It’s almost a month now and we are yet to come out of the great hangover that was the ‘Virushka’ wedding. We still can’t get enough of those pics which took our breath away. While their Tuscanian wedding was anything less than a dream, the Mumbai reception was a grand Bollywood get-together. We got to see celebs from Bollywood, sports and politics, some of whom won our hearts and the red carpet with their dazzling attires. Presenting today, a list of celebs who, according to fans, were the best-dressed at Virushka reception held in Mumbai. Let us know who your favourites were, in comments below!

Celebs who stole the spotlight at Virushka Reception in Mumbai

1. Katrina Kaif

The mermaid-style lehenga and the cold shoulders won the best dress’ award for legit reasons. And that cascading trail is something to die for.

2. Kangana Ranaut

She knows how to dress like a diva in winter! The elegant Sabyasachi saree along with the full-sleeve blouse and heavy choker made her look spot on.

HappyShappy.com

3. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan

Aishwarya graced the red carpet in a dreamy embroidered ensemble.

NDTV

4. Aditi Rao Hydari

While most of the actresses chose to wear pastel shades, Aditi Rao Hydari posed in a stunning Manish Malhotra Banarasi handloom brocade lehenga in blue.

Rediff.com

5. Diana Penty

We loved this Falguni and Shane Peacock beige lehenga.

Rediff.com

6. Vani Kapoor

This saree is everything you need to rock a reception. Designed with fringes and off-shoulder blouse, this soft peachy number should be on your 2018 fashion list.

Blogbox

7. Sara Ali Khan and Ibrahim Khan

While the brother looked dapper in a black bandhgala suit, the sister looked dreamy in a lime lehenga.

HappyShappy

8. Madhuri Dixit Nene

A Tarun Tahiliani Sari with intricate zardosi border is all she needs to look ethereal. And here’s the proof-

EconomicTimes

9. Karan Johar

We loved everything about this statement black and white sherwani Karan Johar wore at Virushka reception.

Happy Shappy

10. Sagarika Ghatge

The newly-wed Sagarika wore a pretty Anju Modi lehenga in grey and maroon. She paired it with a peplum style jacket blouse which made the look perfect.

FirstPost.com

11. Ranbir Kapoor

From the slim grey suit to the grey tie, Ranbir gave us a few of shades of grey to remember.

Happy Shappy

12. Kriti Sanon

Kriti Sanon dazzled the red carpet in this Manish Malhotra sari with ivory threadwork and pearl embroidery.

Happy Shappy

13. Siddharth Malhotra

This man definitely knows how to look drop dead handsome. Men, take a note of this Prussian blue bandhgala with embroidery work on the sleeves.

BBlunt

14. Mahendra Singh Dhoni

The ex-captain of the Indian cricket team looked charming and a perfect family man in the black suit.

NewsX

Who were your favourite celebs at Virushka reception? Let us know in comments below!

The post Best Dressed Celebs at Virushka Reception in Mumbai appeared first on India's Wedding Blog.

So, the engagement ceremony is over and now it’s time to plan the wedding. Stop right there and read this article first! Why? So that you won’t overspend on your wedding. Did you know that  more and more couples are experiencing post-wedding guilt trips after overshooting their preset budget?  Well, after all, we are talking about not any ordinary event, but your big-fat-Indian-wedding! To avoid overshooting your wedding budget, all you need is a few measures….

 6 smart ways to not overspend on your wedding without any compromises

1. Resist the temptation: That’s one of the biggest reasons why people end up breaking their budget. No budget can ever define an ideal wedding:  it’s the happiness, the joy, the excitement and all the intangible assets which make a wedding perfect. So, if you can resist the temptation of spending ‘just a bit more’ to make your D-day the best one you have it covered.

2. Niceties Vs. Necessities: Get ready for the toughest battle of differentiating between these two factors. This battle of “I need this” vs “I need this because others are doing this etc” can be taxing for your pocket if not handled properly.

3. ‘Exclusive’ Guest list:  Do keep your guest list ‘short’ -you definitely do not need to invite the entire city! Look at Bollywood celebrities like Rani Mukherjee or the newlywed Shreya Ghoshal;even these famous personalities decided to keep a very small list of chosen guests for their wedding. Stick to the same theory and you will be with the ‘trends.’

Image: Weddings By Camera Crew

4. Plan it all early: As early as possible, to say the least. People often set a budget then take time to arrange everything and when they go for booking halls or catering service etc, the last minute discounts slip away and they end up overspending. Hence, it’s wiser to book the venue, caterer first and then look for a match.

5. Click freak friends: Yes, stay in touch with them who are quite good with their DSLRs. They’d love to shoot their best friend’s wedding. And, of course, you will be saved from giving 20% of your wedding budget to a pro. Also, newbie photographers can be a good choice. While they will be excited to create their portfolio, you will be saving tons.

6. Impulsive last minute decisions: Call it peer pressure or relatives’ pressure; people will inevitably pour in their special comments and suggestions on the wedding day. “This should be done,” “that has to be bought,” “get some more flowers and sweets” and so on.  And, before you know it, money will slip out of your purse . Try not to let this happen. Do not  let anything influence you to spend on items you have not planned for initially.

Finally: remember to stay calm and consider it as your life’s most important project where you are the project manager, and everything will surely go as planned.

Image courtesy:

Octopus Film

The post 6 Smart Ways to Not Overspend on Wedding appeared first on India's Wedding Blog.

The wedding day is one of the most special days for any bride and groom. It is one of those moments that the couple will cherish throughout their life. Naturally, everything has to be perfect and especially one’s bridal makeup. For any bride, bridal makeup is very important as it can enhance her beauty and make her look gorgeous in all those wedding photographs. So, if you are getting married in 2018, then you should definitely consult with top wedding makeup artists and enlist their services. These professionals can help you select the best bridal looks according to your wedding theme, colours, skin tone, face shape etc. Here are some of the most important tips to for 2018 brides- 

 1. Try a couple of looks

Choosing a bridal look is not as easy as it sounds. So, if are getting married this year but still haven’t decided upon your look and style yet, then you must give at least two or three looks a try. You can visit a makeup studio with your attire of the day and then decide upon a look that will suit you. Take help of resources online and discuss your requirements with your chosen stylist.

Weddings by Camera Crew

2. Go minimalist

Yes, the minimalist, natural look is trending this year. It is the look that can help everyone see you as a confident bride who loves her natural skin tone! So instead of wearing heavy makeup, just go for light, nude shades that enhance your natural look. Opt for a light cream blush, smokey eyes and minimalist lips. Your stylist can further guide you about this look.

3. Cleanse tone moisturize!

Brides who want to have a long lasting results as far as their skin goes, need to cleanse, tone and moisturize daily. Cleansing helps reduce acne breakouts and blackheads and keeps the skin soft, smooth and glowing. Use a gentle, alcohol-free cleanser to do the job. Follow up with an Aloe Vera or Witch Hazel based toner and moisturize using a non comedogenic moisturizer. For daytime use, do not forget the SPF factor.

