FWD vivah

The Bridal Issue PREMIUM LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE ISSUE 9 VOL 03 OCT 2014 - MAR 2015

` 100 www.fwdlife.in

THE 21st CENTURY BRIDE The Bridal poll has taken it’s toll, you’ll be surprised what a modern Kochi bride wants!

LOVE LEXICON The A to Z of a wedding, a few terms to put you on the right term.

THE WEDDING ‘kNOT’ All the wedding no’s we’re tied up with in weddings.

BRIDE IN ‘BHAVANA’ 2014 OCTOBER FWD VIVAH

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• Thiruvananthapuram: East Fort, 0471-2472922 | Pazhavangadi, 0471-2572117 | Pattom, 0471-2543611 • Nedumangadu: Market Junction, 0472-2803505 • Kollam: Chinnakada, 0474-2752005 • Pathanamthitta: K.P. Road, 0468-2270555 • Thiruvalla: Near KSRTC, 0469-2604060 • Kottayam: Rajiv Gandhi Complex, 0481-2303555 • Thodupuzha: 04862-226699 • Kochi: M.G. Road, 0484-2353295 | Lulu Mall, 0484-2728777 • Chavakkad: Bypass Junction, 0487-2500000 • Thrissur: Palace Road, 0487-2323971 | High Road, 0487-2420011, 2440460 • Palakkad: G.B. Road, 0491-2524500 |T.B. Road, 0491-2500101 • Coimbatore: Cross Cut Road, 0422-2482222 • Bengaluru: Jayanagar, 080-41666842 | Kasturba Road Tel: 080-45343333 Shop online: www.joscogroup.com | office@joscogroup.com | /JoscoGroup 2

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Chief Mentor Padma Shri Mammootty Corporate Office Forward Media Director Sony Joy 9th Floor Director & CEO Arun Balachandran* Bhageeratha Square Editor Abraham Tharakan Banerji Road, Cochin- 682 018 Vice President Sameer Hamsa Legal Advisor Adv. Aginov Mathappan Zonal Office Assitant Editor Atheena Wilson Forward Media 1006 -Ivory Court 1, Essel Towers, Features Writers Maria John M.G Road, Gurgaon,

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Editors

note

Let the celebration begin

I

t’s with immense pride that I present the 1st ever FWD Vivah issue, a special wedding edition which will be published twice a year. We have gone to a great extend to bring out an issue which is visually appealing and literally spellbinding. The wonderful line up we have for you includes designers Charlotte Balibier, Stephanie Allin, Amselle Abera, Vera Wang, J J Valaya, Ritu Kumar & Tarun Tahiliani. Also, two upcoming regional designers Matin Mac and Twinkle Tom. Among photographers, Dallas&Sabrina K from Canada, Camila Ferraz from Brazil, Jimmy Teo from Australia & Jeremy Standley from Spain. A wonderfully alternate wedding menu for a brunch and dinner has been laid out by the Le Meridian Executive Chef, J.P Singh. We have also created a love lexicon (tonguein-cheek) to explain the grand Indian weddings and a choice of honeymoon destinations in the perspective of classic Hollywood movie characters. Cover model Bhavana has transformed into a modern dream bride, who brings out new interpretations to the modern bridal wardrobe designed by Vinaya. We have rounded up the issue with a sneak peak of what brides really want and the lessons we learned while creating this issue.

Happy Reading

Abraham Tharakan Editor

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CONTENTS

OCTOBER / 2014

89 photography

53

“ we were framed ”

designers

“ the common thread ”

96

Travel

“ postcards for every thought ”

85

food

“ sun-kissed and starry-eyed”

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24 Runway Brides

This season, we’ve got a list of themes that sets you apart from the classics.

36 The Jewel Hunt

FWD talks with some of the top jewellery designers who share their handpicked jewellery pieces for brides

Wedding Wows

FWD had to reach for the skies to keep up with three wedding planners at Kochi. They tell us it’s not a walk down the aisle when it comes to planning a wedding!

FWD LifeTakes no responsibility for unsolicited photographs or material. All photographs, unless otherwise indicated are used for illustrative purposes only. Views and opinions expressed in the articles are of the authors subjects and do not necesserally reflect those of the editors or publishers. While the editors do their utmost to verify information published, they do not accept responcibility for its absolute accuracy. In matters which may be sub judice, FWD Media takes no legal stand. FWD Life cannot be held responsible for products, product information, pictures, illustrations etc Any information received by us through responses by users / subscribers to the short messaging services (SMS) key codes or such other subscription service of ours will be used in whole or part, in our publications (other than contact information), for our research, individual marketing, strategic client analysis and for other internal purposes and all copyrights in such information will vest with us. Your contact information shall not be sold, traded, rented or in any way divulged to any third party unless we are legally bound to do the same.

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44 The 21st Century Bride

FWD surveyed 100 women between the age group of 18-32 who come under different professional areas based in Kochi to talk about their dream wedding.

50 The Wedding ‘kNOT’

We’re quite tied up with the extravaganza of our wedding research. After all our interviews, let’s wrap it up with a few learnt lessons that’s old as gold, literally!

106 Love Lexicon

We’re mentioning a few terms that you need to catch up with instead of the wedding chaos. A few terms to put you on the right term!

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Vivah Fashion

22 ALL IN THE FAMILY 62

fashion shoot

66 suit up 98 16

HONEYMOON TRAVELS

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Vivah Health

71 Hairdo for ‘I do’ 72

In your bridal skin

76 I Do, Do I ?

Get

78 Honeymoon-ed

Vivah LIFESTYLE

96

travel

moon 98 honey fashion

102 vintage fashion 112 oye baap re

RENAULT kannur

5/3346a, Mavoor Road, Mob: 8111 88 9311

RENAULT thrissur

NH 47 Bypass, Mannuthy, Thrissur Mob: 8129 23 8888

RENAULT thiruvanathapuram

NH 47 Bypass, Muthathara, Mob: 8129 01 8888

RENAULT calicut

5/3346a, Mavoor Road, Mob: 8129 55 8888

RENAULT KOCHI

NH 47 Bypass, Kochi. Mob: 8129 24 8888 (Kalamassery), 8129 11 8888 (Vyttila)

Vivah

titbits

wedding Notes From Allover DIY wedding dress Call her thrifty, but you can’t deny that her dress is a masterpiece. The Reddit user who goes by the pseudonym ‘Alkikat’ crocheted her pineapple stitch gown on her daily bus trip to and from work.

The finished product definitely looks worthy of the five month long dedication and hard work put into it. “The dress was practically free because I didn’t spend much money on it (under $30 for all of the materials including fabric for the lining).” And guess what, the dress can be machine washed and is wrinkle-free.

George Clooney ties the knot in Venice

$1,325 for a slice of Diana’s wedding cake A slice of cake from Princess Diana’s 1981 wedding was auctioned off to a private collector for $1,325. The 33 year old slice of cake, still packed in its white and silver presentation box was sold online by Nate D. Sanders Auctions of Los Angeles. A card that comes along with the box reads; “With best wishes from Their Royal Highnesses, the Prince & Princess of Wales.”

Though the cake is wrapped in its original wax paper, it wouldn’t be a good idea to take a bite.

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Hollywood’s long reigning “most eligible bachelor” is no longer eligible for that title as he wed human rights lawyer Amal Alamuddin in a very private ceremony in Venice on 27th September 2014. Clooney’s long-time representative Stan Rosenfield announced the news in a single sentence and we expect this to be only communication regarding this much anticipated celebrity event. The newlyweds were joined by their closest pals at the luxury Aman hotel overlooking Venice’s spectacular Grand Canal.

Seamstress missing – Brides left dress-less For some brides-to-bes in Washington D C, planning their weddings has gone to a whole new level of crazy. Their pretty white dresses are locked away in an apartment wafter their seamstress went missing. It was later found that, Maria Theresa Caloyeropoulos, the culprit is alive and well in Bolivia. Maria, who now goes by the name Griselda Caloyeropoulos had a great reputation at bridal shops in the D.C area. According to a voicemail from Maria, she is “crazy” designing her own line of clothing. The company that manages the apartment building has refused to open the doors for the worried brides, who have already started an online campaign called #openthedoor.

The Big Hit: Fahad Nazriya Wedding Trailer There was a lot of talk about the much-anticipated ceremony even before Fahad Fazil and Nazriya Nazeem tied the knot. The official wedding trailer released soon after the private ceremony, was a big hit on Youtube with more than 1 million views. Not only were the fans looking for a sneak peek into the festivities attended only by close family and a few celebrity friends, the online community was impressed by the filmy celebrations. South Indian stars like Dulquer Salman and Meera Nandan were spotted shaking a leg in the video prepared by Maritus Weddings.

Brangelina weds secretly in France 9 years together and six kids later, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie have finally tied the knot after more than 2 years of being engaged. The ultra-private Hollywood couple announced the much anticipated news through Associated Press. "It was a non-denominational civil ceremony. It was very much a family affair," said Brangelina’s spokesperson. The wedding was held at a small chapel at Chateau Miraval, the couple's private wine-making estate, in the south of France on 23rd August. We also know that Jolie wore a plain white antique lace and silk floor-length gown.

After the ceremony, the newlyweds headed to Malta for the honeymoon.

Kate and William’s Royal Wedding Cake up for auction Looks like it’s a good time for royal wedding cakes! A slice of Princess Diana’s wedding cake was recently auctioned off for more than $1000. Now it is time for Kate Middleton and Prince William to share a slice. The auction is to be held by Julien’s auctions Beverly Hills Gallery on December 5 – 6, 2014. The estimated bid price is around $1000-$2000. Just as it was presented to the wedding guests on April 29, 2011, the cake will be displayed inside a canister. A blank wedding invitation made on Her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth II stationery will also be auctioned, plus a collection of gowns worn by Diana over a span of 16 years.

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WEDDING

RUNWAY

BRIDES Ridhima Bhasin Peach dori and zari embroidered anarkali set Price: INR 29,500

Caresse d’ Orchidées Par Cartier necklace in pink gold, pink chalcedony and diamond Price on request

SUBTLE SORBET

Disclaimer: Price and features are subject to change.

Buyers are advised to act on data after cross-checking

Classic 14K Rose Gold Marquise 5.0 CT Round Morganite Solitaire Ring Price: INR 93,800 appx.

Marchesa Lily Embroidered Clutch in Coral Price: INR 1,80,900

Manolo Blahnik Coral Hangisi Satin Pump Price INR 58,200 appx

Valentino embellished ombre clutch Price on request

AQUAMARINE Bvlgari cabochon aquamarine and ruby ring Price on request

Christian Louboutin So kate pumps Price: INR 37,800 appx.

Jade by Monica and

Karishma lace embroidered tulle anarkali Price: INR 81,400

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Cartier Biennale platinum necklace Price on request

Olivia Burton 18 K gold big dial turquoise watch Price: INR 10,000 appx.

Walk down the aisle like you own the runway! This season, we’ve got a list of themes that sets you apart from the rest.

C

alm as the sea, glamorous as gold, playful as peeka- boo and subtle as coral, we’ve picked a collection that’s far from the lush ivories and whites. A little of the feminine flair in the ghota saree, the fresh turquoise stilettos and ombre clutches will set you apart. When it comes to not playing safe, sport a pair of Tom Ford Python Pumps and the Urvasi Joneja cape. Beyond the veil, lies those bejewelled eyes and glimmers of baubles. Flaunt a La Dolce Vita vintage watch and Boucheron Delilah earrings, after all weddings are timeless and so is fashion.

GOLD ’N’ GLAMOROUS Tom Ford metallic gold python pumps Price: INR 26,950 appx.

Malabar Gold Divine Gold necklace Price: INR 154,000

Arpita Mehta Black and Gold Sari Price: INR 28,000

Abraham & Thakore mustard check brocade jacket Price: INR 13,500

YSL Saint Laurent gold metallic cassandre clutch Price: INR 56,900 appx.

Longines Dolce Vita 18 K gold watch Price on request

PEEK-A-BOO

Rebecca Minkoff Mac floral laser-cut convertible clutch Price: INR 17,900 appx.

Urvashi Joneja black 3D leather work cape Price: INR 16,900

Alexander McQueen white haircalf peep-toe concealed platform pump Price: INR 80,300 appx.

Aurélie Bidermann Rose Gold Lace Cuff Price: INR 47,334 appx.

Nitya Bajaj Beige sequin embellished sheer yoke flared maxi gown Price: INR 32,000

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Products-Family

ALL IN THE FAMILY Weddings are not just for the bride and groom - the family needs their spotlight too. Make sure you are dressed to impress for the occasion with a little help from the FWD style files.

Eddie Borgo Graduated Gemstone Hair Comb.

Price: INR 15,200 appx.

Saint Laurent classic navy blue cropped blazer.

Price: INR 1,50,000 appx.

FOR MOM

Disclaimer: Price and features are subject to change.

Buyers are advised to act on data after cross-checking

FOR DAD

Burberry The Britain BBY1104 47mm Chronograph.

Price on request

Prada ink blue calf leather flap bag. Price on request

Oscar de la Renta Convertible Brooch & Pendant Necklace. Price: INR 41,000

Bond No.9 New York The Scent of Peace for Him. Price: INR 15, 000 appx.

David Yurman Exotic Stone Large Band Pietersite Ring.

INR 34, 900 appx.

Etro Paisley navy Paisley pocket square.

Price: INR 6000 appx.

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Armani Collezioni Zig Zag Printed Silk Tie. Price: INR 11, 850

Suneet Verma navy blue metallic resham embroidered sari.

Price: INR 95,000

Fendi Chameleon Signature Strap Watch. Price: INR 51, 600 appx.

Alexis Bittar Vine Ring.

Price: INR 17, 900 appx.

Burberry London Black Silk Bow Tie. Price: INR 9115

Manolo Blahnik BB Sparkling Satin Pumps.

Price: INR 1,13,948

FOR SIS

FOR BRO

Brioni Blue-On-Blue Mini-Stripe Dress Shirt.

Price: INR 39, 500 appx.

J. Mendel Marine Blue Wrap Dress. Price: INR 1,94,472

Tateossian Ice Cube Cuff Links. Price: INR 11, 242 John Hardy Classic Chain Chandelier Earrings.

Price: INR 1, 27, 000 appx.

Proenza Schouler Small Lamb Hair clutch.

Price: INR 68, 300 appx.

Isaia Soft Two-Button Blazer.

Price: INR 1, 21, 200 appx.

Tom Ford Edward leather lace-up semi-brogue.

Price: INR 1,00,000 appx.

Yves Saint Laurent La Laque Couture Rouge Nail Polish.

Price: INR 1640

Guerlain L’Heure de Nuit Eau de Parfum.

Price: INR 17, 000 appx.

Salvatore Ferragamo 5-Pocket Twill Pants.

Price: INR 20, 600 appx.

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jewEllery

THE JEWEL HUNT FWD talks with some of the top jewellery designers who share some of their handpicked jewellery pieces for brides.

F

or every bride there’s the jewels that sparkle, call out to them and make them radiate with happiness. Elizabeth Taylor once said,“My mother says I didn’t open my eyes for eight days after I was born, but when I did, the first thing I saw was an engagement ring.

I was hooked.”

JOSCO As a trend setter, Josco always comes up with novel ideas and exclusive designs, creating masterpieces in gold and diamond jewellery that are as unique as your style. Here’s one such masterpiece in diamonds displaying the excellent craftsmanship of Josco’s world-renowned designers.

Your craftsmanship motto in design?

Blending fashion and tradition at its best.

What makes this a bridal piece? The stem-like patterns attached to the flowers enhances its natural charm. The intricate patterns of the flowers are carved into perfection with the sparkle and brilliance of round cut diamonds.

Another highlight of the set is the teardrop shaped pendant with emerald encrusted at its centre. What should it be paired with? The necklace adorns any outfit and will be the right choice for any occasion. Nowhere will you come across such a magnificent composition that guarantees you a red carpet treatment.

Eighteen five-petaled flowers in 4 karat diamonds.

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KIRTILALS Ms. Seema Mehta, Creative Director, Kirtilals, selected this elegant design with the radiating persona designed to perfection by the artists in India.

Jewellery or attire? The jewellery reflects ones personality so it is important to choose a jewellery that complements the bridal attire.

Necklace’s inspiration: Nature and the gorgeous peacock. Wear it with? traditional and contemporary bridal attires. The standout factor: The necklace showcases new approach to jewellery designing and work accross two generations at our state of the art manufacturing unit at Coimbatore.

Made with a combination of round cut diamonds, golden pearls and emeralds ,this piece creates an astonishing visual effect and will adorn the neck of the woman wearing it.

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Bride in Bhavana Photography - Toonus Design & Styling -Vinaya Make up - Jeena Costumes - Oliio Designer Studio, Thrissur Jewellery - Silver Srops, Thrissur

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INterview

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Full of Life, Full of Love Actress Bhavana spills the secrets of her flawless life, movies and fashion and we understand it’s all about having the right attitude that makes one a winner all the way.

