Shaadi checklist
From 12 months before to the big day
Every task a Pakistani wedding needs, in order, for mehndi, nikah, baraat and walima. In your plan the dates count back from your wedding date, and each task can be given to a family member.
12 months before
Agree the total budget with both families
Decide who pays for which function before anyone books anything.
Fix the dates of each function
Check Muharram, Ramadan and exam dates, and ask halls early: the winter season is busy.
Make a first guest list, family by family
Headcount per function decides most of the bill: count people, not cards.
Shortlist venues and ask for per-head menus in writing
Ask what the per-head price includes (stage, lights, generator, service charges, tax).
9 months before
Book the venues and pay the advance
Get the date, time limit, menu and refund terms on the receipt.
Book the photographer and videographer
Ask for a full wedding they shot, not only highlights, and when you get the files.
Order the bridal dress
Designer and hand-embroidered outfits often take 3 to 6 months; leave time for fittings.
Book the bridal makeup artist or salon
Confirm the date, the time you must arrive and what the package covers (hair, dupatta setting, trial).
6 months before
Plan the jewellery: what is inherited, what is bought
Gold is priced per tola and changes daily; keep the receipt with the weight and karat.
Order the sherwani and the groom’s outfits
Include the khussa, kulla or turban and the mehndi outfit.
Choose the decorator for stage and mehndi
Many halls include a basic stage; ask before paying a decorator for the same thing.
Check the wedding rules in your city (food, time limit)
Punjab and Islamabad allow one dish and 10 pm; KP allows a set menu and 11 pm. See the rules page.
4 months before
Arrange the nikah: nikah khwan, witnesses, venue
The nikah registrar of your union council registers the nikahnama; ask the nikah khwan if he is the registrar.
Design the invitation card
Put the function time on the card and keep it within the legal limit.
Book cars for the baraat and guest transport
Count seats for elders and out-of-town guests; agree waiting charges.
3 months before
Finalise the guest list per function
Mehndi, baraat and walima lists are rarely the same; mark each family per function.
Taste and fix the menu with the caterer
Fix the number of guests the caterer will charge for, and the extra-head rate.
List the gifts for both families (bari, jahez, salami)
The Dowry and Bridal Gifts (Restriction) Act sets rules on dowry; see the rules page.
2 months before
Print or send the cards and the RSVP link
A personal RSVP link per family gives you real headcounts per function.
Plan the mehndi: dholak, songs, mehndi artist, thaals
Book the mehndi (henna) artist for the bride a day or two before.
First fittings for the bride and groom
Wear the shoes you will wear on the day.
1 month before
Follow up families who have not answered
Filter the guest list by "not answered" and send their personal link again.
Makeup trial and final dress fitting
Take photos in daylight and under hall lights.
List every balance still to pay, and when
Put each vendor’s balance in the expense tracker so nobody pays twice.
2 weeks before
Give the final headcount to the caterer
Use confirmed RSVPs plus a small margin, not the invited total.
Arrange cash for tips, vails and last-minute costs
Keep new notes in labelled envelopes per function.
Plan seating for elders and close family
Seat elders away from speakers and near the exit.
1 week before
Call every vendor to confirm time and place
Share one contact person per function with all vendors.
Give someone the salami ledger for each function
One trusted person records every envelope as it is received.
Pack the bride’s and groom’s bags for each function
Safety pins, tissues, chargers, medicines, a spare dupatta pin set.
The day before
Mehndi: bride’s henna, music and food ready
Check the end time with the venue; the legal limit applies to every function.
Keep CNICs of bride, groom and witnesses for the nikah
The nikahnama needs names and CNIC numbers; take copies.
On the day
Nikah: sign the nikahnama, haq mehr agreed and written
Read every column of the nikahnama before signing; the registrar must fill each one with your answers.
One person handles vendors so the family can enjoy the day
Give them the budget and expense list on their phone.
Baraat and rukhsati on time
Leave home with time to spare: the hall must close at the legal time.
After the wedding
Get the nikah registered and the marriage certificate
Ask your union council for the computerised marriage registration certificate once the nikahnama is registered.
Close the salami ledger and keep a copy
Export it: you will return these at their families’ weddings.
Settle every vendor and collect deposits back
Check the final hall bill against the confirmed headcount.
Thank the people who helped
A short WhatsApp message with a photo is enough.
Rules on food and closing times differ by province: see wedding rules. For costs, see cost by city.
Questions
When should we start planning a Pakistani wedding?
About 12 months before: agree the budget with both families, fix the dates of each function, make a first guest list family by family and shortlist venues. Ask halls and photographers early: the winter season is busy.
What should be done one month before the shaadi?
Follow up families who have not answered: Filter the guest list by "not answered" and send their personal link again. Makeup trial and final dress fitting: Take photos in daylight and under hall lights. List every balance still to pay, and when: Put each vendor’s balance in the expense tracker so nobody pays twice.
What do we need for the nikah?
Arrange the nikah: nikah khwan, witnesses, venue. The nikah registrar of your union council registers the nikahnama; ask the nikah khwan if he is the registrar. Keep CNICs of bride, groom and witnesses for the nikah. The nikahnama needs names and CNIC numbers; take copies. Nikah: sign the nikahnama, haq mehr agreed and written. Read every column of the nikahnama before signing; the registrar must fill each one with your answers. Get the nikah registered and the marriage certificate. Ask your union council for the computerised marriage registration certificate once the nikahnama is registered.