4. Exfoliate your skin weekly

In order to get rid of dead skin cells, exfoliate your face at least once a week, before applying makeup. Avoid over-exfoliation as it can make the skin dry. Go for gentle scrubs or you can make one at home using brown sugar and olive oil.

5. Wiggle it up!

Yeah, instead of brushing the mascara over your lashes, just wiggle the stick. This is very much a trend for 2018 as far as bridal makeup goes. Starting from bottom to top, in the same motion, wiggle the mascara stick across the lashes. It will make your eyelashes well-defined and ‘fluttery’.

6. Dust powder on those eyes

This is a convenient method of avoiding smudging of eyeliners. All you need to do is use some loose powder and dust it over the eyelids once or twice, before starting the eye make up for the big day. This will help your eye-makeup last longer.

7. Fill up brows and use fake lashes

Octopus Film

These days, more brides are opting for fake eye lashes as they help add glamour and make for great photos. So, if you are comfortable wearing false lashes, do go for it. To fill up sparse brows, try taupe or brown shades to get the trending brows. Also, instead of using pencil, use powder to fill your eye brows.

8. Say No to highlighters

Highlighters are passe! To get that glow, simply apply gloss for highlighting your cheekbones instead of a highlighter. For a day time events, go for a latex lipstick on the higher cheekbones to get a subtle bridal glow.

9. Get enough rest

For any bride, proper sleep is very important as it can make the face look refreshed and bright. Adequate sleep will help overcome stress and tension that almost every bride undergoes thanks to the many functions, ceremonies, and rituals. In fact, the more sleep you get, the better your skin will appear (which will provide a number of benefits while applying makeup.)

And those are some of the latest tips to make you look picture perfect for your 2018 wedding!

This guest post was contributed by Garvit Bijawat -a writer and content marketer. He loves to write on topics pertaining to latest technology, home decor tips, beauty, weddings, real estate and more. Garvit is passionate about helping businesses improve their online brand visibility.He is currently working with ShaadiDukaan.com, an online wedding market place. You can get in touch with him on LinkedIn, and Google+; he will be more than happy to hear from you.

Featured image: Confetti Films

The post 9 Important Bridal Makeup Tips for 2018 Brides! appeared first on India's Wedding Blog.

The food, flowers, dresses, favours and fun of a big fat Indian wedding often leave newlyweds with bare minimum savings to splurge on the most awaited holiday of their life – Honeymoon! If you want to enjoy an ultra-lavish honeymoon but your budget is holding you back, here are 6 money-saving tips to help you plan a perfect honeymoon on a low budget.

1. Use Apps to Plan Your Honeymoon Package

Planning a honeymoon on a tight budget can be downright stressful but there are several smart apps that you can use to take the pain out of your planning process. These apps will help you with everything – right from finding you great things-to-do on your trip and locating cheaper hotel alternatives to keeping all your information in one place and suggesting an itinerary for your honeymoon based on your interests. So use technology to your advantage; hunt for the best bargains, stay organized and make your honeymoon memorable even with a low budget.

2. Work with a Travel Agent to Explore Affordable Options

An experienced travel agent is your one-stop, stress-free honeymoon planner with all the resources in one place. A travel agent with a high business volume can help you save big on hotel, cruise, air travel, and honeymoon destination. Make the most of their wisdom and their ongoing discounts and enjoy a travel itinerary that keeps everything that you desire and cuts down only on what you don’t need.

Image: via Harshaan Travel

3. Choose an Off-Season Honeymoon Destination

Since you would be taking a honeymoon trip following your wedding, you have the time to choose your honeymoon destination so make sure your travel dates coincide with less people and drastic price breaks. For instance, the beautiful Caribbean islands have hospitable weather round the year but the rates go skyrocketing between January and April. Whether you are looking for underwater romance, cozy-fires in snow-clad mountains, vibrant beach parties or passionate quietude by the lakeside, there are several off season honeymoon destinations for every season.

4. Book Early to Save Big

Early hotel bookings will guarantee that all affordable accommodation options are not sold out. The best time to buy air tickets is 30-59 days before your departure. You can also look for airline launches and flash sales to find the cheapest tickets. If a cruise is under booked, you can also snag those last-minute deals on limited cabins and enjoy big savings.

5. Try Alternate Modes of Travel

Give major airlines a toss for low-fare carriers with no-frills and for a change enjoy the picturesque views from the window of a car, bus or train. If you are travelling by car, break down your journey and enhance the enjoyment by taking pit stops along the way to enjoy scenic breaks. 

Image: Pixelena Studio

6. Watch Out for All-inclusive Deals on Honeymoon Destinations

An all-inclusive honeymoon package means zero surprises and limitless enjoyment. You pay a flat fee that includes your stay, meals, drinks, entertainment, taxes and air travel. Hotels also have promotional packages for specific locations so call hotels directly and ask about their honeymoon packages to get a direct scoop on sales and get an idea of how much the best rooms can cost you.

7. Secure Your Honeymoon Plans with Personal Line of Credit

Image: Harshaan Travel

Is your honeymoon budget still running short? Don’t worry because you can have your once-in-a-lifetime honeymoon without sacrificing your lifelong savings if you leverage a line of credit. With a personal line of credit, you pay interest only for the amount you use. It is a great option for those who are on a low budget because a line of credit carries variable interest rates that are less expensive as compared to most consumer loans and since it is an unsecured loan you don’t need collateral. The approval process is pretty quick, the money gets transferred to your bank account in a day, and the payback periods are flexible so don’t compromise on your dreams because life is too short and your honeymoon high won’t happen again.

This article was contributed by Shiv Nanda, a financial analyst who currently lives in Bangalore and works with MoneyTap– India’s first app-based credit-line. Shiv eats, breathes and sleeps finance, to the dismay of friends who’ve endured unsolicited advice on their investment choices, budgeting skills, or lack thereof. Luckily for them, Shiv has diverted this energy toward writing about various financial topics online. He loves it when people actually ask him for advice, so email him your questions at shiv@moneytap.com. He’ll try not to get carried away with the answers!

Featured image courtesy Dreamshot

The post 7 Smart Tips to Get the Most Bang for Your Honeymoon Buck appeared first on India's Wedding Blog.

The New Year always brings in new trends and themes. Indian brides or dulhans are sure to want to benefit from this. If you’ve had your roka (engagement) ceremony in 2017, then we’re sure you’re planning your shaadi (wedding) in 2018. This year is sure to bring out some of the best trends and themes yet. Gather your family, friends, and cousins to start planning your wedding. Indian weddings always have the motto of ‘More the Merrier’!

Image: Radha Photos

Once you’ve picked the brides dress, the men’s wedding rings and you’re done deciding the venue, guest list, muhurat, and all the ceremonies (Mehendi, Cocktails, and Haldi) for the wedding, it’s time to start planning the theme and décor. Another critical thing to remember before you start with the décor and theme is finalizing a caterer who specializes in Vegetarian, Jain, and Non-vegetarian cuisines. If you’re planning a destination wedding, vegan and vegetarian options are a must. Your guests are sure to thank you for it.