Text Thabitha Marion Photos Toonus

T

he industry identifies Bhavana with her cheerfulness and nonchalant attitude. But no longer is she the ingénue, after finding success and popularity beyond Mollywood. At present she is living a fairy-tale life with everything around her beautiful.

Though she has found her Mr. Right she prefers to keep the world and us guessing about him. After all, for every wedding there’s always a surprise. On the contrary to her little secret, we loved her candour during the interview, never shy about her opinions.

With too many newcomers entering the industry, how healthy is the competition?

I think whoever is competent, stays for long in this unpredictable industry. When we speak of competition, the scenario down South is entirely different as compared to Bollywood.

B’town believes in having its actors and actresses on an equal footing and so they have movies like ‘Kahani’ and ‘Heroine’ recognized for the actresses’ contribution. But in Malayalam how much ever effort or talent an actress pools in, being in a male dominated industry; she has boundaries on her career graph. It’s unfair when it comes to sharing screen space.

You were 15 when you entered films.

What remains the same even today?

It’s been a male dominated industry and still continues to be. Though we’ve had a couple of women centric movies

in Malayalam lately, somewhere I feel the performer misses out on getting the desired credit.

It is said that two actresses can never be friends for long. But for many heroines in the Malayalam industry, Bhavana is their closest pal.....

I’m really glad to hear this. I do not walk around as an actress 24x7. After the ‘cut’ hours I’m just like any other girl who interacts and finds time to spend with friends. When I get to meet them, I keep aside my work pressures or other worries and enjoy the fun moments. After all,we get to catch up once in a while. So maybe, this could be reason for them to see me as a good friend.

With whom do you share your inner most feelings?

I’m a person who tries to keep things to myself. Though I have a lot of friends who love me and are concerned for me, I like to solve my problems by myself. My friends at all times picture me as a ‘happy- golucky girl’ and for them I always like to be cheerful.

Do you think your welcoming nature lands you in gossips?

I blindly trusted people for their friendly behavior. There were times when I heard; some say ‘Bhavana said like that….this’ and I used to get hurt. Because not even in my wildest dreams I would have said something about people like that. But then every-

thing is an experience. I have learnt my share and now I’m very careful. I know who needs to be kept aloof and who stays true to their word.

Name an older actor you have the hots for.

I’m a big fan of Anil Kapoor. I love his carefree personality and attitude which is even better than men who are in their 30’s. Trust me, if I see him along with Sonam Kapoor, I will definitely compliment his style.

What do you do when not shooting?

I read a lot of books; listen to music on my iPod, spend time with friends.

Not many in the industry have a liking for books. How did you inculcate the reading habit?

As a kid I liked reading Boban and Molly. But I got into serious reading only a couple of years back when someone close interestingly conversed with me explaining the positives of having books as best companions. And that’s how I read my first book ‘The Bridges of Madison County’.

Do you consider yourself fashionable?

No, I don’t think I’m that outstandingly fashionable or up-to-the-minute.

When I step out, my only concern is ‘Am I looking good?’

You love accessorizing your outfits.

What sort of costume jewellery pieces do you’ve a liking for?

I find finger rings and earrings irresist-

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ible and at times I like to wear silver bangles with casuals. If you would have noticed, I used to wear them during the CCL season.

We mostly see you with a bare neck.....

Yes, that’s because I don’t like wearing neckpieces. Even for the most desirable pieces I say a ‘no’. As I have a long neck, I like to flaunt it, instead of covering it up.

Your slim stature has been an inspiration for many. But at once there were rumours that the changeover took place overnight, leaving some to suppose that you have gone under the knife. Is there any truth?

It’s an unfair criticism. Let me assure everyone that I have by no means gone ‘under the knife’ for weight loss.

I personally know with what effort I had shed those extra pounds. It’s my controlled diet (saying no to French fries), early dinners and workouts for solid two and a half years that has got me in shape. I felt the need for having a perfect body only after getting into Tamil and Telugu industry.Even today, I have a paunch around my lower abdomen. If I was to go for liposuction, I could’ve gotten rid of that bit as well.

Who was the first person to whom you revealed about your relationship? How did they take it?

I told my mother, then to my brother and father. They were quite confident about my choice because they knew their daughter or sister had learnt to assess relationship. Previously I was in a serious relationship, but for personal reasons it didn’t reach anywhere. Maybe then I was immature, but now I’m sure of what’s going on and so are my parents.

How has your relationship been with him?

Like every other couple in a relationship, we too have our good times and bad. We have fights once in a while and maybe because I am a bit egoistic and too pampered. Most of the time it’s he who takes the initiative for a

Quickies

Your Shopping Hotspot abroad London Most Fashionable Icon Deepika Padukone Shoes, Clothes or Bags?

Definetely Handbags Clothes you avoid Wearing in Kochi Shorts and Trousers

patch up. It’s not that I’m hesitant to budge, but he always takes the first step.

How have you dreamed of your wedding day to be like?

I don’t wish to celebrate my D-day with much pomp and show, taking days to decide on a wedding theme or decorations, hours discussing on arrangements etc. I like to keep it as simple as possible, limited to the attendance of my family and close knit friends. This concept dawned on me when I saw Rima and Geethu Mohandas getting married in the humblest manner. I was really impressed by the way they tied the knot.

Your choice of wedding attire, jewellery and styling......

I would love to see myself as a very simple bride, clad in a traditional set sari, wearing minimal jewellery, I don’t like to see myself decked in gold like a jewellery model.

Now if you could spill the beans and reveal his name....

I don’t want to disclose his name at present. As of now, all I can say is that there is a possibility of me getting married either by the end of this year or early in 2015

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CELEBRITY I DO

I HAVE A DREAM..

Actor Archana Kavi shares her wedding dream with FWD. Get Inspired.

Text Simna Nahas Photos Various Sources Describe the setting of your dream wedding.

I want a small wedding in a church situated on top of Paithalmala hill station in Kannur, which is my hometown. I want to be in the presence of people who love me and truly wish the best for me.

Who would be the designer of your dream ensemble?

I want to wear a chatta mundu for my wedding and I will design and get it from ‘Chaaya’ my own boutique.

Tell us about your makeup I want a fresh young look. The makeup would be minimal and I would give more importance to my eye make-up.

An accessory that would stand out That would be a one-piece Kundan jewellery.

What would be the theme?

I would go for a rustic one, it perfectly suits the misty climate that blankets the hills and trees.

What kind of food would you like?

I love Paragon’s food. Kappa Biriyani would definitely be there on the menu!

Say about your dream wedding car would be...

That would be jeep because only jeep has access to that hilltop in Paithalmala.

The song you want to play when you walk down the aisle I want my brother to sing any song that he likes when I walk down the aisle.

The song on the playlist for your first and second dance I want to move to the tunes of ‘Thousand years’ as I begin my new life and ‘I loved her first’ to cherish the moments I spent with my father.

Have you ever been inspired by any wedding in movies?

Yeh Jawaani Hain Deewani

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WEDDING PLANNERS

Wedding

Wows They say marriages are made in heaven, and how about weddings? FWD had to reach for the skies to keep up with three wedding planners at Kochi. They tell us it’s not a walk down the aisle when it comes to planning a wedding!

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hat’s your special memory of a wedding?

For some it may be the stage or the bouquet that was caught when the bride tossed it for good luck. A song that leads to the kiss or the burst of confetti when one proposed a toast. From viral videos to customized invitations, weddings these days are spiralling out of creativity. Looking back into an old wedding photo album, some of the photographs may have tattered and have frayed ends. There’s been a transformation in the stage setting, the cuts of wedding dresses and even the floral arrangements. But a few things that still stay the same is how everyone gets together to make the festive moment a favourite. Fonix had surprised their guests with an underwater theme for a wedding, Tamarind had children dressed up as angels grooving to the current hit music while Dancing Tortoise had a flash mob for the mathuram veppum ceremony. How about the time when you know a storm is about to hit, how do the wedding planners come up with a plan? It’s all desires bundled up together and the wedding planners string then into tale of happily ever after. An outlook on how creative minds bring a great difference to something in common to everyone, a wedding.

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FONIX events

Once Upon a Wedding A long time ago, they had a wedding with a castle backdrop, a pumpkin chariot and crystal shoes in cushioned boxes. The fairy-tale never ends when in conversation with Mr. Angus Davids, CEO and director of Fonix Events, who reveals the magic behind weddings.

Text Atheena Wilson Photos Fonix Events

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uring the 1960s, weddings have always been a beautiful milestone in people’s lives, and it wasn’t always an extravagant affair. Lending a hand at lighting and stage decoration, Mr. Fletcher Kelly David loved embellishing his family’s and friends’ wedding.

Such an interest was influenced by his passion for theatre during his days as a make- up artist in Biblical plays.

After designing a film set, he transformed his outlook towards weddings too. Lit with myriads of candles and little girls dressed up angels, ‘Heaven’ was an indelible wedding theme with love enveloped in a misty ambience.

The fog evoked an ethereal feel as people walked into the hall of floating clouds mystified by the evaporation

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of dry ice. The Beatles crooned their famous song ‘Under the Sea’, while he designed a shell where the bride and groom sat, during the 80s. That’s when he started FONIX decorators.

Till now it’s a mystery where the name hails from and so as his spark of creativity.

Then and Now Back to the present, while interviewing, it was a delight to have his wife, Noleen and him exchanging ideas and flipping through albums. Quick witted and personable, he defined weddings as ‘Goods sold will not be taken back.’

Their effervescent joy goes beyond a pay-check or even publicity. Then and now, the essence of wedding has never been lost in Mr. Angus’s terms. The

play of the classics and modernism is always a trick in his hat. “Imagine a guest book now can be a guest box which record visual and audio clipping and converted into a video montage!”

Being in the business this long, he’s steadfast with what’s golden in a wedding tradition. Embracing changes such as non-secular weddings and technological advancements, he reformed the proposition of wedding planners and became a wedding designer and crafted Fonix Events as the mother of the nest hood of wedding planners.

To him, weddings have an emotional quotient. In the end he quotes, “Every time I enter the venue, the first thing I always look at is the eyes of the bride and the groom. It gives me a signal with the sense of their gratitude.”

An Eye for Surprise When it comes to handling his clients, he has had his shares of both hyper brides and grooms who love to cut copy, paste ideas, and have a mental scrapbook. Conceptualization works out effectively when the budget strikes like cold rain, but sometimes this awareness tends to dampen the creativity too. “Fonix Events has never failed to organize unconventional weddings. A client once requested for an unthinkable bridal entry,” he mentioned in between and shared the wedding story at Bangkok. Rather than the cliché musical entrance, Fonix Events hired the famous American Illusionist, James Conrad. He dressed up as God and introduced the groomsmen and opened a gigantic box.

Everyone anticipated for the bride, but only the flower girls came out of the box. When the illusionist waved his hand, the bride appeared!

Once he was requested for a wedding sans flowers; Angus decorated the whole stage with vazhapindi and caught everybody’s attention. Bracing the adversities, Fonix Events has the greatest challenge of thinking a million steps ahead. From preventing flowers to wilt, to the latecomers, or cables being incorrect, there’s always a solution up a wedding designer’s sleeve.

One of their clients requested for an outdoor wedding during the monsoons.

He narrated, “The outdoor setting was done but as a back-up we booked the hall and prepared the exact theme

in the hall from the lighting to the flowers and music playlist. When the clouds growled, the bride and groom had a haven to celebrate.” There are a thousand last minute emergencies, but experience and multiple backup plans always come to the rescue.

Happy Tears A dream wedding was to be spun in the memories of Mr. Angus’s client.

Eight months of constant penning and planning, she got shocking news three days before the wedding. The wedding venue was on legal notice, while a dilapidated school hall stood resolute but she was crestfallen. The silver linings lay in its Dutch architecture and a huge Banyan tree. Mr Angus told the bride, “Even if you give hell, I’ll give you heaven back.”

In three days, over a stirred mind and buzzing thoughts, they enhanced the building with lighting, color washes, silk drapes, floral ensembles on the pillars, in peach and white theme.

Luminance warmed the ambience as the band played under a banyan tree draped with lights. Under the canopy of banyan vines was a merriment of dances across a 40 by 40 dance floor.

She was living an unexpected dream.

Mr Angus entered the hall after the wedding ceremony; the bride ran to him and gave the tightest hug, “The most touching part is succeeding after a challenge.” A moment still fresh in his memory, but it happened fifteen years ago.

As I looked at the photographs, I just noticed that the trends have changed, so has our interpretation of novelty. His finesse and loyalty have helped him ace a challenge of something so constant, time. Calling out for a change makes a difference.

Fonix Events spearheaded the beauty of weddings and also expressed the biggest celebration of life in unthinkable intricacies.

Quickies A bouquet you can’t get your hands off: Cara, peonies, lilies and tulips The wedding Song: Amazed by Lonestar Most important part of the wedding: A great ceremony strikes a balance between personal expression and tradition.

Iconic Wedding Dress: Jennifer Lopez’s in the Wedding Planner A trend you don’t enjoy: Copy paste designs

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TAMARIND

AN AFFAIR TO REMEMBER Tamarind has an enigma in its name, FWD in conversation with the Managing Director of Tamarind Event Management Company, Arabind C to know the life of a wedding planner.

Text Simna Nahas Photos Tamarind Weddings

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f there’s always something you would love to revisit in the past, it’s a wedding.

“Constantly played and replayed are moments like a bride’s walk down the aisle and the wedding ceremony.” The festivities, the parting and the start of a new life aren’t scripted, but there’s always a story.

Usually they are narrated over casual laughs, when the wife looks over her glimmering ring. The hardwork of every wedding planner is appreciated after the weddings. On that special day, they’re not the center of attraction but they’re in the center of all the wedding drama! If the bride and groom can never stop dreaming about a wedding, the planner can’t stop visualizing it. “An imaginary wedding takes place in the minds of every wedding planner, right before the real wedding happens,” says Arabind.

Arabind’s pillar of support-his

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wife- Anu is just as passionate as him about weddings. She stands by him, right from the planning to the execution stage of the wedding. Quite amused by the name ‘Tamarind’, I quizzed him about its significance. He answered with a broad smile, “Tamarind is nothing but a polishing agent used to polish brass and other metals.

As wedding planners, we polish people’s weddings and give them a brand new experience”. He strongly believes that the success of every wedding plan lies in the smooth flow of events and the guest’s comfort level. The excessive gesticulations of uniformed event planners with microphones and the hasty actions are a complete no-no for weddings.

A Relishing Moment Looking back to the first wedding Arabind organized, with nostalgia he narrated, “Indeed it was the most

touching and memorable wedding to me. The client was working for a corporate company abroad, and all their corporate events were organised by a British company called Malta. We were happy and excited to plan out their wedding as it was the first time they signed another company. As the wedding came to a closure, the client called me to his house. I was worried as to what he would say and soon realised that they were extremely happy with the way the event was organised.

An appreciation in front of the entire family was quite a touching moment for me. When the client lauded that we were ‘the best event management company,’ a year’s hard work was paid off. The happiness was evident in their eyes and that is the biggest emotional moment for a wedding planner.”

Prepping Up! According to Arabind, conceptuali-

sation of a wedding takes place right from the moment they enter the client’s house. He points out the kind of décor used in the interiors give an inkling of the type of wedding they aspire to have. A person who owns a house in contemporary style with sleek sofas and furniture will want an elegant wedding.

“Knowing your client thoroughly as the conversation unfolds is the first step to planning. Our first briefing with the clients will have three people from our side to get different perspectives on the same idea. “In order to bring clarity in the décor, we provide clients a 3-D view of the venue for them to get better understanding. A meticulously planned wedding would be free from last minute emergencies,” said Arabind. He claims that the flow behind any wedding comes from 99% planning and just 1% execution.

Just as how they make the guests

comfortable, the theme of the wedding is also viewed from the perspective of the guests as comments from people matters. “An idea with a tint of Western touch might not be accepted by the people attending a marriage in Kajnirapilly but the people of Kochi will accept it. It was quite challenging for me when I had to plan out a Syrian Catholic wedding as too many out of the box ideas could not be adopted for their wedding. I suggested that they make it a divine theme, and a number of kids were dressed as angels.

They lined up as the bride made her appearance to the song ‘Aatmavin Thingalkudam’ from Amen, the movie had just released at that time. It was a different experience for the family of the bridegroom as well as the guests who attended the wedding,” said Arabind.

Standing Tall When asked about the initiatives of Tamarind, he proudly said that one of the specialities of his company is the provision for wedding shopping assistance. It requires a lot of patience and by saying so he turned to his wife and smiled at her for the support she gives for the idea. “I enjoy going for wedding shopping with the bride more than going for my shopping sessions,” said Anu Arabind. “The happiness on the bride’s face when she finds the wedding dress of her dreams is just beautiful. Shopping assistance is useful to people outside Kochi as they don’t know where to get the right Kanchee-

puram sari, and we have places where we get custom stitched gowns and jewellery too for the bride,” she added.

