October 2010
of 4 Cocktail gold & bold
6 One-stop-shop
10 Knotty destinations
Experiment With Red! New-age Indian brides are opting for unconventional colors to look ‘zara hat ke’ on their wedding day...
12 Star blessings
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couture Sindoori, magenta, purple and white... New-age Indian brides are opting for unconventional colors for their bridal attire to look ‘zara hat ke’ on their wedding day...
Experiment PRIYANKA SHARMA, NEW DELHI
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or decades, red has been the color of the Indian bride. But young women today are experimenting with a variety of hues like purple, pink, copper and even white, to make a style statement on the special day of their life. “Women have got bored of wearing the same color and are looking for something different. They want to make their D-Day special. So they are looking for lehengas that help them stand out,” Nupur, a representative of designer duo Rimple and Harpreet Narula, said. Designer Pam Mehta said: “Women are moving away from the traditional red to opt for colors like hot pink, blue, green — in heavily embroidered as well as simple lehengas.” On their wedding day, a bride wants to look her best; so
a lot of emphasis is given to her outfit. A bridal lehenga is embellished to give it a rich, layered and textured look. In most cases, heavy embroidery with silver or golden thread, stones, crystals and sequins are used to bedeck the bridal outfit. With changing lifestyles and tastes, brides now don’t mind experimenting. From subtle or natural colors to dull silver and metallic ones, they are opting for everything that is non-traditional but at the same time stylish and sophisticated. Also, many women look up to Bollywood for inspiration, and some actresses have indeed broken the monotony of red at their own weddings. While Kajol draped a green sari for her wedding with Ajay Devgn, Bollywood diva Aishwarya Rai wore a golden sari when she married Abhishek Bachchan. Many brides are also opting for white. The trend was noticed in the recently released Aisha where in wedding celebration scenes the cast, including Sonam Kapoor, Ira Dubey, Amrita Puri and Anuradha Patel, were seen emblazoning the screen in white-red and white-gold saris.
with red!
Models sport unconventional bridal outfits of designers (from left) Tarun Tahiliani, Sabyasachi Mukherjee, Suneet Varma and Manish Malhotra, while actress Kangna Ranaut (above) looks resplending in a J.J. Valaya creation
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jewelery
COCKTAIL OF GOLD & BOLD It’s raining yellow this wedding season... the vintage look is in... Adorn yourself in chunky, heavy gold jewelery and set the mandap aglitter...
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rom the jewel-encrusted mang-tikka, to heavy jhumkas, rain-haars, bib-style chokers, heavy bangles, gold has again won the bid to officially host Indian weddings. While diamonds and other semi-precious stones remain the favored show stoppers, traditional gold jewelery, with a touch of sophistication, rules the wedding market. In Hindu mythology it is believed that gold is the essence from which the universe was created, and Manu, the lawmaker decreed that gold ornaments be worn for specific ceremonies and occasions. Therefore, gold became the symbol of purity, prosperity and good fortune. Indian bride is now teaming up her ensemble with elaborate, chunky gold jewelery. Trends show that vintage look is in and brides and grooms are choosing to go back an era to get that exclusive retro look. There is also a strong trend toward stonework. Intricate work of precious and semi-precious stones are being used both in heavy bridal jewelery, as well as light everyday wear. One large piece of stone in rings and earrings make a style statement. Another key trend is the layering of pieces. This kind of mixing and matching is generally done in a Bengali wedding where the bride receives all kinds of jewelery from relatives and has to wear them on her wedding day. By layering complementing chokers, chains and lockets, one can achieve an eclectic, contemporary look, that is striking in its overall effect. The individual pieces, on the other hand, are still simple enough to be worn on their own for a night out, or an evening event. Bib chokers, or collar-style chokers are also seen in most weddings these days. They are a great way to achieve more impact with less gold, because by concentrating it all at one point, close to the face, it is more striking than if it were to be spread out through multiple chains or strands of beads. Even though the whole show seems extravagant, details of these elaborate pieces make it worth its expense. This year rummage your grandmother’s locker for some elusive piece of rani-haar, a piece of Indian heritage that has almost become obsolete. Pair it with a simple necklace and gorgeous jhumkas and you will have heads turning, not only because you are the bride, but also because you will be in style.
Deepika Padukone (left) looks spectacular in jewelery designer Farah Khan Ali’s rani-haar, while a model (right) displays the bridal gold collection of Amaraapali
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business
Planning for a wedding? Don’t fret... visit a wedding fair and shop for your D-Day attire, jewelery, footwear, accessories, furniture and even plan your honeymoon...
Stalls displaying bridal couture, jewelery, and accessories at a wedding fair in India
ROBIN BANSAL, NEW DELHI
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have to admit, having Franck at the house did help. Although I had no idea what he did there all day...”, says George Banks, the father of the bride in Father of the Bride-2. In the sequel, Franck Egglehoffer and his assistant Howard Weinstein are no longer wedding planners, they are now a pair of equally comical and wacky home decorators! Wedding planners are more than comical though, they are actually serious business. And that’s just one element among several that help you put together your dream wedding!
