9 to 12 months in advance

Determine type of wedding - traditional or registry plus reception
Do some research about wedding costs.
Decide Budget
Allocate responsibilities between both families
Choose location of ceremony and reception venue
Choose and book dates for venue/temple.
Book a time at the registry office and a wedding registrar.
Book a priest of your choice as early as possible.
Secure a mandap of your chosen style as early as possible.
Secure a photographer/videographer for your chosen date.
How many guests do you want to have at ceremony/reception?
Select Caterer - Taste food
Discuss with caterer about difference in costs for seated/buffet meals.
If having alcohol at reception, discuss with parents first?
If having an outdoor setting, book marquee.
Select dates for shopping for the wedding
Discuss Honeymoon Plans
Select and book wedding cars

6 to 9 months in advance

Select wedding outfits & accessories
Choose Jewellery and wedding rings
Set dates for pre-wedding celebrations/sangeet/mehndi.
Select and book entertainment - D.J./Live Band
Order Invitations and thank you cards.
Book florist. Also ask for advice on choice of flowers to suit your wedding outfit
Order wedding cake
Select venue decorations/colours
Decide upon your lighting requirements.
Start work on four main guests' lists: The bride's family's list, the groom's family's list, the
    bride's list, and the groom's list.
Decide a menu and style of service required on the day.
If a formal reception, then discuss booking a toastmaster.
Get wedding insurance.
Make sure passports are not still valid and have not expired/ or about to expire.

4 to 6 months in advance

Book a beautician and a hairdresser. Have a trial session with them.
Help the parents choose their clothing - sarees and suits.
Choose gifts for close relatives.
Arrange for hiring crockery/cutlery/linen/glassware if required.
Arrange transport for bridal party and guests if necessary.
Arrange for caterer to view venue to ensure a full check of equipment and facilities needed.
Plan and book the honeymoon.
Book your first wedding night hotel if required.
Groom's arrival - if on horse and if accompanied by musicians/dancers.
Pass Gifts List to friends and relatives..
If changing your name after marriage, make sure all necessary documentation is altered.

2 to 4 months in advance

Arrange for accommodation for out-of-town guests. Book hotel rooms.
Select attire for the men in the wedding party.
Get necessary immunisations for honeymoon.

6 to 8 weeks in advance

Shop for lingerie/trousseau on honeymoon
Buy special gifts for each other and also for parents/helpful friends/relatives as a thank-you.

4 to 6 weeks in advance

Address and post wedding invitations. Personally deliver to close relatives/friends.
Have a meeting with helpers/relatives to discuss plans for the day. Allocate duties.
Visit venue and have meeting to discuss all the arrangements of your wedding so they are in
    the picture of events to take place. Obtain floor and table plan.
Decide on seating plan for reception.
If you will need foreign money for the honeymoon, make arrangements to obtain it.
Follow up late invitation replies.
Arrange for name & address changes
Make arrangements for hen/stag parties

1-2 weeks in advance

Arrange final fitting of wedding outfits
Arrange for all sarees and salwars to be ironed and packed.
Get gifts wrapped professionally in baskets.
Final checks on bakers, beautician, catering, florist, hairdresser, honeymoon, photographer,
    mandap hire, musicians, Priest, venue, videographer, etc.
Confirm arrangements for hired crockery/cutlery/linen and glassware.
Confirm arrangements for transport for you and your guests.
Arrange for drinks to be delivered.
Finalise guest list and confirm numbers with caterers.
Buy traveler's cheques for honeymoon.
Make sure out-of-town guests are picked up from airport/station and dropped at hotel
    where they are staying.
Pack "emergency kit" containing spare toothbrush, sewing supplies, safety pins, aspirin, etc.
    to take with you to the wedding.
Keep passport and tickets in a safe place.
Brief a close friend on the arrangements for the day with phone numbers for all the suppliers
    if you do not have a wedding co-ordinator.

1-7 days in advance

Relax and enjoy your last days of freedom!