Indian Wedding Planning Checklist: 12-Month Timeline
Published February 28, 2026 · GreatDesiCelebration
Planning an Indian wedding involves coordinating multiple events — engagement, sangeet, mehendi, haldi, ceremony, and reception. Here's your complete timeline.
12 Months Before
- ✅ Set budget and guest count
- ✅ Book venue (Indian weddings need large capacity)
- ✅ Book photographer/videographer — top ones book 12+ months out
- ✅ Hire wedding planner (especially for multi-day events)
- ✅ Set the wedding date with pandit for auspicious timing
9-10 Months Before
- ✅ Book caterer — schedule tasting
- ✅ Book mandap & decor vendor
- ✅ Book DJ/entertainment
- ✅ Send save-the-dates
- ✅ Shop for bridal lehenga/saree
6-7 Months Before
- ✅ Book priest/pandit
- ✅ Book mehendi artist
- ✅ Book bridal makeup artist — trial session
- ✅ Order wedding invitations
- ✅ Plan sangeet performances
- ✅ Finalize menu with caterer
3-4 Months Before
- ✅ Send formal invitations
- ✅ Finalize decor vision (mandap style, floral, lighting)
- ✅ Groom's outfit shopping
- ✅ Book hotel room blocks for guests
- ✅ Plan baraat logistics
1-2 Months Before
- ✅ Final vendor confirmations and timeline
- ✅ Marriage license
- ✅ Final dress fittings
- ✅ Create day-of timeline for all events
- ✅ Mehendi trial
Week Of
- ✅ Mehendi ceremony
- ✅ Sangeet night
- ✅ Haldi ceremony
- ✅ Wedding ceremony + reception
- ✅ Enjoy every moment! 🎉
Find All Your Vendors in One Place
GreatDesiCelebration has 2,038 verified vendors across all categories. Get free quotes from multiple vendors to compare.