Plan Your Dream Bengali Wedding: A Step-by-Step Guide to Kolkata Cele

Are you and your partner dreaming of a wedding that’s as rich in culture as it is in sweets and celebrations? Well, planning a traditional Bengali wedding in Kolkata, the cultural capital of India, is an exciting ride through customs, colours and culinary delights. Whether you are a local, want a destination wedding or just a lover of Bengali culture, 

Here is a step-by-step guide that will help you host a dreamy Bengali wedding in the City of Joy.

Step 1: 

Finalise the Date: First things first, finalise the date! Consulting the ‘Panjika’ (the Bengali almanac) is important for setting an auspicious date for your wedding. 

This lunar calendar will be your best friend in deciding the perfect day for the ‘boro din’. Once the date is set, it’s time to sprint into action.

Step 2: 

Choose the Venue: Kolkata, with its eclectic mix of colonial architecture and modern venues, has a plethora of options for hosting your celebration. For a touch of historical elegance, venues like the Marble Palace or a colonial club in the heart of the city could be your pick. 

If you’re looking for something more contemporary, the wedding hotels in Kolkata like The LaLiT Great Eastern Kolkata will spoil you for choice. Remember, when finalising the venue, choose a one that reflects your personal style and can accommodate your guest list comfortably.

Step 3: 

Do Invitation Innovation: Bengali wedding invitations are known for their artistic Bengali fonts and motifs such as conch shells and swastikas, which are symbols of good luck and well-being. 

Collaborate with a local artist or a known Kolkata stationery provider to design an invite that not only announces but celebrates your special day. Don’t forget to include a touch of Bengali tradition in the wording and the design.

Step 4: 

D-Day Shopping: Shopping in Kolkata for your wedding attire is an adventure in itself. For brides, the traditional ‘Benarasi saree’ in rich hues of red and gold from shops in Burrabazar is a must. 

Grooms can opt for the classic ‘dhuti-panjabi’ combo available from traditional markets like Gariahat or New Market. A tip: it would be best to schedule a visit to a local designer for bespoke wedding attire that will wow your guests.

Step 5: 

Decide the Menu: A Bengali wedding is incomplete without a sumptuous spread of local delicacies. From ‘luchi-alurdom’ to ‘shorshe ilish’ and ‘mishti doi’, ensure that your caterer can whip up these traditional dishes with a gourmet twist. And let’s not forget the sweets – ‘rosogolla’, ‘sandesh’, and ‘chomchom’ should be there in desserts.

Step 6: 

Embrace the Rituals and Traditions: Bengali weddings are a beautiful blend of rituals filled with deep symbolic meanings. From the ‘Aiburobhat’ (pre-wedding ceremony) to the ‘Bor Jatri’ (groom’s procession) and ‘Bashi Biye’ (the actual wedding ceremony), each ritual is a sight to behold and participate in. 

Get in touch with a local wedding planner or consultant who understands these traditions to ensure they are performed with all the authenticity and joy they deserve.

Step 7: 

Photography: Last but not least, get in touch with a skilled photographer who specialises in capturing the essence of Bengali weddings. Kolkata, with its old-world charm, will give you countless photogenic backdrop options for your wedding album. 

From candid moments during the rituals to staged shots at iconic locations like the Howrah Bridge, make sure your photographer can blend tradition and creativity to snapshot your special day.

A dreamy Bengali wedding is all about blending the rich Bengali traditions with your personal style to create a celebration that’s uniquely yours. So, follow this guide to start on this beautiful journey of love and togetherness.