1. Buy a binder/organizer to keep track of all contracts, receipts, and paperwork. Make an initial budget of all costs, and be realistic about what you can spend. Be upfront with all caterers, venues, decorators, and other individuals about what you are willing to spend and work within that amount. Keep a calendar of all important appointments.

2. Pick a venue early and the earlier the better. We had about a year so it worked out fine. Be sure to have a tentative guest list with a close to approximate number of guests before you meet with the venue’s representatives. It might be helpful to have a list of questions for the representative, which communicate your needs and expectations clearly. Leave with the dimensions of the hall including a preliminary floor plan, this will be necessary to provide to the decorators.

3. Choose and order your invitations, send them out at least three to four months in advance, so you have time to organize all of the RSVPs and complete your seating arrangements.

4. Get your gown, or wedding outfit(s). I say outfits because if you are organizing an eastern wedding, then you will need several outfits. If time allows try to buy the outfit(s) as close to the wedding day as safely possible. The reason being that if you plan to get into shape before the big day, then you want to make sure the gown fits perfectly. However, if you absolutely find something you adore, then buy it and have a fitting at least two weeks before the wedding day to address any necessary alterations.

5. Choose your wedding decorations, including any stage decorations for those of you who are organizing an eastern wedding. Give the decorators a copy of the floor plan and the contact information for the venue. It might be a good idea for the venue rep, decorator, and yourself to sit down a few months before the wedding day to ensure everyone is on the same page.

6. Choose a caterer; keep the menu simple and delicious. Some facilities have their own caterers, while others allow for off-site catering. Be very specific about your needs for the food, especially if you are inviting both desi and non-desi guests. For my friends wedding, we made sure that we had a mix of both types of appetizers: samosas, chaat, cheese/crackers, fruit salad, vegetable/dip, and thinly sliced chicken "on a stick" made very mild. As far as the dinner menu was concerned my friend chose several baked dished like chicken and fish which all guests could enjoy. Those who wanted it to be spicier could add a a spicy yogurt sauce. Otherwise, the non-desi guest could enjoy the fish and chicken with mild flavoring. In addition, my friend chose plain rice and dinner rolls. Finally, for salad she added a delicious pasta salad with cucumbers, olives, and tomato. Dessert was her fabulous wedding cake and mithai.

7. Choose a DJ, or other entertainers. You want to be finished with choosing a venue, finishing your bridal regsitry, catering, decorating, and entertainment at least two to three months before your big day. Take the last two months to focus on yourself and get your make-up, hair, honeymoon, and other items in order.

The key is organization but do not forget to have fun. My friend and I had a good time organizing the wedding and it was quiet an adventure. Now you could just skip all the above and get yourself a wedding planner.