Short answer: for a Guyanese or Trini Hindu wedding, you'll usually need a pundit (pandit), a venue or venues, a coordinator, decor and the mandap, a caterer, tassa drummers, a DJ, hair and makeup, a mehndi artist, outfits, and photo and film. Book the pundit, venue and coordinator first, then the rest. Use this list so nothing gets missed.
I made this list from what I see families forget, wedding after wedding.
Book these first (12 to 18 months out)
- Pundit (pandit): sets the ceremony time and how it runs.
- Venue(s): for the maticoor (matikor), the ceremony and the reception. Ask if they allow a fire for the havan kund.
- Coordinator or planner: to run the weekend. (Do you need one?)
- Photo and film: the good ones book early. (How to choose)
Want one team to plan and film your whole weekend? See the Marvelous Experience →
Book next (9 to 12 months out)
- Decor and mandap: the mandap, the stage, flowers and lighting. Plan on about $8,000 and up for 100 guests.
- Caterer: for the seven curry, dhal and rice, roti, the reception menu and the sweets.
- DJ: someone who knows chutney, soca and Bollywood and can read a family crowd. About $1,500 to $3,000, more with effects.
- Tassa group: for the maticoor procession and the baraat.
Then (6 to 9 months out)
- Outfits: the lehenga or sari for the bride, the sherwani for the groom, plus changes for each event.
- Jewelry: including anything the family is lending.
- Hair and makeup: for every event, with the bride scheduled first.
- Mehndi artist.
- Invitations: often separate cards for each event.
Don't forget (3 to 6 months out)
- Puja items for the ceremony. Ask your pundit for the list.
- Garlands for the jaimala.
- Rentals: chairs, tents, tables and plates for the seven curry.
- Rides for the baraat and for older family.
- A hotel block for out-of-town family.
- Special effects, like cold sparklers or the cloud for your first dance.
- A day-of contact list for every vendor.
- The cook night plan: who's cooking for the wedding, how much, and where, and whether you want it photographed or filmed.
- A baraat walkthrough: the route, the doors, the time, where the tassa drummers stand, and who gives the cue. Do it at the venue with your planner and your photo and film team.
One rule: one timeline for everyone
Every vendor gets the same timeline for each event. When the ceremony runs long, the caterer, the DJ, the decorator and the camera team all need to know. That's the coordinator's job.
And keep the money in the same place. Most vendors are on payment plans, and Cynthia, our lead planner, tracks every due date for her couples so nobody gets paid late: "I'll help manage that, to make sure you know when a payment's coming up and everyone gets their payment on time."
Common questions
What vendors do I need for a Hindu wedding? A pundit, venue, coordinator, decor and mandap, caterer, tassa group, DJ, hair and makeup, mehndi artist, outfits, and photo and film.
When should I book vendors for a Hindu wedding? Book the pundit, venue, coordinator and photo and film 12 to 18 months out, and the rest after that.
Do I need tassa drummers for my wedding? For many Guyanese and Trini families, yes. Tassa leads the maticoor procession and the baraat.