Candy!

I wonder why some brides even bother with wedding favors. Etiquette does not require couples to distribute favors- especially tacky and tasteless ones. So, if you're thinking of gifting 2x2 plastic frames... do yourself (and your guests) a favor and just scrap the idea right now. Wouldn't you rather invest the extra $30 per table on linen, runners, or better lighting? Couples often become so obsessed with the idea of favors that they forget that guests should actually like what they get. Like. Honestly, most times, the $3 monogrammed knick-knacks I receive end up in the trash or in a drawer full of items I will one day throw in the trash. Monograms are cute- I get that. But, as a guest, do I really want luggage tags with someone else's initials?

My suggestion to you, Miss Bride-to-Be is to be a bit more creative. One of my favorite favor ideas is the candy buffet. Candy buffets serve four purposes- providing additional decor, creating an activity for guests, serving as guest table decoration, and being favors. You really can't go wrong! Afterall, who doesn't like candy?

A few things you should consider before hitting your local candy store:

1. Your color scheme: Lucky for us, candies come in all colors and shapes
2. Jar Size: Pick jars with different heights and shapes to create depth
   
3. Candy bags: Pick an appropriate size that helps you stay within your budget. The bigger the bag- the more candy it will hold. Place one candy bag at each place setting to limit the number of bags your guests fill.
4. Type of Candy: Some candy is more expensive than others. Pick wisely and appropriately.
   

If you don't like this idea and really can't think of anything else, but really want to waste money on favors.... look for $3 monogrammed trash bins. I could use one of those.

Bollywood Wedding....Well, Sortof

If you watch as many Bollywood movies as I do, you've surely heard of Rakhi Sawant. The outspoken dancer recently starred in an Indian TV rip off of "The Bachelorette"with the goal of getting hitched on the last episode. Though Rakhi finally succumbed to pre-marital jitters and ended the show with an anti-climactic engagement, the show was worth watching just for Rakhi's designer bridal ensemble. Neeta Lulla, national award winning clothing designer, teamed up with the sensational jewelry designer, Farah Ali Khan to create two stunning outfits.

For her wedding (which never actually took place), Rakhi dazzled in a pent-colored, Rajasthani-inspired lengha. The close to $70,000 kundan choker matched a traditional Rajasthani nose ring and a very, very ornate Kundan headpiece. I actually wonder how many pounds that thing weighed! Considering that Rakhi's head was down most of the time (doubtfully out of coyness), I'm guessing the weight was pretty significant. But seriously, kudos to Rakhi for carrying it all so gracefully!

Rakhi's Sangeet outfit was a gorgeous blue, fish cut lengha. The conservative (yet so feminine) outfit was adorned with some intricate silver and Swarovski work. As if the lengha wasn't breathtaking enough, the bride-to-be wore a sparkling diamond necklace that matched the single studded diamond bracelets adorned on both mehndi clad wrists. Can we say 'wow'?

I confess, I have my doubts about the wedding actually taking place at the end of the scheduled six months. But seriously, who cares? The show was worth it just to catch a glimpse of some serious designer bridal fashion.

Sitting on Hay

I recently came across an article in Modern Bride about some fantastic and inventive alternatives to ceremony seating. One couple threw a farmland themed wedding and used bales of hay instead of the typical rows of chairs. Talk about sticking to a theme!

Once I started thinking of all the different ways I could play to this idea, there really was no stopping... wooden benches with colorful pillows, over sized ottomans, fake tree stumps... Be mindful that these very modern alternatives may end up costing you more than renting chivari chairs. But if you can afford them, the 'wow' factor might just be worth it.

In True Broadway Style

I came across a dramatically Broadway reception venue quite recently- the Hudson Theater at Millennium Broadway Hotel. If you are a New Yorker, you have undoubtedly heard of it. If you're a South Asian bride in New York,you probably haven't even considered it for your wedding festivities. The rather theatrical venue happens to be more popular amongst Jewish couples in New York.

Gregory Materdomini, catering representative at Millennium, wonders why South Asian couples don't come knocking on his door more often. I now wonder the same. If anything, it's discerningly obvious why the 300 guest capacity venue with a full stage, Tiffany glass mosaics and a Queen's Box would be an amazing Sangeet venue. Brides are always looking for 'something different.' Well ladies, this is different and pretty darn cool. Okay- so probably not ideal if you want a full-on Raas/Garba party. However, it is amazing if you are looking to host a slightly more formal, family musical production. Parking isn't all that bad either. Gregory says it is easy to negotiate a deal with the self parking lot across the street.

I would toil over the pros and cons a bit longer before considering Millennium for a wedding or reception. The stage does serve as a dance floor and the Queen's Box is perfect for a cake cutting ceremony. However, the space doesn't have that open/expansive feel that South Asian brides typically prefer in venues. The hotel does have a much larger hall upstairs, but it isn't worth a second (or first) look. The 'L' shaped room has over a dozen pillars, creating an atmosphere that is not so conducive to mingling.

Check out the hotel next time you are on Broadway. You may end up using it to host the most special production of your life!