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!

A Splash of Color!

Spring is here, and it's my inspiration for today's blog entry about colors. While weddings tradionally vibrate rich hues of reds, oranges and greens, receptions give you the opportunity to explore the rest of the color wheel. Here are two basic steps to picking your perfect colors:

1) Start with the colors that are the most important to you and your fiance. Are you trying to incorporate two different religions or backgrounds? Did you attend the same undergraduate institution and want to incorporate your Alma Mater colors?

2) Once you have an initial idea of the color that is the most important to you, you can choose your second color in a few ways. Here are two basic theories for harmonizing colors using the color wheel: (displayed above courtesy of www.realcolorwheel.com).

• Complementary Colors: To choose a complimentary color, first find your initial color on the color wheel and then choose the color directly across from it. Colors that are directly across from each other on the color wheel are the most contrasting and therefore complement each other. For example, a deep violet with a lime green looks fantastic.
  
• Analogous Colors: The concept here is to choose colors that are right next to each other on the color wheel. So for example, you could have a navy blue with a lighter blue or a darker green with a lighter green.
  

I recommend picking up paint strips from your local paint shop and flipping through bridal magazines for some color inspiration.

Till next time, happy color-ing!

Budget Friendly

With the economy at a downturn, I have received several requests to post ideas for planning a budget friend South Asian wedding. It is easy to get carried away with the conventional, but it only takes some creativity and exploration to cut costs without significantly sacrificing quality. Before beginning the planning process, you should sit down with your fiance and your respective families to compile a list of items that are really important for you to have at your event. With this list in hand, it will be easier to find areas where you can afford to cut back.

Here are a few ideas that will help you save:

1) Wedding Date: Peak wedding season is between April and September. If you pick a date between November and March, not only will more resources be available, but they will cost you atleast 20% less. Additionally, more venues will be available and you will receive more personal attention from vendors.

2) Centerpieces: Many brides default into purchasing centerpieces from their decorators. These centerpieces usually range from $80 to $100/piece. This can be a significant cost considering you may havae 30 to 40 tables. By being a little creative, you can supply your own centerpieces that cost considerably less. Try to think outside the box and visit discount stores or order in bulk from India. Remember, you don't have to have extravagant flower arrangements to project elegance.

3) Lighting: If your budget does not have room for wall to wall LED lighting, limit the lighting to either the reception stage or to the entire wall. LED lights are usually charged per piece plus technician cost, so this can save you a considerable sum. Your guests will be awe struck as their attention is drawn to center stage when they enter.

4) Flowers: Ask your florist/decorator to reuse the flowers from the wedding at the reception. In a different light and ambiance, the flowers will hardly look the same. You can also request for any extra flower petals and tea lights to be used to decorate the cocktail tables. You will be adding a touch of elegance at no extra cost.

5) Limit alcohol consumption: Alcohol can take up a considerable portion of your budget. You can cut costs by limiting the amount of alcohol you offer your guests. Etiquette does not require that you provide alcohol on the night of the Sangeet/Garba. In retrospect, alcohol and raas sticks are a pretty dangerous combination! Instead of alcohol, you can opt for a cheaper alternative such as a Lassi bar. For the cocktail hour, you can limit alcohol to a signature drink and select wines and beers.

6) Cake: We love how magnificent four tier cakes look, but we hate that they cost so much! To cut the per slice cost, ask your bakery for only one or two real tiers (depending on whether you want to save the first tier for your first anniversary). Most bakeries will give you the option of installing as many fake tiers as you choose for a minimum per tier charge. This can easily save you a few hundred dollars and still give you the magnificence you are looking for.

7) Linens: I am a big fan of quality linens. However, if a full linen ensemble is not in your budget, you can get away with just chair covers and chair sashes. Simply use the white/beige table linen provided by your venue, and rent the chair covers. To complete the look, select a chair sash/bow to match the main color on your centerpiece (which should ideally match your lighting color). Chair covers give the ballroom a richer feel, and the dash of color will bring vibrancy. If you don't like chair covers, you can rent chivari chairs. However, keep in mind that though they look opulent, they are significantly more expensive.

These are only a few cost saving alternatives. With a little creativity and research, you'll be able to unearth several more ideas that will help you plan your dream wedding...within budget!

South Asian Wedding Vendors Part III

Here's my final installment of the basic vendor list. You'll be well on your way to a memorable wedding day once you research and book these 12 basic vendors.

10) Sangeet/Garba Entertainment: If you are having an event the night before the wedding, consider having a different form of entertainment than what you'll have at your reception. For example, if there will be a DJ at the reception, then have a live band the night before. This way, you'll be giving your guests something new to rave about each night!

11) Linens: Don't skimp on the linens at your reception. Not only will your guests be spending most of their time at the table, but tables usually take up a majority of the ballroom and therefore have the largest visual impact. The colors and textures you choose for your overlays, underlays, napkins, and chair covers will vibrate throughout the room and set the tone for the evening.

12) Photographer/Videographer: Each photographer and videographer has a different style. Be sure to visit several photographers and browse their various ambums. If you like the work of a particular photographer at a studio, make sure to request him/her to cover your event. Keep in mind that most photographers offer a complimentary engagement shoot a month or so before the wedding.