FOR A SOUTH ASIAN WEDDING, how many Processions DO you need to plan?

Usually more than two

South Asian weddings traditionally have events called Holud** or Mehndi leading up to the Wedding day. Did you know those events traditionally have processions as well? Couples put much time and effort into deciding their wedding procession and rehearsing for their wedding day. At a South Asian American wedding you basically add a planned procession to each separate event. A lot of times we put off planning for processions thinking it's not important, or it might even come together at the spur of the moment. But that's far from the truth. If you are detail-oriented, appreciate a smooth flow of agenda, and you desire a well orchestrated event, it will haunt you for the rest of your life if you do not plan for your Holud day procession as well as your wedding day or each event that follows. I have planned, coordinated, and attended enough weddings to know the difference.

If you are having a Mehndi or Holud day, plan your procession in advance and share with your bridesmaids and coordinator. Things to consider while planning:
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• Time of arrival at the venue
• Who is escorting you to the "stage"
• How are you being escorted to the "stage" - Are you walking in under an awning held up by the bridal/groom’s party or riding in on a Palki, carried by the procession-members (Back in the day, Palki was the only form of cart for the women of Royal families, because then women were not allowed to travel openly and transportation was scarce. I digress - that's a separate topic on its own.)
• Do you have a backroom or location assigned to prepare for the escort?

• Will music be played during entry? Who is in charge of music and how will you communicate?
• Are the guests being greeted at the entrance with favors or sweets? Focus on the arrangement
• Where will they be standing to greet the guests?
• With what will the guests be greeted?
• Do you want a procession gate decorated?
• Instructions for photographer and videographer with background information on the event and how details are expected to be captured. 
• Print out detailed procession list for parents, bridal party, and day of coordinator.
  
  

There are numerous elements to consider while planning these processions. This list might make it slightly easier for you to start but a professional wedding planner or coordinator will make the world of a difference. S/he can make the events run smoothly. Anyone can take this list and try to plan a South Asian Wedding, but you want someone who is equipped with the skills and experience to do the job flawlessly and with ease.

Bonus info:

Usual order of Events

1. Mehndi
2. Bride's Holud
3. Groom's Holud
4. Wedding
5. Reception
6. Return of the Bride

Traditionally, each event had a full day designated to it. Events can last for a week, but now 2 & 3 are usually combined and 4 is held in conjunction with 5 and 6..