Preparing a Tamil wedding: the checklist to not forget anything

Organizing a Tamil wedding can quickly become a full project.

Between the religious ceremony, family traditions, the venue, the meal, the decoration, the outfits and the many vendors, several months of preparation may be necessary.

Here is a practical checklist to progressively organize your wedding. The rituals and elements mentioned can vary depending on families, temples and communities: adapt this list to your own traditions.

1. Set the date and the religious schedule

Start by discussing with your families and the priest.

You will need to define in particular:

• ☐ The wedding date
• ☐ The Muhurtham if your tradition requires it
• ☐ The time of the ceremony
• ☐ The main rituals
• ☐ The location of the ceremony
• ☐ The list of religious items needed

Once the main times are known, it becomes much easier to build the day's timetable.

For an hour-by-hour example: Planning of a Tamil wedding: example schedule for the big day

2. Find the venue

The venue is one of the first bookings to make, especially when the number of guests is large.

To choose it well: Which venue to choose for a Tamil wedding of 200, 300 or 400 guests?

Before booking, check:

• ☐ Maximum capacity
• ☐ Available times
• ☐ Parking
• ☐ Decoration possibilities
• ☐ Space needed for the ceremony
• ☐ Presence of a kitchen or caterer area
• ☐ Conditions regarding outside vendors

3. Book the caterer

The meal is a major part of the reception.

Depending on the families, the menu can be inspired by Tamil cuisine from Sri Lanka, Tamil Nadu or combine several culinary styles.

To choose your menu well: Caterer for a Tamil wedding: how to choose your menu?

Think about determining:

• ☐ Number of guests
• ☐ Vegetarian menu
• ☐ Starters
• ☐ Main courses
• ☐ Desserts
• ☐ Drinks
• ☐ Plated service or buffet
• ☐ Service staff

4. Prepare the traditional ceremony

Depending on your family's traditions, certain items must be ordered or prepared in advance.

For garlands: Maalai in a Tamil wedding: meaning and the exchange of garlands

• ☐ Thali
• ☐ Maalai / garlands
• ☐ Flowers
• ☐ Ceremonial trays
• ☐ Fruits and offerings
• ☐ Items requested by the priest
• ☐ Oonjal if planned
• ☐ Decoration of the ceremony area

To better understand the role of the Thali: Discover the meaning of the Thali

5. Choose the outfits

Outfits can require several weeks or several months of preparation.

For the bride:

• ☐ Sari or saris
• ☐ Blouses
• ☐ Jewelry
• ☐ Flowers for the hair
• ☐ Shoes
• ☐ Accessories
• ☐ Reception outfit if applicable

For the groom:

• ☐ Veshti or traditional attire
• ☐ Shirt or traditional top
• ☐ Accessories
• ☐ Shoes
• ☐ Second outfit if applicable

Don't forget to schedule alterations early enough.

To prepare your outfits in detail: Tamil wedding outfits: sari, Veshti, jewelry and accessories

6. Book makeup and hair

The bride's preparation often starts very early.

To organize everything: Makeup and hair for a Tamil bride: how to prepare for the big day?

Check with your makeup artist and hairdresser:

• ☐ Arrival time
• ☐ Duration of makeup
• ☐ Hairstyle
• ☐ Placement of flowers
• ☐ Sari draping if offered
• ☐ Possible outfit change
• ☐ Touch-ups during the day

7. Photographer and videographer

Communicate the ceremony schedule to them before the wedding.

They should especially know the timing of important moments.

To prepare them well: Photographer and videographer for a Tamil wedding: moments not to miss

• ☐ Preparations
• ☐ Arrival of the groom
• ☐ Arrival of the bride
• ☐ Maalai
• ☐ Oonjal if planned
• ☐ Thali
• ☐ Religious rituals
• ☐ Family photos
• ☐ Reception
• ☐ First dance or evening if planned

8. Decoration and flowers

Decide early enough on the desired style.

For more: Tamil wedding decoration: Mandap, flowers and inspirations

• ☐ Ceremony decoration
• ☐ Mandap
• ☐ Oonjal
• ☐ Flowers
• ☐ Venue entrance
• ☐ Head table
• ☐ Guest tables
• ☐ Photo area
• ☐ Seating chart
• ☐ Welcome sign

9. Music

If you want a traditional ceremony, you can also plan for musicians.

To choose them well: Nadaswaram and Thavil: the traditional music of the Tamil wedding

Depending on the type of wedding:

• ☐ Nadaswaram
• ☐ Thavil
• ☐ DJ for the reception
• ☐ Sound system
• ☐ Microphone for the ceremony and speeches

10. Invitations and guests

Once the venue is booked, start finalizing your guest list.

• ☐ Guest list
• ☐ Invitations
• ☐ RSVP confirmations
• ☐ Seating chart
• ☐ Family tables
• ☐ Children
• ☐ Specific meals
• ☐ Accommodation for relatives coming from afar

The final checklist one week before

A few days before the wedding, check one last time:

• ☐ Venue confirmed
• ☐ Caterer confirmed
• ☐ Final number of guests
• ☐ Priest confirmed
• ☐ Decorator confirmed
• ☐ Photographer confirmed
• ☐ Videographer confirmed
• ☐ Makeup artist confirmed
• ☐ Musicians or DJ confirmed
• ☐ Outfits ready
• ☐ Thali ready
• ☐ Maalai ordered
• ☐ Schedule sent to all vendors
• ☐ Addresses and times sent
• ☐ Designated contact person for the big day

Start your preparations early enough

The more guests and vendors a wedding involves, the more advisable it is to anticipate.

Start with the items that depend directly on the date: venue, priest, caterer, photographer and videographer.

To set your budget: How much does a Tamil wedding cost in France? Budget and expected expenses

Other services can then be added progressively.

To discover the traditions and understand the ceremony sequence: Tamil Hindu wedding: traditions and sequence

Find your vendors with DreamWeds

Organizing a wedding requires coordinating many professionals.

DreamWeds helps you search for the vendors suited to your event: venues, caterers, photographers, videographers, decorators, makeup artists and other wedding professionals.