Planning a South Asian wedding is a grand, joyous occasion filled with rich traditions, family, and friends. But what if you’re working on a tight timeline? Can you still plan the dream wedding you’ve always envisioned? Absolutely! At Laksa Events, we specialize in creating unforgettable South Asian and multicultural weddings for couples across New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania—even when time is limited.
We’re going to walk you through the steps you need to consider when planning a wedding on short notice below.
Step 1: Set Priorities Early
The first step to successfully planning a South Asian wedding on a short timeline is setting your priorities. While there are countless beautiful elements to South Asian weddings, you must decide which aspects matter most to you. Is it the venue? The food? The number of guests? Being clear on your priorities will help you make quicker, more confident decisions.
Setting clear priorities can alleviate much of the stress that comes with wedding planning, especially when time is limited.
Below are some key areas you should consider when setting your priorities:
Key Priorities to Consider:
- Venue – Securing an available and culturally accommodating venue is crucial.
- Catering – Decide whether traditional South Asian cuisine or fusion options are essential for your events.
- Guest List – Determine the size of your wedding and which family and friends are non-negotiable for attendance.
- Religious Ceremonies – Identify which religious rituals and traditions are must-haves, such as Mehndi, Sangeet, or Baraat.
- Décor and Ambiance – Choose whether intricate, traditional décor or modern, minimalist design is a priority for your celebration.
- Entertainment – Decide if a live band, DJ, or specific cultural performances (e.g., Dhol, Bollywood dancers) are essential for the events.
- Photography and Videography – Make sure capturing the memories is a top priority by booking a professional team.
- Outfits and Fashion – Ensure that finding your perfect bridal and groom attire, as well as outfits for close family, is prioritized.
- Budget – Establish a budget and decide where you’re willing to splurge versus where you can cut back.
- Logistics and Transportation – If your events are spread out across multiple venues, prioritize transportation planning.
Laksa Tip: Involve family members in these discussions, as South Asian weddings often include input from parents and extended relatives. Make sure everyone is aligned to avoid last-minute conflicts.
To speed up the process, consider looking at venues outside major metropolitan areas or explore weekday weddings, which are more likely to have availability.
Expect to spend about 3-5 days finalizing your venue, especially if you’re flexible with locations and dates.
Laksa Tip: Non-weekend weddings can help couples secure top vendors and venues at a more affordable rate.
Step 3: Simplify Your Guest List
South Asian weddings are known for large guest lists, but when you’re on a tight schedule, simplifying the guest list can make your wedding more manageable. A smaller, more intimate event allows you to focus on the details that matter most, without the overwhelming logistics of a huge gathering.
Create a tiered guest list by dividing it into immediate family, close friends, and extended family. This method will help you prioritize whom to invite based on venue size and logistics.
Use Our Guest List for Quick Results
Laksa Tip: Setting up a guest list and sending initial Save-the-Dates digitally should take about 1-2 days.
Step 4: Utilize Digital Invitations
Traditional South Asian wedding invitations are intricate and time-consuming to design, print, and deliver. Instead, opt for digital invitations, which can be sent instantly and are eco-friendly. Use platforms like Minted or Canva to create beautifully designed invitations that reflect your cultural heritage.
Include a link to your wedding website with all the key information, such as schedules, venue locations, and RSVP details.
You can create and send digital invitations within 1 day using online tools.
Step 5: Delegate Responsibilities
In South Asian weddings, community and family involvement are often integral parts of the celebration. Use this to your advantage by delegating tasks to trusted family members and friends. Whether it’s coordinating transportation, managing the guest list, or helping with wedding favors, having more hands on deck can significantly reduce your stress.
At Laksa Events, we encourage our couples to build a team of reliable supporters to ensure everything runs smoothly. With our Day Of wedding planning service we support your needs every steps of the way no matter the time crunch.
Spend 1-2 days identifying key helpers and assigning specific tasks to reduce the burden on yourself.
Step 6: Choose All-Inclusive Vendor Packages (3-5 Days)
With limited time to plan, choosing vendors who offer all-inclusive packages can save you a lot of stress and coordination. Look for vendors who can bundle services like décor, catering, and entertainment. This not only speeds up the planning process but also ensures a cohesive and well-organized wedding.
Contact us for an all-inclusive vendor list in the tri-state area!
Laksa Tip: Vendor selection and contract signing can take around 3-5 days. Prioritize vendors with comprehensive services to streamline your efforts.
Working with vendors who specialize in South Asian weddings ensures that cultural customs are followed seamlessly. So when researching vendors, be sure to search online, social media, and ask your trusted family and friends for their recommendations.
Step 7: Focus on Key Traditions (1-2 Days)
A typical South Asian wedding involves multiple ceremonies and rituals, from the Mehndi to the Sangeet, the wedding ceremony itself, and the reception. However, when time is short, you may need to streamline some of these events. Consider combining ceremonies, such as hosting the Mehndi and Sangeet on the same night, or opting for a shorter, more intimate version of the wedding ceremony.
Talk to your pandit or officiant early on to ensure all necessary rituals can be performed within the given time.
Step 8: Keep Décor Simple but Elegant (2-3 Days)
While South Asian weddings are known for lavish décor, planning on a tight timeline may require you to simplify the overall design. Focus on a few key décor elements, such as the mandap and centerpieces, to make a big impact without overwhelming your schedule.
For example, pre-designed décor sets can create an equally stunning atmosphere without requiring weeks of custom design. At Laksa Events, we connect you with customized décor solutions that suit both traditional and modern tastes.
Selecting pre-designed décor or consulting with a vendor should take about 2-3 days.
Step 9: Hire a Wedding Planner Specializing in South Asian Weddings (Immediate!)
If you’re working with a limited timeframe, hiring a wedding planner who specializes in South Asian weddings is crucial. A planner with experience in South Asian ceremonies will understand the cultural intricacies and traditions, ensuring that nothing is overlooked.
At Laksa Events, we specialize in handling the complex logistics of South Asian weddings, from coordinating multi-day celebrations to sourcing hard-to-find vendors.
“A good wedding planner will save you time, reduce stress, and ensure that your day goes off without a hitch,” says WeddingWire.
Contact a wedding planner such as Laksa Events immediately to start organizing the critical elements of your wedding.
Step 10: Stay Flexible and Enjoy the Process
Finally, while planning a wedding on a tight timeline can feel overwhelming, it’s essential to stay flexible and enjoy the process. Remember, your wedding day is about celebrating love and unity. Even if every detail isn’t perfect, the joy and beauty of the day will shine through.
Flexibility should be an ongoing practice throughout the planning process. Being adaptable will help you navigate last-minute changes more easily.
Ready to Plan Your Dream Wedding on a Tight Timeline?
At Laksa Events, we have the experience and expertise to help you plan a South Asian wedding, no matter how tight the schedule. Contact us today to learn how we can bring your dream wedding to life—on time and stress-free.