Let us look at some of the favorite Indian wedding themes for 2018.

1. Violet Weddings

Violet is Pantone color of 2018 and we will be seeing a lot of it this wedding season. Design your wedding mandap, entrance, lighting, dining area, flowers, wedding cake, and invitations with violet. Make violet and gold the theme of your wedding for it to look royal. You can merge the color with silver or gold throughout all the aspects of the shaadi. Violet and gold inlay work on invitations with the text in gold or white is a beautiful way to send out elegant invites. Decorate your centerpieces with violet and white orchids or other flowers that are varied shades of violet.

The dulha (groom) doesn’t have to feel left out. Small violet pocket squares look smashing with tuxedos. The groomsmen can also sport violet ties or pocket squares for the reception. The dulha can opt for a cream, gold, and violet sherwani for the wedding while you can choose a lehenga or saree of the same colors.

Neha Brackstone Photography

Let your Mama-Mami (maternal uncle and aunt), Fufa-Fufi (Paternal uncle and aunt), Chacha-Chachi (paternal uncle and aunt), cousins, and all your friends know about the theme in advance so that they can color coordinate your idea with their wedding attire. You can also order the wedding garlands in colors of violet flowers like clematis, orchids, and iris.

2. Royal Rajasthani theme

Image: Camera Crew

Nothing is more elegant than a Royal Rajasthani décor. A Rajwada theme with props, rangoli, traditional folk performances with dancers, Ghoomer performers, and entertainers will boost the Rajasthani theme throughout your wedding celebrations. If you plan a destination wedding, opt for a venue in Jaipur or Udaipur and hire a local wedding planner and coordinator.

Abhay Sawant Photography

The Rajputana era was famed for its palkhi designs, jharokha patterns, and groom entrances on a mare or ghodi. Bring the old Rajwada era back into 2018 with a bang! You can also opt for Rajasthani mannequins, art pieces, and traditional Rajasthani cuisine. Create a fantastic atmosphere with bright fireworks that go off during the pheras to add to the Rajasthani theme of your wedding. This vibrant theme will magically transform your wedding to one of elegance and luxury.

3. Fusion themed weddings

Fusion themes are as fantastic as they sound! 2018 is sure to see some great fusion themes throughout the year. You could mix traditional Indian wedding décor with a fusion of another culture or theme you fancy. You can combine a dress code, food, theme, music, décor, and ceremonies from both cultures you choose.

Image: Octopus Film

Some common fusion themes are Indo-Western, Indo-Moroccan, and Indo-Thai. Mix up the cocktail bar and the cuisines to suit palates from different cultures. Think about it – you can serve Thai green curry with rotis, naans, and jeera rice! Decorate your wedding venue with flowers from both cultures, ceremonial headpieces, and so on. Fusion weddings are an excellent way to show the joint beauty of your union.

4. Traditional Wedding Theme 

Image: Pixelena Studio

We cannot leave the classic Indian theme out. No matter the year, traditional Indian weddings never go out of fashion. Sarees, salwar kameezes, idols, devotional prayers, Haldi, Mehendi, Havan ceremonies, Gurudwara shaadis, Nikaahs, and Church weddings in white will always be favorites.

You can opt for a Bollywood TV style Indian traditional ceremony with elaborate headpieces (turbans) and lehengas to bring out the glam factor in your wedding. Religious and traditional themes are always popular with elders in the family. Another added advantage of this theme is the riot of colors! Indulge in a traditional Indian wedding and bring in your marriage with a flurry of happiness, blessings, and love.

Featured image: Madhurang Studio

The post Top 4 Indian Wedding Themes for 2018 appeared first on India's Wedding Blog.

Trust Pantone to come up with a new shade that is alluring, energizing and oh so pretty! Say hello to Ultra Violet which is the Pantone 2018 colour of the year. At first glance here’s what we really like about this shade- it’s deep and rich which means that it will go beautifully with Indian couture and it’s so versatile that ultra violet will look good both on you and even in wedding décor. Plus, with a shade like this, we know that bridegrooms will look really good when its paired with other colours like gold, beige or silver.

Here are 7 ways to rock ultra violet at your wedding this year:

Deck the walkway in this pretty shade and add fairy lights for a real shimmering effect.

Image courtesy Cineyug

Here’s a good reason to carry an ultra violet bouquet or to have flowers in this shade this year. They make any room look vivid and nice. Yes, lavender makes the cut too!

Image courtesy Cineyug

Who said you had to stop with just a bouquet? Use ultra violet blooms to make the guest tables look pretty.

Image courtesy Cineyug

Sigh, wedding decorations such as these only make us swoon. Trust purple to give the night such a magical touch.

Image courtesy Cineyug

Props on stage look colourful and more attractive in an ultra violet shade.

Let’s talk wedding wear for bridegrooms. Since ultra violet is a naturally rich shade, bridegrooms would need only minimal embroidery to make their wedding wear stand out.

Image courtesy Sparkling Moments

Want some extra drama to your wedding ensemble? We think this dress is perfect for the mehendi or sangeet function!

Image courtesy Namzish Label

Ok, so the traditional colours for an Indian bride is either vermilion red or white if it’s a Christian bride. But how about wearing a sexy number like this in ultra violet/purple-blue for the wedding reception? Teamed up with the right jewellery and makeup, brides can really rock the night.

Image courtesy Varnika Sangoi

Main Image courtesy Namzish Label

The post Say Hello To Ultra Violet-Pantone Colour For 2018! appeared first on India's Wedding Blog.

For years, you’ve been reading about what’s hot and what’s not, what’s in and what’s in the bin, what makes one pout and what’s out on our blog. But today, we’re going to tell you why an online resource (like weddingsonline) is your best buddy when it comes to wedding planning.

Everything that you see or read online isn’t necessarily endorsed or certified which is why it’s understandable that many people who are about to plan a wedding would prefer to rely on word of mouth referrals or go with recommendations from near and dear ones. On the other hand, here are 5 reasons why registering with an online ‘everything to do with weddings’ website makes plenty of sense:

1. Access all the Vendors you Need

Image courtesy PhotoAlchemy

You’d agree that a successful wedding depends entirely on just how well the vendors associated with the wedding carry out their individual roles. Even one tiny glitch can leave a bad taste in the mouth for your guests and ruin what should have been a memorable day. At weddingsonline , you’ll find all the vendors you would require to plan a wedding, in just one place. Yes, they’re even categorised according to the cities they cater to. Brides and their families are free to check out individual vendor profiles, consider reviews and ratings from other brides/grooms, and connect with a vendor they like for further discussions. Definitely beats running around for individual contacts!

2. You Get to Know What’s Trending

Image courtesy Dream Shot

Weddings aren’t just about an auspicious ceremony any longer, they are also the hottest venues and pretty much everything else that’s trending and in vogue. So, how do you keep track of an industry where trends are born and die every other day? By reading wedding blogs regularly of course! On our blog, you’d find only the most relevant content that could make a difference to your wedding planning with real shots of real life newlywed couples. Think of our blog as a Buzzfeed for all wedding related content!

