Take a cue from the shopping guide below and kick off a great wedding in style.
So much to be done. So much to be felt. So much to be exchanged. So much to be left behind. Shopping for one's wedding entails long, never-ending lists of things to buy, things to do, things to organise and so on. What's more, all of it should be done wisely. Since there is so much to be done, it is always advisable to start early and within one's budget. That's the only way you are getting the dream wedding you've always wanted!
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION
Wedding Venues
So, everyone has it at a five-star hotel or some great open lawn. But not you! Think out of the box. Never decide the venue in a hurry or as per tradition. The seaside is a very popular idea these days. A beautiful setting by the sea; as you walk up to the man you will marry, the setting sun pulls out the joyous colours and reflects them off your face. On a ship or a yacht would be great too if it is to be a small and motley gathering of people. Aboard an aircraft or underwater is not unheard of either. In an Irish castle or a palace in Rajasthan, atop a hill or in an oasis; venues are aplenty to choose from. Always book in advance as venues are shopped for right in the beginning of the planning stage.
SHEER CUPIDITY
Wedding Dress
This is the biggest challenge. Along with shopping for the big day comes shopping for your trousseau. A white gown if the wedding is a Christian one and a de-rigueur zardosi-ed lehenga if it is a traditional Indian wedding. Passe is what that would be! Instead of a traditional white gown, try off-white, cream or ivory and instead of the done-to-death red, try green, pink, purple, burgundy or wine. Try a new fabric; say satin or even denim for a wedding lehenga with an overworked choli. When shopping for the dress, keep in mind the type of wedding you are having, your personality, your budget and most of all, the ensemble must be functional long after your wedding day is over. That is what makes it worth its while and money.
THE GILTED ' I DO'
Wedding Jewelry
This is going to last you forever and will prove as great an asset as the man you are marrying, if not a greater one during tough times. It's the most expensive as well as the most exquisite gift one receives during their wedding. Typically, one has the wedding ring, wedding band, wedding cake, jewelry, wedding hair jewelry etc. that adorn this celebratory union. While gold is the norm, why not shop for precious uncut stones set in platinum, diamonds embedded with beautiful pearls or gold mixed with platinum or silver would make stunning jewelry for one's wedding. Shop in time for jewelry and make sure you buy from a certified jeweller.
HERE COMES THE BRIDE
Wedding make-up
This is one that stays in the album for posterity. The hair and makeup on this day needs to be memorable and befitting of a princess. For a daytime wedding, go with rosy cheeks and plumped, glossy lips with minimal eye makeup. An up do would be stunning with flowers or one single, full blossom flower or bejeweled clips/pins to hold the hair in place. For a nighttime look, heavy eyes with a two-tone eye shadow and a double lash mascara will set all hearts aflutter. Keep the lips light, nude or pink and cheeks highlighted in bronze or gold to show off that chiseled cheekbone. Makeup and hair is best done by a professional who should be booked and shopped for in advance. Ensure the camera gets it right, so that the grand kids know what a beautiful bride you made and where they inherit their beauty from.
SHOP BUT DON'T DROP
Shopping for a wedding can easily take anything from six months to a year. One must have a shopping guide that sees them through the chaos that is pre-wedding. Shop in advance should be the mantra to be get the best of it all. Set a budget for everything that you need. Clothes, jewelry, accessories etc. would make one list. Another list would be venue, wedding favours, wedding invitations, flower decorations, caterer, entertainment, photography, wedding cakes, transportation and the list goes on.
When it is all done and the hurricane has swept you over, you will come out relieved albeit tired albeit happily married on the other side. And in the end, that will be all that will matter.