Crazy Indian REAL Bride : Pallavi

Girl meets boy, Boy ignores Girl, Girl gets frustrated, Boy argues his way into her heart, sounds like a Bollywood movie, no?!

As told by Rohan,

Of Rohan Mishra Photography

(The person in charge to capture their memories.)

So, Who are they and Whats their Story??

Pallavi looking forward to a new chapter in her life left for Bangalore, her first job. Accenture 'college to corporate' training was the time when she met new people, made great friends and was having an awesome time. This is where she met Ashish- A smart, witty and intelligent guy.

They both were opinionated, had myriad ideas and thoughts and debated on anything and everything. She became defensive around him and he interestingly ignored her, between those rifts of thoughts, they became great friends. (Yes, because that's how it works :P )

ENSEMBLE launches Summer'14 Bridal Collection

Featured

This season Ensemble brings you the latest bridal fashion trends, ranging from heavy bridal wear to a lighter range of merchandise catering to not just the bride, but also her family and friends.  From beautiful Lehengas, Saris and Kalidars, Ensemble offers a variety of trousseau options for every wedding occasion that makes it a one stop shop for every bride and her bridal celebrations. 

Who is the Crazy Indian Bride?

Crazy Indian Wedding started as a distraction from all the wedding maddness. Once my wedding date was fixed I quit my job and spent all my time planning and getting ready for the BIGGEST day of my life!

The days leading upto the wedding I had just one project 'Mission Marriage' and hence the birth of of this blog. I gathered so much information that I decided to help the brides in need. Even though I tied the knot on 24th Nov. 2012 the blog continues and so does my mission to help Brides-to-be!

While I am not blogging, or thinking about what to blog, I sit down in my gold n pink studio and design for my recently launched label ROLI GAUR VASHISHT. You can find out more on its facebook page https://www.facebook.com/RoliGaurVashisht

And sometimes when I should really be either writing a blog post or working on a clients dress, I procrastinate and waste my time here : https://www.youtube.com/rgvLove

Makeup Artist! What? How? What is this?

Those of you who have been reading the blog would know I picked the first Makeup Artist I liked and I really don't regret it. I actually do recommend her to a lot of people, love the way she gives complete personal attention, helped me research styles and agreed to travel any where in Delhi/NCR (she travels to Chandigarh also sometimes)

The best part of the makeup was I got it done around 6pm on the wedding day and it stayed exactly the same till  6am  when I finally got around taking it off. The lipstick faded a tiny bit just before Phera's so that's around 2am but then I did eat a LOT.

I did however, miss out on the journey of finding a perfect MUA.

Please see the following articles from fellow bloggers to get yourself updated on MUA's! Its the one topic I cant help a lot on.

1. Peaches and Blush 
Who better to advice you on Makeup than a Beauty Blogger
http://www.peachesandblush.com/2013/06/how-to-choose-a-bridal-makeup-artist-checklist.html#comment-25166

2.The Delhi Bride
Read this article's comments for a list of MUA's being discussed by Brides-to-be
http://thedelhibride.com/2012/07/20/thedelhibride-asks-about-makeup-artist/

Incase YOU know a lot about Makeup Artist any where in India and would love to share your experience with the world, help out other Brides-to-be please feel free to leave a comment below or to write a Guest post contact me at crazyindianwedding@gmail.com

Pre- Wedding Pictures : Unique places to get your picture clicked

I am sick and tired of looking at people's pre-wedding shoot or Save the Date shoot with the same/similar background. 

If your in Delhi then Hauz Khas Village has became the 'adda'.

 I have lost count of the number of pre-wedding shoot I have seen with an old ruin and charming trees. 

Fiance playing with your hair while your sitting on the edge of a window, on an old building over looking a lake.

Both of you looking into each others eyes with the backdrop of an old door.

Peaking out from tree's like old bollywood star.

Enough!

I am all for romance but come on, play with it a little. 

Your young! Be truly different and bring out your personality!

A good photographer can capture a great shoot any and every where!

