The all-important day of the wedding is now fixed, and you know it’s time for the countdown to the big day. If you’re anything like us, you are thrilled to bits when the darling daughter, sister, friend or relative has announced the date to tie the knot. But through the flurry of congratulations and accompanying excitement for the bride-to-be, ‘the wedding’ means tons of planning and organizing – not to miss the hectic activity – to ensure it goes off as perfectly as possible.

Try and delegate as much work you can to a band of trusted people who are as deeply invested in your wedding as you are but leave a few things that you should do by your own self. Trust us when we say this, these go a long way in creating some unforgettable memories that you will cherish for a lifetime… the seemingly endless trials and shopping for clothes, jewellery, shoes, and makeup that will transform you into a glowing bride when all eyes are on you.

So, here’s our handy Wedding Planning To-do List as you begin ticking off the days, weeks, and months to one of the most memorable days of your life. It has been thoughtfully put together by none other than Ruby Walia (Founder- Director, Phool Patti, and a qualified, experienced beauty specialist herself), encapsulating her years and years of close interaction with brides of all ages and preferences. It is a detailed and doable checklist that you might
want to keep referring to from time to time.

6 – 3 Months - Assuming that your wedding is fixed when you have approximately 6 months in hand, here’s how you may wish to go about arranging things.

• The date is fixed, so do a quick recce of available venues. From hotels to farmhouses, barns to art galleries, chateaus to gardens, forts to refurbished warehouses, cruises to stadiums, couples and their families are truly spoilt for choice nowadays. Be as minimalist or maximalist as you prefer but keep in mind the location should have everything to ensure a good time for your guests. Go ahead and book the venue when you have zeroed down to one and know that a major point has been taken care of.
• Next, rope in your trusted allies because you would surely want a second opinion for vendors. Preferably choose from your own family or best friends as they know your tastes well. Shortlist and finalize the bridalwear designer, bridal makeup, mehendi and hair artists, florist, caterer, photographer and videographer, venue decorators, and entertainment band. You will need more than a couple of meetings with each of them as you go along. Delegate the jobs but remain involved with each team. For clothes, shoes, jewellery, makeup, mehendi and hair, forget delegating and arm yourself with patience and positivity. Tip – Alternatively, you could appoint a professional wedding planner who will take a fair bit of load off your shoulders.
• Bookings done, spend quality time with the designers and artists. Give your brief and explain your expectations. Listen to their suggestions too and remember they are specialists who know best before finalizing your look (s) for the wedding and other associated events.
• Book a hair and makeup trial to gauge the actual look for yourself.
• Schedule time for your bridalwear trials cheerfully.
• Schedule an appointment with your dentist and follow oral hygiene instructions post visit.
• This is a good time to start an intensive beauty routine by getting facials done and a rejuvenating body and head massage monthly. “The more you relax, the more it shows on your skin, making it glow with radiance,” says Ruby.
• Things do get overwhelming! When this happens, go for short meditation sessions of no more than 5 minutes. Deep breathing techniques will help you relax and calm you down.
• Take up any form of cardio that appeals to you – gymming, brisk walking, cycling, jogging. You could opt for yoga or light dancing. Make it enjoyable and not strenuous to wear you out.
• Remember to follow your daily skincare, haircare, and oral regime no matter how tired you are.
• Eat healthy.
• Practice good sleeping habits. Get enough snooze time.

3 months – 1 month – It is so close now you feel the excitement well and proper!

• Get your pre-wedding shoot done. Give your vital inputs about your expectation of the final output beforehand.
• Handle your wedding invites from a wide variety of templates available. Some are very creatively done with digital animation and avatars. Choose and finalize the one that announces your wedding. Tip – Remember to ask the designer for a dummy invite, check for details minutely. There is still some time to make any changes regarding the design layout/color scheme/tone if you prefer. Give your nod for print and production when you are satisfied with this all-important element of your wedding.
• Prepare your wedding playlists, DJ songs, jukebox, first-dance song, and other entertainment stuff. Start practicing.
• Begin your dance practice with friends and family for group dances.
• Practice your vows.
• The invites should go out preferably at 3 months’ time so guests may arrange their travel schedules conveniently. Tip - For overseas guests, this should be done when the wedding is fixed.
• Form a WA group with different categories of invitees – Family, Friends, Friends turned Family, Business Associates – and post digital Save the Date, Invitation Card, and Reminders on each group along with any information and updates relevant to each.

2 weeks to the wedding – The butterflies in your stomach are probably dancing about crazily but there are things that still need your attention.

• Confirm with each vendor to ensure that your directions are being followed. If there are any changes to be made regarding an arrangement with a specific vendor, take a call now to prevent any last-minute nasty surprises.
• Check with your team of artists and fix final schedules for makeup, hair, mehendi etc.
• Trial for each trousseau outfit needs to be done. Final alterations, if required, should be done now. Tip – Ensure separate stitching kits (with matching threads, needles, safety pins etc.) come with each garment for any wardrobe malfunction or last-minute fix that may be required.
• Keep practicing your vows regularly.
• Keep coordinating with your trusted team.
• Start an RSVP to understand likely attendance.

Through it all, keep yourself calm and enjoy the process every bit right down to when you step out as a radiant bride on your wedding day.