Wedding planning is a marathon, not a sprint. The couples who enjoy their wedding day most are those who started early and planned methodically. Here's the month-by-month checklist our senior planners use with every ColorKnit couple.
12 Months Before: The Foundations
- Set your overall budget and get family alignment
- Decide the approximate guest count
- Fix a preferred date range (consider auspicious muhurtas)
- Begin venue research and shortlist 3–5 options
- Book your wedding planner
10–9 Months Before: Lock In the Biggies
- Book your wedding venue
- Book your photographer and videographer (they book out fast!)
- Start researching caterers and do 2–3 tastings
- Begin bridal wear shopping (designer lehengas need 6–9 months lead time)
- Set up a wedding email and wedding website
8–6 Months Before: Vendors & Details
- Finalise caterer and sign contract
- Book your decor team and share mood board
- Research and book entertainment (DJ, live band, artist)
- Send save-the-date cards to outstation guests
- Plan bridal makeup trials and shortlist artists
5–3 Months Before: Invitations & Coordination
- Finalise guest list (do the actual counting — it always grows)
- Send out printed wedding invitations
- Begin RSVP collection and meal preference tracking
- Plan guest accommodation block bookings
- Confirm all vendor bookings with signed contracts
2–1 Month Before: Final Preparations
- Final dress fittings and accessory confirmation
- Confirm arrival times with every vendor
- Send final guest count to caterer
- Create wedding day timeline and share with all vendors
- Assign family helpers for key roles on the day
- Prepare payment schedules for final vendor payments
The Final Week
- Confirm one more time with venue, caterer, photographer
- Pack wedding day emergency kit (safety pins, lip colour touch-up, pain relief)
- Delegate vendor communication to your planner or trusted family member
- Eat well and sleep well — you'll thank yourself on the day
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most important thing to book first for a wedding?
The venue. Everything else — catering, decor, photography — follows the venue's specifications, capacity and policies. Book venue first, always.
Is 6 months enough to plan a wedding in Pune?
Possible, but tight for large weddings (300+ guests). For intimate weddings under 100 guests with flexible venue options, 6 months can work if you move fast and hire a planner immediately.
Want this checklist customised for your specific wedding date? ColorKnit's planners create personalised month-by-month plans for every couple.
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