3. Get the Scoop on Celebs and Learn from Other Newlyweds!

Want to know exactly who designed Anushka Sharma’s wedding lehenga? Many top wedding blogs keep you abreast of all the juicy details you want to know about your beloved celebrities. In weddingsonline real weddings section, we cover weddings of celebrities as well those of everyday couples who have enlisted our services for planning their Big Day. So, not only do you get to understand how using our website resources has helped couples plan their special day but you also get to hear about their experiences first hand.

Image courtesy Memory Crafters

4. Connect with Other Like-minded Couples

Confused about what kind of a candid photographer you need for your big day? Many websites have forums and chat platforms where brides and grooms can connect with others planning their wedding. At weddingsonline, we have ‘The Shaadi Chat’ -an exclusive Facebook closed group meant for brides, grooms, parents and of course wedding vendors (designers, MUAs, photographers and venues) so you can feel free to share anything you want about your upcoming ceremony and also ask a question that’s on your mind.

5. Harness the Power of Social Media

Image courtesy Abhay Sawant Photography

When we talk about online wedding planning, we cannot forget Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter. These are the greates resources to get ideas and inspiration and connect with the right people who can make your wedding vision a reality. At weddingsonline, we love it when our readers send individual queries, comments and concerns on our Facebook/ Instagram  feeds and we respond quickly to them. These are also great places to participate in fun competitions especially tailored for couples/brides-to-be. Try your hand at winning these fun giveaways that are guaranteed to thrill!

And those are the 5 main reasons to plan your shaadi online! What are your thoughts? Comment below!

Main image courtesy Octopus Film

The post 5 Reasons To Plan Your Wedding Online! appeared first on India's Wedding Blog.

Is there such a thing as a relationship trap? Sure there is, simply because there are all sorts of relationships that people find themselves ‘trapped’ in and then do their best to get out of. But ending anything is tough and when one person walks out of a relationship, there are always the tears and painful memories to get over.

How do you know which are the relationship traps to avoid? We list ten of them:

1. Inability to Trust Trap

Image courtesy Neha Brackstone Photography

It isn’t worth being in a relationship if you do not 100% trust your partner. If you find yourself questioning any small move that your partner makes, then your relationship needs a reality check super fast.

2. Always Being Possessive Trap

Image courtesy Capturing Creatures

Remember this- you do not OWN the person you are with. Sure, you may be engaged and are on you way to getting married soon, but that doesn’t mean you now have the license to be over possessive. Possessiveness to an extent lets the other person know he is cherished.

3. The Anger Trap

Image courtesy Rich Digital Colour Lab

Lots of couples fight themselves falling into this relationship trap at some point or the other. Having fights can be very healthy as long as the anger is channelled into finding a common solution and not directed at the other person. Staying angry for long also means that the chances of saying more hurtful things is higher.

4. The Manipulator Trap

Image courtesy Impress Digital Studio

Most manipulators are so good at directing another person’s emotions in the way they choose that the second person eventually feels like the partner is nothing short of a saving grace or an angel from heaven. Over time, the mask slowly slips away and it’s likely that the victim will walk out of such a toxic relationship.

5. Being Over-Romantic Trap

Image courtesy Arrow Multimedia

Everyone enjoys a bit of romance in their relationships, but what happens when a person overdoes it? Simply put, it’s a relationship trap that can make the other person feel really disinterested and even anxious about where such a relationship is headed.

6. The Lack of Romance Trap

Image courtesy Camera Crew

On the other end of the scale, there are plenty of couples who fall into this category because they simply don’t have the energy, time or willpower to keep the romance alive in their relationship. As a couple matures together, it becomes even more important to make time for special moments together.

7. The Narcissm Trap

Image courtesy Chocolate Box Photography

Yes, there really are people out there who marry just for the sake of power, status or position and they fall in the narcissistic category- narcissists believe that the relationship that they are in is all about them and not ‘us’. Of course, such relationships don’t last long either!

8. The Disrespectful Trap

Image courtesy ConsciousSpace

Marriage should be about teamwork and about a couple maturing in both love and respect for each other. Verbal cruelty and being disrespectful about the partner’s emotions and thoughts are assumed to be a part and parcel of marriage but a healthy relationship doesn’t have room for such negativity.

9. The Abusive Trap

Image courtesy Nivedita Ghosh Photography

Abuse can be of four types- mental, verbal, physical and sexual. All four by themselves or as a combination are deadly for the health of any relationship.

10. The Control Freak Trap

Image courtesy Memory Crafters

A relationship trap that’s best avoided includes acting like the dictator in the relationship and deciding who does what. Your partnership certainly wont last long this way.

Main image courtesy Wedding Archives

The post 10 Relationship Traps To Avoid appeared first on India's Wedding Blog.

To make the start of your new life perfect, you need to start a pre bridal skin and hair care regime. Connect with our listed wedding beauty specialists who can give you a complete consultation and suggest the right hair removal, nail and skin treatment options for specific issues. Discuss your wedding day makeup vision with them so they can help you make it a reality.

Here are some more things we propose:

Waxing/hair removal

Make sure you have adequate hair growth before waxing to avoid ingrowth and unsightly bumps. It is best to stop shaving or using hair removal creams as these can lead to skin discoloration, rough skin, ingrowth and a host of other issues. It is best to do a final wax a week before the wedding day.

Image via Shwetha Raju

Chemically treated hair

In case you have chemically straightened your hair, avoid swimming in chlorinated pools or using very hot water for washing it. If you want to colour your hair, seek consultation of a colour specialist.

Three months prior to the wedding

Consult with a hair colour specialist to decide the right colour/highlight options. You can also discuss enhancements and hair length to decide the hair style for the big day and other events.

This is also a good time for a skin consultation. Avoid any harsh skin treatments like microdermabrasion or laser treatments-these should be done at least 6 months before the wedding. For acne and sun damaged skin; you could go in for skin lightening facial treatments. These help you get rid of blemishes giving you a radiant skin tone. Your skincare specialists can also suggest the right home hair care routine for you to follow.

Today, you can get treatments for hair removal which prevents razor burn and ingrown hair. They are suitable for all skin types. Schedule a hair, nail and facial treatment every 4 weeks.

Image courtesy Sabah Malgi Makeup Artistry

2-3 Months prior to wedding

Try your bridal outfit with your hairstylist and makeup specialist in attendance. They can suggest the right colours and hair style to suit the same. If your dress has a veil or you want to wear matha patti or head jewelry, arrange a trial hair/makeup session. This way you can choose the right colours and jewelry for them.

One week away

Schedule an appointment with the colouring specialist for touch up if needed. Get a hair spa done. This is also the time to get your eyebrows shaped. You can also have your arms, legs and bikini area waxed.

Image: Kajol R Paswwan

Day before

Receive your final mani and pedi.

The Big Day

Today is the Day! Get your makeup and hair style and look radiant in those pics!

Book an appointment for a trial makeup with a top MUA today!