IDEA's

1. Book shop/ Library 

2. Coffee shop

3. Amusement Parks

4. On a rickshaw, auto.

Couldn't find a picture....if you have one let me know.

5. Old unused railway tracks (btw, if you feel vibrations than its probably not unused....)

There are probably a million more ideas.

 So how do you choose one for you and your boy??

 Shoot at a place which best defines the both of you. 

So what if peaking out from trees is an over used idea if it defines YOU than do it!

 But if its just something that's a symbol of romance then dont! 

You don't need a romantic place to Romance.

CIB's place of preference :

This graffiti wall near Shivalik

Why : Coz it defines me and the boy. 

A splash of color to brighten up an otherwise dull place.

So Brides-to-be and Candid Photographers time to think outside the box!!

Indian Bridal Blog List

There are many blogs that I read, the following are the once that I love reading and get a bit disappointed if there is nothing new on.

Indian Bridal Blogs and Other interesting ones

In Random Order..

1. Peaches and Blush
http://www.peachesandblush.com/
I hold this blog responsible for making me addicted to reading blogs.
Great for makeup advice, Brides-to-be MUST read her bridal files.

2. The Delhi Bride
http://thedelhibride.com/
Our wedding took place around the same time. And its always fun to read a fellow brides journey.

Lot of reviews on shops, makeup artist and photographers. She pretty much covers everything that I don't, so I advice Brides-to-be to peak at her blog as well.

3. The Vows and Beyond
 http://thevowsandbeyond.wordpress.com/
She hardly ever writes now but when she does the post is extremely well written. There isn't a post yet that hasn't moved me to tears. A true emotional journey of a Bride.

4. Marathi Wedding
http://marathiweddings.blogspot.in/
Busy Marathi bride with another wedding in her family right after her own. Very informative for a Mumbai Brides, sales and upcoming events are updated. Waiting for her to settle down and tell us all about her wedding!

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I also glimpse at  :

5. Wed Me Good
http://wedmegood.com/blog/
One of the recent ones to join the wedding blog wagon. Log in to check out inspiration for lehengas, real bride and more.

6. Makeup Beauty Lounge
http://www.makeupbeautylounge.com/
Makeup blogger and right in the middle of her wedding events. Watch her blog for all recent wedding updates and makeup advice!


7. Looking Good Feeling Fab
http://www.lookinggoodfeelingfab.com/
Recently stumbled upon this blog and I am so glad that I did. Nothing Bridal but a great blog for style tips. An Indian girls style heaven.

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I keep myself updated on the Fashion and Bollywood gossip by checking :

8. Miss Malini
http://www.missmalini.com/
Read all about Bollywood and fashion gossip, travel tips, beauty advice, and an awesome wedding in Goa


9. Fashion Scandal
http://fashionscandal.com/
Gossip Girl of the Indian Fashion Fraternity. I have actually seen the havoc his posts sometimes create. All shushed up news gets publicized here!


10. High Heel Confidential
http://www.highheelconfidential.com/
Page 3 gossip, who wore what. In there own words " Front Row, Tadka laga ke"


These are all for now, ofcourse my list keeps increasing as and when I stumble upon new blogs. Keep an eye on the BLOG ROLL (in the right hand sidebar) for updates.

Trousseau Winter Wear

I am waiting for winter wear to come in the market, am in desperate need of good woolens.

Till now I was quite contend with my unisex basic navy blue pullovers in 2 different weaves from monto carlo. I used to live in them!

Only last year did I find the perfect overcoat and wore it in and out. I was never seen without it.

For slightly chilly October end I have a basic summer black coat which use to work with everything I had.

I am not much of a winter person so my wardrobe is more out going and better during summer months or at least in monsoons and springs.

After spending years and years trying to get my winter wardrobe 'acceptable' I finally achieved it last year *whoopie*

Only to realize (now) that my checked woolen over coat, my grey hoodie long sweater jacket and my black perfect fitting coat are no match for bedazzling Indian wear.

To add to that mix there will be hardly any winter wear in the market before the wedding.

