Wedding's not on the Ground Floor?!

I have attended 2 weddings this season where the function was held at the top floor and the 1st floor. While having a terrace wedding or a closed banquet wedding has a charm of its own I felt that both of them lacked one thing :

The Grand Entry of the Baraat.

The whole visual looks great when the Baraat comes to the venue and they are dancing on the gate, the Bride's family is waiting impatiently for them to come in already! And then someone from the grooms side pulls someone from the Bride's side to dance and within minutes everyone is dancing! That feeling of pure joy and happiness is one of the great moments of a wedding.

The RED Bride!

If you have followed the blog enough you would know the love and special place I have in my heart for a traditional red bride!

I logged in today to find inspiration for lehenga's for the Sister of the Groom (*cough* wedding in the family I was talking about *cough*) so there I was searching for a nice brightly colored lehenga, that looked fun as well as 'just-married' for one of the function, and then I found this beautiful red lehenga picture and I got kinda stuck in that spiral :/

Anyways here are inspirational pictures for you lot!!

Coming soon...

New Series coming very soon...

Pictorial: Festive Album!

So many things happened over the last month! Its easier to talk about them all via pictures.


Karva Chauth

Went home day before karva chauth in a red saree all decked up, only to tell my mom that I am wearing my chudidar below the saree so I can change into a kurta immediately, which eventually I didn't.

Next day morning got up at 4am, washed my face, brushed and staggered down the stairs to eat 'sargi'. My mother doesn't do Sargi so I had no idea what to do, after a lot of instructions the day before I managed to do it alright. (I guess). Eat and drank water as much as I possibly could in the whee hours of the morning (read not much).

Finally went back to sleep at 5. Got up a few hours later and got dressed really slowly. Wore an Anarkali during the day to keep things simple.

Inspiration Pictures

13 Pictures that I have been Loving!

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Matapatti : Love it or Hate it??

Wedding File 2 :Pooja

I think the last post I wrote before the wedding was on the pooja morning and I write the 100th post today about the pooja....

I think what I wrote pretty much sums up that day : "Craziness starts today! I am kind of enjoying sitting back and relaxing while I see my family members running around getting the house ready for the pooja.

Wedding jitters have finally set in. I was numb since the last few weeks but I guess seeing a big tent erected in front of your home kind of puts things in perspective. So every time I feel I am going numb I peek outside at the tent.

Its kind of exciting seeing your home all decked up knowing that behind the beautiful outdoors there are hidden wardrobe stuffed with things that shouldn't be seen."

Pooja turned out to be pretty good although since I am not so religious I slipped out in the middle and came back at the end ;P

This is one of the Saree's I designed

Wedding File 1 : How it all began... Engagement

We call it the wedding year instead of a wedding day because the first time the marriage proposal came up was 1st of Jan 2012 and now as the year turns to an end I look back.....

This blog has been pretty much more advised based than personal however since many readers do love to know the real picture behind the words for the next few post its all about how the events turned out...

CLOTHES :

The engagement happened within 2 weeks of the final 'yes' and the first thing I did once the engagement date was finalized was to go to Frontier Raas. Not having time in my hand meant that I had no chance to experiment, I did however peek into Roshans and Ushak maal in South Ex. but I knew I will defiantly find something at Frontier and I did!

After looking at 30-40 lehengha's, trying on 10-15 of them and sitting there for 3 hours ( ! ) I finally found something appropriate.

MAKEUP :

As for makeup, my cousin had recently gotten married and my bhabhi's makeup artist had done an amazing job. She has been able to make her look pretty and girlish unlike few which make the bride look old and aunty-ish. I am a no-makeup makeup girl and was more than happy when she got the makeup right for the occasion.

PHOTOGRAPHY:

Photography was an issue right upto the end. I wasn't much informed back then on the 'famous' candid photographers and the only one we came across was too expensive.

 Lost and confused we went to the only place we knew, the place where we used to get our passport pictures from!

Our final decisions was even if we dont get a great photographer atleast we will have memories of that day.

When the pictures and the video came out no one could be more surprised than us! Each and every picture was clicked beautifully. My video has been the most amazing and loved among all. They gave us memories which probably a candid photographer wouldn't.

They ended up covering my wedding too and it was then we saw how wrong we judged them. They are actually VERY professional and every single event was covered to perfection.

BEHIND THE SCENE :

1. Since we were suppose to reach before the boy side we had everything planned accordingly. however my makeup artist got stuck in a traffic jam and we were delayed by half n hour...the result we reached just 5 minutes before them! and I had to run to hide!

