Journal · Dhaval Gandhi · Mar 04, 2026 · 5 min read
The Ultimate Wedding Checklist for 2026
Planning a wedding should be one of the better years of your life. It rarely feels that way in the middle, because the number of decisions is genuinely large and most of them are unfamiliar. What follows is the order things tend to need doing in, working back from the date.
12 to 6 months before
- —Fix the date and the guest count. Almost every other decision follows from these two.
- —Book the venue, or venues, if functions are spread across locations.
- —Appoint a wedding planner if you are using one.
- —Book the photographer and cinematographer. Peak dates go eight to fourteen months ahead.
- —Set a working budget and decide which three things you are willing to overspend on.
- —Open conversations with caterers and decorators.
- —If the wedding is abroad, begin visa and travel logistics now rather than later.
3 months before
- —Research and book entertainers, whether a live band, DJ or a surprise flash mob.
- —Secure the Mehendi artist.
- —Start skincare and beauty treatments.
- —Get the invites and e-vites made.
- —Finalise the groom’s outfits.
- —Sort the engagement rings.
- —Schedule the pre-wedding shoot, and choose locations while there is still time to change them.
- —Confirm the running order with the venue, including realistic timings rather than optimistic ones.
2 months before
- —Book accommodation for out-of-town guests.
- —Curate a playlist and share it with the DJ or band.
- —Visit the venue with your decorator.
- —Get blouses and trousseau dresses stitched.
- —Finalise sangeet numbers and rehearsals.
- —Research bridal entry ideas.
- —Share the full schedule with your photographer, including which family members must appear in formal groups.
- —Confirm what happens in each function’s low-light hours.
1 month before
- —Finalise all details with the wedding planner.
- —Map out seating arrangements.
- —Confirm bachelorette party details.
- —Confirm delivery locations and timings with vendors.
- —Walk the venue with your photographer if they have not already seen it.
- —Confirm meal arrangements for the crew working the full day.
1 week before
- —Pick up the wedding outfits and check every fitting.
- —Finalise hair and makeup with your artist.
- —Get your nails done.
- —Pack for the honeymoon.
- —Monitor the forecast and keep a backup plan.
- —Assign one family member as the point of contact for vendors, so questions do not reach you.
- —Charge everything. Pack chargers.
- —Leave the last two days genuinely empty.
A wedding is a logistical exercise wearing formal clothes. The couples who enjoy their own weddings are almost always the ones who finished deciding things a fortnight early. Get in touch if you would like to talk through the coverage.
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