Main image: Blush Salon

The post Step by Step Guide To Complete Bridal Care 3 Months Before Wedding appeared first on India's Wedding Blog.

Television’s darlings Gautam Rode and Pankhuri Awasthy finally said ‘I Do’ on February 6, 2018 at the picturesque Tijara Fort Palace in Alwar, Rajasthan. Let’s take a sneak peek at the royal manner in which these two lovebirds played host to family and loved ones.

As tradition dictates, the celebrations have been on since Sunday and Gautam and Pankhuri have not shied away from sharing plenty of great clicks with their fans on Instagram and other social media accounts.

They had a formal engagement ceremony and were looking nothing less than ethereal together. In fact, Gautam and Pankhuri even did their own version of a popular love song from the Bollywood movie ‘Ek Tha Tiger’:

Image courtesy India TV News

Image courtesy Times Now News

Here’s a look at the mehendi function of Gautam and Pankhuri. We love the way the two have worn complementing colours which look so vibrant on camera:

Image courtesy Jansatta

Image courtesy Mumbai Live

Ta Da! Here are the wedding photos from their big day. Pankuri was dressed in a red and gold lehenga whereas Gautam wore a cream sherwani:

Image courtesy Jansatta

Image courtesy Filmibeat

Main image courtesy Hindustan Times

The post Celeb Weddings- Gautam Rode and Pankhuri Awasthy Wedding Pics! appeared first on India's Wedding Blog.

Imagine a prewedding shoot with your BFFs! That is the latest trend and today we have received one such gorgeous gorgeous ‘bridesmaid prewedding photo shoot’ from a bunch of melodramatic, fun loving girls! These gal pals have been friends since childhood and they share a special, close bond with one another. As each one was getting married one after the other, they decided to capture their memories in a stylized concept bridesmaid shoot with a blue theme. And boy, are these bridal entourage pics taking our breaths away! Brilliantly captured and conceptualized by ace photographer Abdeali Roshan of BX Studio.

When the bride’s fiance refused to have a pre-wedding shoot, she decided to have one with her ‘sisters’ instead!! What a great idea that was, we must say!

These girls sure know how to pose! Love the stylish props, don’t you?

It is clear the girls are expert selfie takers! Look at those pouts and naughty expressions!

The lovely floral headbands sure make a style statement, don’t they?

Love the colourful backdrop!

Girls gotta have great shoes!

Chalkboard props are the best!

We think every bride to be should have a stylish shoot like this one with her Besties! What do you think? For top wedding and prewedding photographers, check out our supplier section here.

The post Beautiful Bridesmaid Shoot With A Blue Theme! appeared first on India's Wedding Blog.

We’ve all been there at some point or the other on the journey of losing weight. You first decided that you wanted to lose weight and look good for the wedding and you started dieting and working out. The weight started coming off slowly and you lost the first 5 kilos quite easily. You then felt motivated enough to keep going at your usual workout routine, till you understood that the weight just wasn’t budging anymore. No matter how much you huffed and puffed at the gym and ate just salads for dinner, the love handles on your body simply refused to go away. So, what happened?

It’s quite normal really and you shouldn’t blame your body for this. Considering that your body wasn’t used to working out in the first place, your initial efforts paid off. But once your body got used to the workout and diet, you weren’t burning as many calories as before. That’s what’s called hitting a weight loss plateau. But here’s the good news, you can break it easily and reach your weight loss goal before you shine on your wedding day. Here are our top 7 tips:

Mix It Up

Image courtesy Capturing Creatures

You’ll find that slugging away at the gym for months at a stretch becomes boring and the key to working out different parts of your body evenly is to mix up different workout routines. Try workouts that use dance as a base like Zumba or Bollywood beats along with gym sessions. A new workout each day of the week will keep you motivated to lose more.

Watch the Calories

Image courtesy Radha Photos

Just because you’re working out, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t keep an eye open for your calorie intake. Watching calories is one of the best ways to break the weight loss plateau. You’ll find plenty of great recipes online that give your body adequate nutrition without increasing your fat reserves.

Meal Times Matter

Image courtesy Nivedita Ghosh Photography

Breaking up three square meals into 5 or 6 mini meals ensures that your body always has enough energy and fuel to get you through the day. You wont feel hangry and best of all, you won’t feel the need to reach out for something sweet for that sugar rush either.

Get Sleep

Image courtesy Clicks Unlimited Photography

Your body produces a hormone called cortisol which is a stress hormone. Its this hormone that makes losing weight such an uphill task/ In order to break the weight loss plateau successfully, you need to give your body the rest and slumber it deserves.

Protein Rocks

There’s a popular myth that protein consumption should be higher among people who consume meat. In fact, if you’re working out and you want to stay fuller for longer, then protein is a must in your diet. It takes longer to digest and ensures that your muscles stay strong too.

Drink Up

Image courtesy Confetti Films

Say a loud no to fizzy drinks and any sugary liquids and yes to clean hydrating water. Water helps boost your metabolism, helps you lose weight and keeps your skin looking good. Don’t forget to sip water every now and then when working out too.

Build Muscle

Image courtesy Chocolate Box Photography

If you’re serious about breaking the weight loss plateau, then you need to get comfortable with weights. They help give your muscles more definition and the right strength training program will help you burn fat faster and make you fitter.

Main Image courtesy Clicks Unlimited Photography

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Women often spend months organising, planning and thinking through every detail of their wedding to make sure it flows as smoothly as possible from start to finish. What often goes unplanned for, are small incidents that can pop up during the getting ready process. But, with the right checklist in mind, you can plan for the unexpected and get ready to take on your big day with confidence.

1. Collect the necessities

Finding a bridal tote bag is perfect for storing all of your wedding-day essentials and keeping them in one, easy-to-access spot, so you’re not running around looking for items that you need.

Image: Wedding Wings

2. Carry those wardrobe maintenance items

We all know how important the wedding lehenga/sari is for Indian brides. Make sure your lehenga/sari is beautiful as you walk down the aisle by keeping a needle and thread on hand in case there are any loose strands or jewels. You might also want a protective bag to keep it in until you’re ready to wear it. Find the proper support and coverage for your gown or wedding day outfit by keeping a skin-toned strapless bra in your bag to hold your outfit in place throughout the day. Safety pins are also important on the day.

Image Abhay Sawant Photography

3. Keep makeup items handy

Many Indian brides strive to wear red at their wedding, as it is a symbolic color. Red lipstick is a beautiful option for bringing the pop of color to your bridal look. Makeup remover and cotton swabs are essential for cleaning up any smudges or streaks, especially with waterproof products.

4. Give a thought to meds etc.

Nervousness or excitement can physically affect your body, leaving a bride experiencing heartburn, an upset stomach or light-headedness. A bridal kit should include a small snack, a bottle of water, some mints, antacids and Tylenol or Aspirin to ease the stomach or soothe a headache.