Responsible wedding planning is another initiative by Tamarind. It aims to educate the clients not to fork out too much on unwanted resources.

They inform clients to bring down the number of guests that minimises the quantity of food to be catered which in turn reduce wastage. They encourage the use of e-invites, natural and organic materials for the bouquet and reusable flex materials for the décor.

They try to setup an outdoor wedding-if the climate is favourable- as it reduces the consumption of energy used by AC. For return gifts, they prefer to give tree saplings. As return gifts are not so popular in Kerala they ensure that the bridegroom plants a tree at the venue to show the obligation towards nature. “We try our best to plant a Tamarind tree.” It’s an act of simplicity, but also a gesture that symbolizes every marriage like a tree of life.

Quickies A timeless theme A traditional Hindu wedding with jasmine and marigold A bouquet that would never go out of fashion Any bouquet made of natural flowers A wedding song that you love Beethoven Most important part of the wedding When I see parent’s involvement even when it is organised by an event planner An iconic wedding dress Kate Middleton’s wedding gown

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Dancing Tortoise

Falling for Fables

If love was wrapped in words, Mr. Sandip J (CEO) and Mr. Sreehari Venugopal known among friends and clients as Hari(Chief Marketing Officer) of Dancing Tortoise got us shelling out our fantasies!

Text Atheena Wilson Photos Dancing Tortoise

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n an interview of three, I was rather in a light conversation with a duo who wins hearts. You could never skip Sandip’s humor and flair for storytelling coupled with Hari’s brimming ideas and punchlines. Their filigree of acute details left me spellbound. Wedding planning isn’t a cakewalk but still sumptuous.

I did mention three earlier. It was seated next to my recorder, a golden tortoise, well hello! It’s quite obvious the name ‘The Dancing Tortoise’ hailed from the fable,The Hare and the Tortoise. But instead of hearing about a race we got into one, calculating 25 years in seconds! Hands down Mr. Sandip won the challenge when he said, “777 million seconds. That’s the amount of time the wedding is planned by the family!” Keeping up with the

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race of time is a challenge, thus wedding planners are on always on their heels. Inspired by a little anecdote, he said, “The tortoise knew the hare was a challenge, but as a brand, Dancing Tortoise takes up the challenge with perseverance and dignity. Wordplay it was when he said, “We will be able to provide our clients with professional services and accept the challenges no matter what it is. “ Analogies aside, they also love to toss clichés. Unlike most weddings, they consider a wedding successful when there are ‘winning moments.’

Proving their competencies in integrated marketing communications and managing special events have helped them deliver beyond their customers’ expectations. The advent of extravagance to the type cast notions of excellent staging, decor, attire and

menu isn’t what quintessentially makes a wedding. Hari mentioned, “We try to set a vision for our clients, flowers and candid photography are elements to set the mood. The essence of joy is when we try to bring an element of surprise. “ Hence, they introduced, Shubh Aarambh, exclusively for weaving wedding moments.

‘Hare’- Raising Times It’s common to think out of the box, but ingenious ideas also come in a box. For the Mathewson’s Madhuram Vappu, they organized a flash mob for the bride. All the cousins broke into a dance, lifted the boxes off their heads and finally a mystery man was revealed, the groom itself. Her smile wasn’t out of place. Organizing neon themed parties for a Madrum vappu seems a little unconventional too but

as Mr. Sandip quoted, “It’s not recreating traditions , but creating a balance.”

While at Dreams Hotel, Vandana, a playback singer, had a spectacular wedding welcome. Her childhood friend hosted the wedding and gained an unexpected response from the family members on both sides. They all joined together to form a huge love tunnel to welcome the couple. The bride’s side was from Doha, and they screamed ‘Yalla’ while the groom side was from Kochi, and they crooned, “Oho.” Sandip said, “What still stays personal in a wedding is the degree of ‘youness’ in a wedding.” Then there are some wedding where it rains on one’s parade. Justin still had a dream brown and ivory outdoor themed wedding during the monsoon. Despite it being so tricky to execute, they pulled it off with a little spark too. Fireworks during the rains, now that’s out of the box!

Coming Out of One’s Shell As Hari was going through his laptop, he showed me a comic strip they designed for a couple that sketched the couple’s love story. Hari mentioned, “Planning happens in two ways, you have a wedding planner who comes in and gives you a list of themes or you try to bring in the bride’s and groom’s personality elements. That’s what fits

perfectly, I would rather call that a perfect setting. “ The wedding they organized for Kavya Madhavan’s brother; Mithun was spun from his dreams. Just like our conversation was theirs. They realized that Mithun and Riya are both dreamers and romantics at heart.

Being a fashion designer, he was a perfectionist in envisioning his wedding also. He wanted a grandwedding sans flowers. “Sometimes in a casual conversation you capture a moment or a song that transforms the wedding completely,” Sandip added. They thought of a celestial fantasy and came up with Moons and Stars. The couple was literally over the moon ( imagine sitting on one!)

Love and Steady The challenge of a wedding is, Hari and Sandip smiled in unison, and first replied with a common answer, “The challenge is the budget.” Beyond logistics and execution, they believe weddings should truly be worth it.

That’s why they even arrange pre marriage counselling sessions, and hope for the best that every couple’s vision is fulfilled.

“Factors such as the attire, lightings, stage setting etc are crucial but the most important thing is if you got the right partner you got a dream wedding.“ Ask for pointers from San-

dip! , on his wedding day he asked his nervous wife ,“How’s my shirt?” , the simplest ice-breaker. She still remembers and laughs over that moment...

Marriages are priceless. Just like a journey where the road meets the sun, marriage slowly and steadily wins the race.

Quickies

A bouquet you can’t get your hands off: Classic white roses The wedding song: All of Me by John Legend Trend that you don’t enjoy: Over the Top Weddings Most important part of the weddings: Happy Smiles Iconic Wedding Dress: “My shirt“ Sandip says (there’s a joke tucked in the article!)

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FWD Bridal Poll

The 21 Century st

Bride

Weddings have taken a turn from how it’s perceived in the past. Earlier it was a ritual and woman were docile. The line of thought has intersected with modernism and progression. FWD surveyed 100 women between the age group of 18-32 who come under different professional areas based in Kochi, to talk about their dream wedding.

Text Simna Nahas Photos Jinson Abraham

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s soon as a wedding gets fixed in our families, the planning begins just as the initial discussion about the groom subsides. From what the bride should wear to what innovations could be done are issues thought in detail. At every point the bride has to come across different opinions and in the end she might settle for what her aunty or grandmother had wished for.

FWD has asked the future brides about what their idea of a dream wedding, in fact they have shared how thoughtful they are about their career, just like how important it was to get married a few generations back.

Role Reversal Chinamanda Ngozi Adichie quoted, “We teach girls to shrink themselves, to make themselves smaller. We say to girls, you can have ambition, but not too much. You should aim to be successful, but not too successful. Otherwise, you would threaten the man.

Because I am female, I am expected to aspire to marriage. I am expected to make my life choices always keeping in mind that marriage is the most important. Now marriage can be a source of joy and love and mutual support but why do we teach girls to aspire to marriage and we don’t teach boys the same? We raise girls to see each other as competitors not for jobs or accomplishments, which I think can be a good thing, but for the attention of

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men. We teach girls that they cannot be sexual beings in the way that boys are.”

The Current Outlook According to the result of 2014 FWD’s Bridal Poll, women have become more career oriented and weddings have turned out to be a mere option than a necessity. 46% women said career after marriage would be their own choice. Women feel that the sacrifice their moms and aunts did is really not necessary and one should experience the joy of life with family, friends and work life. A notable 75% of the girls said they would stay single if they had a choice. “I want to travel the world with the money I earn and if I get to meet someone down the line I would then think of getting married” said Ann Sheethal, a communication student. But apart from all that when the wedding gets fixed, our bride is daddy’s little girl.Right from the planning to what

Career after marriage would be a

14% Collective decision 46% Own choice 39% Collective decision

with family’s support

ornament she wears is consulted with her family. She marches forward only if she gets the consent from everyone. ” We must continue our career after marriage, it is important to prove ourselves as an individual,” says Ann, a young entrepreneur.

“That is what parents are for, they

How would you plan and execute it?

62% Giving your parents and siblings the privilege

17% Individually, referrring online sites and magazines

21% Event planner

would be extremely disappointed if they couldn’t organise their children’s wedding. I would just be happy to make them feel good by letting them plan my wedding,” says Renjana, a medical student.

The best way to choose your partner

62% Find for Yourself 46% Matrimony Service 36% Through Family and Friends

Women said they would find their partner for themselves because they do not want somebody who has issues with her working.

Marry me?

Would you have the nerve to propose your guy? 60% of the women said no.

Girls proposing to the guy is still a taboo in Kochi. But the girls who are ready to take a chance and propose to her guy voted that she would go for an intimate proposal with just the both of them and a whopping 75% said they want the same if the guy proposes to her. “I prefer to propose to the girl because it’s a guy thing, but if I know the girl very well and if she has plans on proposing to me, I prefer she go for an over the top proposal. Proposing while skydiving or something like that.

How would you want the guy to propose to you?

75% An intimate proposal with just the both of you

5% Over the top and

complicated adventurous proposal

2%

Unexpected and in front of a huge crowd

in front 18% Proposal of the family

I would just love to experience something like that,” says Sajan, a marketing manager.

Though tossing proposals in flash mobs and on national televisions is the rage among people, girls want a small and intimate proposal in a lovely place where they could treasure the moments forever.

The preferred duration between engagement and wedding

4% 2 weeks 64% 6 months 32% 1 year Whirlwind planning A marriage in six months can give a minor attack to some, but 65% prefer to do the wedding planning six months prior to the wedding. Brides want the same time gap between the engagement and wedding which is normally the planning time for weddings. Women point out that two weeks is too less to know the guy and one year is too long that fights already start. “I believe we should be able to commit ourselves completely before the wedding bells nears and also parents too need time for the wedding preparation and six months is the appropriate time,” said Anu, a BDS student.

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FWD Bridal Poll

What is the idea of your dream wedding?

55% A traditional wedding with several ceremonies

44% An intimate wedding with close friends and relatives

1%

Registered wedding

Traditions are deeply rooted and brides want the Haldi, Mehandi, Sangeeth functions that is held prior to the wedding and it is as important as wedding in their minds.

Tradition or destination?

Whatever said and done, girls swear by a traditional wedding with several ceremonies. “Who would want to miss out on all the fun and frolic with cousins, friends and relatives? I want everybody who loves me to dance, sing songs and play fun skits on all the functions prior to my wedding. It is as important as your wedding day. You will always cherish those last moments of your singleton life,” said Sanjana, a communication student. At the same time if money was no constrain brides would opt for a more intimate and personal wedding like a destination wedding. Kerala is top notch when it

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comes to destination weddings.The brides of Kerala need a change from the lush green surrounding and tietheir knot in the beaches of Goa, palaces of Udaipur, Jaipur and sand dunes of Dubai. “I love Indian history and Mughal weddings. If I had a chance I would run to Jodhpur and tie my knot in a palace, I want to relive the past” said Hana, an enthusiastic soon to be bride. The brides want an intimate and personal wedding, yet it should be rooted in tradition.

“Destination weddings cost less compared to the weddings kept at ones native place. The number of attendees come down which in turn reduces the cost of food and other expenses,” said Arabind, a wedding planner.

Would you insist on paying for your wedding?

52% Yes 48% No Lend a hand “I know a lot of people who give their wedding money in some way to charity and it is not usually publicized. Therefore most of it wouldn’t be there on the records,” says Uma a client relations officer.

Notable 67% generous women are planning to be the next Ashiq Rima pair. The couple won hearts by

giving their wedding money to cancer patients. But a few are of the opinion that even if the brides want to do something the other factors surrounding her may not be favourable. Fashion communication student Celine says, “Though the brides and grooms of this generation want to give their wedding money to charity, the older generation is not very open to the idea. The bride’s parents want to show everyone how much they are giving their daughter . Even though a 67% soon to be brides said yes, less than 6% would actually do it”.

But if you have the heart for it you can come up with ways to contribute to the society. Few of the Kochiites have planned out how they are going to implement it. “Instead of spending extravagantly on a wedding, what I would like to do is spend money that I saved up to support those girls who don’t have financial backing for their wedding. Another thing I would like to do is spend less on the invitations as it is just something that we toss in the trash. For example, if a person spends Rs. 80 for one invitation, go for something that costs less and donate the surplus to charity,” said Alphonsa, a freelance writer. While Alphonsa has plans on how she would lend a hand to others, Uma, a client relations officer asked her friend and relatives not to buy gifts , but instead give her money which she donated to SOS for children

The wedding band of your choice

29% Gold 42% Diamond 29% Platinum A diamond is seen as something strong and it gives a kind of security.

What kind of a bride will you be?

11% A bride decked 45% 43%

up in gold A one piece heavy necklace A simple choker

How much will you spend on your dream wedding outfit?

52% Less than 50,000

25% Between 50,000 and 1,00,000

The most awaited moment!

Enamel wedding bands were opted a few decades back. Then came gold wedding bands with bridegrooms name engraved which were opted by

much as your 23% As dream designer ensemble costs

the next generation. Now, Diamonds prove to be a girl’s best friend. It has turned out to be the most favoured wedding band. 42% women want to flaunt a diamond on their ring finger.

When a diamond goes on the brides finger, they prefer the same to go on their necks too. 45% women want a one piece heavy necklace which has turned out be the trend. Though the shift is happening in the brides mind, no shift is happening in the minds of the parents, claims Manager of Bhima Jewellery. “When it comes to gold it is not practical to buy just one heavy necklace, there are brides who want just a single piece but she cannot opt for it without the consent from her parents. When they buy they have to get a mangalsutra, kadas followed by bangles but whether they wear it or not is up to them.”

According to the makeup artist Shobha Kunjan, “The heavy chunk look is minimising in the case of Muslim brides, they opt for just one piece heavy necklace”. She adds,” A Christian bride looks the best in one piece necklace be it small or big as it is simple and sober best suited for church wedding. For a Hindu and Muslim bride, they have to wear maximum of three sets neckpiece and six bangles on both hands as the look wouldn’t be complete with the pattu sari and mullapoo”.

Who is your dream trousseau designer?

46% National designers; Sabyasachi, Ritu Kumar

18% Regional Designers; 36%

Harianand, Matic Mac Brands; Seematti, Jayalakshmi.

A soaring 52% wants their wedding dress to cost less than INR 50,000, at the same time their dream wedding outfit designer is Sabyasachi or

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FWD Bridal Poll

Manish Malhotra whose ensemble will come up to one- twolakh. But brides do their research as required and in the end they know what they want. “If we are ready to compromise on the quality of our wedding dress, there are places where you get the exact designer replica of high end national designers. If you think practically it is just for that day and it is just the looks that really matter,” said Noora, an accountant. If not National designers, brides settle with the age old brands in Kochi like Seematti, Jayalakshmi which scored a 36% right behind the 46% score for National designers.

Who would be the greatest priority at your wedding?

25% The makeup artist 47% The photographer 28% The wedding outfit designer

“Of course a bride wants her wedding outfit and makeup to be perfect but a good photographer can hide the flaws and make the day and bride look beautiful,” said Athira, a business analyst.

Clicks are Forever!

Let us get our photographs straight!

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Goodbye to hours of posing and acting in front of camera for the photographer to get the best shot of you.Wedding is a celebration where millions of expressions can be captured. The photographer trumps makeup- artist and wedding outfit designer in a brides mind. “Even now when we look back at our old photographs, that brings

How would you plan your honeymoon?

59% Ask friends

26%

Travel portals

16% Travel agent

back a lot of memories and happiness. Definitely a wedding is the day to be cherished for a lifetime and the photographer has to be the best.” said Meenakshi Menon, a CA student. “Apart from photography, candid videography, surprise videos, and story videos are in trend,” said Ramshad, wedding photographer.

46% of our brides want a candid album over a classic album and story book as it brings life to a photograph.

“A photographer is seen as an artist when it comes to candid photography. He gets to choose the photographs of the wedding and chooses the ones that are close to the bride and grooms heart. When elders see the album they might wonder the photographer has missed out someone or something but they will have all the photographs that are dear to the bridegroom. Whereas, a classic album is the documentation of the wedding and it will have the entire wedding covered,” said Jinson Abraham, chief photographer of Clicks for Kicks.

Though there has been an increase in travel portals, when it comes to choosing places for honeymoon girls are comfortable going to places their friends have been to and have enjoyed.

