How to Plan a Multi-Day Asian Wedding

Asian weddings are known for their grandeur, colour, and deep-rooted traditions, and more often than not, they extend far beyond a single day. Whether you’re organising a traditional Indian, Pakistani, Chinese, or Southeast Asian wedding, a multi-day celebration is a beautiful  way to honour cultural rituals while making memories with family and friends. However, with multiple events comes the need for careful planning and coordination.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed at the thought of planning several days of ceremonies, don’t worry, this guide will walk you through each step to ensure your celebration is as seamless as it is unforgettable.

Before diving into bookings and timelines, it’s crucial to understand the cultural or religious significance of each ceremony involved. Different communities celebrate in distinct ways, with certain rituals being central to the wedding experience.

For instance, many Indian weddings include events such as the Mehndi (henna night), Sangeet (music and dance evening), Haldi (turmeric ceremony), the main Wedding Ceremony, and finally, the Reception. In Chinese weddings, you might see traditions like the Tea Ceremony, door games, and a multi-course banquet. Muslim weddings can feature Dholki nights, the Nikah (marriage contract), and a Walima reception, while Vietnamese weddings might involve a formal proposal ceremony followed by a family celebration.

Take the time to speak with family members and elders to understand what each ritual entails. It’s helpful to create a simple document outlining the sequence of events and who will be involved in each one.

Once you’ve identified which events will take place, the next step is to establish a clear and realistic schedule. This will serve as the foundation for all other planning decisions.

A multi-day wedding might span anywhere from two to five days, with certain ceremonies taking place during the day and others in the evening. A typical South Asian wedding schedule, for example, could look like this:

• Day 1: Mehndi Night (usually held at home or a smaller venue)
• Day 2: Haldi ceremony in the morning, followed by the Sangeet in the evening
• Day 3: The main Wedding Ceremony
• Day 4: Reception or celebration dinner

Once your itinerary is mapped out, you can share it with your wedding party and suppliers. A great tip is to consider creating a digital calendar or printed programme to help everyone stay informed and on the same page.

Multi-day weddings often require different venues to accommodate the scale and tone of each event. For instance, a Mehndi night might be held in a more intimate setting, while the wedding day itself calls for a larger, more formal space.

It’s important to choose venues that can support both the logistical and cultural aspects of your ceremonies. For example, ensure the venue allows for rituals such as fire ceremonies, baraat processions, or traditional décor elements. If you’re expecting out of town guests, consider venues with on-site accommodation or nearby hotels to simplify travel arrangements.

Booking your venues early is key, especially if your wedding dates fall during peak season.

Unsurprisingly, more days often mean higher costs. Budgeting carefully from the start will help you prioritise and avoid unexpected expenses.

You’ll need to consider everything from multiple outfits and catering menus to décor, entertainment, and photography for each day. It’s wise to decide which events you want to be more elaborate and where you can scale back. For instance, you might opt for a more relaxed Mehndi night and reserve the biggest budget for the wedding day and reception.

Also, be sure to factor in costs for transportation, guest welcome bags, makeup artists, and contingency funds for last-minute changes.

One of the most exciting aspects of a multi-day Asian wedding is the opportunity to wear a variety of outfits, often rich in tradition, symbolism, and style.

Each event typically requires a different look, from vibrant colours for the Mehndi and Haldi ceremonies to more formal, intricate ensembles for the wedding and reception. Don’t forget to plan accessories, shoes, and any traditional elements such as dupattas, bangles, or jewellery sets.

Start your shopping or design process well in advance, particularly if your outfits are being custom made. It’s also wise to schedule fitting appointments close to the wedding to allow for any last minute alterations.

Food plays a central role in Asian weddings, often reflecting regional flavours and family traditions. With multiple events, you have the chance to offer your guests a varied and exciting culinary experience.

You might choose traditional dishes for the wedding ceremony, a fusion menu for the reception, and street-food style snacks for more casual gatherings like the Mehndi or Sangeet. Be sure to offer options for guests with dietary requirements, such as vegetarian, halal, or gluten-free menus.

Work closely with your caterer to design unique menus for each day, and don’t overlook late-night snacks or drinks for longer events.

Entertainment sets the tone for each celebration. From DJs and traditional musicians to dance troupes and performers, choosing the right entertainment can elevate each part of your wedding.

For example, a Dhol player or bhangra performance can energise the Sangeet, while classical musicians or a string quartet may suit the wedding ceremony. At your reception, consider a live band or DJ who understands both modern and traditional music tastes.

Whatever you choose, book your entertainment well in advance and communicate your expectations clearly so they can tailor their set to suit the culture and mood of each event.

With so many meaningful events taking place, it’s essential to hire a photography and videography team experienced in multi-day weddings. They’ll need to capture everything from quiet emotional moments to large scale celebrations.

Choose professionals who understand your cultural background and are familiar with the key rituals. It’s also worth asking if they offer highlight reels, drone footage, or same day edits for social sharing.

Scheduling time for pre-wedding shoots or family portraits can also help reduce pressure on the big day itself.

Amongst all the planning, don’t forget to prioritise your well-being. Multi-day weddings are physically and emotionally demanding, so try to incorporate rest where possible.

Stay hydrated, eat regularly, and make time for moments of calm, even if it’s just ten minutes with a cup of tea between events. Delegating tasks to trusted family members or hiring a professional planner can make a huge difference in managing the pressure.

Remember, the wedding is about celebrating love, unity, and joy, not just checking off to do lists.

Planning a multi-day Asian wedding is a remarkable experience, one that brings together tradition, celebration, and community in a way few other events can match. While it requires careful thought, organisation, and effort, the result is a series of unforgettable moments that you and your loved ones will cherish forever.

Approach the process with patience, flexibility, and a clear vision and most importantly, enjoy every moment of this once in a lifetime journey.