Lets look at options we have for winters :

1. Cardigans

I have seen women loving them, living in them, and buying as many as possible in ever colour!

However I personally hate them completely. But with Indian wear specially with suits these work the best and are the warmest.

If given a chance I would hibernate the whole of winters.

but I have to-have to choose I guess something like these would work with Indian wear :

if I had to had to choose I still wont choose, but one cant really hibernate

I think the last one and the first ones neckline is better for Indian wear because it will also show the neckline of your suit. Plus it doesn't look too bottled up.


2. Pullover

Indian wear and pullover are not meant to be together and with girls who will be living with their in-laws its certainly not wise to jump into jeans your initial few post-marriage months.

So say bye-bye pullovers this married winters.


3. Shawls

Aah the prettiest Indian winter wear. They are a style statement in their own right. Whether its a pashmina or a jamawar. A lot of varieties and styles are found all around. You'll get pretty colours and embroidery in them too. Not just for older aunties you get a great variety for us girls too!

this particular one is not woolen but you get woolen ones like this too.

I think there is a 'shagun' ki embroidered shawl also that you have to get, cant find a pretty one online but you do get nice ones! Ahujasons in Delhi is supposed to be the best shop for all these. Also take a stroll around Dilli hart for different varieties during off season.

Drape them around your shoulder or wrap them around you they look pretty either way and are must for any Indian winter functions or dinner outs. However they do seem a little impractical around the house or during trips out shopping.


4. Jackets and Overcoats

After only hearing about them and seeing them in glossy magazines finally they made their Indian entry a few years back and then the overload was all aunties wearing them wrong!

Finally we seem to have got them right. Still not the perfect solution for Indian wear they are atleast warm!

Probably without so many pockets.

the  jacket on the right

Don't buy big huge collars, would still not recommend the middle jackets high collar but something similar with maybe a slim collar will look good

Here is the link  to where I got the last 2 pictures from, she seems to think alike : http://www.desifashionista.com/?p=4185

Not sure if you guys are interested in knowing that :

I am still missing a good sturdy big everyday bag.
and
Have 5-6 different color kajal but still need to buy BLACK.

Colored Mehendi : Love it or hate it?

I personally hate colored mehendi.  But this one just changed my mind!!

Bridal Bags

If you have seen youtube videos of  'Bridal entrance' uploaded a few years back you will notice that tiny clutch in the hand as blingy as the bride herself. Pushed forward to make sure it gets captured. 

One Question: WHO STARTED THAT ?!! I mean come on, your not going shopping or to a 'party', its your wedding.

Say suppose your still adamant about it, lets reason it out...

1. You need your phone.

 Every single person you would want to talk to on YOUR wedding day is already present on the venue. 

2. Lipstick and other makeup nick knacks

You will be in the spot light at all times! People will be noticing you even if you just twist your head and look longingly at the chat for a second, so forget about any touch up on stage.

3. Tissue

Oh..you get tearfull...awww...get your sister/best friend (read slave) to get you a tissue.

4. Energy Bars (err....comfort chocolate)

I know it will be stressful, and you need full energy on stage, specially with 5 kg lehenga and that 10 kgs of gold but darling you paid more than your 5 years salary put together to the caterer. Eat the paneer tikka.

5. Emergency Money

ok, I agree every girl should be empowered and should individually be able to handle any situation at all times. But at your wedding where every single family member and closet friends are present no one will turn to the bride and say " chutta de na"

6. Envelopes/ Aashirvad

Indian Bride and groom get a lot of 'shagun k lifafey' while on stage. But putting them into the bag next to you looks a little bit tacky and greedy. Appoint someone to stay next to you and just hand it over to that person who can further hand it over to your mom or you mother-in-law.

So you still really really need a bag near you, there is only one thing left to do :

 Get your best friend/sister to carry your stuff in her bag. Rather bully her into not taking a bag of her own and just hand her your own to carry around and tell her to stick to you like a glue.

Best is to give it to a friend since she wont know a lot of people there she will always be around you. The sister might have to go meet a lot of guests.

