A traditional Indian wedding, or a “Desi” wedding, is a grand affair steeped in culture, tradition, and religious rituals. With the rise of modern Indian couples, the wedding planning process has evolved to include a mix of traditional customs and contemporary elements. If you are planning a Desi wedding, here’s your guide to creating a memorable and modern wedding celebration.
Establish A Budget:
Creating a budget is the first step in planning a wedding. Identify your budget and allocate funds accordingly. Track expenses and stay within your budget with a spreadsheet or Indian Wedding Planner app. Determine your spending priorities and allocate enough funds to critical areas such as the venue, catering, and decor.
Venue Selection:
Start looking for a venue after you have set a budget. Indian weddings are typically grand affairs that require a large space. Consider factors such as location, capacity, and amenities when choosing your venue. Choose a venue that can accommodate all the wedding events, including the sangeet, mehndi, and the wedding ceremony. You may also consider outdoor venues such as gardens or beachside locations for a unique wedding experience.
Make A Guest List:
The number of guests at Indian weddings is known to be large. Determine how many guests you can accommodate within your budget and make a list. Remember to include close family members, friends, and relatives. Consider creating an A-list and a B-list of guests to manage the guest list effectively.
Vendor Selection:
The success of your wedding depends on selecting the right vendors. Choose vendors who specialize in Indian weddings and have experience in handling the cultural and religious aspects of the event. Some vendors to consider include caterers, decorators, photographers, and DJs. Ensure that you hire the right vendor by interviewing multiple candidates and asking for references. Some essential vendors to consider include:
- Indian Wedding Planner
- Caterer
- Decorator
- Photographer/videographer
- Makeup artist and hairstylist
- DJ and entertainment
Plan Your Wedding Events:
Indian weddings typically span multiple days and include several events, such as the engagement ceremony, sangeet, mehndi, and wedding ceremony. Plan each event carefully, taking into account cultural traditions and customs. Then, consider adding modern elements to make the events unique and memorable.
Dress For Success:
Wedding attire in India is known for its vibrant colors and intricate designs. The type and style of your wedding determine your attire. Consider renting or borrowing outfits to save costs. Also, consider having a dress code for your guests to ensure everyone is dressed appropriately.
Incorporate Modern Elements:
While Desi weddings are steeped in tradition, modern Indian couples add contemporary elements to make them unique. Consider incorporating elements such as a photo booth, signature cocktails, or a live band to make your wedding stand out. Likewise, a beach or garden wedding would be a unique wedding theme.
Plan Your Wedding Ceremonies:
Indian weddings involve multiple ceremonies and rituals that vary based on region and religion. Some common ceremonies include:
- Engagement ceremony (sagai or roka)
- Haldi ceremony
- Mehndi ceremony
- Sangeet ceremony
- Wedding ceremony (pheras)
- Reception
Consult with your family and religious leaders to determine which ceremonies you want to include and how they will be performed.
Get Your Wedding Invitations Designed
Creating your wedding invitations is a crucial part of the planning process. Consider incorporating traditional Indian elements such as intricate designs, bold colors, and gold foil accents. The date, time, location, and dress code should all be included.
Communicate With Your Family And Guests:
Communication is key when it comes to planning a Desi wedding. Keep your family and guests informed of the schedule, dress code, and other important details. Send out a newsletter or create a wedding website to keep everyone informed. Consider having an Indian Wedding Planner who can handle all the communication with the vendors and guests.
Make A Wedding Menu Plan:
Any Indian wedding would not be complete without a wedding menu. Consider offering vegetarian and non-vegetarian options to cater to all guests\’ dietary needs. Traditional Indian dishes such as biryani, naan, and paneer tikka are always popular, but don’t be afraid to incorporate other cuisines.
Hire A Professional Makeup Artist And Hairstylist
Professional makeup artists and hairstylists are essential for creating the perfect wedding day look. Choose someone who has experience working with Indian skin tones and hair types. Be sure to schedule a trial session before the wedding day to ensure you are happy with the results.
Choose Your Wedding Music And Entertainment
The music and entertainment at your wedding are important to keep the energy high, and guests engaged. Consider hiring a DJ or live band that can play a mix of traditional Indian and contemporary music. Plan for special performances or entertainment to keep the celebrations lively and memorable.
Plan For Post-Wedding Activities
Finally, plan for post-wedding activities such as a honeymoon or reception. Consider traveling to a romantic destination for your honeymoon or hosting a reception for guests who could not attend the wedding.
Have A Great Time:
Remember to have fun when planning a Desi wedding. Don’t worry too much about the small details; instead, focus on creating an unforgettable event for you and your guests. It is important to remember that your wedding is a celebration of your love and commitment. Therefore, it should be a joyous and fun affair.
In conclusion, planning a Desi wedding requires a lot of effort, time, and money, but it can also be one of the most rewarding experiences of a couple’s life. By following the tips and guidelines in this guide, modern Indian couples can ensure that their wedding is both traditional and unique, reflects their personalities, and creates lasting memories for themselves and their loved ones. Feel free to add personal touches to the wedding planning process and prioritize what is most important to you. With proper planning and execution, your dream Desi wedding is within reach.
