5 Things Most Couples Forget When Planning Their Indian Destination Wedding

Saptapadi Studio
Aug 6, 2025
4 min read

Planning an Indian destination wedding is magical—but let’s be real, it’s also a lot. Between managing multiple events, flying in family, booking the right vendors, and ensuring your traditions are honored, it’s easy to forget a few crucial details. After photographing hundreds of weddings across Mexico, here are the top 5 things couples often forget (and how you can avoid the same mistakes).

Whether you're planning your wedding from the U.S., Canada, or anywhere across the globe, these reminders will help ensure your multi-day celebration runs smoothly—and joyfully.

Indian bride and groom embrace on a spiral staircase, framed by a dramatic architectural design at their destination wedding in Mexico, showcasing regal attire and intimate connection. — A romantic moment captured between an Indian bride and groom during their destination wedding in Mexico. Thoughtfully framed within the shapes of a mirror, this photo reflects the elegance and intimacy of the celebration.

1. Accounting for All the Events in Your Venue Contract

Most Indian weddings span multiple days—think Haldi, Mehndi, Sangeet, Ceremony, and Reception. Many couples book their venue thinking only about the main wedding day and overlook whether the resort has availability or proper back up in case of rain for every event.

Pro Tip: Before signing, confirm which venues are available for each event and if there are any rental or backup fees. Ask to walk through each location with your planner or travel agent. A ballroom might be perfect for your reception, but is there a shaded space for your Haldi?

Indian bride in traditional red bridal lehenga standing against soft shadows and natural light, captured in a serene pre-wedding portrait during her destination wedding in Mexico. — A graceful Indian bride captured in a quiet, contemplative moment before the festivities begin. Her traditional red lehenga and jewelry shimmer under the soft light, creating a timeless bridal portrait in Mexico.

2. Confirming Outside Vendor Policies (and Fees!)

Destination resorts in Mexico vary wildly when it comes to allowing outside vendors. Some are flexible; others charge high vendor fees or require special insurance, and some even limit access to their property.

What to Do: Make sure you’re crystal clear on your resort’s outside vendor policy. If you want a specific makeup artist, photographer, or DJ, confirm the rules before booking. Some resorts allow photography and makeup but restrict decor, catering, or AV teams.

At Saptapadi Studio, we work with dozens of resorts and already have permission at many of them—so always ask us first before deciding.

Indian bride and groom share an intimate moment after their wedding ceremony in Mexico, dressed in traditional red and ivory attire with floral and henna details. — A tender post-ceremony embrace between an Indian bride and groom during their destination wedding in Mexico. The bride’s red saree and jasmine flowers beautifully contrast with the groom’s ivory sherwani, capturing the emotion and elegance of the day.

3. Thinking Through Guest Comfort

Flying in 100+ guests from around the world? Make sure they’re cared for beyond just booking a room. Welcome bags, printed itineraries, group transportation, or a hosted excursion can make a huge difference.

Little Things That Go a Long Way:

Add WhatsApp groups for easy communication.
Include sunscreen, snacks, hangover kits, and hydration kits in welcome bags.
Provide fans or parasols for outdoor events.
Hire a local planner or travel agent to help.

Guests will always remember how they felt—and those thoughtful touches make all the difference.

Indian bride and groom surrounded by friends and family during a joyful Haldi ceremony under vibrant marigold decor at their destination wedding in Mexico. — A colorful burst of joy during this Haldi ceremony, where the Indian bride and groom are showered with love (and turmeric!) by their closest family and friends beneath a marigold-draped canopy. A true celebration of community and color in Mexico.

4. Creating a Realistic Timeline for Hair, Makeup, and Photos

Most Indian weddings run on IST (Indian Standard Time — aka late), but that doesn’t work when you’re coordinating venues, vendors, and sunlight. Also if you have a good wedding planner and a responsible photographer things should run smoothly. Some delays happen because couples underestimate how long things like getting ready or baraat setups take.

Quick Fix:

Add buffer time to every part of the schedule.
Consult with your hair & makeup artist and photo/video team early in the process.
Build in time for portraits before major events.

A well-paced timeline means less stress, more time to be present, and better photos.

Indian couple dressed in formal reception attire at their destination wedding in Mexico—groom in a burgundy tuxedo and bride in a gold pleated gown with mehndi details, captured at golden hour. — An elegant portrait of an Indian couple during their reception in Mexico. The groom’s burgundy tux and the bride’s gold gown with mehndi details exude glamour and sophistication, beautifully framed by the soft evening light.

5. Hiring a Team That Understands Indian Weddings

From knowing when to be discreet during a prayer to understanding how to light a Sangeet performance, having vendors who truly understand the rhythm and culture of Indian weddings makes all the difference.

At Saptapadi Studio, we’ve seen it all—from surprise baraat horse entrances to emotional vidaais on the beach. Our job is to anticipate the moments before they happen and tell your story with heart, humor, and heritage. We’re not just photographers—we’re partners in making your day seamless.

Look for planners who know the ins and outs of South Asian weddings, and travel agents experts who help bring everyone together.

Indian bride walks across a glamorously decorated reception stage under chandeliers and floral canopies during a luxurious destination wedding in Mexico. — A magical first dance moment under a ceiling of chandeliers and hanging florals. The Indian bride and groom light up the reception stage, surrounded by elegance, love, and celebration during their destination wedding in Mexico.

Final Thoughts

The little things? They’re actually the big things.

By keeping these tips in mind, you can plan a destination wedding that doesn’t just look amazing—but feels amazing too. The more prepared you are, the more you and your guests will enjoy every moment.

Want help capturing it all? Let’s talk.

Ready to plan your Indian wedding in Mexico? Contact us here or explore our favorite destination wedding venues in this guide.