Planning wedding decorations can feel overwhelming, but with a clear timeline and checklist, you can create your dream setup without stress. Proper planning ensures everything runs smoothly, stays within budget, and exceeds expectations.
Based on our experience decorating hundreds of weddings in Kakinada and Andhra Pradesh, here's the ultimate decoration planning checklist and timeline—from 12 months out to the big day itself.
12-9 Months Before Wedding
- Finalize wedding date and venues (mandap, reception, haldi location)
- Set overall wedding budget and allocate 20-30% for decorations
- Decide on wedding theme, color palette, and style (traditional, modern, fusion)
- Start researching decorators—check portfolios, reviews, and availability
- Book your decorator early (especially for peak seasons like Nov-Feb)
- Create inspiration board (Pinterest, Instagram saves)
8-6 Months Before Wedding
- Site visit with decorator to assess venue layout and constraints
- Finalize major elements: stage backdrop, mandap design, entrance decor
- Book floral vendors and discuss seasonal flower availability
- Plan lighting requirements (fairy lights, LEDs, diyas)
- Decide on additional setups: photo booth, welcome area, seating decor
- Sign contract with decorator and pay advance (usually 30-50%)
5-3 Months Before Wedding
- Finalize detailed design plans and 3D mockups (if available)
- Confirm guest count for seating and table arrangements
- Plan pre-wedding events decor: haldi, mehendi, sangeet
- Book special items: furniture rental, LED screens, custom signage
- Discuss backup plans for outdoor elements (rain, heat)
- Pay second installment to decorator
2 Months - 2 Weeks Before Wedding
- Final confirmation of all designs and quantities
- Confirm delivery and setup timings with venue management
- Plan first night room decoration (if needed)
- Coordinate with other vendors (caterer, photographer) for space requirements
- Final payment to decorator
- Prepare contingency budget (10% extra for last-minute changes)
1 Week Before Wedding
- Final walkthrough with decorator team
- Confirm team arrival time for setup
- Prepare venue access details and contact persons
- Check weather forecast and activate backup plans if needed
- Relax—you've planned everything!
Wedding Day
- Decorator team arrives 8-12 hours before event start
- On-site supervisor oversees setup and last-minute adjustments
- Final inspection and handover before guests arrive
- Enjoy your beautifully decorated celebration!
Essential Budget Breakdown
- Stage & Mandap: 30-40%
- Entrance & Welcome Area: 15-20%
- Floral Decorations: 20-25%
- Lighting: 10-15%
- Seating & Table Decor: 10%
- Contingency: 10%
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Booking decorator too late (especially in peak season)
- Not doing a site visit
- Ignoring venue restrictions (height limits, fire rules)
- Overlooking lighting for evening events
- No backup plan for weather
Conclusion
With this timeline and checklist, your wedding decoration planning will be organized, stress-free, and result in a breathtaking celebration. Start early, communicate clearly with your decorator, and trust the professionals.
JDecorations makes this process seamless—we guide you every step, provide detailed plans, and handle all execution so you can focus on enjoying your special moments.