Free tool · Updated October 2026
The Indian wedding checklist
53 tasks, in the order that works. Tick as you go.
In short
Fix the date and budget at 12 months. Lock the venue and room block at 11. Book the photographer and makeup artist at 10, then décor, catering and mehendi at 9. Invitations go out from 6 months and RSVPs close about 2 months out. Peak-season destination weddings start at 14 to 18 months.
0 of 53 done
12 months outLay the foundation
11 months outLock the venue
10 months outBook the A-list
9 months outBuild the team
8 months outSpaces and outfits
7 months outMusic and the guest list
6 months outTaste, travel, invite
5 months outSign off the look
4 months outTrials and travel notes
3 months outWalk it through
2 months outThe run sheet
6 weeks outCollect and confirm
2 weeks outFinal walk
Wedding weekHand it over
Good to know
Checklist questions
What should be on an Indian wedding checklist?
Date and budget first, then the venue and room block, then the vendors who book out earliest: photographer, videographer and bridal makeup artist. After that come décor, catering, mehendi, music, outfits, invitations, guest travel and the run sheet for each function.
How many months before the wedding should we start planning?
Twelve months works for most weddings. For a peak-season destination wedding between November and February, in places like Goa, Udaipur or Rishikesh, start 14 to 18 months out, because the best venues book 12 to 16 months ahead.
What gets booked first for an Indian wedding?
The date, the venue with its room block, and the planner if you are using one. Next are the photographer, videographer and bridal makeup artist, who book 8 to 12 months out for popular dates. Décor, catering and mehendi follow at about nine months.
Is there a wedding checklist PDF I can download?
Yes. Use the print button on this page to save your own ticked copy as a PDF, or download our Roka-to-Vidaai master checklist and the 12-month timeline, both free and with no sign-up.
When should wedding invitations go out?
Save-the-dates about nine months out, and earlier for guests flying in to a destination wedding. Formal invitations go out between six and three months before, and RSVPs close six to eight weeks out so catering and rooms can be confirmed.
Want the reasoning behind each step? Read the wedding planning timeline for India.