Weddings are all fun and games until you are asked to create an elaborate inventory of to-dos and tasks ahead of the celebrations. Between booking locations, drawing up guest lists and finalising outfits, the days leading up to the main day will beckon for thoughtful decision-making. The era of cookie-cutter weddings is a thing of the past. Today is more about a customised celebration that feels like it was stitched for you right from the start to the finish.
Whether you are dreaming of a postcard-pretty garden soiree or a lavish destination wedding, the possibilities are just as limitless as they seem. We are here with our bridal prep guide to wedding checklists and timelines so you can curate a wedding that leaves a lasting impression.
The Big Picture: 12 Months Out
The foundation of your wedding planning is to determine your overall vision and zero in on the smallest details. At this stage, be prepared to lay the groundwork for seamless decisions in your future especially when it comes to deciding on the budget and vendors
Factor in the budget: The key to good wedding planning would be to factor in the numbers involved in making it a success. Your budget will create boundaries and help you in navigating subsequent decisions, from the number of festivities to the number of the guests.
Search and Confirm a Wedding Planner: It is invaluable to get a planner on board before securing a venue. Seek recommendations from experts to find yourself vendors and destinations that align with your dream wedding and budget
Lock the destination and venue: Right after you are done blocking the wedding date, confirm the destination and venue since most locations take booking a year beforehand. The wedding decor, theme and catering are all dependent upon the place you select.
Start Wishlisting Bridal Outfits: Once you are done securing venue and vendors, it is time to explore all the bridal outfits. For a wholesome shopping experience, we suggest you try out our wedding edit at Aza Fashions. The ultimate luxury retailer store offers more than 200k designer styles based on different festivities, seasons, colors and fabrics. Wishlist all your favorite bridal dresses online so you are one step closer to ordering them when the time comes
Getting into Details: 9-12 Months Out
The 9-month time period ahead of the big day is the actual time to start curating your bridal wardrobe. Make sure to order all your ceremonial outfits in advance so you don't have to rush through the customization and alterations. Parallelly, this phase is important for you to book and confirm makeup artists, decor vendors and caterers. For those of you planning a destination wedding, early Save the Dates will ensure your out-of-town guests arrive at your celebration on time.
Order Your Wedding Outfit: This is the perfect time for you to order your wishlisted bridal outfit for all the lined-up wedding festivities like Roka, Sangeet, Mehendi and Haldi.
Book Your Vendors: Start confirming all the important vendors, including the caterers, decorators, florists, DJ and musicians. All of these vendors prefer taking bookings from about 9-10 months before.
Research Bridal Makeup Artists: Go through all the top makeup and hairdressers ahead of time so you can lock them up with advance. But before booking, make sure to run through their portfolios, real customer reviews, ratings and visibility in the market.
Send Out Save-the-Dates: Give your close friends and family a heads-up before the official invites go out. It helps them plan travel, outfits, and time off, ensuring your favourite people don’t miss the celebration.
Bridal Style & Prep: 6-8 Months Out
With primary outfits underway, refocus on your complete bridal trousseau and family looks. This is also the time for detailed accessory planning and starting your beauty and skincare journey. Coordinating the looks of your closest family and friends ensures gorgeous group photos and keeps your wedding aesthetic cohesive at every event.
Start shopping: The ideal time to start curating a bridal trousseau is 6 months in advance as per leading designers and experts. With bespoke and customized piece warranting time, the window gives you enough time to decide on intricacies such as embroidery and fabric swatches.
Plan and Order Outfits for Post-Wedding Event: Finalise and shop for looks for your post-weddings well in advance like Vidaai, reception, family get-togethers and more. Coordinate with family, bridesmaids, and groomsmen and explore Aza’s curated edits for perfectly styled ensembles that complement your wedding theme. as the fabric swatches and embroidery do, leading you to avoid the last-minute hiccups.
Plan your honeymoon: Your honeymoon is likely to be the most lavish holiday you take as a couple. Given that you’ll be simultaneously planning the nuptials, you need to plan the post-wedding getaway in advance. Get moving at least six months before the wedding to settle on a destination and begin booking flights, accommodation and experiences.
Select and Buy Jewellery & Accessories – Choose statement jewellery and coordinating accessories that complement each wedding look.
Shop for Shoes & Clutches – Pick comfortable yet stylish heels, juttis, and potlis to match your outfits perfectly.
Dermatology Consultation – Schedule a skincare consultation to get a personalised glow-up plan for your wedding day.
Start Skincare & Haircare Routine – Establish consistent at-home care to achieve healthy, radiant skin and lustrous hair before the big day.
Theme and Pre-Wedding Bash Planning: 3 Months Out
This phase is focused on detailed arrangements. Send out your invitations and finalize the transportation and fix your wardrobe woes with your first round of fittings. Work closely with vendors for decisions like tasting menu, return gifts and make sure your registry is ready to welcome generous guests.
Choose the overall theme: Time to pull out your Pinterest mood board but instead of following trends blindly, stitch all the elements together as a story. Pick the palette for every event and zero in on themes and look for ways to highlight your personality in every design and decor.
Plan your last hurrah: Nothing compares to the series of emotions that run through you when soaking in some quality time at a pre-wedding party with people who mean the world to you, right ahead of the big day. Lock in the party destination at least three months in advance.
Finalise Transportation Plans – Lock in vehicles for the wedding party, guests, and family to ensure smooth arrivals and departures. Consider timing, routes, and any special décor for a seamless travel experience.
Go for the First Fitting – Bring your wedding shoes and undergarments to get the most accurate fit for your outfit. This helps spot adjustments early and ensures comfort on the big day.
Decide the decor: As far as colours and flowers are concerned, you cannot skip the sampling stage that needs to be set up at least 45 days prior. You can never understand the palette precisely if you don't see it up close. Decide on the flowers that will dominate the stage; think roses and hydrangeas.
Select and Order Wedding Favors/Return Gifts – Choose thoughtful keepsakes that reflect your style and the celebration. Place orders early to avoid delays and ensure every guest leaves with a memorable token.
Set Up and Share Your Wedding Registry – Create a registry with items that suit your new life together. Share it with guests so they can easily choose meaningful gifts and avoid last-minute stress.
The Final Countdown: Wedding Week & Day Of
The last week is about preparation and calm. Double-check numbers, pack essentials, and hand off logistics to your trusted helper or planner. Keep everything you need at your fingertips—from emergency kits to relaxing beauty sessions—so you can truly be present on your big day.
Last-Minute Prep:
- Update the venue/caterer with the final guest count.
- Pack event-specific bags and a wedding day emergency kit (pins, tape, medication).
- Share vendor lists and schedules with your planner or point person.
- Get nails done and plan short relaxation rituals.
- Delegate all lingering tasks to friends or family.
Wedding Day Checklist
- Eat a nourishing breakfast and hydrate throughout.
- Lay out your dress, jewellery, shoes, and accessories for photos.
- Stick to your beauty/styling timeline.
- Take a moment to breathe, be present, and enjoy every celebration!
With a clear, stepwise checklist, wedding planning feels far less daunting and much more fun. Use this guide as your personal roadmap, you’ll be ready for every function, every guest, and, most importantly, your own unforgettable Aza bridal moments.
Ready to start planning your dream bridal wardrobe? Book a complimentary styling appointment with Aza Bridal Consultants. Shop Aza’s curated collections for bridal lehengas, sangeet gowns, and more.