5. Don’t forget those extra touches

Image: Nivedita Ghosh

Every bride is different, so you might think of your own special items that you’d like to have in your bridal kit. Maybe it’s some extra pieces of jewellery, in case you want an additional touch of sparkle to your look, or maybe it’s small thank-you gifts for individuals that go out of their way to help make your day special. No matter what it is, think ahead and don’t stress about the small stuff, but be thankful for how everything comes together to create the perfect wedding day.

For a complete list of bridal emergency kit items to stay more organised, check out our article here.

Main image: PhotoAlchemy

The post Top Tips To Help you Stay More Organised On Your Wedding Day appeared first on India's Wedding Blog.

Newlyweds Gehna Kaushal and Mohit Sharma had a dreamy prewedding shoot in Sydney Australia. Fondly known as MOGHE by friends, the couple tied the knot in October last year. (Isn’t it sweet that Mohit wanted to get married in his fiance’s birth month?). We hope you enjoy ‘Moghe’s’ wedding and prewedding pics which are packed with tons of inspirational details!

Bride and Groom

 

   

 Kaliren

Bridal entrance

Theme/Colours

     

Mehendi

Unique thing about Gehna’s Mehendi: she had her husband-to-be’s name ‘tattooed’ on her hand!

Lehengas

Gehna is a huge fan of Lehengas and traditional Indian bridal wear. So she decided on wearing them for three of her ceremonies: wedding, ring ceremony and mehendi. We think Gehna has excellent taste in clothing!

 Wedding cake

The wedding cake was designed with hearts in red, white and black. It had the words “She said Yes!, as he asked!” as an ode to their romantic proposal!

Gehna’s advice for other brides to be

“In Indian/Punjabi weddings, brides are forbidden from wearing black or white for nearly a year after the wedding ceremony. Since white, off-white and black are my favourite colours, I chose to make the most of my prewedding shoot by wearing dresses in these shades. Do try and use such out-of-the-box thinking-this way, you do not have to compromise on anything. Make the most of each and every moment of this phase-it never comes back!”

We wish MoGhe a very happy married life!

You too can submit your wedding or pre-wedding pics for publication on our blog. Simply drop in a line to dipa@weddingsonline.in and we will get back with details!

The post Dreamy Australian Beach Prewedding Shoot Followed by A Big Fat Punjabi Wedding! appeared first on India's Wedding Blog.

Weddings can be the most enjoyable event if you belong to an Indian family. Each ceremony brings many relatives under one roof; so the event is not only important for the bride, groom, their siblings and parents but also for all uncles and aunties (chacha, mama, dadi etc) in the family. On one hand, Indian weddings are truly enjoyable but on the other, they tend to also bring a few problems. It is important to cope with these typical problems efficiently to “save” one’s big day. Let us discuss some common issues faced during big fat Indian weddings along with their solutions.

1. Lengthy guest list

Image: Pixelena Studio

Indian families usually want to invite everyone they know. It is a common problem in this society. Despite creating a wedding budget, the host is not able to stick to it on account of the elaborate guest list. Often, the invitees also bring their own relatives and friends for the events. It obviously gets very difficult to cut down the guest list once relatives demand that they be allowed to bring their own families/friends.

Solution

It is very important to invite guests according to the venue capacity and budget. Here is a simple solution: tell your relatives in advance or immediately after finalizing the wedding date that the plan is to invite only close family members since it is going to be an intimate family function. By doing so, relatives won’t get the opportunity to invite their own plus ones.

2. Not setting a proper wedding budget

Many families define a budget for the wedding but often times, they don’t follow it strictly. This may result in trouble. For example, if you reserve 20% of the total budget on venue decoration and then increase it to 30% just to decorate the venue with expensive LED lights or exotic blooms, then other important things like jewelry, dresses and venue charges could take a backseat. In the end, you may have to compromise on less or arrange for more funds.

Image via Cineyug Celebrations courtesy Cupcake Productions

Solution

Stick to your budget no matter what.  Remember that it is better to look for quality but avoid extravagance at the same time. While estimating your budget keep the latest rates in mind to avoid surprise bills.

3. Annoyed relatives

It can be quite embarrassing to discuss this issue-but it is a major Indian wedding problem. If you are not having any annoyed relatives then you can consider yourself very lucky. During weddings, most of us try to satisfy our close relatives with whom we have had tiffs in the past. We often have to go out of our way to ensure their comfort. Despite doing everything, some relatives are simply too difficult to please.

Solution

You cannot please everyone. Do invite your annoyed relatives open-heartedly, regardless of whatever has happened in the past. It might help to involve senior family members to resolve these clashes. Chances are that everything will be fine and the happy occasion will help you patch things up. But if they stay annoyed and angry, then perhaps it is best to just ignore them and enjoy the ceremony. After all, you’ve done your duty of inviting them.

4. Relatives giving advice unnecessarily

Image: Kaustubh’SPhotographY

This happens when several family members come together before the wedding day; they start advising and sharing their personal experiences with the bride/ groom. Some might have had bad experiences and such advice can end up confusing the bride/groom especially if they are having an arranged marriage. While it could be a good thing to share certain things, time and situation do matter a lot.

Solution

Let the bride/ groom enjoy their pre-wedding events. While it is the responsibility of elders to advise them, one should do so in a positive way. Bride/ groom to be: if someone shares their negative experiences, just ignore them. Stay positive. Not everyone will have the same set of experiences in life.

5. Noisy kids

This is a common issue in Indian weddings. People often bring their young children who tend to create a lot of noise. Obviously, we cannot say no to bringing kids. But the disturbance can be annoying to the wedding management team and the hosts during the rituals.

Image: PhotoAlchemy

Solution

If possible designate a small play area near the banquet hall where the ceremony is taking place. Assign a responsible relative to keep an eye on them. Many hotels provide this facility. If it’s not possible, ask the ushers to seat people with children at the back. This way, if any child creates a ruckus, the parents can easily slip out. Also designate rooms where young ones can nap.

6. Food wastage

In Indian weddings with buffet style meals, people often fill up their plates with excess food and not eat it all. This leads to a lot of wastage.

Solution:

It is best to go for served, seated meals. This way, waiters can serve as much as is needed. Request the caterers to donate left over foods to orphanages and soup kitchens etc.

The above problems are discussed according to typical Indian weddings; these are not personally targeted to any group of people. Hope the solutions will help you in managing your wedding efficiently. 

Author Bio

This guest post was written by Hassan Khan Yousafzai. Hassan is passionate about Digital marketing and has an educational background in Software Engineering. Along with that, he is also known to bridge the gap between marketing and development department at Techvando. Hassan has advised numerous brands to help them gain online traffic and profitable leads.

The post Top 6 Indian Wedding Problems and Solutions appeared first on India's Wedding Blog.

There’s a new kind of groom that can be spotted enjoying himself at his own wedding, these days. This groom is as involved as the bride when it comes to wedding planning and is a fresh take on the traditional groom we’ve been seeing for years. Of course, that doesn’t mean that the offbeat groom turns his back on tradition- on the other hand, he does respect them. But let’s say that he isn’t afraid to show his hatke side every now and then.