2. I wasn't suppose to attend the first event so I was in a room hidden from view, but I did have a small opening from where I could peek out from to see whats going on!

3. I had decided the menu so I knew there will be mini pizza's out there I got my brother to send in some while I was sitting inside. Plus during the event everytime my sister's would take any snack they formed a semi circle around me and feed me a bite each so no one could see! that way I tasted almost everything I asked for!

4. While sitting down for lunch I was worried how I would eat with so many people's attention on me but my mausi gave me confidence and told me to eat and not think of anything or anyone since she couldn't during her wedding events because she was conscious and still regrets that, so I eat and enjoyed! advice to all brides-to-be: Remember to eat properly at all your events, no one is going to tell you not to eat and don't let there be a memory of you not eating and wishing that you did!


What followed post that event was the formation of this blog....so this was just like a pre-sequel....back soon with other events....

A month to go for the wedding!

So much is done but so many details left!

In random order :

Function Outfits : Still have to go for final fitting and pick up.

Jewelry: Done :D

Shoes : Done (waaay back! I think I did my footwear way before I did most of my other stuff)

Makeup Artist : Booked (same as my engagement, although still indecisive on the way I want to look)

Photographer and video : Done

Caterer, Decorator, venue : all done

Invites : In the process of distributions

Trousseau : Done except woolens

Honeymoon Booking : Boy taking care of it, so no idea (although my passport hasn't been asked for so I guess hasn't happened yet)

Furniture and other goods : In process

Mehendi artist : Booked

Folk Singers for Haldi (banna-banni): Booked

Dance practice : Begun

Pre-Bridal : Started

Wedding workout : has been kicked to the last thing on my mind, happy with how I am, instead of being a bone-thin bride I would stick to being the chubby cute bride :P

Am I still freaking out?! YES, the tiny details are the one that are frustrating.

In-law gifts havn't been packed

How will my stuff each the destination, and since I cant go before hand to my in-laws house then how do I manage getting my stuff there?! I have looads!

How to manage 6 different people with different schedules for dance practice.

How to manage without going out in the sun.

Where to get woolens when winters are just starting?

tiny tiny stuff adding up.


But I guess there is no need to freak out a lot, I have done pretty much a lot.

Trousseau Saree Shopping for a Modern Bride

*Phew* done sooo much shopping in the last few days.

All of us generally roam around in jeans, skirts and shorts at our home and offices. Ofcourse once you get married people expect you to look like a 'new-bride' aka wear heavy Indian stuff. But that doesnt mean we cant find a solution to that.

Your mom will insist on a basic number of Saree's, its easy to find Suits and Anarkali's because that is what you will end up wearing and your probably used to wearing them anyways. Saree's are a different story what to wear , what to buy, how much to spend, etc. etc. 

Here are some tips :

1. Buy what you will wear, NOT what your mom says you must have. No need of getting loads of Saree's and then storing them away.

2. If you are not the Saree-lover type of a person remember that there might be family functions or festivals where you might have to wear them. If that is true for you then buy heavy Saree's appropriate to wear to a family/friends wedding, and buy the minimum possible. Take what is in fashion and yet stylish.

I think its needs a tiny border also.

3. How many numbers you decide upon, take different colors and styles.

In desperate need of some blues!

4. If your like me and love Saree's then take different varieties of saree's. Take a good mix of what's in fashion and classic styles. You should defiantly have one of each:
a.) kundan work,
b.) Tie-n-dye with Gota Patti,
c.) Saree's available in all stores under the name of 'Sabyasachi' Saree's,
d.) 2-toned saree,
e.) Half-n-half saree,
f.) Printed chiffon and georgette. 
( Take a couple of these to wear all-day, read shocker for boy and in-laws :P )
g.) Light Mukesh work
h.) South Silks
i.) Kanjivaram
j.) Net Saree
h.) And more!!

5. Take what we would call a 'chic' Saree.

Make sure you have a good red!

Sabyasachi Saree / half n half Saree

Bright colors always look good on young girls, so  if ur buying bright and happy colors then your doing it right

6. If your taking south silks and kanjeevarams then make sure you take something which you will be happy to wear even 5 years hence, These are classic styles.

There are many do's and dont, Just remember buy what you will wear.




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PS : All pics (except a couple) have been taken off internet, incase anybody is offended coz of that let me know will remove it :)

Hindu Wedding Rituals

Just had to share it!!

