We’d have a Skype conversation with you, but with our moody so-called 4G connections, we think it best to note down our cheat sheet to planning a weddings in India. Firstly, stop panicking and take a deep breath Also, please stop with the comparisons! Honey, what you get in Leicester, Chicago, Nairobi or wherever you come from, can not be compared to India. Period. Instead, focus on all the plus points of having a true desi Wedding. Think endless lehenga choices and exchange rates that work in your favour *wink*.

Location, location, location- Once you know where the wedding is being held at, get onto Google and start learning up about the area; from shopping areas to parlors, and hotels to venues around the area. Also, make your sister-in-law your bestie! It always helps to have some inside information on the area and venues.

Set the Dates- Wedding season in India starts around October to February, with the peak (and costlier) months being December and January. Generally these months are cooler and most family and friends tend to have holidays around the same time. Also, make sure you book the venue a year in advance and also book your flight tickets on time.

Start a man-hunt for the wedding planner- Now, if you’ve got the will to pull off a destination wedding all by yourself, then kudos to you. But, we STRONGLY suggest having a planner in tow, just so that she can fuss about the little details while you focus on the bigger picture.

Even though some planners have lavish Instagram pictures and FB pages, you need to make sure you’re able to communicate easily with this person. Have a few Skype conversations with her and ask as many questions as you’d like to (test her patience). And think of her as your new bestie- someone whose willing to answer your call at 3 a.m. because you decided you like rose quartz over fuchsia pink!

And she’ll most likely have solutions to most of your problems.

Hotel package deals- If most of your family are NRIs/foreigners travelling to India for the big day, then consider hosting the event at a hotel. From room bookings, catering, decor to co-ordination, hotels tend to have package deals that would help you fuss less about stay and travel and focus on having fun! Psst… it’s easier to have the whole fam under one roof!

Pilot test the vendors– The big question- would you be travelling to India before the wedding? We think it’s a good idea to make at least one trip to India before the wedding. This allows you to meet with the planners, shortlist and finalise all your vendors, and do the bridal shopping (yipee!). During this time, you get can your fittings done, get a makeup trial and do the food tasting. This will also help you calm some of those nerves.

Personal shoppers- Apart from hiring a wedding planner, you also have an option of hiring personal shoppers too. Any big fat Indian wedding calls for a lot of gift exchanges! So, take the stress off your mummy dear and hire a personal shopper to go buy the suit pieces, sarees, favours etc. This allows you to focus on your shopping

Make it official- During your visit, get the legal (and boring stuff) out of the way. Get your papers together and give your notice and no objection papers, or go straight ahead and get the court marriage done. This in the long-run helps with your impending visa process. Don’t wait for last-minute!

Get your man involved- Sometimes all you need is a little love and a tonne load of support. He might spoil you crazy, but during this time, you’ll need your knight-in-shinning-armour to get off his horse and help you with the co-ordination and planning. Get him involved from day one!

Preventive measures- The last thing we need is for the bride aka you to fall sick. Make sure everyone in the family has their vaccines and shots taken *ouch*!

And that’s all folks!

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