Sikh Wedding Checklist and Planning Guide

A Sikh wedding involves several connected plans: the guest list, Gurdwara arrangements, the baraat, catering, ceremony materials and the reception setup. Use this checklist to keep decisions in the right order, from confirming dietary requirements to checking documents and preparing the ceremony room. The final week is when small details become time-consuming, especially clothing, flowers, deliveries, printed programs and equipment. Assign each task to one person and set a clear deadline rather than leaving everything with the couple.

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The plan, step by step

Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.

Preparations

Compile guest list
2 people
Send invitations
2 people
Process registrations
2 people
Collect dietary requirements
Create final guest list
2 people
Book catering
2 people
Reserve venue
2 people
Record Gurdwara arrangements
2 people
Reserve photographer
Book videographer
Arrange music for the baraat
2 people
Create the ceremony program
2 people
Arrange the table layout
2 people
Create menus
2 people
Print program leaflets
2 people
Order groceries
2 people
Pick up flowers
2 people
Lay out clothing
2 people
Lay out the rings
Check documents
2 people
Open venue
2 people
Receive deliveries
3 people
Set up tables
4 people
Set out chairs
4 people
Set up the ceremony room
4 people
Set up the shoe area
2 people
Lay out headwear
2 people
Create a stage-free seating area
3 people
Hang up decorations
4 people
Place floral arrangements
2 people
Check lights and cables
2 people
Test Sound System
2 people
Set up buffet
5 people
Chill drinks
2 people
Set up coffee station
2 people
Set out tableware
3 people
Place name tags
2 people
Put out program brochures
2 people
Check toilets
2 people
Prepare guest reception
3 people

Event

Escort the bride and groom
2 people
Welcome guests
4 people
Distribute headwear
3 people
Staff the shoe area
2 people
Guide Milni
3 people
Guide the baraat
5 people
Guide Anand Karaj
4 people
Guide photo moments
2 people
Serve welcome drinks
4 people
Open the buffet
3 people
Serve food
6 people
Refill buffet
4 people
Refill drinks
3 people
Clear away dishes
4 people
Serve dessert
4 people
Serve coffee and tea
3 people
Announce the speeches
Coordinate music and dancing
2 people
Serve the last round of drinks
3 people
See guests off
3 people

Aftercare

Tear down the buffet
4 people
Collect waste
3 people
Wash dishes
4 people
Clear tables and chairs
5 people
Remove decorations
3 people
Clean the venue
4 people
Pack equipment
2 people
Gather borrowed items
2 people
Return rental items
2 people
Distribute leftover food
2 people

What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Round tablesqty 15
Buffet tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 140
High tablesqty 6
Clothes racksqty 2
Shoe racksqty 4
Waste binsqty 8

Tableware

Dinner platesqty 150
Dessert platesqty 150
Soup bowlsqty 150
Water glassesqty 160
Tea glassesqty 150
Coffee cupsqty 150
Dinner cutleryqty 160
Serving spoonsqty 30
Serving plattersqty 30
Serving spoonsqty 30
Pitchersqty 20

Kitchen

Food warmersqty 12
Induction platesqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 8
Chef's knivesqty 8
Mixing bowlsqty 10
Measuring cupsqty 4
Serving tongsqty 20
Coolersqty 6
Thermos flasksqty 8
Coffee machinesqty 3

Equipment

Wireless microphonesqty 3
Speakersqty 2
Mixer
Extension cordsqty 8
Power stripsqty 8
Charging stationsqty 3

Lighting

String lightsqty 8
LED lampsqty 12

Decorations

Flower arrangementsqty 18
Table runnersqty 15
Chair coversqty 140
Decorative clothsqty 10
LED candlesqty 40
Name badgesqty 140
Menusqty 140
Program leafletsqty 150
Photo framesqty 12
Ribbonsqty 20

Cleaning

Mopqty 4
Bucketsqty 4
Dustpan and brushqty 3
Microfiber clothsqty 20
Washing-up tubsqty 4

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Finalise the guest list before confirming catering quantities, table layouts or printed menus. Keep a separate record of dietary requirements so the caterer can plan portions and serving arrangements accurately.
Confirm the Gurdwara arrangements and ceremony program well before printing. Check names, timings and any required documents at least two weeks before the wedding so corrections do not become a last-minute problem.
Plan the baraat music and test the wireless microphones and speakers before guests arrive. A short sound check on the day should cover the ceremony room, the entrance and any speeches or announcements.
Create a delivery and setup schedule for the venue opening. Tables, chairs, buffet tables, food warmers, induction plates and serving equipment should arrive early enough to be checked before food is delivered.
Prepare a separate final-day station for clothing, rings, flowers and documents. Lay out clothing and rings the night before, and nominate one person to check that flowers and essential paperwork are present before leaving for the ceremony.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I start planning a Sikh wedding?: Start the main planning 9 to 12 months before the wedding. Reserve the venue, confirm Gurdwara arrangements and book catering and photography first; guest registration and dietary details can be finalised later.
When should Sikh wedding invitations be sent?: Send invitations around 8 to 12 weeks before the wedding, with an earlier notice if guests need to travel. Set the registration deadline at least 3 weeks before the event so you can create a final guest list and confirm catering numbers.
What should I confirm with the caterer for a Sikh wedding?: Confirm the final guest count, dietary requirements, serving time and buffet layout no later than 2 to 3 weeks before the wedding. Also check who supplies food warmers, serving platters, serving spoons, pitchers and drinks equipment.
When should I set up the Sikh wedding venue?: Open the venue at least 3 to 4 hours before guests arrive, or earlier if tables, chairs and the ceremony room need full setup. Schedule deliveries before setup begins and allow at least 30 minutes for the microphone and speaker check.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.