Asian wedding planning timeline: what to book, and when

Book your venue and set your budget first, ideally 12–18 months out. Then book the suppliers who sell out fastest: priest, photographer, caterer and mandap or decor. Most South Asian weddings in the UK need 12 months or more of planning.

12–18 months before

• Set the budget, and decide who's paying for what. Have this conversation with both families early.
• Choose your events and rough guest numbers. These drive every cost.
• Book your venue(s). Popular dates, especially in summer and around auspicious dates, go first.
• Book your priest, granthi or imam, and agree the muhurat or date.

9–12 months before

• Photographer and videographer. The best book up a year or more ahead.
• Caterer. Book a tasting before you sign.
• Mandap and decor.
• Makeup and hair artist.

6–9 months before

• Outfits. Made-to-measure lehengas and sherwanis can take months. Allow time for fittings.
• DJ, dhol and live music.
• Mehndi artist.
• Send save-the-dates for anyone travelling.

3–6 months before

• Invitations.
• Plan the order of each day with your priest and your families.
• A marquee, if you're hosting at home.

1–3 months before

• Give notice of marriage at your local register office, at least 29 days before the legal ceremony (England and Wales).
• Final guest numbers to your caterer and venue.
• Confirm timings with every supplier.

The week before

Pithi, mehndi and the pujas usually fall in the final days. Hand a timeline to one trusted cousin, and enjoy it.

Your free Evaraa plan includes a booking order tailored to your events and your wedding date.