Planning guide
The desi wedding vendor checklist
A South Asian wedding usually needs more vendors than a single-day wedding, because there are more events. This checklist covers the vendors couples typically book, the order that tends to work best, and what to confirm with each one.
Book first
- Venues. One or several, for the ceremony, the reception and smaller events such as the mehndi and sangeet. Confirm the dates, guest capacity, outside catering rules, open-flame rules for the ceremony, and whether a baraat is allowed on the grounds. See how to choose an Indian wedding venue.
- Planner or coordinator. Especially useful for multi-day weddings with several venues. Confirm which events they run on the day.
- Photography and film. Confirm coverage for every event, team size and deliverables. See how to find an Indian wedding photographer.
- Catering. Confirm the menu for each event, dietary needs such as vegetarian, Jain or halal, live stations and service staff. See what to ask an Indian wedding caterer.
Book next
- Decor and florals. Mandap or stage, ceremony decor, reception decor and the mehndi and sangeet setups. See Indian wedding decorators.
- DJ and entertainment. DJ, dhol players, sound and lighting, and music for the baraat. See Indian wedding DJs.
- Bridal fashion. Lehengas, sarees and outfits for each event, with time for fittings and alterations.
- Makeup and hair. For the couple and family, for every event, with trials booked in advance. See Indian bridal makeup and hair artists.
Closer to the date
- Mehndi artist. Confirm how many guests they can do and how long it takes. See how to choose a bridal mehndi artist.
- Officiant or priest. Confirm the length of the ceremony, the rituals and anything they need you to supply.
- Invitations and wedding website. One place for every event, dress code and RSVP. Desi Shaadi & Co.’s free planning tools include a wedding website, guest list and RSVPs; see how to make a free wedding website.
- Transport and guest travel. Hotel blocks, shuttles and the arrival of the groom’s party.
What to confirm with every vendor
- Which events and hours they cover, and who will be there on the day.
- What is included in the price, and what costs extra (travel, overtime, setup and teardown).
- The payment schedule, the retainer and the cancellation terms, in a written contract.
- Experience with your traditions, whether that is a Hindu, Sikh, Muslim, Christian or fusion ceremony.
Frequently asked questions
Which wedding vendors should we book first?
Usually the venue first, because the date depends on it, then the vendors who can only work one wedding a day and are hardest to replace: the planner, the photographer and videographer, and the caterer.
How many vendors does an Indian wedding need?
It depends on the number of events. A multi-day wedding with a mehndi, sangeet, ceremony and reception typically involves a venue, caterer, decorator, photographer and videographer, DJ, makeup artist, mehndi artist and an officiant, and often a planner.
Where can we find South Asian wedding vendors?
On Desi Shaadi & Co. you can browse vendors by state, see South Asian wedding vendors in New Jersey, or post an opportunity describing what you need so vendors can reply.
Keep planning
Save vendors as you go, compare them later in Saved, keep your checklist, budget and guest list together in the free planning tools, and follow the 12-month desi wedding checklist or the other planning guides.