For a 21st century bride, it’s a different tale of happily ever after

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Quirk Smirk

THE WEDDING ‘kNOT’

Twinkle remarked; “You do not want your gown to look like a westernised Kathakali costume.” Please wear what looks good on you. Believe us, magazines and Photoshop can be conniving

We’re quite tied up with the extravaganza of our wedding research. After all our interviews, let’s wrap it up with a few learnt lessons that’s old as gold, literally!

Text Atheena Wilson Photos Various Sources

3 GOLD DIGGERS We have an obsession for coverage (except media) - for every salwar suit there’s a dupatta and for every sari there’s that gold nettipattam. We have objectified so many women as plastic, and yet again here we love women being gold-plated. If you want to say I am really rich, you might as well have presentations on how much money was spent. You could put price tags on the napkins and the souvenirs. Better than that, why can’t you just gift us diamond crusted or gold plated stuff, we’ll certainly be your best friends.

1 MELTING MOMENTS 2 We want those divine biscuits, but we get a melting bride. For every wedding action, there’s an equal and opposite nosy aunt reaction. An aunty who says, “You don’t put enough makeup.” Make-up artist Gayathri Menon remarks, “Heavy caked foundations can lead to more creases on the face.” Talk about ironing our faces now! When God said ‘Let there be light,’ the cameraman took it seriously. Deliver yourself from the ruse of rouge temptations!

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OH, MY GAUDY!

Hollywood movies make it look simple, but we got the drapes for a reason – think bounty curves and voluptuous assets. There’s the other thing – Got to look hot! Is that why you purposely wear a sari equivalent to an oven? Twinkle Tom, owner of D’áisle, points out; “It is best to go for timeless classic styles that will never go out of fashion, even when you look at the wedding pictures 25 years later.”

Looking like a clown is certainly not what you want on your big day, just as

4 FOODUH! When you return home after an exhausting wedding, it’s not your sole in those pinching high heels that hurts, but someone’s comment. - “Food enganayirunnu?” Sandip J, the CEO of Dancing Tortoise remarks; “People still comment the most on the food at a wedding and not appreciate other parts of it.” I mean, run in the mill, the typical appams and fish molly, the

sadhya’s and biryani’s - oh boy! I bet our taste buds are more accustomed to the menu than the couple’s smiling sessions after the engagement. Our grandma’s spend hours planning a simple lunch party, then where’s the top notch wedding menu?

messed up cocktail. Why hire random people to dance or weird MCs who give sentimental speeches? “It’s always great when a wedding involves a family member”; says Hari Venugopal, the CMO of Dancing Tortoise. Next time you want to try outlandish themes in hope of your wedding video going viral on Youtube, remember weddings are bound to have a little family drama - beats those reality TV shows.

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PHOTO EDUKKO?

Honestly, someone on crutches can walk down the aisle faster, without being disturbed by the camera-wielding mantises. “There is a trend for brides to develop a desire to recreate photographs of someone else’s big day rather than create their memories that reflect their individual personalities and unique images that tell their story,” says Sabrina K of Dallas Kolotylo Photography.Please pin those interests in your brain and let the photographer click according to the moment, it’s no secret with those lurking eyes.

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ENTERTAIN YOU

It makes no sense when you first have the Spanish or Arabic dancers and then a special performance from your drunk uncles! - Now, that’s what you call a

3 ISN’T A CROWD

We know when we see a queue there is a BEVCO around the corner, or people must have lined up to get a photo clicked on the stage or weddings are a viable option for crashing the buffet.

That too, the poor bride and groom are sometimes clueless about with whom they are posing. “It’s easier to focus on details when the wedding has a smaller guest list,” Angus Davids, CEO of Fonix Events says. Wedding are like concerts - you head bang for no reason, even when their guitar is not tuned. For all we know, weddings just look like a migratory season of birds.

Just flapping away and very unsettled, you might just call this foul play.

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HOSPITALITY YOURS

We’ll highlight the word HOSPITAL because honestly weddings are not everyone’s cup of ‘ty’s.’ It’s mean to call guests as ‘patients’, but we know they need more care than the bride and groom. It’s like our guests expect us to predict all their requirements.

If there is any diplomatic way to say ‘Please just crash on the bed and go to sleep,’ we would thank anyone.

Perhaps it is high time to hire wedding bell boys. Oh! No, chuck the ‘wedding bells,’ that doesn’t ring in any ideas these so called bellboys should instead usher in the guests and see that they are comfortable. To save the ride of insults, ditch those fancy cars and hire a bus – Parakkum talika, manushyane karakkum talika.

RECEPTION PROBLEM

When you have annoying phone conversations, you can make funny crackling noises and then hang up. Too bad we can’t do that when it comes to a face to face conversation. When someone says – ‘This is, your Ammachi’s sister’s husband’s niece’s best friend’s cousin’ - your mind just conks off. You think, ‘I could not even balance the long chemistry equation and then this.’ If only you could chop off the family tree that wouldn’t branch out to random people.Wouldn’t it be cool if we had little name tags pasted on everyone’s backs, so that we can avoid those awkward ‘Do you remember me’ moments?

10 Here Comes

the Bride, Not.

The sweaty slap-on-your face exhaustion, when waiting for a couple, is one thing we sure aren’t looking forward to. For all of us who have been crammed inside a hall, a temple or an auditorium, crying children, fresh gossips and running commentaries on fashion faux is nothing new. Suddenly the hymns are all negated. Brides and grooms, we warn you; there will always be traffic, but the roads stay the same. Please go for a ride before the wedding so that you do not get lost - after all that’s meant to happen after a wedding.

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The Wedding Spark

Something Borrowed

There are few tricks in the hat, if you wish to captivate your guests on your wedding day. Be on the constant lookout for ideas as you progress the D-Day.

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1.THE WEDDING REPORTER Emma Woodhouse brought a new notion to the wedding industry by putting forth the idea of wedding reporter. She soaks up the ambience, atmosphere and details of your wedding day and creatively transcribes it into a non-fictional account. It’s for you to treasure even after your memory fades. It is the perfect narrative for brides and grooms who want a literary legacy of their special day.

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.THE TIME CAPSULE GUEST BOOK Engage in a time capsule guestbook where your guests could leave a joke, note, message, prediction or an encouragement for you and your spouse to open on your first wedding anniversary. It is a fun thing to do for your anniversary and wedding day!

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.BROOCH BOUQUETS Brooches are not just pinned onto your chest, now you have the privilege to hold one in your hand. You could carry a bunch of beautifully arranged

brooches instead of flowers to your ceremony and add a twist to your wedding.

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.INCORPORATE YOUR LOVE STORY INTO THE AISLE Start with the bridegroom’s childhood pictures to the time when thee couple first met and photographs of their journey from beginning till the end of the aisle, You could arrange events and photographs as a timeline to make it more interesting. It’s a story well told in a line.

The Common Thread FWD travels around the world and India to discover designers who have sewn the linings of their mind with design. From London to America to Mumbai and finally Kochi, bridal fashion is still on top of the world.

Contributors Tabitha Marion, Maria John & Rakhi Jerly

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DESIGNERS

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here’s an art to pull off couture one wears. The wedding dress is a dream of every girl; from the enigma of a veil to the grandiose of the train of the dress or the way the pallu falls. Your wedding dress, it’s a dress that still makes every women gape in wonder. FWD goes around the world to interview renowned designers who make dreams come true and share their perspectives on a dress that’s never been out of fashion ever since the existence of fashion itself. A few fashion tips on how to get your dresses do all the talking. FWD gets into a conversation with top international, national, and regional designers Charlotte Balbier, Stephanie Allin, Amselle Abera, and Vera Wang, JJ Valaya, Ritu Kumar, Tarun Tahilani, Matin Mac and Twinkle Tom.

Amsale Aberra Amsale Aberra’s collections are minimalistic. It was a worthless hunt for her own wedding gown that made Amsale realize the huge demand for classic wedding gown in the market. She tailored her business with panache.

What should a bride keep in mind before starting the wedding dress hunt?

They need to be true to themselves and portray their individual style. It is advisable to look at their cocktail and evening attires as their cut and shape normally works in bridal as well. It is important to seek ideas and recommendations from others but ultimately she should choose what feels and looks comfortable on her. At this point bridal consultants steps in and help her choose the right gown, veil and accessories.

Your take on brides going for nonwhite colours?

Brides are looking for ways that express their individuality by using variation of white like a rich caffe

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or champagne colour. They are also adding colour to their hair accessories, accent pieces, jewellery and shoes.

They are trying to be unique while looking like a bride.

Amsale’s opinion on short wedding dresses…

Short dresses are ideal for rehearsal dinners, wedding receptions or it’s great for a small wedding.

Attire for a beach wedding….

It depends on the bride and what she wants for a beach wedding. Brides wearing soft, light and flowing gowns flashes our mind when we think of a beach wedding. However, a clean and crisp wedding gown would match perfect for a casual beach setting.

Tip for taking measurements….

Always select a gown with your current size in mind and not your desired size as it is always easy to alter down. You can arrange a final fitting close to the wedding date as alterations can be made easily and the gown fits you perfectly.

Vera Ellen Wang No article about bridal wears is complete without mentioning the name of Vera Wang, the ultimate design icon who has designed for a host of larger-than-life celebrity weddings.

From Ivanka Trump to Hilary Duff and Kim Kardashian, her extraordinary ability to drape without ever losing the clean, sharp line of the silhouette makes her one of the most sought after designers in the world.

The ultimate gown colour…

For her, nothing is more enchanting than mixing several tones of white in one dress. Different shades of white provide depth, dimension and texture.

Most common big day mistake…

The worst mistake brides can make is to be unrecognizable. Brides are most radiant when they look natural, with

make-up enhancing - not masking the woman wearing it.

The Vera Wang style….

A Vera Wang bride should feel as good on her body as it looks on her.

Gowns for tall and slim brides Circular skirts with fullness and movement are best suited for tall brides having a thin frame.

One for the curvy bride….

Mermaid shaped gowns will articulate the curves and flatter fuller figures perfectly.

Bridal styling advice….

Wear a perfume you truly love on your wedding day. Keep your lips soft and natural.

Minimal jewellery is better and more modern.

Charlotte Balbier

Charlotte Balbier has a legacy of bridal wear to her credit.

Growing up in her maternal grandparents boutique that started in 1960s, it was natural she followed the family business. A pioneer of lace detailing and vintage styling in modern bridal design, Charlotte’s 2014 collection ‘A Decade of Style’ teams muted hues with metallic accents for subtle sophistication.

Top trends this year?

This year is all about embellishing definitive looks with modern touches such as back detail with low cut backs, cutaway daring designs and sheer lace backs with lots of feather accessories, metallic embellishments and beautiful beading. She presumes it to be the ‘Great Gatsby’ influence, a bow to style of 1920’.

Before Buying a Gown…

Magazines and online sites, it’s a great inspiration but keep it secondary subsequent to the meeting with a bridal expert, as they never fail to put forward ‘the one’ fashioned for you.

Favourite Contemporary bride….

Kate Moss in her Boho style wedding dress A Wedding Gown from History Princess Grace’s, the rose point lace on the bodice, Valenciennes lace for the skirt, ruffled petticoat and the taffeta for the skirt was an exquisite piece of art by Helen Rose, a member of MGM’s costume department.

Charlotte mentioned the Great Gatsby influence in fashion.

Around the 1974 premiere, the Paramount Promotion Director at that time said “The idea is to Gatsbyize the entire country.

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DESIGNERS

Stephanie Allin Stephanie Allin, is a true romantic at heart and it doesn’t surprise us when we see the same elements in her ethereal, beautiful bridal gowns.

Her bespoke gowns are known for their perfect fit and great corsetry.

Recipient of some major wedding couture awards, Stephanie tells us that first and foremost a bride should feel confident and comfortable as it would make her look and feel beautiful.

Advice for women who are to hunt for their wedding dress….

Just lighten up and don’t be troubled. A lot of girls become extremely anxious. It’s a huge spend and it’s supposed to be a wonderful time of your life, but we all judge ourselves incredibly harshly. Also don’t try on too many dresses.

Choose Your Bodice

Bridal wear designs in one word I’m torn between timeless and romantic so it’s going to be two…timelessly romantic!!

Crumbcatcher

Her style of bridal wears It’s about great structure and fit and above all designing dresses with a freedom that encompasses fashion and a bride’s individuality.

Overlay

Boning

Corset

Ruching

Insert

Tarun Tahiliani He started his design studio in 1990, and reinvented Indian craftmanship.

Inspired by Italian cuts, he’s reframed Indian opulence and contemporary styles in Indian couture.

Must haves of a complete bridal troussea Dresses or gowns for the youngsters’ event and a light Lehenga or an Anarkali for pre-wedding functions. For a wedding, a heavy sari or a Lehenga, and for the reception either a sari or a gown that looks stunning.

Bride’s essential guide to buying her wedding Lehenga Comfort is very important! If you’re going to be in an outfit for hours,

you need to be comfortable. As far as functional wear goes each bride is unique, and it’s her individual personality that should be reflected in anything she chooses to wear.

Sensual neckline styles and tips for wearing them A deep V-neckline or a deep round neckline looks very sensuous. They could be accessorized with a beautiful neckpiece or a sheer Dupatta to make it look more appealing.

Colours of the year There is no ‘it’ colour. Bridal wear is not about a trend; it’s about individuality! Brides and grooms should only do and wear what suits them.

The alpha male wedding clothing line you would recommend...

Styles that are popular are sleeveless Sherwanis with dhoti and Kurta, long Sherwanis with draped cummerbunds and Sherwanis with an open neckline worn with long flared Kurtas.

J J Valaya He tends to adapt and evolve in an age of fast paced fashion,there exists a degree of timelessness.

It is important when one is investing in wedding clothes or anything of greater value.

It’s raining trends...

The more classic order of reds, oranges, pinks, etc. still hold strong.

Embroideries are finer and lighter, although the look remains heavy and grand. Embroideries and textures are in vogue. A blend of traditional colors and contemporary techniques.

Most sought after embellishments and sophisticated designs this wedding season...Semi-precious stones, crystals and dramatic embroideries.... heavy in look and light in weight!

No- No’s for a bridal trousseau...

Buy what you will wear a lot and yet,

and something that has an element of timelessness so that it can be around in your wardrobe and on you for a longer time.

Fusion, classic or traditional, the choice of today’s groom?

Firstly, Indian men are becoming open to experimentation far more than they were a few years ago. If one is fit, then that opens up a sea of options in silhouettes for him...Jamas, Flared Kurtas, full-bodied styles...all become accessible. However, if one is not so fit, then sticking with basic cuts is recommended so Sherwanis, Kurtas, Bundgalas, etc. become essentials.

Expert advice for the groom to go colourful, yet classy Men are becoming more fashion conscious and open to experimenting; they are after all the true peacocks!

Opt for luxurious fabrics, unusual colours and exquisite detailing and bring color to the forefront but go easy on the ornamentation of the fabric

Ritu Kumar She’s synonymous for her ethereal and pulent sense of fashion, vibrancy andelegance.

Suggestions for a bridal trousseau – from private dinner party to Sangeet, wedding and reception….

The bride has to look her best for all the functions.

Hence, all the garments should be chosen with care.

A bride may go for a light lehenga or anarkali in yellow or rusted orange color for her Sangeet. For the main function, it’s always advisable to opt for that perfect lehenga in fuchsia or red and the reception, one can always wear a saree.

Colors that will make it really big this wedding season...

This season orange colour is huge and looks regal paired with fuchsia or red, especially for the brides. Apart from these, red, dull gold and turquoise is always in vogue.

Bridal shopping tips for a plus-size bride 1. Know your body type and shopping become slightly easy.

2. One may opt for custom made bridal trousseau and 3. Always go for a comfortable cut and silhouette and material.

Fashionable wedding jewellery in trend this wedding season The traditional gold look is making a comeback this season and many brides are opting for it. However, one may always stick to Polki and Kundan for most of the functions.

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D’Aisle

Nail Down

the Right Gown Text Maria John Photos Jinson Abraham

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very 20-something girl who saw the Royal wedding would have imagined herself walking down the aisle in such a grand dress. The D’aisle boutique in Kochi was born out of Twinkle Tom’s quest for the perfect gown. She enjoys wedding gowns with trains as it adds a dash of royalty to their wedding look.

Ideally six months prior to the wedding is the best time to hunt for a dress. Considering that a good share of weddings here are not planned so much in advance, a bare minimum of two months is required.. “Even when you choose a readymade gown to make minor changes like sleeve length or fit, you may need as many as 3-4 fittings to get everything right. This process will take close to a month, so as the seamstress’s perfection,” she says.

Her ideals still include a dress before accessories. “Know your wedding dress neckline, sleeve length and gown style before you choose your accessory. Another aspect to remember is that the accessory should match the embellishments on the gown.” White coloured gowns and wheatish and ivory tones are among her taste. Since formal church weddings don’t give much leeway in terms of colour choice blush and champagne gowns are options for brides who want to reuse their wedding gowns or have them converted into cocktail dresses.

