Ah, weddings…The glitter, the drama, the endless cups of tea and the occasional auntie who insists her niece’s eyeliner isn’t “smoky enough.”
As a South Asian bridal hair and makeup artist based in London I’ve seen it all. From the bride who cried because her henna wasn’t dark enough (love, it’s supposed to oxidise) to the groom who turned up an hour late because he was stuck in traffic on the M25 (classic).
Planning a wedding in the UK…(especially a South Asian one) is like directing a Bollywood blockbuster…minus the budget and the item numbers. But fear not people…I’m here to guide you through the chaos with a sprinkle of humour and a dollop of practicality.
Let’s dive into the steps to planning a wedding in the UK…South Asian style.
Step 1: Set a Budget (and Then Double It)
Let’s start with the fun bit: money. Or rather, the lack of it. Setting a budget for a South Asian wedding is like trying to fit the entire cast of Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham into a Mini Cooper…it’s never going to happen. You’ll start with a modest figure, but then you’ll remember that Auntie Geeta needs a three-tier cake, your cousin from Canada has to stay at The Ritz, and your mum insists on 500 guests because “what will people say?”
Pro Tip: Add a 20% buffer to your budget for unforeseen expenses. Like the time a bride’s lehenga got stuck in customs and we had to FedEx it from Heathrow to her house at 3 a.m. (True story.)
Step 2: Pick a Date (and Pray for Good Weather)
In the UK, picking a wedding date is like playing Russian roulette with the weather. You could have a sunny June wedding or a monsoon in July. My advice? Always have a Plan B. Marquees with heaters, indoor venues with good lighting, and a backup hairstyle that won’t collapse in the rain.
South Asian weddings often span multiple days, so you’ll need to coordinate dates for the mehndi, sangeet, and reception. And don’t forget to check for clashes with other family weddings. Nothing says awkward like your cousin’s wedding the day before yours.
Step 3: Choose Your Venue (and Make Sure It Fits 500 People)
Finding a venue in the UK that can accommodate a South Asian wedding is like finding a needle in a haystack. You need space for the mandap, the dance floor, the buffet, and the 50 aunties who will inevitably complain about the seating arrangement.
London has some stunning venues, from historic mansions to modern hotels, but they book up faster than you can say “shaadi.” If you’re on a budget, consider venues outside the city. Just make sure there’s enough parking for Uncle Raj’s Mercedes.
Step 4: Assemble Your Dream Team (and Keep Them Happy)
Your wedding vendors are the backbone of your big day. From the caterer who makes the best butter chicken this side of the Thames to the DJ who knows exactly when to play Bole Chudiyan, these people will make or break your wedding.
As a bridal hair and makeup artist, I can’t stress enough how important it is to book your glam squad early. South Asian bridal makeup is an art form, and you don’t want to leave it to someone who thinks “natural” means a swipe of lip gloss and a bit of mascara.
Pro Tip: Schedule a trial run for your hair and makeup. Trust me, you don’t want to discover on your wedding day that your artist thinks “smoky eyes” means literal smoke.
Step 5: The Outfits (Because One Lehenga Is Never Enough)
South Asian weddings are a fashion show, and the bride is the star. Most brides have at least three outfits: one for the mehndi, one for the ceremony, and one for the reception. And let’s not forget the jewellery, the shoes, and the dupattas that require a PhD to drape.
Grooms, don’t think you’re off the hook. A well-fitted sherwani is a must, and no, your Year 11 prom suit won’t cut it.
Pro Tip: Start shopping for your outfits at least six months in advance. Custom-made lehengas take time, and alterations are inevitable.
Step 6: Food, Glorious Food (and Lots of It)
No South Asian wedding is complete without a feast. Whether you’re going for a traditional curry spread or a fusion menu with mini samosas and sushi, the food is non-negotiable.
Catering in the UK can be tricky, especially if you want authentic flavours. Do your research, read reviews, and don’t be afraid to ask for a tasting session. And for the love of all things holy, make sure there’s enough food. Nothing ruins a wedding faster than hungry guests.
Step 7: Entertainment (Because Bollywood Dreams Don’t Dance Themselves)
The sangeet is where the magic happens. Whether you’re hiring a professional dance troupe or relying on your cousins to recreate Dola Re Dola, the entertainment is key to keeping your guests happy.
Don’t forget the DJ or live band for the reception. A good playlist is essential, and yes, Jai Ho is mandatory.
Step 8: The Little Details (That Will Drive You Mad)
It’s the little things that make a wedding unforgettable. The favours, the centrepieces, the photo booth props, and the seating plan that will inevitably cause drama.
Don’t forget to delegate tasks to your bridal party. You can’t do it all yourself, and trust me, you don’t want to be the bride who’s gluing sequins onto place cards at 2 a.m.
Step 9: The Big Day (and How to Survive It)
On the day itself, take a deep breath and remember why you’re doing this. Yes, things will go wrong (they always do), but that’s part of the charm.
As your bridal hair and makeup artist, my job is to make you look and feel like a queen. So relax, enjoy the process, and don’t forget to eat. A fainting bride is not a good look.
Step 10: The Aftermath (and the Recovery)
Once the wedding is over, take some time to recover. You’ve just pulled off the biggest event of your life, and you deserve a break.
And remember, no matter how stressful the planning was, it’s all worth it in the end. Because at the heart of every wedding is love, laughter, and the occasional drama.
Planning a wedding in the UK is no small feature but with a bit of humour, a lot of patience and a stellar team of vendors, you’ll pull it off in style. Remember to enjoy the journey…And if all else fails, just remember..at least you’re not the one doing your own eyeliner.
Until next time, stay glamorous!
Much Love Shahena xx