22
Nov, 2025
12-Month Wedding Planning Timeline for Desi Weddings
Planning a South Asian wedding abroad comes with extra layers of coordination — multiple events, cultural traditions, family expectations, and guests often flying in from around the world. A clear timeline makes the journey stress-free and ensures you stay ahead with bookings, suppliers and outfit planning. Phase 1: The Foundation (12–10 Months Before)**Your focus:** Vision, budget, guest list, and securing key suppliers.✅ 12 Months Out: Set the Basics* Align on wedding vision (traditional, modern, fusion)* Decide number of events: Haldi/Mehndi/Sangeet/Ceremony/Reception* Set a realistic budget* Shortlist 2–3 possible cities (UK/USA)* Draft guest list (A/B/C tiers)💡 *Use ShaadiPrep to set a full multi-event budget and guest list from Day 1.*📍 11 Months Out: Secure the Venue* Research and view venues for all events* Check availability for preferred dates* Compare capacity, catering rules, décor policies* Book venue and pay deposit📸 10 Months Out: Book High-Demand Vendors* Photographer & videographer* Wedding planner or day-of coordinator* Caterer (Halal, Veg, Jain, or regional cuisine)* Priest/Imam/Officiant/Registrar> South Asian suppliers book early — don’t leave this late!Phase 2: Build the Wedding (9–6 Months Before)**Your focus:** Outfits, décor, entertainment, and travel planning.👗 9 Months Out: Outfits & Styling* Begin bridal and groom outfit shopping* Coordinate colour themes across events* Book hair & makeup artists (trial dates too)🎶 8 Months Out: Music & Entertainment* Book DJ, dhol player, dancers or live band* Begin Sangeet performance planning* Create shared family practice folder🟣 **Follow us on Instagram @ShaadiPrepUK for outfit inspiration, Sangeet ideas & planning tips.**✈️ 7 Months Out: Guest Travel & Logistics* Share save-the-dates* Negotiate group hotel room rates* Suggest nearest airports & transport🌺 6 Months Out: Décor & Design* Finalise event themes & moodboards* Book décor vendors* Plan stage/mandap/nikkah setup* Shortlist cake designersPhase 3: Details & Finalisation (5–3 Months Before)**Your focus:** Menus, stationery, fittings, and family coordination.🍽️ 5 Months Out: Food Tasting & Menu* Attend tastings* Finalise menu for each event* Consider fusion options for mixed guests💌 4 Months Out: Stationery & Favours* Send formal invitations* Order favours and welcome gifts* Create wedding website or info pack👰 3 Months Out: Final Fittings & Rehearsals* Begin outfit fittings* Prep speeches & Sangeet schedule* Share family roles & expectationsPhase 4: Countdown & Coordination (2 Months – Wedding Week)**Your focus:** Confirmations, payments, timelines, emergency prep.🗓️ 2 Months Out: Confirm Everything* Final guest RSVPs* Seating plan drafts* Vendor schedule* Pre-wedding photoshoot🧾 1 Month Out: Final Checks* Vendor payments* Send timeline to all suppliers* Create family WhatsApp groups per event💡 *ShaadiPrep makes multi-event timeline sharing simple — update once and share instantly.*📦 1 Week Out: Wedding Week!* Outfit pick-ups & packing* Beauty treatments* Welcome dinners & family bonding* Don’t forget to hydrate and sleep!Final ThoughtsYour South Asian wedding will be one of the most meaningful experiences of your life — and with the right plan, it doesn’t have to be stressful. Start early, stay organised and embrace support from family and your planning tools.With clear monthly goals and milestone phases, you’ll enjoy the journey just as much as the big day.✅ Ready to Plan Your Timeline Stress-Free?Use **ShaadiPrep’s digital planning tools** to track budgets, events, RSVPs, vendors and checklists in one place.Start planning with confidence today!
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