Planning a wedding is a lot. Planning your own look, health, outfits and peace of mind on top of it is a whole second project. This checklist covers the bride's side of things: what to book, when to try it on, and what to pack. Work through it at your own pace. If your timeline is shorter, start at the section that matches how many months you have left and catch up on anything you skipped.
12 months or more before
- Set your personal budget. Decide how much goes to outfits, jewellery, makeup, mehndi and beauty treatments, separate from the main wedding budget.
- List every function you will dress for. Roka, engagement, haldi, mehndi, sangeet, wedding and reception all need a look. Write them down with their dates.
- Save inspiration. Start a board of outfits, colours, hairstyles and makeup you love. Patterns will show up quickly.
- Start a skincare and fitness routine. Results take months, not weeks. See a dermatologist now if you have skin concerns.
- Shortlist bridal wear designers. Popular designers and custom couture can need six months or more to make a lehenga or saree.
9 to 12 months before
- Choose and order your wedding outfit. Confirm the delivery date in writing and make sure it leaves time for at least two fittings.
- Book your makeup artist. The best bridal artists fill their calendars early, especially in peak season. Confirm how many functions they will cover and whether a hairstylist and draper are included.
- Book your mehndi artist. Ask how long your design will take and whether they bring helpers for family members.
- Book your photographer and videographer if they are not already locked in, and share the getting-ready shots you want.
- Decide on jewellery. Will you buy, rent or wear family pieces? Custom jewellery can take three to four months.
6 to 9 months before
- Shop for function outfits. Haldi, mehndi, sangeet and reception looks. Keep comfort in mind for the long ones: you will dance in your sangeet outfit.
- Plan your trousseau. Everyday wear, nightwear, lingerie and outfits for the first few weeks after the wedding and the honeymoon.
- Order accessories. Dupattas, potlis, juttis or heels, kaleeras, chooda, bangles and hair accessories.
- Check your documents. If you are travelling for the honeymoon, make sure your passport is valid for at least six months after your return date.
3 to 6 months before
- Have your makeup and hair trial. Wear something close to your outfit's neckline and colour. Take photos in daylight and with flash.
- First outfit fitting. Bring the shoes and the undergarments you plan to wear on the day.
- Finalise blouse designs and stitching for every saree and lehenga, so there is time for alterations.
- Break in your wedding shoes. Wear them around the house for short spells every week.
- Plan your pre-wedding beauty schedule with your salon or dermatologist: facials, peels, laser and hair treatments all need lead time, and nothing new should be tried in the last month.
1 to 2 months before
- Final outfit fittings. Try everything on together: outfit, jewellery, dupatta, shoes. Walk, sit and lift your arms.
- Confirm every booking. Makeup artist, mehndi artist, hairstylist and draper: share dates, timings, venue addresses and a contact person for each day.
- Make a getting-ready schedule. Work backwards from each function's start time. Allow two to three hours for bridal makeup and add a buffer.
- Pick outfits for the bridesmaids or close family if you are coordinating colours.
- Pack your honeymoon bag early, so it is not a last-minute job.
The last two weeks
- Collect all your outfits and check every hook, button, zip and lining.
- Last facial and waxing about a week before. Threading and eyebrows two or three days before.
- Manicure and pedicure a day or two before the mehndi.
- Label everything. Pack each function's outfit, jewellery and accessories in its own bag, labelled with the function name.
- Hand over a copy of your schedule to one trusted person who can handle vendors and questions on the day, so you don't have to.
- Sleep, drink water and eat properly. Truly the best beauty treatment there is.
Your wedding-day emergency kit
Give this to a bridesmaid or cousin who will stay close to you all day:
- Safety pins, bobby pins and a small sewing kit
- Double-sided fashion tape
- Blotting papers, your lipstick, compact and kajal
- Tissues and wet wipes
- Pain relief, antacids and plasters for shoe bites
- Phone charger and power bank
- A small snack and a bottle of water with a straw (it saves your lipstick)
- Comfortable flat footwear for after the photos
- Copies of the getting-ready schedule and vendor phone numbers
On the day
- Eat a proper breakfast, even if you are nervous.
- Wear a front-buttoned shirt while your hair and makeup are done, so you can change without disturbing them.
- Keep your phone with someone else and let them deal with calls.
- Take five quiet minutes before you walk out. You planned all of this; now enjoy it.
Find your bridal team on WedVue
Still looking for the right people? Browse bridal wear designers, makeup artists, mehndi artists, jewellers and photographers on WedVue, compare their work and message them directly to check your dates.
