedding and honeymoon clothes.
2 MONTHS
Send your invitations out at least six weeks before the
wedding, and record acceptance and refusals as they come
in.
Make sure that your guests have details
of local hotel accommodation.
Arrange for presents for attendants, best man,
bridesmaids, in-laws, relatives, etc
1 MONTH
Chase up late invitation replies and finalise the guest
list.
Check that all the wedding clothes for you, your groom
and all attendants are near completion.
Visit your hairdresser with your headdress, plan what
style you want and book your final appointment. If you
are styling your hair yourself, have a practice run.
Check that all the transport arrangements are finalised,
and time the journey to the church / temple.
Order any traveller's cheques and currency.
If you plan to change your name or address, notify your
bank, building society, doctor, etc. Don't forget to tell
your friends, too!
Give the final number of guests to the caterers, in
writing, two weeks before the wedding
Arrange your spinster's or bachelor's party -- but, if at
all possible, don't have it the night before the wedding!
1 WEEK
Have the rehearsal for the ceremony, and check that the
service sheet has been deliverd to the best man.
Make final checks on your clothing
Wear-in your wedding shoes at home
By Suzanne Pereira