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Your Fashion Companion

Lingerie

In Shape

Extra Fitting

The more people you bring with you to choose your gown, the more confused you are likely to be.

Bringing opinionated family members or friends who may force their personal preferences on you will only get you confused and disheartened. It is best to ask a friend or a cousin who understands you and your taste best to accompany you. So you can enjoy shopping too.

It is best to have your wedding lingerie when trying on a dress, and not practical to have the lingerie ready before your first trial. Each gown might require a different type of lingerie. When you have your measurements taken for the alterations, it is important to have them done with your wedding lingerie.

Purchase your lingerie before hand and make sure it’s of correct fit.

Boning is a strip of stiff plastic that is sewn into the inside of the dress to give it support, apart from a cup. As many as 16 such strips (or bones) are sewn into the lining which serves the purpose of having a corset built into your gown. For those with tummy fat, this tucks the tummy in giving a perfect hourglass figure. Brides will not need to wear a bra or a body-shaper.

A crinoline underskirt with metal hoops is sewn into ball gowns. Hoops won’t change shape no matter what you’re doing. Ask your boutique to add more layers of tulle and net to give the skirt its shape without having to depend on the uncomfortable crinoline skirts. A good ball gown should have as many as 7-9 layers, unless your ball gown is made of heavier satin.

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ETHICS

things that

matin Text Rakhi Jerly Photos Suneesh S

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eticulous he is. With a focused mind, he sketches designs for every bride.

Instead of stirring fantasies, he works within the limit of living dreams. Finding a wedding dress isn’t necessarily a strategy to him. Fusing fashion with culture is what tailors a perfect wedding dress. Linking his view of marriage to fashion, he believes a wedding isn’t an event that concerns only the two people who are getting married. The family’s likes and dislikes are as important as the couples. The aura of happiness also lies at the venue to him. In his opinion some colors are best suited for evenings, but may look too bright for a day event. Formals are always best for church weddings and traditional ceremonies.

Unlike the notion of an attire being sewn with golden threads, he doesn’t believe that a bride’s outfit stands for ostentation solely. Setting a price for your imagination is the most important part of a wedding dress and he weaves that dream according to it.

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The Wedding Clock

Dressed to Awe

Bridal Wear Makeover

The Wedding Checklist

One month. If you opt for custom-made, this will give you time to discuss your likes with designer, Once the design is executed, the designer will need to check fittings and make changes if necessary. For readymade wedding dresses, you will need to check out various options, seek the opinions of your family, Pick a dress that suits your looks and make alterations for the perfect fit.

Check whether you picked a dress that suits your looks and make alterations for the perfect fit.

Needn’t necessarily fulfill the latest trends, but should be flattering on the bride or groom who is wearing it. Choose colors, cuts and accessories that suit your body type and skin tone. The dress should enhance your best features and match the mood of the ceremony.

Pre-planning the multiple uses of an outfit can ensure that your bridal wear is not packed away forever after the wedding. A white gown, for example, can be deconstructed into separates. The lower skirt can be used like a lehenga and the upper yoke part can be a saree blouse. You can also get the fabric dyed into a different color.

Family’s opinion - I always encourage my clients to bring their families along, so that I can plan a design that pleases everyone.

Venue. You you can experiment with the reception look, which is most likely to be held in a hall or outside in the evenings.

Budget: Be clear about what you have set aside for your bridal wear. The price variation lies in its quality.

FWD VIVAH OCTOBER 2014

www.fwdlife.in

MAKEOVER

THERE IS MORE TO LIFE THAN WORK AND PLAY.

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velvety violet Model - Vishnu Priya Photography - Ashique Mahe Design - Pradeep Balakrishnan Make up - Renju Renjimar Costume - Fera Designers, Calicut

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The Elegant Bride A classic white gown in tulle fabric with delicate embroidery on the fringes

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Yellow Mellow The gown has bodice with pink and gold embellishments with yellow ombre skirt.

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Suit up

CLASSIC CHIC

Yves Saint Laurent Paris collar shirt in ivory silk crêpe Price: INR 43,500 appx.

Disclaimer: Price and features are subject to change.

Buyers are advised to act on data after cross-checking

Joseph & Feiss white tuxedo classic fit shirt Price: INR 3500 appx.

Vacheron Constantin Toledo 1951 Vintage watch Price: INR 2,180,450 appx.

PLAYFUL TWIST

Alexander Mcqueen slim-fit satin-trimmed wool tuxedo jacket Rs.1,40,000 approx

The Tie Bar silk seersucker solid gold self-tie bow tie Price: INR 908

Rolex DateJust II 116334 Silver Luminous Dial Price: INR 450000 appx.

Hugo Boss pre-tied black velvet bow tie Price: INR 5500 appx.

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Marc Ecko Men’s Silver-Tone Tire Tread Cufflinks Price: INR 2349

Kenneth Cole Reaction Social Club Oxfords Price: INR 9241

Ralph Lauren Sanderson Burnished wingtip shoes Price: INR 31,700 appx.

Paul Smith prism print pocket square Price: INR 5020 appx.

Armani Collezioni deconstructed slim-fit jersey jacket Price: INR 52,900 appx.

Kiss your barber GOODBYE HAIRDRESSING For Appointments 1 2014 OCTOBER FWD VIVAH 2014 OCTOBER FWD VIVAH 67

04 84 4 041111 / 7559977777

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Mehendi Designs

are also pasted to give a glamorous look.

Arabian Mehndi Designs The motifs and patterns used in Arabian mehndi are inspired by the Arabian culture. Arabic Mehndi designs include the work of different flowers, leaves and vines etc. They have little detailing with large circle on palm and small dots surround.

Designs to

Dye for

The traditional patterns of mehndi have become more and more intricate and decorative with time.

I

f there is one thing that is common in Indian, North African, Arabian and Pakistani wedding it is the use of Henna or Mehndi. It is documented that henna is used as a cosmetic tool to enhance beauty for past 6000 years. And it has definitely survived the test of times due to the modernization of it. There are now many types of mehndi patterns, some of which are Arabic, Rajasthani and tattoo. Each beautiful design has degrees of intricacy and is made unique for the bride. FWD tells you all about the latest designs in vogue.

Indian Mehndi Designs Latest trend of Indian Mehndi designs are based on fine styles that look elegant without an excessive amount of henna. Big dots in designs are also

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common now. Back side of hands has fewer flowers. Curved lines are used to cover the back sides of the hands.

Coloured glitters and small diamonties

Pakistani Mehndi Designs Pakistan Mehndi design takes time to make. These designs are amalgamation of Indian and Arabic Mehndi designs. These designs are more detailed and complex. These designs are more stylish than the Arabic and the Indian designs. Pakistani Mehndi designs decorated with glitter look very attractive. These designs include the flowers and leaves work prolonged to the arms African Mehndi Designs To start with, African Mehndi designs are fairly similar with the Indian Mehndi trend they have their own appeal and implication. Most of the African Mehndi Styles are recognized to have very complicated designs as well as patterns. Latest trend of African Mehndi design include the work of making different geometric shapes, boxes, lines and dots, etc.

in deep In every wedding, there’s a balance among social, emotional and physical health. Stand by the evergreen motto, take care of yourself. Looking beautiful goes beyond make - up!

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makeup

make up math FWD brings together four trendy looks and make-up advice to get your look right for the big day.

Text Rakhi Jerly Photos Various sources Retro rave

gayathri recomends Freelance Make-up artist and wardrobe consultant

Kate Moss Lasting Finish Lipstick + Diorshow Iconic Overcurl Mascara + L’Oréal Paris Super Liner Blackbuster +M.A.C pro Longwear ‘Whole Lotta Love’ Blush

Just Natural

Bridal Make-up trends this season?

Shades of gold with darker hues to shape the eyes and fuller curled lashes.Bright oranges, reds and pinks for lips.

A bride should always carry?

Moisturizing sun block and a face mist for well moisturized sun protected skin.

M.A.C Studio Fix Powder plus Foundation +COLORBAR Emphaseyes Eye Shadow +Maybelline Bold Matte by Color Sensational Lip Color +Bobbi Brown Long-wear ‘Blackest-Black’ eye pencil

Last-minute touchup essentials?

Once the make-up is done, only a lip touchup may be required.

Carry the same shade of lip color and gloss.

Glimmer glamour

BareMinerals High Shine Eyecolor + Make Up For Ever Diamond Powder + Two Faced Pure Bronze Bronzer +M.A.C Mineralize Skinfinish powder

pretty pastels

Bobbi Brown Limited Edition Surf Eye Palette + Lancôme Baume in Love sheer tinted lip balm + Maybelline Color Show Eyeliner + Urban Decay Naked Flushed Blush

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Common mistakes that can be avoided?

Heavy caked foundations can lead to more creases on the face.

Avoid trying to look fairer than your natural skin tone.Do not use the same colors on eyes, lips and cheeks. Dramatic eyes and bold lips don’t go well together.

Non-waterproof mascara and eyeliner will bleed during emotional moments. Lipstick tends to bleed when too much of gloss is applied.

Hairdo for ‘I do’ On your big day, any do just won’t do. FWD tells you how to get a hairdo that suits your face shape. Plus, Toni & Guy’s top stylist shares his bridal hairdressing tips and tricks.

Text Rakhi Jerly Photos Various sources Round Face: Width at the cheekbones matches the length of your face and soft non-angular features.

Do – Loose waves, volume around the crown, high or low side buns, messy buns, side-parting, half-up, puffs.

Don’t – Centre parting, tightly pulled back hair, flat fringes without bounce, frontal short bangs.

Chewang Sherpa Top Stylist, Toni & Guy – Lulu Mall, Kochi

Square Face: Strong angular jawline and broad forehead roughly the same size and square hairline.

Do – Curls, wispy layers, asymmetrical fringes, low messy bun, centre parting, long straight strands.

Don’t – Short styles ending at the ears, sleek pulled back hair, and straight choppy fringes framing the jawline.

Long Face: Length of the face is about twice the width, tall forehead and long chin with narrow cheekbones.

Do – Top knots placed towards the back, soft side-sweep curls and waves, pulled back hair or irregular layers tucked behind the ear.

Don’t – Long straight strands, volume on the crown, centre-parting.

Heart Face: Wider temple and hairline maintained up to the cheekbones and then tapered down to a pointed chin.

Do – Prominent headgear, side swept fringes, off-centre parting, braids, textured bob.

Don’t – Pulled back slick hair, volume and height at the crown, centre parting, short layers ending at the cheeks.

Ideal preparation time needed for bridal hair?

1 month. So, that the length and cut can be maintained for the desired hairstyle.

Bridal hairstyle in trend?

Variations in braids like Fishtail, five strand braid, etc.

Hair extensions for bridal hairstyles?

Very important. Even on long hair, if it is too thin.

Treat your hair to?

A hair spa, at least once a month – not only for healthy hair, but also for blood circulation and relaxation. Regular haircuts if you have damaged hair.

Bridal hairstyle for sarees/lehengas?

Curls and waves with texture Bridal hairstyle for super short hair?

Add an accessory or color.

I wish they don’t ask me to…

“Keep the length, but give me something different.”

Celebrity favorites?

Bipasha Basu and Deepika Padukone. I like how Deepika works with different hairstyles – long or short.

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skin

In your bridal skin

D A Y S PA

Calm those bridal jitters and be comfortable in your skin with these quick tips for a relaxed and refreshed wedding look.

Text Rakhi Jerly Photos Various sources

6 Months before : Cleanse: Use a gentle non-drying, sulfate- free cleanser that suits your skin type, alcohol-free toner and moisturizer for daily regimen.

Skin Serums, when used under a moisturizer, can be absorbed deep within for picture perfect skin.

1 Month before : Hydrate: If your skin is prone to blemishes, use water-based moisturizers. Deep cleansing Hydrafacial can also help in maintaining glowing healthy skin. Drink eight to ten glasses of water a day.

1 Week Before : Wax & exfoliate: The final wax or exfoliation treatment should be enough in advance to let your skin relax from all that pulling or rubbing. Moisturizing body masques can refresh red blotchy waxed skin.

Products with salicylic acid and tea tree can prevent bacteria on the skin.

1 Day before : Shape & Tone: Get your Mani-Pedi with peppermint scrubs done on the day before your wedding to avoid as much chipping as possible. For last minute tightening and toning, use detoxifying body wraps to lose inches of water weight off your figure.

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The Bridal Indulgence at Aromathai, Lulu Mall – Kochi Recommended therapy for a refreshed bride: Royal Manicure and Pedicure with relaxing aromatic foot massage.

Body Massage: Smooth Relaxation Aromatherapy with pure essential oils to liberate positive energy flow/ Cellular Balancing Detox & Toning massage which increases blood and oxygen flow. Thai Herbal Compress to enhance the benefits of the massage.

Body Scrub: Intense Lemon and Walnut Scrub with pumice powder, fine sea salt, lemon grass and walnut oil for dry skin/ Mild Rice Bran & Oatmeal Scrub that gently exfoliates and reduces sunspots plus hyper-pigmentation to brighten all skin types.

Body Masque: Ginger, Seaweed & Green Tea Masque to detoxify and moisturize dry, irritated and sun-damaged skin/ Champagne Body Masque with champagne oil for softer, smoother and glowing skin.

Face Refresher: Radiance C with Vitamin c, HA and turmeric extracts for whitening and brightening/ Collagen Gold with pure collagen, Q1 snow lotus herb, organic aloe and 24K gold sheets for glowing firm skin.

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Health

Lean In A crash diet is no worse than a wedding crasher. Stay trim and take efforts to lead a lean lifestyle.

Text Simna Nahas Photos Various sources

Sindhu Recommends Sindhu S, M.Sc, RD Chief Dietician MEDICAL TRUST HOSPITAL

Fruits Low calorie and high water content- watermelon, apple, pear, strawberries, fresh berries; blueberry, raspberry.

Oils Prepare a few dishes in coconut and switch to alternate oils Vegetable, Sunflower and Olive Oil Milk Low Fat Milk, if allergic substitute with curd or soymilk.

T

he time your wedding day nears, you are in a hurry to look stunning, and you want to be slim as any other model with beautiful skin and hair.

Many follow popular diets browsed from the net, and in the end you fail to sustain it. ”If you are aware of what nutrient goes into your body and the role it plays, you can make it a routine for your life and not just for your special day,” says dietician Sindhu S. Normally if a person has a deficiency, it will take time for the body to take it away even if it is a micro-nutrient deficiency like anaemia.

A diet for two months will cure the deficiency. When we say balanced diet it should include carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, water and definitely exercise!

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Nugget of Nutrients Carbohydrates Prioritize carbohydrate rich foods like wholegrain cereals, oats, and brown rice, as it is the energy givers. Eat this in moderation and correctly.

Fats Include fishes rather than cholesterol- rich chicken, mutton or beef. Eating fish is healthy except when overeaten. Shellfishes are higher in cholesterol. Avoid those kinds and depend on small fishes.

Protein Quantity must be restricted if you have big fish.

Control the intake of egg yolk.For a vegetarian, include pulses and dal like green gram, red gram, chickpeas, soya, green peas or Bengal gram. Combine cereals with a veg protein.

Vitamins and Minerals Exception of vegetables is potatoes, yams and tapiocas. Always balance the energy level by combining high source of energy with low source like rice with bitter gourd. Rice and tapioca sauté are not a good combination as both of it produces energy Water The moment hydration is deficient, the skin tends to become darker, and it loses its elasticity, it causes dullness in face. A minimum of 2- 2.5 litres of water should be consumed on a daily basis. Replacing water with juices is not advisable as it increases the energy level.

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For trade inquiries contact: Mr. Ananth Pandit

+91 97470 00416 Available across all retail stores in India.

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wellness

I Do, Do I ?

It’s strange how a switch of words make a big difference. The emphasis of the big day also comes with a panic attack. It’s your wedding there are the butterflies in the stomach but also the churn of confusion.

Text Nuthan Manohar Photos Jinson Abraham

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hree topics get discussed endlessly at my classes and workshops. If a person does not know me, the question is “How do I lose my belly fat?” Once they get to know me, the question is on food - delicious food, healthy food. Later comes the baffling topic of relationships. To the belly fat, I say elbow plank pose. To the food I say enjoy in moderation. Unfortunately to relationships there are no one size fits all, there are no concrete answers and often I look up to heavens and say Insha Allah or Kismet – God Willing or Destiny.

I meet people at different stages of relationships from the •Should I – Should I date him, Should I get married, Should I tell her how I feel?

This stage often gets dictated by social conditioning or the hormones.

Both are powerful factors, the choices that get made need not be rational.

You often throw caution to the wind and dive headlong.

•I Do – Should I let my parents know, Should I change my facebook status, Should I fix the date?

From speaking about commitments here comes the phase of walking the talk.