These and the others you will find at what are almost akin to renaissance fairs, showcasing boutique de voile-headpieces, veils, and accessories that reflect bridal dreams and colors. The place is agog with people who work with you to incorporate your song choices and offer customized solutions and accoutrements. That’s what bridal fairs are all about. So, you no longer need to pound pavements or pull hair what with mushrooming wedding fairs like Bridal Asia and Wedding Asia. Also called Bridal weeks, these are organized by entrepreneurs as one-stop venues for the “would be couples” and
their families — with options ranging from clothes to jewelries, venue to décor, and packaging to honeymoon destinations as well — these wedding fairs provide everything under one umbrella. The wedding industry in India has been estimated at a whopping 500-600 billion and wedding fairs have become integral to it. Ranging from two to five days, these “bridal weeks” have top designers showcasing their wares. Bridal Asia Exhibition — a popular annual pan-India fair — brings big names in couture and jewelry design together with mehendi (henna) artists, planners and travel companies. “We cater to brides
and grooms who are out shopping for that dream wedding to help them host a perfect wedding,” says Bridal Asia founder Divya Gurwara. Launched in 1999, the premier bridal show boasts stalls by lifestyle designers, gift-packers, fashion designers and choreographers, among others. Apart from bridal wear, jewelry and handbags, various accessory designers too exhibit at the show. The exhibition also showcases furniture, home furnishings and honeymoon packages. Mostly held across Indian metros in August-September before the wedding season gets under way in October, many
such wedding galas have come up lately. “The concept is growing every year now as all renowned designers are willing to participate. The success rate is high. In India, the wedding industry is growing by more than 100 percent every year,” Maninder Sethi, founder-CEO, Wedding Asia Punjab, said. “There is competition but then it is all about creating your brand and market. There are very good events in India as far as bridal weeks are concerned but if seen properly the number is not more than 10,” he adds. Designers too find such weeks a boon. “Such fashion weeks help in reaching out to more buyers and consumers. We sell in volumes compared to (regular) fashion weeks and all profit is ours,” designer Varija Bajaj, who has participated in wedding exhibitions like Shagun, said. If such fairs solve your shopping woes, it also serves as a business platform for sundry professionals, such as wedding photographers, planners, astrologers, caterers, florists and floral artists, bridal beauticians, and tattoo and henna artists. It’s a big opportunity for companies
dealing with party decorations, invitation cards, orchestra groups, and travel deals. If the consumers get to pick and choose, the exhibitors too get direct access to buyers sans mediators. Rajeev Naresh, event head for ‘Riwaaz — The Wedding Expo’, says such exhibitions are making serious inroads in India and abroad thanks to the consumers. “The response to such events is magnificent every time, everywhere — it is like collecting all the profiles of the wedding industry under one roof,” says Naresh, who has been organizing Riwaaz since its inception four years ago across India.
the major buyers for exhibitors,” he says. Concentrating mostly on Punjabis, it focuses on anything and everything for the turbanators and their lasses! “The first edition of ‘Wedding Asia Ludhiana’ (formerly) happened in 2006. Punjabi weddings are well known around the world for their grandeur and lavishness, so we thought of exploring that market,” Sethi says. “Wedding Asia mainly exhibits jewelry and bridal wear. We also have a furnishing division. It is like doing your entire wedding trousseau in three days under one roof. We also pick up the latest trends and that brings in tens of thousands of consumers,” he adds.
The Regional Gala•
The Homeaway Scene
Punjab holds the top spot under this category with its colorful weddings. Sethi is now looking forward to the three-day bi-annual fair Wedding Asia Punjab in December. The first edition of the event was held in August this year with over 35 designers. “Our winter expedition in December is mainly for the NRIs. They are
The fairs are no now longer confined to India. Foreign markets too have floated such events that not only focus on Indians living abroad but also locals. London, an important hub for Indians, for example, hosts the ‘Asian Bride Show’. Organized by Asian Bridal Magazine, it now promises to be bigger
and better after the success of its 2010 edition. In the US, ‘Dulhan Expo’ is the thing. Sumit Arya, the CEO of Dulhan Expo, feels such expos are worth taking a day off from work or worth rescheduling a trip to India or Pakistan. Organized in New York and New Jersey four times a year in spring and fall, it attracts over 70 to 80 vendors from the wedding and fashion industries. According to a report, the average cost of ultra-rich weddings ranges from $20,000 to $2 million in the US. In Canada, Bridal Fantasy Magazine too has been organizing what is called ‘The Bridal Fantasy Show’ annually in Edmonton since 1981, offering prospective brides a multitude of choices for their wedding accoutrements. Another such international event is the four-day long ‘Indian Wedding Expo’ in Kuala Lumpur. It aims at providing a platform for the Indian community in Malaysia and for Malaysians in general to experience Indian culture and its rich traditions through Indian weddings and their multi-layered preparations.
