The Ultimate Prep Guide for Desi Weddings: Your To-Do List

Planning a Desi wedding? Buckle up—because you're about to embark on a wild, emotional, and (sometimes) stressful ride. South Asian weddings are grand, colorful, and deeply rooted in tradition, but let’s be real—there are so many moving parts. Between navigating family expectations, booking vendors, and making sure you don’t go over budget (good luck with that!), there’s a lot to juggle.

Here’s a fun and practical to-do list to help you plan your Desi wedding without losing your sanity.

1. Guest List: Quality Over Quantity is Everything for a South Asian Wedding

Raise your hand if your parents want you to invite your neighbor’s aunt’s best friend’s sister. 🙋‍♀️ We’ve all been there! Desi weddings have a notorious reputation for being everyone’s event, where distant relatives and long-lost acquaintances somehow find their way onto the guest list. But let’s be real—you are not obligated to invite people who haven’t been a meaningful part of your life just because “log kya kahenge” (what will people say?). If someone hasn’t checked in on you in years, they probably don’t need a front-row seat to your big day.

It’s okay to push back on family pressure and prioritize people who truly matter. Surround yourself with those who have supported your journey, not just those who show up for the free food and post-wedding gossip. A smaller, more intimate gathering filled with love and laughter will always be more memorable than a room full of strangers. Because in a world full of strangers, it's the ones close to our hearts that always matter the most. 

2. Set Your Budget (And Be Realistic About It)

Desi weddings can be expensive. The guest list, multiple events, outfits, decor—everything adds up fast. Sit down with your partner and decide where you want to splurge (outfits? venue?) and where you can cut back (maybe skip the ice sculpture?). Prioritize what truly matters to you both. Also, keep an emergency wedding fund because something will go over budget—it always does.

3. Find the Right Venue(s)

Many Desi weddings involve multiple events: Mehndi, Sangeet, Nikkah, Haldi, Reception, and so on. Do you want to keep it traditional and book a banquet hall, or go for something more intimate like a backyard mehndi or destination wedding? Consider travel convenience for guests (especially elders), parking, and—super important—if the venue allows outside catering (because you need good biryani, not whatever their in-house kitchen is offering).

Money-Saving Venue Alternatives:

• Backyard Mehndi: Transform a family backyard with fairy lights, colorful cushions, and a DIY mehndi station. It’s intimate, fun, and budget-friendly!
• Community Centers: Many local community halls offer large spaces at a fraction of the cost of wedding venues. Decor can completely transform the look.
• Airbnb Venues: Renting a large home or villa for a few days can be cheaper than a hotel ballroom, especially for pre-wedding events.
• Parks & Outdoor Spaces: Perfect for a Haldi or Sangeet during pleasant weather—just be sure to check permit requirements.
• Restaurant Buyouts: Instead of a separate venue + catering cost, consider reserving a private space at a great restaurant. Many offer event packages that save money.
• Destination Weddings: While they sound pricey, a smaller guest list and all-inclusive packages can actually be more budget-friendly than a big-city wedding!

4. Lock in Your Vendors (Before They Get Booked Out!)

Good vendors get snatched up fast, so book them ASAP! Here’s your checklist:

• Photographer/Videographer: Desi weddings are full of candid, emotional moments—get a pro who understands the culture and won’t miss the chaandni raat magic. Looking for an amazing photographer? Check out Fidai Photography. We've worked with her several times in the past for Inaury, and her pictures are perfection. 
• Caterer: Test, test, test. If your guests leave raving about the food, you’ve won half the wedding battle.
• Makeup Artist (MUA): Desi brides love glam, so book your MUA early. Trial sessions are a must—you don’t want cakey foundation or mismatched undertones on your big day.
• DJ/Band: Whether you want Bollywood beats, bhangra, or a mix, a good DJ can make or break the dance floor energy.
• Decorator: Whether you want a dreamy floral setup or a Mughal-inspired palace theme, get someone who gets your vision.

5. Wedding Outfits & Jewelry: Start Early & Make It Your Own

Finding the perfect lehenga or sherwani can be overwhelming, especially if you’re dealing with long tailoring times, family opinions, and a million choices. If you're ordering from India or Pakistan, start at least six months in advance. And please—wear something you love, not something that just looks good in staged photos. Comfort is key (because you’ll be in that outfit all day).

And of course, jewelry is everything in a Desi wedding. From statement bridal sets to minimal mehndi jewelry, make sure to pick timeless pieces that complement your outfits. At Inaury, we specialize in contemporary South Asian jewelry perfect for weddings—whether you're the bride, a bridesmaid, or a wedding guest. Choose classic polki, kundan, or dazzling AD sets that elevate your look effortlessly. Start shopping early, as bridal jewelry is often custom-made and can take time to be ready—especially for Inaury, where many of our pieces are crafted with care and precision.

6. Photography Tips: Plan for a Stress-Free Shoot

Your wedding photos will last a lifetime, so take the time to plan them properly. If possible, book an alternate day for your wedding photoshoot—yes, it adds cost since you'll need to do your makeup again and have the photographer/videographer for an extra day, but trust us, it makes life so much easier. This way, you get stunning, stress-free portraits without rushing between ceremonies.

Other Photography Tips:

• Create a shot list: Have a clear idea of must-have shots (family, bridal portraits, couple shots, etc.).
• Golden hour magic: Plan outdoor shots around sunset for the most flattering lighting.
• Comfort matters: Bring a pair of comfy shoes to change into between shoots.
• Capture the details: Make sure your photographer gets close-ups of your jewelry, mehndi, and outfit embroidery—these details matter!
• Plan Your Content: Want your wedding to feature viral-worthy moments on social media? Save inspiration or create your own ideas to share with your vendor!

7. Family Drama? Set Boundaries Early

Desi weddings come with unsolicited opinions from every phuppo, mami, and random auntie at the grocery store. “Wear red,” “Lose weight,” “Invite XYZ”—it never ends. Take a deep breath, nod politely, and do exactly what you and your partner want. This is your day.

8. The Dance Practices – They Take Longer Than You Think

Sangeet, Mehendi, and Haldi/ Holud performances are a big deal! If you and your squad are planning a dance, start rehearsing early. And please, don’t wait until the night before to learn the moves—it’ll show (trust me). If needed, hire a choreographer or find easy-to-follow YouTube tutorials.

9. Enjoy the Moment!

Desi weddings are a rollercoaster of emotions—don’t get so caught up in planning that you forget to enjoy it. Laugh during the dance fails, eat that extra gulab jamun, and soak in the love. At the end of the day, it’s about celebrating with your partner, family, and friends. The perfect wedding isn’t about the most extravagant decor or the fanciest outfits—it’s about the joy, the laughter, and the beautiful chaos that makes Desi weddings so magical.

Final Thoughts

Your wedding, your rules. Break traditions if they don’t serve you, embrace the ones you love, and most importantly—make it a celebration that truly reflects you. 💛