•Do I – Should I wait for someone else, Am I ready, Am not sure if this is IT, Should I call it off?

The Do I stems from our doubts and fears of the unknown future together •Why Did I – Should I break up “I Do… or Do I” phase happens at a critical time where you have made a commitment, and the relation is

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going to the next level – the wedding. Instead of bells ringing and birds chirping you are struggling with voices of doom in your head. A popular term for the condition is the wedding jitters.

Both arranged couples and lovers experience jitters, strangely the latter experiences more jitters. Arranged couples have already accepted the possibility of marrying a stranger, whereas the lovers agree to marry “the known devil.”

You may experience anxiety, breathlessness, sorrow at the thought about your upcoming wedding, feel fearful and sweat at the sight of all the preparations. I suggest, do not to take the jitters lightly, rather take it as sign that you need to slow down and take a look at what is happening in the most important place in the world – your mind.

There have been instances of jitters trying to warn you that you are overlooking important issues including your safety. Majority of women who have been subjected to domestic abuse did experience pre-wedding jitters but pushed them aside owing to family pressures. Thankfully most often the cold feet are because you are transitioning from the freedom of a single carefree life and embarking on a quest to find joys of shared life.

Somewhere between following the two principles lies your truth, your love and your peace.

•You only have one life, live it to the fullest, have no regrets. Be fearless.

•It is better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all

Nuthan Manohar A wellness expert and researcher.

Through her venture Me Met Me she invites you to rediscover yourself through yoga, food and fun.

How do we deal with the “I Do … or Do I” • Meditate: Spend time in meditation; sit still in an undisturbed space for 15 minutes, observing your breath. It helps the mind to calm down and helps you have better clarity. So go on practice some Asanas, Vinyasa or Tai Chi and Pranayama.

• Discuss: Articulate and then allay all your doubts with your closest friends and those among family, who will stand by your decision.

• Live: Live your Life as you love it, it should not end when the married life begins.

• Let go: If your need for perfection is ruining your day then let it go. So let the thoughts of perfection and ideal go out and instead try to create what is optimum.

• Face your fears: “What if you had no fear? What if nothing held you back, what would you do then?” I often ask clients to journal their answer across few weeks and then take a decision. You can also write down your partner’s fears as well. Would he or she arrive at a decision similar to yours?

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Relationships

Get Honeymoon-ed A little planning and leaving the rest to the impulsiveness of the moment, you could experience a memorable time together with your loved one. FWD looks into what small things you can do to make a great impact on your honeymoon days. Nevertheless, there is nothing trivial when it comes to expressing love!

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ow do you feel about setting a little romantic surprise for your husband on your honeymoon? You’ll have to think it through even before

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you go and only leave the smallest details for the actual place. Arrange a romantic breakfast by the beach for you and your husband only. Talk to the waiters and the personnel of the

resort you’re staying in and arrange it all without your husband knowing.

Wake up before him and leave him a note on the pillow that you’re waiting for him at the beach. Later, order

of it. Try a new sport. Go bungee jumping or skydiving. Fly in a tandem paraglide. Do something you’ve never done before, and you’ll remember it as a fantastic thing you’ve done on your honeymoon for the rest of your life.

DRESS TO KILL Every couple want their honeymoon nights (even early mornings to be sensuous and sexy, so do not forget to pack some ‘haute’ two-piece in your luggage. Men are visual creatures and love to see a beautiful, well-groomed woman. Before your wedding, ask your future husband to play a simple game like a quiz. Ask him a lot about his sexual fantasies and the kind of lingerie he likes. When the honeymoon arrives, make his fantasies come true. Wear the kind of lingerie that he never expected you to wear and treat him like a king in bed.

GET ON THE ROLL Great sex is prerequisite for impressing your husband on honeymoon. Find out his sexual fantasies and make sure you fulfill all of them. Men are wicked creatures who loved to be seduced and prompted for sex. Do not wait for him to initiate sex, take the lead on the bed to leave him surprised and wanting more of you. A stripping session where you can encourage him to take part with you is another thing he would love to have on your honeymoon.

some strawberries and champagne and wait for your husband wearing only an easy-take-off night gown.

TRY SOMETHING NEW One of the greatest tricks to have a romantic honeymoon is to be open to trying something new, and not only in bed, but you can try new things in bed.Try a type of food you’ve never tried before. Also, try a new drink.

Local alcohol is usually always a good choice, just don’t have too much

SPOIL YOUR MAN! To keep him intrigued throughout your honeymoon you need to pay him all your attention. If you don’t know how to give a massage, learn.

Surprise him by giving him the best massage that he has ever had.

Women aren’t the only ones who love pampering and massages. In fact, most men are more into massage than women. Besides, he will also desire to be pampered and cared on your honeymoon. Keep your phone and laptop at rest during your honeymoon and dedicate your time to your man.

Your small gestures like gifting him a rose, organizing a surprise dinner for two of you or arranging a beach night camp would make you win his affection and admiration

CONFIDENCE IS HOT Look in the mirror and know that no one does it better than you. Remember that you and your sweetheart know each other more intimately than anyone else.

Know that the safety and mutual respect you create in your marriage allows you to be yourself. Use that inner knowledge to strut your stuff.

Your physical exterior is not nearly as important as your inner confidence and the sense that you know how to please yourself and your lover.

If you haven’t yet arrived at this place of strong inner self-confidence, talk openly with your husband or wife about your sensitivities and vulnerabilities. A loving spouse will take great care to honour those more delicate and sensitive areas.

With a gentleness, love, and compassion, the vulnerabilities heal and allow confidence to grow.

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You and Yourself

CELEB WEDDINGS THAT WENT HUSH-HUSH

Rumour has it, there are wedding bells around the corner!

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elebrities are 24x7 under the limelight and watched by the paparazzi all over the world. Mostly they try to keep their love-life in private but that also breaks out very often. Some of the celebrities have succeeded in tying the knot away from the prying eyes of the paparazzi. It’s stunning to know that they were dating right under our nose and still we didn’t smell anything fishy! Weeks or months later we come to realize that our heart-throbs have already begun their life with their sweethearts. Let’s go through some of the such weddings and see how they escaped paparazzi

specifics were so private that even the guests didn’t know where exactly the ceremony would be held.

beyonce and jay-z She surprised everyone when she and Jay-Z married in a secret wedding ceremony in 2008. Bey and Jay had been together for six years at that point. It was a secretive, quiet ceremony.

JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE AND JESSICA BIEL They got married on October 2012 in Southern Italy. While there was a buzz that the superstar duo would be tying the knot that weekend, the details remained super secretive. The

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KONKANA SEN SHARMA AND RANVIR SHORAY They were not one to talk about their romance publicly. So when they decided to get married; it was no surprise why the media wasn’t invited. They solemnised their union at Konkana Sen Sharma’s Mumbai residence in 2010. They are blessed with a baby boy. The Khiladi of Bollywood was known to be a Casanova until he married Twinkle Khanna in a low-key affair n 2001.

The ceremony was attended by the couple’s immediate family members.

According to Akshay ‘it was a sudden decision’.

HEMA MALINI AND DHARMENDRA The lovely Bollywood couple had to face many a hurdle to get married as Dharmendra’s first wife refused to divorce him. But

the two tied the knot in 1980 after converting to Islam secretly in Khandala.

CHER LLOYD AND CRAIG MONK The former X Factor married her hairdresser boyfriend Craig in top secrets, revealing her happy news to her fans by posting an Instagram picture of the two of them on their special day.

She wore her hair in loose curls for the day and showed off her tattoos.

2014 OCTOBER FWD VIVAH

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Vivah

You and Yourself

One of a Kind

You needn’t hire a planner who solely does your wedding décor if you are acquainted with a few fun DIY’s. You can get inspiration from these fun cool ideas presented that could be done by yourself to add that personal touch to your wedding.

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IY weddings come to your rescue when you have to limit your budget and by limiting your budget it doesn’t mean you have to settle for something tacky.

This idea gives you the best space to showcase your creativity and produce Out of the Box You can customize paper boxes and fill it will mints, chocolates or any favour of your choice to present the guests.

A Treated Favour One of the best ways to show your friends and family how much you appreciate their time and support is to give them a favour they will absolutely love. Fill several jars with a selection of your top picks, and leave some takeout boxes for guests to pack up and take home. Incorporate your own family recipes to make the display a little more special.

Textured Wall Mix and match different rosettes to create a wall display that comes to life! Add in a few paper pom-poms for more volume. Use a single colour to highlight your venue or colour scheme or try an ombre arrangement to add subtle variation.

Graceful Hangings Instead of putting them in a vase, use ribbon to suspend them from the ceiling.

Surround votive holders on your table with flower petals for an array that is utterly dreamlike. Look up to dreamy designs.

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your style with whatever you choose to display. You can transform your backyard into a fabulous venue; make home-made treats as yummy favours and use household items for wedding décor with DIY.

Prop Me Pretty These printable chalkboard style signs will create some hilarious keepsake photos of the happy bridegroom and their guests.

You can download your desired patterns, print them cut out the signs some sticks and enjoy!

Save the Date Sending an invitation across with a pinch of personal touch can make a difference. These are homemade invites made using template, brown and crème cardstock paper, floral & lace hole punches and twine.

A Treated Favour Fill several jars with a selection of your top picks, and leave some takeout boxes for guests to pack up and take home.

Incorporate your own family recipes to make the display a little more special.

A Colour Coded Walk Add a modern twist to your aisle by creating a pattern or monogram with petals in your colour scheme. Ombre flowers and petals are another way to create a subtle, yet stunning aisle.

Use fall leaves ,flower heads, fabric, or feathers to add a lively accent to your venue

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CAKES

What wedding Cake are You? They say you are what you eat. Choose a cake that you like and find out what kind of a wedding you are!

You Are a Memorable Wedding For you, love is whimsical and delightful. You believe love should often be celebrated, and in the most indulgent manner possible. To be unloved would make you feel uninspired and depressed. Love is what ultimately motivates and excites you. Romantic love makes you feel lighthearted and full of joy. Even if you’ve been in love with someone for a while, you still feel like you did when you first fell in love. Your soulmate makes you happier than any person you know. You’re likely to fall for the person who makes you smile, laugh, and feel young again.

You are a Thrilling Wedding Love makes you feel excited and alive.

You see love as the beginning of a new chapter.You know there are plenty of friends and love interests out there for you. For you, romantic love is an adventure. As long as you’re with someone, you look forward to growing, changing, and learning together. You love deeply, but you don’t get too attached in relationships. You feel that love runs in its course of time and does not happen at first sight. Change is somethimg you are not scared off at the same time. Tough love doesn’t seem like a mission. What be will be, and you roll with the punches.

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You Are a Low-Key Wedding Love makes you feel calm and at peace. Simply being around those you care for brings out the best in you.

To be unloved would make you feel like there was something missing in your life. You’d survive it, but you would have a lonely existence.For you, romantic love is steady and undying.

Unconditional it is, and a stormy weather teaches you a lesson.You’ve gotten to the point in your life where commitment matters a lot to you. When you love someone, you are prepared to be there for that person... for better or worse. Whether you’re married or not, you’re completely true

sUN-KISSED AND STARRY EYED What’s the latest at the Latest Recipes?

Chef JP Singh, Executive Chef of Le Meridian, stirs up something royal for the wedding themes: Sun-kissed brunch and Starry Eyed nights.

Text Atheena Wilson Photos Suneesh Suresh

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Courtesy Le Meridian, Kochi

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food

SUN KISSED BRUNCH

Clockwise: Beetroot and feta tian, chicken and gherkin roll , beetroot and lemongrass shooters, grilled vegetable tart, Blue cheese and melon, tomato gazpacho shooters, squid timbale paprika crackers, orange and lemon squash

STARRY- EYED DINNER

Clockwise: Whole baked fish with orange and fennel, tandoori shrimps with mint & mango sabayon, roast beef medallions with balsamic tomatoes & pepper confetti, whole roast chicken with rosemary and new potatoes, cheese platter, red wine, seaweed salmon ,tomato marmalade & basil

Vivah

food

Quickies A cook show you enjoy?

Hell’s Kitchen Favourite Ratatouille scene?

When Remy took over the kitchen A movie that stirred your attention?

Chef, I couldn’t resist the trailer No No’s in wedding menu...

Repetition of ingredients The secret ingredient of a wedding...

Knowing your guest’s taste too

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met JP Singh when things were heating up, literally, in the kitchen. With so many dishes plated up and the explosion of colors and aroma, an interview could wait. We went for a walk in the hotel. The white arcs and purple velvet walls led us to the theme of sun kissed brunch and starry-eyed night. A twist to the menu and something of his taste; he put on quite a spread in which words of mine wouldn’t fit! Thus, the photos do all the talking. To beat the wedding qualms, he shared his thoughts on gettting your banquet sorted.

The dream wedding concept...

Bigger the Better! ( He laughs) Many people will recollect a wedding because of the food. That satisfaction has to be local but also global to cater to the requirements of the guests.

A crucial wedding tip when you plan a menu?

Take some family members from your home who have a good taste for food.

Since they have a better understanding of the guests, they can discuss with the chef to bring about harmony. An innovative chef can turn around the spread according to requirements.

INSPIRATION The Brunch Look We were inspired by the white arcs for the brunch wedding, very Parisan. He created a menu of color explosion and freshness with salads as symbolic as new found love.

The Night Look When we spotted the velvet bound walls, we could not think of anything more royal with the hint of some old-fashioned glory. The copper pans, the cheese, the roasted chicken takes us back to the time of European opulence.

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Purple striped gown, European Dress in Detail, 1700-1914, Resnick Pavilion, Los Angeles County Museum of Art

A few small good things to incorporate in a wedding banquet?

The pre-plated buffet, live counters, live presentations and interactive options.

You mentioned about how guests should be content, how do you create the innovation then?

In a wedding, you should stick to the classic meal, for example, Biryan in a Muslim wedding or saadhya for a Hindu wedding. But you could incorporate other meals and take them for a culinary journey, that’s when you bring about innovation.

Sairaina & James © Jeremy Stanley

© Camila Ferraz

Heidi - Vancouver © Dallas Kolotylo

We Were Rachel - Pitt Meadows. © Dallas Kolotylo

Lucy and Ryan © Jimmy Teo

Framed

Love has no borders; FWD crossed continents to capture blissful moments of weddings across the world. FWD caught up with four international wedding photographers who share what photography means to them.

© Camila Ferraz

Luke - Sechelt © Dallas Kolotylo

© Camila Ferraz

Catherine and the girls © Jimmy Teo

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PHOTOGRAPHers

Dallas & Sabrina K Canada Welcome to the rain city, where it showers love and does their talent to capture!

Weddings through your lens...

A wedding is like a Hurricane, it rushes past you..That’s why we love what we do and feel it’s so important to hire a trusted wedding photographer.

Your melting moment?

Dallas-Sometimes the bride and groom leave each other gifts on the wedding day. When they open the gift and read the card or letter their soon to be spouse has written, I always enjoy that moment.

Please don’t ask…

When a person who asks if we can just take the pictures and let them edit the photos. It’s like purchasing a painting from an artist and painting over it.

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Click a few or click endlessly?

Fewer photos, as opposed to just snapping away. We try to slow down and make sure we get a beautiful shot of the perfect moment.

What are the eedding fads now?

Sabrina – The desire to recreate

photographs from Pinterest, wedding blogs and the internet. Brides want to recreate photographs of someone else’s day. They should create their day that reflects their individual personalities and unique photographs that tell their story.

Camila Ferraz

make the exact replicas.

Brazil From the land of soccer and samba, Camila travels around the world to capture intimate moments in unique compositions and framed wonders.

A few too many or one too many pictures?

I prefer to take a million than miss even a single moment. For weddings I take another photographer to me and we take about 8000 images. But if it’s a post wedding session, I have more time to relax and compose shots creatively.

Trend to be or not to be?

Each wedding is unique to me and I try my best not to keep the images unique too. I don’t like to take reference from other photographs and

These days editing is as important as photography, what’s your opinion of the edtiting extant ?

I always try to get the perfect photo and use Photoshop only to improve some details like contrast.

What moment would you like to go incognito and shoot as a wedding photographer?

That would be the proposal. It’s rare to hire a photographer for this occasion, but I have done it a few times. It’s amazing, I can capture the purest emotion If you had to sum up a wedding in a similie it would be?

Construcao de uma casa; it is like the construction of a house. You need to have dedication, involvement and also hire good professionals to get it right.

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PHOTOGRAPHers

what they do, how they met, how did the proposal go down, who or what is most important to them, what gets them up in the morning?

Capture the moment or edit later?

A balance of both. The decisive moment is the result of planning, watching and anticipating the behaviour. I will shoot as much as needed to get the perfect shot!

A creative way to document photos?

Pick out the photos with strongest emotion that tell a story through the day.

Jimmy Teo Australia From the land down under, he certainly knows how to keep every couples spirit up. Jimmy Teo, founder

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of IZO photography has won the Excellence Award for wedding photography.