Also be a little considerate and get a purse in a neutral color which works on both your and your friends dress.

Will this work? well I tried it on my engagement and it worked fine! 

(Yes I am a control freak and I needed my stuff near me :P )

Some bag for you to Ogle Over:

DIY: Floral Jewelry

We went out for dinner a couple of days ago and I got couple of gajara's.

They were lying around and I was getting bored, so here is an amateur take on DIY at home floral hath phool.

1. Tie both ends of 2 long gajara strings with each others

2. Wrap it around your hand twice. Leave some portion hanging.

3. Take the hanging portion, twist it and put your finger in it.

4. Adjust the flowers, hide the strings. Ask someone to help you tuck it in....if its still a little unmanageable then get someone to keep it in place by tying another tiny thread to it (like a tiny tuck)

Your hands are ready!

Ofcouse avoid something like this for a major function. But say if your sangeet is a small family affair at home only for a couple of hours you can try this out.

Pre-Bridal : A necessity or Vanity

Just had my fist pre-bridal a few days back, still not sure if its worth it or not...

What is a Pre-Bridal?

Its basically a full skin care regime that you take before your wedding. It could just be a one day spa or a full 4 months routine.

What does it comprise of?

This more over depends on your skin and hair type. Most good Salons or MUA's will make a package that suits you and your budget.

Basics that it should have, 

If its a one day routine that your doing just a few days before the wedding :

1. Manicure

2. Pedicure

3. Facial (the one that will give you a happy bridal glow)

4. Waxing

5. Threading

6. Hair Spa

7. Body Polish

8. Body massage

9. If you can then the pre-bridal baths that used to happen in ancient Indian times with rose petals and everything.

10. and anything else that will calm the jittering nerves.

Apart from this if your going for a full 2 or 3 or 4 months pre-bridals

Then every month you should have :

1. Manicure

2. Pedicure

3. Facial/Clean up (depending on your skin)

4. Waxing

5. Hair Care

If things are over exceeding your budget then make sure you get atleast one pre-bridal before the wedding and just take good care of your skin by simple home remedies (post coming soon on this).

After all its your big day..you should feel like a princess.

Where to get it done from?

Almost all salons offer a good deal when it comes to pre-bridal.

My suggestion consult your Makeup Artist (MUA) on this, she is the one who will be handling your skin on the D-day. Its her job to make it look fabulous and flawless. Its always better to ask the painter how he wants the canvas.

What am I doing?

I have roped my MUA in for this. She can't complain on the last day about my skin coz she is the one taking care of it ;P

I have the whole 4 month package, mainly because I had the time plus mani-pedi I usually used to get it done every month before as well and my hair is dry and a little frizzy-rough so I needed that extra care.

Not Sure if I really need a facial or a clean up but I am getting it done anyways. People anyway always recommend to have one in a month on a regular basis.

Wedding means a lot of meeting with in-laws months before the D-day for shopping or family dinners and its better to look pretty with well cared nails, skin and hair.

So what are you going to do??

My Wedding Update : In double digits now!

We have entered double digit and both sides are on definite action mode.

Shopping, cards, decor finalization, everything is no longer on the research tab its down to hard core finalization.

My Pre-bridal starts soon. Exercise (Yoga) is more of a routine now.

Million tiny details are left, need to get all my regular stuff (shampoo, toothbrush,etc. etc.) organised.

Have to find the perfect nail paint for the wedding. ( any suggestions)

Have to start collecting my makeup stuff from the list written here  http://www.crazyindianwedding.com/2012/08/list-of-makeup-trousseau.html

Still have to find a baju band, have gotten pretty much everything on the 16 singar list
http://www.crazyindianwedding.com/2012/08/modern-brides-16-singar.html

*phew* so much tiny things to do, I guess all these little stuff will go on till the wedding day.

By the way did I tell you guys I am banned from my honeymoon destination decision. I ended up changing the place every few hours, so now the whole trip is a surprise for me. Which I guess is good in a way, one less thing to worry about :P , only know I dont know what to shop....hmmm...