Week 7 | 10-12 months prior to wedding day
Hello Beautiful!
Next are two simple, yet super important tasks!
For your wedding, it is important to find a priest who will be open to listening to you and your fiancé about what you want for the ceremony. Please consider the pundits you have seen at other weddings.
If you are wanting to have a ceremony that lasts no more than an hour, your priest must be willing to accommodate that request.
Begin talking to priests and you will find that most are willing to work with you. Pick the one that best fits your family.
Marriage Counseling
While this is not required, many couples are taking advantage of these courses to create a firm foundation to build upon.
Also, many states offer a discount on the marriage license if you’ve gone through a premarital class.
Ask early about the classes, as they are likely only offered a few times a year.
SANGEET/GARBA AND PRE-WEDDING PUJAS
Hindu weddings are filled with festivities that span several days leading up to wedding day. If you have decided to host your ancillary events at a location other than the wedding venue, now is the time to consider the ideal spot.
The pre-wedding pujas tend to be a day or two before the ceremony and are reserved mostly for close family and dear friends. The most common venue chosen is your family home, which seems to be the most convenient and cost effective choice.
If you are looking to rent a space consider:
- A community center, which is a good and a very economical option.
- A local Indian restaurant with a banquet room available to rent.
Sangeet/Garba:
Traditionally hosted the night before your wedding, often with the same guest list as for wedding day. This space needs to be large enough to:
- Accommodate enough seating, if you plan to have several performances, and
- Have ample space for guests to dance, especially if it’s a garba.
Other than the venue types mentioned above, consider local halls at your mandir as possible options.
DesiWeds Insights:
- Create a different look for each of your events
- Keep all venues within a 30-minute drive
- Enjoy as much time as you can with loved ones at earlier events, since it’s typically a challenge to actually talk to everyone on wedding day
ACTION ITEMS
- Have a meeting with officiant, sign up for classes, book officiant (10 months before)
- Book venue for ancillary events (10 months before)
- Finalize your wedding consultant
