A Telugu wedding is a sequence of functions with a ritual logic — nischitartham, pelli koduku/pelli kuthuru, mangala snanam, the muhurtham itself, and the events after. Here is the checklist we work from with Hyderabad families, organised by time before the wedding.
6 months out
- Fix the muhurtham with the family pandit; get two or three date options.
- Fix the guest count — every budget line depends on it.
- Book the venue for the muhurtham day, and decide whether the reception is the same day or separate. See venue guide.
- Decide the functions: nischitartham, haldi/pelli koduku, sangeet (if any), wedding, reception, satyanarayana vratam.
- Set the total budget using our cost breakdown.
4 months out
- Book the caterer after a tasting; confirm banana-leaf or buffet for the pelli bhojanam. See Telugu wedding catering.
- Book decor with a 3D render of the mandap and stage.
- Book photography and film; confirm the muhurtham-morning start time.
- Order wedding cards; finalise the invitation wording with both families.
- Start the pattu saree and sherwani shopping.
2 months out
- Nischitartham (if not already done) — venue, lunch, photography.
- Confirm the pandit’s list of puja items; assign someone to buy them.
- Book mehendi artists, makeup, and the nadaswaram or band.
- Arrange guest accommodation and transport for outstation relatives.
- Finalise the reception menu and any live counters.
1 month out
- Walk the venue with the decorator, caterer and photographer together.
- Write the run-sheet for the muhurtham day, minute by minute, with the pandit’s timings.
- Confirm the pelli koduku and pelli kuthuru functions — decor, snacks, photography.
- Print the run-sheet and share it with both families and every vendor.
1 week out
- Confirm every vendor’s arrival time in writing.
- Pack the puja items, mangalsutra, talambralu, jeelakarra-bellam and the ritual clothes into one labelled box.
- Assign one family member per vendor as the on-day contact.
- Hand over the final guest count to the caterer.
The muhurtham day
- Decor complete two hours before guests; photographer at the mangala snanam.
- Breakfast served before the ceremony — see muhurtham breakfast.
- One person keeps the pandit’s schedule; one keeps the caterer’s.
- Lunch in the traditional order after the muhurtham.
After
- Satyanarayana vratam with a satvik meal.
- Photos in three weeks, film in six — chase gently.
- Return rented items; settle final vendor bills against the written quotes.
Vinora Events plans Telugu weddings across Hyderabad with one planner from nischitartham to vratam. See wedding planners in Hyderabad or call +91 97036 16476.