Your 5 W’s and how’s to the couple?

We always try to get to know their background, so we ask them about

Trending in Photography…

Old and vintage, I do use a little bit of that, but I’m careful not to overdo it.

Changes to a wedding?

Flood of smartphones.Guests should just enjoy the wedding without staring at a screen all day, and let the professional photographer do their job!

Jeremy Standley Spain

sunset moments. Couples love Spain’s most sought after photographer.

From the land of the setting sun, he has an endless number of

Your wedding wow moments…

Weddings are so different and full of their individual emotions, the tears and

laughter you can never predict.

Camera Shy Tricks…

Minimum direction. I am more of a documentary photographer so for the majority of the day I just let the events unfold and document them as I see them.

Invisible for a day, you would shoot..

Tough one, I would like to go 100 years into the future and document the future.

You’ve been to Kerala, you loved...

The people, the food, we kayaked the backwaters for four days, and can´t wait to get back to Kerala again. My girlfriend named her house “Casita Kerala.”

A marriage in a similie would be?

Kahlil Gibran quoted, “Marriage is the golden ring in a chain whose beginning is a glance and whose ending is Eternity.”

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architecture

With bold chatris and elegant colonnades, the Udaipur Palaces reflect the regal aesthetics of royal India. One of the ultimate Indian wedding destinations, the Udaipur City Palace is just the place to inspire a royal Indian wedding.

Regal Notes As Octopussy’s home in the James Bond movie to magical settings for celebrity weddings, the palaces of Udaipur are world renowned architectural marvels. The largest of them all is the City Palace; a fusion of Mughal and Rajasthani styles.

Text Maria John Photos Various sources

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Get inspired from royal velvet, dainty filigree work, Rajasthani motifs and bejeweled robes.

An enchanting full moon strains silver into the calm waters. A gentle breeze dances along the shores.

The City Palace rises into the night like a multi-tier wedding cake against the Aravalli Mountains. The proud seat of the Mewar dynasty, the picturesque palace was built over a period of 300 years beginning in 1559. Legend has it that Maharana Udai Singh II was out hunting when he met a hermit meditating on a hill along the shore of Lake Pichola. The hermit told him to build a palace at that very spot and the king shifted the capital of the Mewar Kingdom from Chittor to Udaipur. Over the years that transpired, the palace kept growing, replete with stories of

Make a grand entrance with Rajasthani entertainment ; the traditional ghoomar or kalbelia or kachchigodi dance. Entertain your guests with Rajasthani puppets or organize a game of polo before the functions.

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royalty, war and peace. Percy Brown, the renowned British scholar, remarked “There is something more than architecture in these palaces. Every stone is touched with the spirit of romance.�

The City Palace is not just the biggest palace complex in Rajasthan, but it is the secret keeper of seventy six generations of Sisodia Rajputs who added and subtracted to the structure to suit their needs. As the clan was part of the Sun Dynasty (Suryavanshi or Sisodia Rajputs) the palace faces east, welcoming the morning rays.

A glorious celebration of Mughal and Rajasthani architecture along with traces of Medieval, European and Chinese styles, the palace is built in granite and marble. One really does wonder how so many elements could create such a homogenous design. The almost fort like structure is visually deconstructed by towering cupolas, turrets, balconies and terraces. The palace is approached by impressive gateways or Pols. Murals

in the artistic style of the Rajputs decorate the walls. The walk from the main gate (Bari Pol) takes you to the Manek Chowk which is a big open yard where processions used to take place.

An exquisite hundred feet façade hides the complex which comprises of open courts, gardens and halls at various levels. The palace is a huge porous structure as the open spaces serve to bring in ample light and ventilation which is a typical trait of traditional tropical architecture.

The interiors of the palace might seem confusing to you at first with its steep stairs and meandering passages, but then you learn that these were ways to stop intruders. The widths of the passages are narrow so that no one could draw out weapons. Every inch of the rooms is laid out with delicate craftsmanship. Mirror work, jewels, intricate paintings, colored glass and filigree work create a mesmerizing effect, reminding you of the grandeur of a bygone era.

Gardens: The Amar Vilas, or pleasure pavilion, is an elevated garden with a marble tub. The family gathered here to celebrate occasions. Badi Mahal is also a garden situated on a rock formation within the palace structure.

Galleries: Bhim Vilas exhibits pictures of Radha and Krishna, Chini Chitrashala shows Chinese art and Choti Chitrashali shows pictures of peacocks which was an important symbol to the dynasty. The Krishna Vilas chamber houses miniature paintings and the Laxmi vilas chowk houses Mewari art. All the halls are wide with colonnades and embellished ceilings.

Courts: Manak Mahal is an enclosure

to receive guests. It has a raised area which is completely covered in mirrors and dazzles you with a play of light.

The Sheesh Mahal or hall of mirrors also gives the same effect as you enter a space covered in mirror tiles that you feel like you are in a large disco ball. The Mor Chowk or Peacock square leads to the inner courts.

Three large peacocks, to represent summer, winter and monsoon, stand tall in jharokhas (niches) embellished with colored glass mosaic. Smaller courts and chambers lead from this space to the inner most quarters of the women known as Zenana Mahal.

The women’s hall now plays host to many weddings, events and musical soirees. The design aesthetic is carried throughout with highly detailed alcoves and balconies.

The complex has over eleven palaces and other facilities. The beauty of the structure is the kind of open and closed spaces that it creates on various levels which creates a very interesting architectural section.

Exquisite craftsmanship has been displayed in the construction. The aura of the City Palace gives you the royal wedding you dream of

The palatial domes and intricate doorways are great ideas for your wedding Mandap. Flowers and textile are staples in Indian weddings. Add elements of mirror work from the halls of the City Palace, royal prints for your upholstery, detailed furniture and a regal palette.

Walk in like a prince or princess in flowing embroidered couture. Make your Sabyasachis and Tarun Tahilianis work with hand crafted jhoothis or Louboutin heels. The men can top it off with a traditional bejeweled turban.

Let the ladies dazzle in Rajasthani jewelry that took centre stage in Jodha Akbar.

Every detail counts; be it from the cutlery to the wedding souvenirs. Draw inspiration from the palace and choose your elements with care. Try bejeweled cutlery and mirror work or filigree boxes for your souvenirs. Present your guests with the flavors of Udaipur; handicrafts, sweets and music.

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travel

A POSTCARD FOR EVERY THOUGHT If only you could revisit the places where your famous characters sang their serenades, had fluttering butterflies in their stomach or their unexpected kisses. A few travelogues of our famous characters and their destinations that narrate a tale of unfurling love.

2011 Midnight in Paris When the hour long telephonic conversation ended with Woody Allen, Marion Cotillard said: “Oh, my God, I’ve been talking to Woody Allen - that was Woody Allen’s voice!”

Dearest Reader, I met the beautiful Adriana at Rue de Fleurus. The next night at the Musée des Arts Forains, I walked with her to Montmartre on to Rue Lamarck.

We kissed at Restaurant Paul on Rue Henri Robert. Adrianna was trapped by the magic of past, but I returned only to break up my engagement with Inez. Being strangely happy about it, I decided to take a walk along the Seine when a familiar face caught my eye – Gabrielle. I last met her at the flea market of Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen on Rue des Rosiers.

I knew this is what is meant to be. I found love, yet again, in the rain at midnight in Paris.

Love Gil

Dear Reader At Wien Westbahnhof railstation ,Vienna, we met. Nearby, we found a vinyl collectors heaven and listened to Kathbllom Teuchter Schallplattenhandung. On a giant ferris wheel at the western end of the Prater park, we kissed. Our confessional phone game at Café Speri was unforgettable.

In six months we thought we’d meet but it was a wait of nine years. Love in a lapse of time.

Lots of love Celine

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1995 Before Sunrise At the end of the film it is revealed that Jesse and Celine met on June 16th. This is the same date as in James Joyce’s “Ulysses,” which follows Leopold Bloom around Dublin for one day. June 16th is celebrated as “Bloomsday.”.

1961 Breakfast at Tiffany’s

Dearest Reader 71st Street, East Side New York was an indelible abode of Miss Holly Golightly. The tour at Tiffany and Co.,our dash across Lexington Avenue after shoplifting masks, and her parties at home were wild.Yet she was quiet at the New York Public Library, Central Park and on the stairs of Park Avenue. Despite her complexity, our kiss was like the song Moonriver she sang on her balcony.

The song “Moon River” was written especially for Audrey Hepburn, since she had no training as a singer. The vocals were written to be sung in only one octave.

With love Paul

1956 King and I She graced the dancefloors with her dresses. Deborah Kerr’s gowns, designed by Irene Sharaff, each weighed between 30 and 40 pounds, due to all the pleats, hoops and petticoats.

Dearest Reader, Bangkok is the tropical paradise it claims to be. King Mongkut has been gracious and we actually waltzed in the royal halls. The more I explore, the more I come to understand the King. The Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Pho and Wat Arun temples are stunning.

The floating market is worth a visit. The King has promised me a tour darlings!

Yours truly, Anna

Dearest Tasting freedom, she cut her hair and enjoyed her gelato on the Spanish Steps. At Via Condotti she said, “I’d like to sit at a sidewalk café, look in shop windows.”

Trevi Fountain never missed our coin. As we headed to Roccas bar, she had some champagne. At Ponte Sant’Angelo, she danced and hit someone with a guitar and had a share of scare at the Mouth of Truth. At Roman Forum, we shared our first kiss. Bellissima! That was our Roman Holiday

1953 Roman Holiday After filming, Gregory Peck informed the producers that, as Audrey Hepburn was certainly going to win an Oscar, they had better put her name above the title. They did and she did.

With love Joe

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You and Yourself

HONEYMOON

TRAVELS Still planning your honeymoon?

Here’s some help from our favorite iconic movies. Be it Rome,Paris or New York, find out what to pack and what to bring back.

Disclaimer: Price and features are subject to change.

Buyers are advised to act on data after cross-checking

Manolo Blahnik Callamu Watersnake Slide Sandal.

Price: INR 47,400 appx.

ROMAN HOLIDAY Hermes Silk Twilly scarf.

Price: INR 10, 400 appx.

Marc Jacobs silk blouse.

Price: INR 30,300 appx.

Audrey Hepburn Roman Holiday Pos Luggage Tag. Price: INR 760

Halmo Roman Holiday Mens t-shirt. Price: INR 1400

Roksanda Ilincic Tilton wool-cleb crepe skirt.

Price: INR 77,000 appx.

MIDNIGHT IN PARIS Liga Kandele Parisian Winter Midnight hand painted Scarf.

Price: INR 1836

Van Cleef & Arpels Midnight in Paris Watch. Price: 54,49,025

Gucci Jackie Soft Leather Top Handle Bag. Price: INR 1,77,552 May Souvenir Candle.

Price: INR 918 98

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Midnight in Paris Retro Poster on Etsy. Price: INR 1500 appx.

BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY’S Eugenia Kim Honey Wide-Brim Scarf Hat. Price: INR 22,300 appx.

Alexis Bittar Crystal Lace Flower Necklace.

Price: INR 36,400 appx.

Breakfast at Tiffany’s sleep mask on Etsy.

Price: INR 1100 appx.

Oliver People’s Ria oversized sunglasses.

Price: INR 20,500 appx.

Tote bag from Empire State building gift shop.

Price: INR 700 appx.

Gucci wool coat.

Price: INR 1,22,450

KING AND I Salvatore Ferragamo Nilly Jelly Bow Ballerina Flat.

Price: INR 16,530 appx.

Ann and the King of Siam

by Margaret Landon 1940 Vintage.

Price: INR 400 appx.

Siam Swarovski Rivoli ring.

Price: INR 1700 appx.

Art Siam Travel Poster on Etsy.

Price: INR 730 appx.

BEFORE SUNRISE

John Varvatos Star USA Tumbled Leather Moto Jacket. Price: INR 36,600 appx.

Robin Ruth Vienna sling bag colour flash.

Price: INR 2780

Before Sunrise poster

by Claudia Varosio.

Price: INR 1225 appx

Joan Vass Tiered Long Tank Dress.

Price: INR 12,734

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Customs

The Wedding Ways

Just like how two people come closer, marriages bring people closer to the traditions that were formulated by the older generation.

I

t is interesting to know how weddings across the world share the same beliefs and how differently they are conceived and practiced by the people of different cultures. As weddings and the mind-set of people progress most of the traditions and the superstitious beliefs associated with it wears out.

WARD OFF THE EVIL The most common belief across the world is that the bridegroom is under close observation of evil eyes throughout the wedding ceremony.

China: Some guests perform the lion dance, where they dance to the beats of cymbals, gongs and drums in order to ward off the evil spirits.

Ireland: Irish women have a hard time keeping their foot on the ground when dancing with the groom. They have a fear of evil fairies sweeping

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them away, and bells are traditionally chimed at Irish weddings in the belief of throwing the evil spirits.

Rome: The Romans veiled brides in flame-coloured veils to scare off the spirits. The older traditions involved dressing bridesmaids exactly the same as the bride so that the troublesome spirits could not fixate on the bride as they are lookalikes.

BEAR THE BRUNT Germany: Guests bring the couple any type of porcelain except glass for them to smash . Later they clean up the mess together to make them understand the difficulties of married life and by working together they can overcome any difficulties.

Scotland: a Scottish bride has to clean up herself. She is taken by surprise by her friends ahead of the wedding day to be attacked with

spoiled food, fish, tar and feathers and takes her out for drinking. If she bears the brunt, then she is capable of handling any situation that comes her way in a marriage.

GUESS THE NEXT India: Little we know about our very Indian way of knowing the next bride to be. If the kaleerein on bride’s chooda falls on someone’s head while moving her hand over the unmarried girls, she is considered the next in line.

Greece: Brides just wear shoes that have names of their unmarried friends written at the bottom and the name that gets worn out by the end of the night will be the next to get married.

Hawaii: Hawaiians display 1,001 origami cranes made of metallic paper at the wedding ceremony and later at the couple’s home for good luck, longevity and prosperity. If you want to contribute to your prosperity, walk down the aisle with a gold coin on your shoe.

Korea:Korean groom is beaten at

his foot with fish or cane to test his true strength.

China: Women crying in different tones are an expression of joy to Tulja people in China. One month prior to the wedding, the bride is required to cry for an hour every day for the groom. Ten days into the ritual her mother joins her, then her dear grandmother.

ARE YOU STRONG ENOUGH? Kenya: In a jumping competition, a Masai groom participates to prove his warrior strength.

Ireland

When an Irish bride enters her new home, by custom her mother-in-law breaks a piece of wedding cake over her head as a token of becoming the new mistress.

Sweden

It’s customary to sing songs as toasts and for all the male guests to run up and kiss the bride whenever the groom gets up and leaves the table.

Denmark

At Danish weddings, if the guests strike their glasses with a knife at the same time; the bride and the groom have to stand up on their chairs and kiss. If the guests stamp their feet, the newlyweds have to kiss under the table.

Italy

At the end of the wedding ceremony, Italian couples throw a vase or glass on the ground.

Hopefully shattering it into many pieces, each piece represents the number of years they will share together.

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Vintage cars

Out with the Old Wearing antique jewellery with a classy dress is incomplete without a vintage element in the forefront. FWD looks into how you can make a complete retro look by including that vintage rustiness to your wedding.

Text Simna Nahas Photos Lymelites Events & Entertainment, Vintage Car Club

I

f you are in the process of planning your wedding, you may want to start thinking about your transport. Confused whether to flaunt a 1930’s Wolseley or a 2014 Mercedes S class at the venue? If you wish to add a traditional and classy touch to your baarat you must go for a vintage beauty dated 1920’s to 1930’s as it is considered the classic era. Some other added advantages of choosing a vintage car is that it is timeless as opposed to the time bound new age car.

The wow factor in a new age car just lasts until the introduction of the next model, whereas, if the vintage beauty makes an appearance in the entry, it

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might turn out to be the belle of the function!

Vintage the Next-age With wedding trends always on the move, modern weddings can be dated very quickly. You can feel secure if you bring in a traditional element as it will always be looked upon and appreciated. Opting for a vintage car can be classy and tasteful. Halit, a newbie bride drove a golden and red Morris to her venue to compliment her cranberry red theme she had for her wedding.

Halit recollects, “While driving along the roads of Kottayam, everybody was looking at me in admiration and I really enjoyed the moment. The post

photo shoots with the car would be my favourite moments as I’m sure they could live for years”. Bridegrooms who are obsessed to bring in modernism fail to realise how much of a fad it can be.