Hindu believes in the sixteen sanskaras (sacraments) that make the life of the individual noble and prosperous, with the most important sanskara being 'vivaha' (marriage). It's a ceremony whereby two souls are brought into union spiritually, mentally and physically in the scared bond of matrimony. 

As per the shastras, the groom is considered to be Mahavishnu Svarupaya Varahaya ie The great Vishnu himself and the bride is believed to be Godess Lakshmi.

The marriage ceremony always begins with 'Ganesh Puja' with the belief that Lord Ganesha dispels the darkness of ignorance and removes obstacles.

 This is followed by 'Navgrah Shanti Puja' performed separately by parents of the bride and the groom. 

Pre-wedding rituals require the bride to tie a holy thread on her wrist which is meant to ward off all evil spirits, symbolizing a kind of a protective armor for the bride. 

For the groom, the holy thread comprises of the various Gods .. 'Indra', 'Soma', 'Chandra' and 'Agni'. From there on, the groom prepares himself for a new chapter in his life as a householder or 'Grihasta'. 

The holy thread is usually more fancier than this, and mostly red...but could not find another picture

The ceremony also involves the bride and groom being anointed with a fragrant paste made out of turmeric powder, curd, sandal-wood and scented water in their respective houses.

 'Mandap Ropan'or 'Vedi' formation takes place at the bride's house where four pillars (made out of bamboo) are erected at four corners and are blessed. It is under thismandap that the agni parikrama takes place.

On the day of the wedding, the groom is welcomed by the bride's parents to their house with 'arti' after washing his right foot (or just the toe) with five substances considered holy (viz milk, curd, ghee, sugar and honey). At an auspicious hour, the bride is ushered in by her mother or maternal uncle as per the tradition for 'Kanya Daan' which symbolizes 'parents giving away their daughter to the groom and his family along with the consent for the marriage ceremonies to begin'.

After the 'Kanya Daan' ritual, the parents of the bride proffer her hand to the groom and officially request him to accept her as his bride, also known as 'Pani Grah'. In return the groom usually offers clothes and jewelry to welcome her in his life.

'Agni' or the sacred fire, central to all Hindu religious ceremony, is invoked and offerings of wood, grains and ghee are poured in. Agniis considered to be the "mouth of the Gods" and the Gods obtain our offering through this medium. Agni Parikrama the central part of the Hindu marriage ceremony requires bride and groom circumbulate the sacred fire seven times depending upon the various communities.

Meaning of Saat Phere

1. Nourishment

With our first step together we pray to God to provide us with pure and nourishing food. Together we will live our lives with honour and respect for each other.

2. Strength

With our second step together we pledge to grow in physical, mental and spiritual strengths. Together we will share happiness and enjoy life.

3. Prosperity

With our third step we promise each other to earn and increase wealth by righteous way and provide comfort to the family. Together we will share all our sorrows and joys.

4. Family

With our forth step together we pledge not to forget our parents and elders. Together we will maintain and strengthen the family bonds.

5. Progeny

With our fifth step together we pray to God to bless us with beautiful, kind and brave children.  Together as responsible parents, we shall provide them with good education and values of life. 

6. Health

With our sixth step together, we pray to God for a healthy and disease free life for us and our families. Together we will live a balanced and harmonious life.

7. Friendship and love

With our seventh step together, we promise to be a loyal companion. Together we will live a life of mutual trust, love and friendship.

Then the groom fills the parting right above the forehead with 'sindur' (vermilion) and places a dot of the red powder on her forehead as a symbol of declaring her to be his wife. At this time, he also ties a sacred thread around her neck -Mangalsutra - to signify their marriage. Usually this thread is covered with gold and black glass beads, though in essence, it can be made of anything auspicious including cotton and silk depending upon the customs in various parts of India.

The priest blesses the couple and the guests shower the couple with their blessings.

The bride leaves her parents and friends to commence a new life with her husband. She throws rice over her head , to indicate that even if she is leaving her parents home, she wishes it will be filled with happiness and prosperity. 

She is given a warm welcome into her new home and is believed to have brought along with her prosperity and good fortune into the house. She is blessed by all the elders in the family and is introduced to everybody. Depending upon the customs and traditions, a number of small ceremonies continue happening within family and close friends in order to acquaint the bride to her new family and to make the entire affair a happy and lively experience for the newly wedded.

PS : Some Text and picture's have been taken from various sources via Google (Maata), if anyone finds it offeneding let me knw will remove :)