6 months out
Vendors, Outfits, and the Guest List Getting Real
Vendor contracts get signed, outfits get ordered, and the guest list moves from an estimate to an actual list with addresses. This is the stage where planning stops being abstract.
Why outfits need to be ordered now, not later
Bridal and groom outfits with custom embroidery or stitching commonly need 3 to 4 months of lead time, plus buffer for alteration fittings. Ordering at 6 months leaves comfortable room for a second fitting; ordering past 4 months out starts to compress that buffer uncomfortably.
Checklist
0 of 10 doneOrdering outfits without confirming the tailor's actual delivery timeline in writing. "A month or so" from a tailor under pressure during peak season frequently becomes six weeks, which collides badly with a final-fitting deadline set close to the wedding.
What this stage typically costs
| Item | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bridal outfit (per function, mid-range) | Rs 80,000–350,000 | Varies enormously by embroidery, fabric, and designer |
| Groom outfit (per function, mid-range) | Rs 30,000–120,000 | Sherwani costs scale with fabric and embellishment |
| Hair and makeup, per function | Rs 15,000–60,000 | Higher for well-known artists in peak season |
Ask the tailor for a written delivery date, not a verbal estimate, and build in at least two weeks of buffer before the final fitting deadline you actually need.
FAQ
How many outfits does a bride typically need?
One per function is the common baseline, mehndi, baraat, and walima at minimum, sometimes a separate nikah outfit too. Budget and preference both factor into how many get custom-made versus reused.
Should save-the-dates go out before the venue is fully confirmed?
No, confirm the venue and date in writing first. A save-the-date that has to be walked back due to a venue change creates unnecessary confusion for guests.
Is it too early to think about jewelry at 6 months?
Not for pieces needing custom resizing, stone-setting, or a made-to-order design; those can take weeks. Off-the-shelf pieces have more flexibility and can wait.