So, how do you spot an offbeat groom? Well, we came across a few interesting trends:

Is Involved in Wedding Planning

Image courtesy Neha Brackstone Photography

We’ve heard of umpteen stories where planning a wedding and all the preceding functions are preferably a bride to be’s job and not that of the groom’s. So, we’re saying a big hello to all those offbeat grooms who want to be as involved in the wedding planning as his bride to be. Yes, they aren’t shying away from talking about the kind of wedding spread they would like, the sort of music they want to be dance to or even talk about wedding décor. After all, it’s his wedding too!

Changes His Surname

Image courtesy Capturing Creatures

Yes, he actually doesn’t think twice about changing his surname to that of his wife’s and not asking his wife to forego hers for his. Surf the net and you’ll find plenty of instances where offbeat grooms in Europe and America have thought nothing of changing their surnames while their wives kept theirs. In India, so far to be fair, this isn’t trending as such but it’s so nice to know that grooms are willing to put a twist on what’s always been a time bound traditional Indian custom. Feminists would cheer and so do we!

Has a Flair For Colour

Image courtesy Pinterest

There’s something about traditional Indian wedding palettes that can sometimes be quite unappetising. If you’re a bride to be who has never liked red, you may find that bright vermillion red is exactly the shade that you end up wearing on your wedding day, simply because red is supposed to be auspicious. Offbeat grooms of course are more than happy to say no to traditional beige and pastel coloured sherwanis and instead embrace a range of other colours. We’re talking pale pink, emerald green, floral prints and contemporary colour combinations. With noted designers like Anita Dongre and Sabyasachi being more than happy to welcome the offbeat groom, we don’t see this trend dying anytime soon.

Uses Interesting Cuts

Image courtesy Benzer World

So, we’re quite tired of seeing the same old men’s kurtas and sherwani styles doing the rounds. Not surprising then, that just as bridal trends are getting a much needed makeover, designers are putting their creative juices to the test by adding plenty of drama to grooms wear too. What have you then? Open printed colourful vests paired with a pastel kurta, pleated embroidered shawls attached to the kurta, eye-catching silhouette cuts and kurtas with cowls and pleats. We think that offbeat grooms aren’t shy to show that they too can rock a new look with perfect élan!

Takes His Fiancée Shopping

Image courtesy Rich Digital Colour Lab

Will the hunt for the perfect wedding gown or bridal lehenga just never end? Well, we think it’s really sweet of offbeat grooms to think nothing of taking their ladies shopping. Unofficially, we know that one of the topmost concerns that any bride to be has about what she eventually wears on the wedding day is whether the groom to be will find her pretty in it or not. Well, we think that if he is willing to wait patiently with you as you talk about your dream wedding ensemble, then he’s a groom for keeps!

Main image courtesy Shine Studio

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The choice for the perfect bridal dress keeps getting harder and harder with every passing day as trends keep on fluctuating and styles keep on varying. What you had your mind set upon in 2016, might no longer be your desire  in 2017. And now we’re in 2018, which means newer styles and more ideas to select from. Translating to a lot more of stress! We know exactly what you feel! And to make life easier, we have come up with latest wedding dress trends inspired by Indian fashion designers and Indian bridal couture week. So, scroll down and relish upon the finest of  weding dress ideas so you can easily find your pick for your big day!

Layer, Layer and Some More Layers

You can never go wrong with layering. In the past, women used to add more layers to add volume to their lehengas, but now volume is just one reason to add more cancans. One can customize the layering idea by varying the length or  the cloth of different drapes. The layered bridal silhouette can help fulfill your dream of a fairy-tale wedding with an exquisite trousseau that is unforgettable.

Belts and Sass

Sassy is the new legacy- inherit and embellish it in your wedding dress!  Go in for bold overstated belts with your designer lehengas and sarees. If you want to make a style statement and stand apart from the crowd, then belts are the way to go. Keep it simple and classy or exaggerated and fancy, belts work either ways and help you in making an everlasting impression and steal the desired appeal.

Image via Pinterest credit Zarah Clothing

Princess Trail

The princess trail has become seemingly popular nowadays because of its luxurious and royal appeal. Moreover, long trails allow the bride an ethereal entry for which you don’t need to put in extra effort. All you have to do is let the length flow and that is enough to cast magic and drown the onlookers in awe.

Image: Namzish Label

Floral Prints

Wearing a floral wedding dress definitely sets you apart and allows you to maintain an aura you have dreamed of. Floral prints, no matter how risky, if utilized creatively, can make a great visual impact. Moreover, this style involves no embroidery and heavy stonework, which allows you to breathe and walk freely – sounds great!

French Curve by Anjali Sharma

Ruffles are Fun

Nope, ruffles aren’t just for skirts or shirts. And if you love fashion as much as we do, then ruffles may be just the thing you are looking for. Ruffles bring combine old school drama with modern flair. All you have to do is find the right space for them and you are good to go.

Image: Yoshita-Burano

Mashups

Can’t choose between a saree or a lehenga? Then put them together and make yourself a sari gown or a lehenga sari that will have everyone complimenting you for your fashion sense and choice. The best thing about this mashup trend is that you can explore, experiment and try as many combos as you like: you can’t go wrong. Mashups will definitely help you discover and uncover your personal style!

Image: Glance Stores

Neons and pastels

Reds and pinks are passe; now is the time for mystifying pastels and bewitching neons. The vibrant shades these two have got to offer are simply enthralling and forever unparalleled. It’s time to change for the better, so why not start here? Play with colors this wedding season and get ready for a lot of compliments.

Capes

Who said capes were only for superheroes? This season capes are here for Indian brides to help them enter their wedding mandap in style. Modern brides are embracing  this new trend which has become the latest craze of the fashion industry.

Nachiket Barve at 2017 Lakme Fashion Week

Shimmer and Sparkle

Shimmer is always a winner and when it comes to wedding dresses; you certainly want to shine, don’t you? Forget subtle and simple and open your arms wide for the captivating glitter. There is so much scope here-go for choli with shimmer and plain ghagra or go all out with heavily embroidered lehenga choli from top to toe.

Image: Frugal2Fab

The Classic Cut

Look like a million dollar bride with the classic cut. Most brides are familiar with this trend; the extra flare does not require one to diet or exercise. The flared outfit covers everything and suits most body shapes.

Sabyasachi

Author Bio:

This article was contributed by  Heeral Thakkar-a fashion designer who commenced with her vision of inspiring the world with her fabulous and stylish clothing line through The Sari Palace. Heeral is a pioneer in  fusion Indian clothing and tradition in California. Presently, people from all over the country are interested in shopping from this first ever Indian bridal boutique. With experience in handwoven and unique fashion trends, Heeral is renowned as a talented fashion designer in the country.

Main image: Namzish Label

The post 2018 Wedding Dress Trends For Brides appeared first on India's Wedding Blog.

