Planning a Delhi wedding can feel overwhelming — with hundreds of decisions, multiple events, and high expectations from family and guests. But with the right roadmap, you can transform chaos into a well-orchestrated celebration. This comprehensive guide walks you through every phase of wedding planning, from the first vendor meetings to the final vidaai.
The Delhi Wedding Planning Timeline
12-18 Months Before: Foundation Phase
- Set Your Budget: Determine overall budget with family contributions, allocate percentages to categories
- Create Guest List: Draft preliminary count (typically 300-1000 in Delhi weddings)
- Book Your Venue: Prime venues book 12-18 months ahead for peak season dates
- Finalize Wedding Dates: Consult muhurat calendar, check auspicious dates
- Decide Event Structure: Plan which functions — Roka, Mehendi, Sangeet, Haldi, Wedding, Reception
- Engage Wedding Planner: Optional but recommended for 500+ guest weddings
9-12 Months Before: Vendor Selection
- Book Key Vendors: Caterer (if external), decorator, photographer, videographer
- Select Wedding Attire: Designer lehengas take 6-9 months for customization
- Finalize Invitation Design: Premium invitations need 3-4 months lead time
- Book Entertainment: DJs, choreographers, live performers
- Arrange Accommodations: Block hotel rooms for outstation guests
6-9 Months Before: Detail Planning
- Schedule Menu Tasting: Finalize catering selections and dietary accommodations
- Plan Décor Theme: Color schemes, flower selections, lighting design
- Book Makeup Artist & Salon: Top artists book 6+ months ahead
- Finalize Wedding Rituals: Discuss specific customs with pandit and families
- Order Wedding Trousseau: Begin shopping for gift items and trousseau
3-6 Months Before: Execution Phase
- Send Invitations: Physical cards 2-3 months before, save-the-dates 6 months before
- Finalize Guest RSVPs: Track responses, follow up with key guests
- Complete Outfit Fittings: Multiple trials for bridal wear, family outfits
- Book Baraat Arrangements: Band, horse/vintage car, fireworks permits
- Plan Sangeet Performances: Start choreography rehearsals
- Finalize Transportation: Guest shuttles, bridal car, logistics
1-3 Months Before: Final Preparations
- Final Vendor Meetings: Review timelines, confirm all details in writing
- Confirm Final Headcount: Provide caterer and venue with accurate numbers
- Wedding Rehearsal: Schedule if desired, especially for phera ceremony
- Complete Beauty Regimen: Pre-bridal facials, hair treatments
- Prepare Emergency Kit: Safety pins, extra jewelry, touch-up makeup
- Delegate Responsibilities: Assign family members specific roles
1-2 Weeks Before: Countdown
- Final Vendor Confirmations: Reconfirm every vendor, times, and locations
- Payment Settlements: Clear remaining balances, arrange cash for tips
- Pack for Wedding: Organize outfits, jewelry, accessories by event
- Guest Welcome Bags: Prepare goodie bags for outstation guests
- Final Family Briefing: Ensure everyone knows schedule and roles
Delhi wedding budget allocation guide
| Budget Category | Typical % | Delhi Average | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Venue & Catering | 30-40% | ₹15-40 lakhs | Largest expense, book early |
| Décor & Flowers | 15-20% | ₹5-15 lakhs | Can vary significantly by style |
| Photography/Video | 8-12% | ₹2-5 lakhs | Premium packages in demand |
| Bridal Attire | 10-15% | ₹3-10 lakhs | Designer wear adds cost |
| Groom Attire | 5-8% | ₹1-3 lakhs | Sherwanis and accessories |
| Entertainment | 5-10% | ₹2-5 lakhs | DJ, choreographer, performers |
| Invitations | 2-4% | ₹50K-2 lakhs | Luxury cards cost more |
| Miscellaneous | 10-15% | ₹3-5 lakhs | Buffer for unexpected expenses |
Essential Delhi Wedding Vendors
Venue Selection Criteria
- Capacity: Ensure venue accommodates guest count comfortably
- Location: Accessible for majority of guests, near airport if needed
- Catering Options: In-house vs. external caterer policy
- Décor Flexibility: Restrictions on mandap, lighting, fire
- Parking: Adequate valet parking for expected vehicles
- Weather Backup: Indoor alternatives for outdoor venues
Vendor Selection Tips
- Get References: Ask for recent client testimonials and portfolios
- Review Contracts: Understand cancellation, payment, and delivery terms
- Meet In Person: Judge professionalism and communication style
- Check Availability: Confirm they're available for all your functions
- Negotiate Packages: Bundle services for better rates
Common Delhi Wedding Mistakes to Avoid
Planning Pitfalls
- Underestimating Guest Count: Delhi weddings often exceed RSVP numbers by 10-15%
- Late Venue Booking: Premium venues for winter dates book 12+ months ahead
- Ignoring Weather: May-July weddings face extreme heat challenges
- Insufficient Parking: Guests expect easy parking/valet service
- Over-Scheduling: Too many events exhaust family and guests
Budget Mistakes
- No Buffer: Always keep 10-15% for unexpected expenses
- Last-Minute Additions: Scope creep can blow budgets
- Skipping Contracts: Get everything in writing to avoid disputes
- Forgetting Tips: Budget for vendor and staff gratuities
See our complete wedding planning pillar guide for more detailed seasonal advice.
Google Review
“The wedding planning journey felt daunting at first, but breaking it down into phases made everything manageable. The Tivoli team was instrumental — they coordinated with our vendors, managed the timeline, and handled every detail so we could enjoy our wedding week stress-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
For a Delhi wedding, start planning 12-18 months in advance for peak season (October-February) dates. Premium venues and top vendors book early. For off-season weddings, 6-9 months may suffice, but earlier booking ensures more choices.
Delhi weddings range widely — from ₹20-30 lakhs for modest celebrations to ₹1-2 crores+ for lavish affairs. A typical mid-range wedding with 400-500 guests costs ₹50-80 lakhs. Venue/catering (30-40%), attire (15-20%), and décor (15-20%) are the largest expenses.
Traditional Delhi weddings typically include Roka/Engagement, Mehendi, Sangeet, Haldi, Wedding Ceremony, and Reception — spanning 3-5 days. However, many modern couples opt for 2-3 consolidated events to manage budgets and avoid guest fatigue. Discuss with family to find the right balance.
Yes, Tivoli Bijwasan offers wedding coordination services. Our experienced team helps with vendor management, timeline creation, décor coordination, and day-of execution. We work with your wedding planner or can provide in-house coordination for a seamless celebration.
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