Planning a Maharashtrian wedding is a labour of love. Between choosing the right muhurat, coordinating with both families, booking the right hall, and making sure Aaji's special puran poli recipe makes it to the menu - there is a lot to track. This timeline-based checklist keeps you organised from the first decision to the final vidai.
6-8 months before the wedding
The big decisions.
- Fix the muhurat with your family priest. Have two or three backup dates.
- Set a realistic budget. Decide what each family will contribute and where you are willing to splurge versus save.
- Shortlist and book the wedding venue (mangal karyalaya). Visit in person, check capacity, parking, kitchen facilities, and backup power.
- Book the caterer. Taste-test the menu if possible. Confirm whether they handle the full Maharashtrian spread (varan bhaat, masale bhaat, bharli vangi, puran poli, shrikhand puri) or if you need supplementary vendors.
- Book the photographer and videographer. The best ones get booked months in advance.
- Begin shopping for the bride's Nauvari / Paithani saree. Handwoven Paithanis can take weeks to source.
4-6 months before
Outfits, jewellery, and invitations.
- Finalise the groom's outfit (kurta-dhoti, sherwani, or suit).
- Order or rent bridal jewellery - nath, mundavalya, kolhapuri saaj, green bangles.
- Buy outfits for immediate family (parents, siblings).
- Finalise and print wedding invitations (patrika). Many families now supplement with digital invites.
- Book the priest (guruji) for the wedding ceremony and confirm the order of rituals.
- Book a makeup artist and hair stylist for the bride.
- If hosting a destination or out-of-city wedding, arrange accommodation for key guests.
2-3 months before
Pre-wedding events and logistics.
- Plan the Sakharpuda (engagement). Confirm the venue, guest list, and gifts to exchange.
- Plan the Halad (haldi) ceremony. Decide if it will be at home or a rented space. Arrange turmeric, oil, and traditional supplies.
- Plan the Kelvan (pre-wedding meal) - usually a small, intimate family gathering.
- Plan the Mehendi event if having one.
- Confirm the decorations for the venue - mandap, flowers, lighting, devak setup.
- Arrange transport for the varat (baraat / groom's procession) - typically a vehicle with music.
- Book a DJ or traditional band (sanai-chaughada) for the reception.
- Sort out the return gifts or vouchers for guests, if any.
1 month before
Confirmations and fine details.
- Send invitations to all remaining guests. Follow up with key family members to confirm attendance.
- Confirm final headcount with the caterer.
- Do a final fitting for all outfits - bride, groom, and immediate family.
- Prepare a detailed ceremony timeline with the priest: Ganpati puja, devak, seemant puja, antarpat, mangalashtak, kanyadan, saptapadi, griha pravesh.
- Arrange the mangalsutra and wedding rings.
- Prepare the rukhwat display (bride's handicrafts, cooking, and creative work) if your family follows the tradition.
- Confirm the honeymoon booking, if applicable.
1 week before
Final checks.
- Reconfirm every vendor: venue, caterer, photographer, decorator, makeup artist, priest, transport, DJ.
- Pack a day-of emergency kit: safety pins, thread, needle, extra bindis, kunku, buk, a small mirror, tissues, water bottles, and snacks.
- Arrange someone (a trusted cousin or friend) as a day-of coordinator to handle logistics so the couple and parents can focus on the rituals.
- Do a venue walk-through. Check seating, stage, sound system, and kitchen setup.
- Confirm the Halad and Kelvan supplies are ready.
- Withdraw or arrange any cash needed for tips, priest dakshina, and miscellaneous expenses.
The wedding day
Breathe. Enjoy. Trust your preparation.
- Bride: start getting ready 3-4 hours before the muhurat time.
- Ensure the devak, mandap, and decorations are set up on time.
- Hand the ceremony timeline to the day-of coordinator.
- Keep the emergency kit accessible.
- Assign someone to coordinate with the caterer for meal service timing.
- Most importantly - be present. The planning is done. This day is yours.
A note on budgeting
Every family's budget is different, and a beautiful wedding does not require an extravagant one. Focus your spending on the things that matter most to you - whether that is the food, the venue, the photographs, or the outfits - and be comfortable saying "this is enough" everywhere else.
If you are still in the early stages and the planning has not started because you are still looking for the right person, begin your search on Vivah Swapn. Find your match first; the checklist will be here when you are ready.