Now that the wedding is over, you’re left with a million keepsakes from it and you’re unsure about how best to preserve them, as the only other option left would be to throw them all away. The best news is that you don’t have to throw away any of your stuff. You can recycle all your wedding items and give it a new lease of life instead. Here are 5 ideas on how to recycle your wedding day stuff:

Transform your Lehenga

Image courtesy Octopus Film

So, everybody who mattered saw you in your wedding lehenga and now you simply cannot be seen in it again. How about altering the style and making it an entirely new fashion statement instead? Get the sleeves and collar of the choli altered and ask your designer to add new embellishments to the lehenga. Or you could choose a complementing shade in the same fabric and get that stitched to your liking. Wedding gowns can be altered and made into party dresses and gowns as well. By altering the sleeves, you can change the look entirely.

Save the Blossoms

Image courtesy Shine Studio

You loved all the wedding bouquets but since fresh flowers were used, you can’t hold on to them forever. No problem really. Take home the blooms you like best and dry them properly. Once they are properly dried with zero moisture residue, you can use them in many ways. For example, you could make a DIY flower wreath which can be hung up in your bedroom, use the dried flowers as pot pourri in the bathroom, use the leaves individually in photo albums or even use them as bookmarks.

Gift Centrepieces

Image courtesy Memory Crafters

If you have an exact count of the number of centrepieces that you ordered for each guest table, then it makes recycling them that much easier. We suggest gifting a centrepiece or a candle stand to your bridesmaids and close friends because not only will it be a beautiful keepsake of your wedding but it will make their home look nice too. Even table runners can be turned into pillows, smaller table mats or other even cloths for lining in shelves.

Reuse Guest Table Décor Items

Image courtesy Pixelena Studio

Assuming you used name cards to help guests find their seats at the tables, you could actually reuse these cards for the next party that you plan. Don’t throw away the paper napkins or the plastic cutlery if there are any because they come in very handy for picnics and the like. We suggest bringing out embroidered napkins for special occasions with friend and family. They will last you for years.

Donate the Food

Image courtesy Go Candid Studios

There’s always plenty of leftover food from the wedding party and nobody really knows what to do with it. However, if you plan well in advance, you can actually donate this food to a charity home or an orphanage by ensuring that your caterer has arranged for takeaway containers or Styrofoam cutlery. Recycling wedding food is a great way to share your happiness with less fortunate members of society.

Main image courtesy Clicksunlimited Photography

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A wedding ceremony is a special occasion and not having a much loved family member by your side as you say your vows will undoubtedly hurt. But here’s the thing- even if your loved one isn’t by your side to cheer for you as you walk down the aisle, there are still so many ways in which you can pay tribute to their memory on your wedding day.

Remembering the loss of a loved one is a very personal thing and everybody has a different idea on how to deal with such a deep loss. Some couples may prefer to keep it private whereas others may prefer to show how much their presence is missed in a more open manner. Here are 8 ways in which you can pay tribute to a family member or a loved one:

1. Use a Heirloom

Image courtesy Neha Brackstone Photography

If you have lost a family member, you can pay tribute by wearing something that belonged to that person. It could be a brooch, a piece of jewellery, even a hairpin or a small keepsake.

2. Use Their Gift

Image courtesy Clicksunlimited Photography

Assuming that you were gifted something small by the lost family member, you can use the occasion of your wedding ceremony to bring out their gift. A good example is a pair of glasses or any gifted pieces of jewellery.

3. Keep a Vacant Chair

Image courtesy Huffington Post

Since all your guests will be seated, why not keep a vacant chair to honour the memory of the family member with a single flower or even a framed photo on it? It will make you feel like the person is very much there.

4. Light a Lantern

Image courtesy Momstalgic

Have a lit lantern on the table where the newlywed couple are sitting in remembrance of the departed soul.

5. Keep a Moment of Silence

Image courtesy Memory Crafters

A good way to show that the family member is remembered before the ceremony begins is to have a moment of silence so that respects can be paid accordingly.

6. Wear their favourite Flowers

Image courtesy Memory Crafters

A sweet way to pay tribute to the loss of a loved one is to ensure that your bridal bouquet has their favourite blooms. Or get the stage decorated with the flowers they loved when they were around.

7. Keep Framed Photos

Image courtesy Dustin Hall Photography

If there is more than one family member you may have lost (yes, from the groom to be’s side as well), then have a separate photo table at the entrance so that their memory lives on.

8. Give a Small Speech

Image courtesy Photo Alchemy

It’s customary for a short speech to be made after the wedding ceremony is over. A nice subtle touch would be to include the name of the deceased family member and to say a few words about them before the rest of the programme begins. You could also include a special mention of the elders in the audience who may have travelled from far to be with you on your special day.

Main Image courtesy Photo Alchemy

The post 8 Ways To Pay Tribute To Lost Loved Ones On The Wedding Day appeared first on India's Wedding Blog.

The wedding season is on in full bloom and as always, there are new décor trends doing the rounds. So, if you’re wondering what the new spring-summer wedding decor trends are this season, then don’t worry because we’ve got the top 5 ones picked out and detailed for you. Whether you like a trend that’s over the top and shimmery or a simple one, there’s the perfect spring wedding décor trend for all brides:

Rustic Look

Image courtesy Pinterest

Believe it or not but one of the spring wedding décor themes that is really catching on is the simple rustic look of village life. In fact, one of the biggest highlights of this trend is that since earthy tones are used for the setting, it allows ample use of bright colours everywhere else. For example, the bridegroom and the bride can wear brighter attire instead of opting for pastel and other elements such as flowers and props can be colourful too. The options for Indian cuisine are endless in a rustic theme.

Symbols of the couple’s story

Couples want to tell their story! And what better way than to do it with decor? Ask your wedding planner to add special elements that have a deeply romantic significance for you. Check out how this couple added the Eiffel Tower in their decor along with colourful flowers.

All That Glitters is Gold

Image courtesy TB Dress

We Indians are quite open about our never ending love affair with gold and strangely, gold as such has never actually featured at weddings or in wedding décor. Perhaps wedding experts felt that the shade as such could be quite jarring when used in a wedding setting but we think that this shade is perfect for a season that has plenty to celebrate about. No, everything doesn’t need to be shimmery and glittery (unless you want to) but mutes gold tones in drapery and mini decorations look gorgeous when paired with shades ranging from black to baby pink.

Flowery Chandeliers

Image courtesy Confetti Films

Think of it as one of those awesome spring wedding decor trends that isn’t going anywhere soon because flower chandeliers which became a runaway hit in 2016 are still going strong. In fact, this trend has gone a step further with wedding planners actually suspending posies and mini chandeliers from the ceiling over guest tables. This gives the impression that the flowers are actually floating in mid-air. Perfect for a wedding which has a fairytale, garden or wizard theme to it!

Personal Touch

Image courtesy Ebay

Sure, a wedding planner may be the brains and talent behind the wedding event but that doesn’t mean that the newly wedded couple can’t add their own personal touch to their special day. So what have you? Chalkboards signages are still trending and so is displaying info about the couple themselves which the guests may not even know about. Daring couples may even write love poems to each other and display them on pin boards for their guests to read.

Image courtesy Shine Studio

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