Firstly, let us congratulate you on your engagement! This moment is the one to celebrate with happy tears and confetti. Cue the endless Pinterest scrolling for wedding inspiration as well!
Now, when the euphoria subsides, the question of what to do next appears. So, whether it’s a grand gala or an intimate ceremony, this article walks you through the next steps. From setting budgets to booking a marriage hall in Kolkata, we’re here to help. Let’s break it down!
What Comes Next? How to Get Ready for D-Day
Step 1: Celebrate your engagement
The time after the engagement can make you feel like you’re walking in the clouds. You need to savour this moment and not rush into planning mode! Celebrate this moment with your partner by:
● Hosting a small dinner with your closest family and friends to share the news.
● Throwing a casual party to celebrate–this event doesn’t have to be extravagant.
● Planning an engagement photoshoot at a location that holds emotional value for you and your partner.
Step 2: Set A Budget
The financial aspect of a wedding is daunting. But a concise budget is key for wedding planning. It makes your expectations realistic. Also, aids you in prioritising the things that matter most. To create a budget, you can:
● Determine the amount you’re comfortable with.
● Allocate amounts to major categories. For example, you can break it down like this:
– 40% for catering and venue
– 15% for photography/videography
– 10% for decor
– 10% for attire
– 8% for entertainment
– 7% for miscellaneous
– 10% for emergencies
● Maintain a spreadsheet to track expenses. Always leave some room in the budget because unexpected costs are inevitable.
Step 3: Choose the date and banquet hall in Kolkata
The venue and date set the foundation for the main event. They will impact guest availability, the theme, and even your outfit. Most Indian weddings are condensed into two seasons in a year, mostly determined by pandits. There isn’t much you can do about the date. However, you can choose which season since that gives you enough time to prepare.
When it comes to selecting the best wedding venue in Kolkata, you have more control.
● Schedule visits to multiple boutique hotels in Kolkata to compare options.
● Check if the venue has in-house services like decor or catering. Most hotels and halls, such as The Park Hotels Kolkata, offer excellent catering. But it’s better to inquire in advance. This gives you enough time to find external vendors.
● Inquire about restrictions.
● Make sure the chosen venue matches your theme–picture it fully decorated.
● Always read the fine print on the venue contracts. Confirm cancellation clauses, package inclusions, and deposit policies.
Step 4: Choose your wedding party
Your wedding party supports you logistically and emotionally. Choose people who make the planning process fun and uplift you. Here’s how you can assemble your wedding party:
● Gift personalised items such as mugs.
● Write heartfelt notes.
● Plan a surprise gathering to ask them.
Step 5: Focus on the details
Now that all the main pieces are in place, you can turn your attention to the details. Here are some key details to focus on:
● Start wedding ensemble shopping at least 9 to 12 months before. Since most Indian weddings have multiple events, it’s important to start shopping in advance. This is also true if you need alterations.
● Invitations need to match the wedding theme and your love story, too. Previously, specialised card design services would do the work for you. Today, many couples are hiring freelance graphic designers to do this job for them. If you start this process in advance, you will have more time to decide on the perfect design.
● Sit down with the vendors at least 4 to 5 months before the main event to figure out a cohesive look for the venue.
● Plan the order of the events. Whether you want a separate day for sangeet and mehendi or combine them, planning is beneficial.
Planning your wedding isn’t just a checklist or booking the best marriage hall in Kolkata. It’s the start of a new chapter in your lives. Every decision is a reflection of your love story. And along the way, you will be excited and frustrated in equal measures. So, through it all, you have to remember this day is about the commitment you’re making with the love of your life!
Trust your coordinators, rely on your vendors, and focus on you and your partner!