Hire the Royalty You may wonder accommodating an exclusive vintage element can take a toll on your wedding fund. But it will only cost you 15000-20000 to make your big day memorable. The Vintage Car Club in Thrissur, run by classic car enthusiasts own a wide range of models. They have a wide range of models including 1932 Fiat Balilla, 1947 Vauxhall and Morris 8 in their

The Royal Entry and Exit

fleet. According to Prabhu, President of The Vintage Car Club, more and more bridegrooms are opting for vintage cars for weddings because it stands out from the BMW’s and Merc’s that has become a regular at the wedding venue. “Even the invited guests come in latest models which fail the bridegroom to stand distinct from the rest,” said Prabhu. He added, “We deliver the car either before the night or on the day of the wedding which may incur additional charge. The payment is done by giving an advance of Rs.5000 during the time of the booking and the rest of the amount at the time of the delivery”. You can choose from the wide range of colours and models;

convertibles to closed ones that suit the theme of your wedding from Vintage Car Club.

All eyes are on!

Driving a vintage is never fashionably late and it turns more faces than a modern or new age car. Coupled with its features to impress the guests, it can also serve as the best photo prop for your wedding. It is quite amazing how an automobile can add the rustiness and classy touch to the photograph. Apart from them being timeless and classy, you can parade in it across the streets like a king and a queen and experience the royalty on the most important day of your life.

Prince William chose to arrive at Westminster Abbey in a Bentley.

That was not just any Bentley; it was the one owned by the Queen otherwise known as the Bentley State Limousine. Only two of these vehicles were ever made making it one of the rarest cars in the world. The car boasts a royal crest and is painted in the royal colours of claret and black.

Bentleys are a popular choice for brides who want to feel like a celebrity for the day. More modern Bentleys include the Bentley Continental model which is a popular choice for weddings.

Keeping on the subject of the royal wedding, Kate and William chose to leave their afternoon wedding reception in an Aston Martin. Again this was not just any Aston Martin, but the 1969 edition belonging to Williams father, Prince Charles, which he received for his 21st birthday. There is a vast array of luxurious and sporty models available for weddings from this British luxury car brand.

The car is probably best known for its appearances in a number of James Bond movies. From the classic Aston Martin DB5 to the modern Aston Martin Vantage this luxury brand can turn heads at the most high profile celebrity weddings.

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Wedding Apps

APPY WEDDING In this smartphone-crazy world, there’s an app for anything and everything – Yes! Weddings too. FWD has rounded up a few wedding apps that could help you plan that perfect event of a lifetime.

HOARDER OR A SPENDER? Setting budgets and sticking to it has always been a problem with wedding planning. Get a hold on your finances with mint.com. It helps organize and categorize your money outflow. It can be linked to your bank account and reminders could be set for bills due.

Mint brings all your financial accounts under one roof. This app can definitely help you at the time of your wedding as there is a tremondous outflow of cast at that point of time.

ARE YOU A FITOCRAT? Now track your workouts, get fit and build a great body with Fitocracy app.

If you don’t track, how do you know if you’re improving? Track all your activities, whether that’s walking up the stairs, Olympic lifting or that dance party you had with your friends last night. Keep an eye on your progress and personal records with some nifty performance graphs.

INSTANT UPDATION Showcase and share your wedding in the most stylish way with Appy Couple. This app helps you share event timing, dress codes, RSVP’s, etc. with your guests. Post pictures on your wedding website, everyone gets to be involved in the making of your ultimate wedding keepsake

IT’S A KISS AWAY! Wedding Countdown is a fun app where you can begin the countdown in any units you wish; years, months, days, hours, minutes, seconds, heartbeats or kisses! You can personalize the countdown with your favourite songs and photographs. You can also share the wedding countdown with your friends and track your anniversaries to re-live those moments.

SORT IT OUT! The most difficult part of the wedding is to stay organised and feed the tasks in your mind. Remember the milk app you can make your planning easy by not missing out any appointments. It helps to keep track of the things to do and the things you have accomplished.

Nothing is more satisfying than checking off the wedding list.

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TRAVEL MENU FOR HONEYMOON Travel through your favourite honeymoon destinations like a local with Viator Tours & Activities app.

Choose your favourite location from over 1500 destinations and browse over 20,000 top-rated tours, activities and attractions. It has 600,000+ user reviews and photographs which give you ideas on what to do when you reach a particular location.

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Lexicon

A The Love D Academic Status Solely means the degree you have bagged in college and has been typed out neatly in a certificate. It stands out when you have a fancy college name and a very superficial yet laudable MBA degree.

Aisle The walkway you have to strut in confidence and hide all the jitters. It’s probably one of the longest and most memorable walks of life.

Altar An elevated platform that’s has a correlational power of elevating your spirits or escalating your tension.

Lexicon We’re mentioning a few terms that you need to catch up with instead of the wedding chaos. A few terms to put you on the right term!

Text Atheena Wilson Photos Various sources

Beautician Someone who has the goodwill of increasing the value of your head weight by dressing your face up.

Beauty sleep The sleep that is needed to make sure that you have non-weary eyes.

Bouquet A carefully arranged set of flowers that’s designed not for its beauty but a strategy to give hope to the single women.

Ammachi God father draped in a saree or the cute one who you’ll give you the tightest hug before you marry -

B Bachelorette Un - married ripe woman.

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Bow tie It’s something that’s fancy, and you can save yourself from tying the knot for a tie.

Bridesmaid A woman who attends to the bride of the ceremony and all the tantrums of a bridezilla.

Budget A financial sum, rational in your perspective but always irrational to the economy.

C Cake It is a wedding delicacy, but it’s honestly only hogged when the party is over.

Carats An indicator of your wealth and brings clarity to the ostentation parameter.

Choir A company of singers who may never necessarily sing in unison.

Coiffeur The only time when your hair is like clay. When you set it, it shapes your head like a fancy mould.

Cold feet When your conscience plays mind games on you and tells you to bolt from a wedding.

Confetti Millions of dappled little paper tossed to symbolize the explosion of joy.

Damsel in Distress The ones who need those pity counts when a bride talks ecstatically about love Dance Moves The kinetic movements of tension release after the wedding ceremony.

Diamonds Something that people don’t mind getting ‘stoned’ with.

E Elephants The most lively prop in the wedding.

Elope The art of truly running for love Eligible ones The ones who are ready to plunge into the ordeal and sort out ones in a wedding.

Engagement An ice-breaker preparing you for The Wedding.

Erotica Literature, something that should be read.

F Fainting The one act, that will

Gown The Dress that you’ll photographically capture the most.

Bianca Jagger The dress got suaves like Jagger

Yoko Ono The Casual Fashion Talk

Audrey Hepburn A holiday of romance

Kate Middleton The dress of a fairytale!

Grace Kelly The dress that graced with grace.

Sarah Jessica Parker She never wanted to go all white!

always be a story to share over the years.

Fair and lovely The heirloom, considered as wise as mutual funds for long-term investments.

Fake eyelashes When you have to bat them, you need them to be sensuous.

Fish cut underskirts The cheaper Kim Kardashian surgery.

G Father of the Bride The man who has the greatest heart and makes every girl’s dream come true, and oh well pays the bills too.

Gold Metal rock that women generally head bang to.

Garters A cloth holding up stockings and a prop for teasing-thegroom games.

Gray Matter The hair strands that get a quick dye!

H

Heels over Heads The aching pain caused by feet balanced on skyscrapers

Honeymoon The out of the world trip of your lifetime.

Hiding Tattoos This is where sleeves and concealers do the trick.

I

Happily Ever after A lesson that you learned from Disney.

Hook ups the side tracked happenings of wedding Hot chick The look out factor at every wedding

I do The minimalistic agreement.

Invitations The welcoming paper.

In laws The ones who are truly ‘in’ everyone’s mind.

Itch When zips and uncomfortable clothes are being a sadist.

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Lexicon

Jealous friends The ones who fear about their biological clocks Jitters The healthiest quivers.

Manjal The yellow thing that doesn’t make one a dirty fellow.

Milk The drink of the first night, that’s any day preferred over champagne.

N Just married The sign that declares to the world, cause rings are too miniscule.

K Kama sutra The Indian well researched and critically acclaimed reference.

Kiss The act that locks hearts.

L Last Minute Things Things that will prop in a buzzing mind.

Liquor The thing that makes everything bubbly.

Lingerie Minimalistic clothes that have a volume to say.

M Magazine The one who gives a guidance to all your choices

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Nervous attacks Slightly less painful than that of the heart!

No one turns up The funniest case where people mess up with time or venue or being hard core mean.

Nosy aunts A nose job figuratively.

O Orchestra The instrumentation of love.

Open bar The thing that truly opens a heart and closes a few minds.

Over done make up Mistaken issue for costume parties.

Q Queer ones The odd balls who’ll make your wedding look sane.

Queue The ordeal you go through when you want to get a photograph with the couple or at the buffet counter.

Quiet time There’s a bustle, the time when you have you to yourself.

R Ragging session a different version of a talent hunt Rehearsal the fast forwarded preview of what will really happen Rose A rose is rose is a rose.

S

T Tears The sentiment that could be subtle or wet and wild.

Thappan kuthu Wedding playlists are train wrecked by the Chennai Express.

Thank You Note The one that warms your heart despite being printed in bulk.

Toast The finest words that are finer than the champagne in flutes Trailors Apparently weddings are like movie resolutions and there are trailors for these too.

U Ugly complex Glossy magazines and models on magazine give this inferiority complex.

Umbrella The fight against a tan under the sun.

Unity The strength and pillar of wedding

P Party crashers The side effects of an amazing reward.

Plastic surgery The one not recycled deed.

Prayers As Madonna says it’s like a prayer, I’ll take you there Priest The man behind it all

lipstick smudge Stress The one factor that’s complimentary to a wedding

Send off The ride that seems to be a cut off.

Selfie The instant photo of two.

Snobbish Sunglasses Device to hide the emotional tears.

Straw The device that saves the

.

V

Varmala The necklace that’s so eco friendly

Worldly Customs

Japan - The bride wears a white hood to hide her “horns of jealousy” that she feels toward her mother-in-law and to display her obedience.

Wales - In Welsh wedding tradition, a man carves a spoon out of wood and gives it to the woman he love. If she wears it, they get engaged.

Mexico - A white ribbon or rosary, called a ‘lasso’ is wrapped around the shoulders of the bride and groom, to represent unity.

France - The sweet French wedding tradition of croquembouche means ‘crunch in the mouth’ .

Persia - The reception guests eat special jeweled ‘wedding rice’ containing saffron, orange peel and cherries.

W Veil The one that hides the gaze and finally reveals the look you yearn for.

Visa Get it sorted and make sure your NRI cousins are flying their way down.

Vote of thanks The shortest speech that ends with a smile.

Vows Must not be downloaded, words penned from the heart

Waxing That ordeal does not only occur in Brazil.

Wedding ring Circular objects that rules over you.

Weather Don’t rain on my parade.

Weight loss the phase you got through to fit into your clothes

Z Never invite the X- this is not reality tv show with emotional outbreaks

Yesterday night The night you must have blabbed dreams or confessions Young love The stories of ones who started at a young age and worked it through years.

Wine Something that should never run out.

Zero calories Diets and meals are all enjoyed with the promise of artificial sweetners Zero regret Every marriage must have a settled mind and no thoughts that will ever hold you back Zoned out The phase you are confused and all thoughts are blank.

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Playlist

And Happily Ever After

Every occasion needs the right music, after all what is life without a little song and dance.

L

ike the Black Eyed Peas sang “Let’s Get This Started.” Every magical moment needs its own special background music. As you begin a new life together, let music fill your soul, lift your heart and make you sway. Musicians seem to have a way with understanding exactly how you feel; be it jittery, excited or total and inexplicable joy. It is time to undo the regular Kenny G and Yanni numbers to up the ante. Trust these songs to complete your special occasion. Maybe one day when you hear these melodies again, you will remember that perfect moment on that perfect day.

The Sangeeth The final week is on.

Friends and family have come from all around to begin the festivities. Your wedding attire is hanging pristinely in the closet and your parents are going absolute bonkers.

Gal Mithi Bol - Aisha Ainvayi Ainvayi – Band Baja Baraat London Thumakada Queen Come and get it – Selena Gomez Radha – Student of the Year Shake Your Bootiya – Finding Fanny Thudakkam Mangalyam – Bangalore Days

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Introducing Mr. & Mrs Your first dance as a couple is a moment to cherish. Your first steps into the world as husband and wife is no small deal.

Take your time to pick the right song together.

This will be an Everlasting Love – Natalie Cole At Last – Etta James Come Rain or Come Shine – Ray Charles Steady as We Go –Dave Matthews Band My First, My Last, My Everything – Barry White That’s Where it is At – Sam Cooke Now That We Found Love – Heavy D and the Boyz

Daddy Dearest Remember the time he taught you to drive, when he held your hand and comforted you. Make the father daughter dance your chance to say thank you, be it with a slow one or a feet- tapping tune.

Constellations – Jack Johnson Three Little Birds – Bob Marley Sweet Caroline – Neil Diamond Twist and Shout – The Beatles My Darling - Wilco When You need Me – Bruce Springsteen Daughters – John Mayer I Hope You Dance – Ronan Keating

Lets Party!

Now that the formalities are done, it is time to let your hair down. This is probably the right time to trust your cousin/DJ. So go ahead and shake a leg to these peppy numbers to your happily ever after.

Safe and Sound – Capital Cities I Gotta Feeling – Black Eye Peas Of the Night - Bastille Prayer in C - Lilly Wood & The Prick and Robin Schulz Get Lucky – Daft Punk A Little Party Never Killed Anybody - Fergie Tu Meri – Bang Bang 1234 Get on the Dance Floor – Chennai Express

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Conventions Conferences Seminars Weddings Thematic Events Product Launches Gala Dinner Live Entertainment Talent & Artist Management Audio Visual Production

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Wedding

retorts that such-and-such y friend arrived ritual is only performed by from the UK people belonging to sothe other day to and-so caste, which is a attend our mutuso-so caste. al friend’s traditional Hindu wedding in India. He was jet lagged and was in no state Etiquette to attend a wedding in all the It’s best to watch the ceregrandeur that it demanded. mony from a safe distance.

The other wedding guests To verify that you are at arrived groggily at the wedsafe distance, look at the ding venue at 4 in the mornfeet of the people around A Note to my friend from UK on how to attend a ing; it would be late afteryou – if you are the only traditional Hindu wedding noon according to your body one wearing shoes, then clock –best time to enjoy the you are probably standText Ronnie Kuriakose spectacular Hindu wedding. ing in the sacred mandap, Sensing the uneasiness with which is the canopy-covwhich he shifted in his seat, ered area in the room. For I deduced that he was still outdoor weddings, you worrying. So I wrote him this still would not be allowed while he watched a popular to wear your shoes in the Bollywood song, the prelude mandap. Taking off your for a very long boring movshoes increases the numie about pointless things like ber of places you can love, family and tradition. safely visit in a Hindu You have plenty of time wedding – if you are willing to finish the movie and then to take off your shirt, you head to the wedding, because could probably sit right the real life traditional Hindu next to the priest. wedding is much longer than That’s not a vuvuzela – any movie, perhaps more it’s a shehnai or a boring and – for the bride and nadaswaram. The terms groom at least – much more are completely different painful. The undocumented just like Hindu and Urdu and real purpose of the traditional are – which means they are exactly saree once every nine minutes; this Hindu wedding ceremony, dear forthe same, but you can offend people could symbolize a shopping marathon eigner friend, is to imprint two critical -retail therapy or perhaps it could be a by confusing the two. words into the minds of the bride and sign that the mind of a woman changes the groom: never again. needlessly.

Finally Look up the various individual Be aware of other important pieces Hindu wedding rituals on Wikipedia – of etiquette– ask the nearest elder.

The Ceremony At first glance, the entire wedding cer- kanyaa daan, saptapadi, etc. It wouldn’t Good news, you do not need to be a be helpful, because the priest who is Hindu for you to be permitted a Hindu emony might seem like a meaningless conducting the ceremony is probawedding. You could probably have a ritual – but, after the seventh or eighth bly doing something totally different, Hindu wedding just because you love glance, you will realize that the seemunread Wikipedia pages I bet. the ceremony and because you love ingly meaningless ritual is poignantly The wedding ceremony is designed your would-be spouse – lots of Indians symbolic of the meaningless of life in to please the family elders. It is not will be more than happy to not just general. uncommon for an elder, usually from attend, but also to help organize your For instance, the groom adds a the groom’s party, to complain that wedding. Some of them would be listed thousand blades of grass into the the wedding ceremony did not meet among the many pages of this holy fire – one at a time; the priest their requirements because the priest magazine. So let me not keep you. is watching!; It could symbolize the failed to conduct such-and-such ritual. groom’s ability and willingness to do Such criticism is usually answered by a boring cubicle-farm and a lesson to Happy reading. another equal-and-opposite elder, tolerate the many mundane tasks of a usually from the bride’s party, who married man. The bride changes her Ronnie Kuriakose

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Vivah

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2014 OCTOBER FWD VIVAH 115

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