Your Ceremony Checklist

Pick your faith and tick off each ritual as you plan. Your progress is saved on this device, and you can print it for the family.

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Pre-wedding

  • Roka / Tilak
    The first formal commitment between the two families, marking that the match is settled.
    What this means →
  • Ganesh Puja
    An opening prayer to Lord Ganesha to remove obstacles before the wedding rites begin.
    What this means →
  • Haldi
    A turmeric paste is applied to the bride and groom for a radiant glow and protection before the wedding.
    What this means →
  • Gaye Holud
    The Bengali turmeric ceremony — haldi from the groom's home is carried to the bride and applied to her.
    What this means →
  • Mehendi
    Intricate henna is applied to the bride's hands and feet, surrounded by music and celebration.
    What this means →
  • Chooda & Kalire
    The bride's maternal uncle gifts her red-and-white bangles; friends tie golden kalire to them.
    What this means →
  • Sangeet
    A musical celebration where both families sing, dance, and perform for the couple.
    What this means →

Wedding day

  • Baraat
    The groom's wedding procession arrives at the venue with music and dancing.
    What this means →
  • Milni
    The formal welcome where corresponding elders of both families meet and exchange garlands.
    What this means →
  • Ponkhvu
    The Gujarati welcome where the bride's mother greets and playfully 'grabs the nose' of the groom.
    What this means →
  • Madhuparka
    The groom is honoured as an esteemed guest with a drink of honey, yoghurt and ghee.
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  • Jaimala / Varmala
    The bride and groom exchange flower garlands, signalling mutual acceptance.
    What this means →
  • Subho Drishti
    The auspicious first look between the Bengali bride and groom.
    What this means →
  • Saat Paak & Mala Badal
    The bride circles the groom seven times, then the couple exchange garlands.
    What this means →
  • Kashi Yatra
    A playful South Indian rite where the groom 'sets off' to renounce the world and is coaxed back to marry.
    What this means →
  • Oonjal
    The couple is seated on a decorated swing as women sing and ward off the evil eye.
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  • Jeelakarra Bellam
    A defining Telugu moment — the couple place a paste of cumin and jaggery on each other's heads.
    What this means →
  • Kanyadaan
    The bride's parents formally entrust their daughter to the groom.
    What this means →
  • Antarpat & Mangalashtak
    A Maharashtrian rite — a curtain between the couple drops as the Mangalashtak verses end and they garland each other.
    What this means →
  • Havan / Vivah Homa
    The sacred fire is lit as the divine witness to the marriage.
    What this means →
  • Mangal Phere / Saptapadi
    The couple circles the sacred fire, taking vows that bind them as partners.
    What this means →
  • Joota Chupai
    The bride's sisters steal the groom's shoes and ransom them back — a beloved bit of wedding fun.
    What this means →
  • Sindoor & Mangalsutra
    The groom applies sindoor and ties the mangalsutra, marking the bride as married.
    What this means →
  • Sindoor Daan
    The Bengali groom applies sindoor to the bride's hair parting, completing the marriage.
    What this means →
  • Mangalya Dharanam
    The South Indian tying of the thaali (sacred marriage thread/pendant) around the bride's neck.
    What this means →
  • Talambralu
    A joyful Telugu ritual where the couple shower each other with turmeric-coated rice.
    What this means →
  • Ashirvad
    Elders bless the newly married couple for a long and prosperous life together.
    What this means →

Post-wedding

  • Vidaai
    The emotional farewell as the bride leaves her parental home for the groom's.
    What this means →
  • Aeki Beki
    A playful post-wedding game where the newlyweds search a tray of milk for a ring.
    What this means →
  • Griha Pravesh
    The bride's first entry into her new marital home.
    What this means →
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