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planners
SAYING
‘I DO’ IN STYLE Good things may come in small packages, but when it comes to the D-Day, everything should be grand. Engage wedding planners and stylists to not only make your wedding an exclusive affair, but also make it hassle-free...
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mbark on a new journey in style and leave all your worries behind. Sounds wonderful? Making your special moment an unforgettable celebration, wedding planners and stylists provide personalized and innovative services — a complete wedding solutions package. Dreaming of a traditional wedding or a cruise wedding, these planners will turn your dream into reality. They will take care of the venue, food, lightings, music, flight bookings, car rentals, decorations, honeymoon arrangements and everything that is required to make your wedding an unforgettable experience. It all depends on how grand you want your special day to be. “We offer a series of silver, gold and platinum packages according to the budget of our customers,” says a planner from the India Wedding Planner company, in Delhi. They bring style and detail to every event — consulting, designing and coordinating every-
thing from the venue to the theme; the first dance to the last goodbye. Whether you wish for a small and intimate affair, a large-scale royal event, or an exotic beach wedding, the planners make your event special and memorable. From catering to the needs of your guests to bailing you out from last-minute hassles, they will do all the running-around for you so that you don’t miss out on the fun. The stylists come equipped with an expert team of professional designers, costume stylists, personal shoppers, hair stylists, make-up and mehendi artistes. They assist the would-be brides and grooms what to go for and what not to, offering a comprehensive package of personal grooming services. Ranging from wedding trousseau for brides and grooms, spa treatments, facials, hair-do, they take care of everything. So sit back and play your part, while a perfectly scenic reel unfolds with the stylists and planners fervently working on the minutest of details.
A grand wedding hall done up in a pink and purple theme; a would-be bride being assisted by a make-up artiste; showing-off her henna-designed hands; a wedding cake; a hair stylist supervising the hair-do; a wedding buffet; and, a bed decorated for the bride and the groom
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decor
BLOOMS FOR BRIDES Pick your favorite flowers and transform your wedding venue into an exotic and ravishing one... Spread the magic of color and fragrance...
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lowers are of the essence. Today an Indian wedding presents a fusion of floral traditions — both eastern and western. All floral arrangements and their colour, especially at weddings, are replete with symbolism. Whites, for instance, speak of purity and innocence. Reds, yellows and oranges all speak of passion, romance, friendship in varying degrees corresponding to their shades. As a wedding marks an important rite of passage, flowers and their colors and fragrances bring life to your wedding and transform the mood and ambiance of the evening. However, it is not an easy task choosing the right flowers at the right price. ‘Wedding flowers’ can be expensive and you need to be prudent. Go for seasonal flowers for it will cut costs. But if your budget is ambitious, go for the exotic. For example, Siam tulips are a popular wedding flower, especially in the West. Spectacular in appearance, Siam tulips, shimmering from white to stark pink, and shades of blue-violet, make for stunning floral displays, especially for bridal bouquets. You could have them flown in from Thailand, Australia or Holland. The classical rose, an all-time favorite, comes in a wide variety. Colombia, South Africa, Canada, and now India, are top exporters. For orchids, Thailand is the best. Now that winter is within whispering distance, go for the deeper, richer colors of the winter flowers. The deeper shades of glods, whites and greens lend the ambiance the perfect accent. A fall wedding should flaunt the flaming colors of the autumn leaves — reds, yellows and amber. You could garnish a summer wedding with pinks and sky blue. For ornamental displays if you wish to give your dream day a traditional and ethnic touch, opt for flowers like roses, marigolds, gerberas and jasmine. Orchids, carnations and lilies will give the venue a western look. One small but radical detail... Have your florist do up your bedroom or suite with apple blossoms or Camellia. Apple blossoms are to love, sensuality and fertility what roses are to romance. Delicately structured with soft, round petals and gentle curves, Camellia is all desire, passion and deep longing... So, go for them and make your wedding night too a special one!
ha decorated mandap wit ign (top); a beautifully des ap nd ma ss gla t) er (below lef A Devdas-style fib rigolds and silk flowers combination of fresh ma
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travel From the palaces of Rajasthan to the beaches of Goa, the hill stations of Uttarakhand to the backwaters of Kerala, India’s diverse cultures and landscapes provide an array of picturesque settings for the ideal dream wedding. Beach weddings, palace weddings, island weddings, hill station weddings, forest weddings, houseboat weddings, cruise weddings, farm house weddings, the list can go on and on. India’s 500 billion wedding industry continues to grow at 25 percent annually. Employing an army of planners, caterers, designers, stylists, DJs, and even Bollywood stars — who get paid to shake their booty at weddings. India’s diverse landscape makes sure that it remains among the world’s most preferred destinations when it comes to tying the knot...
KNOTTY
DESTINATIO UMAID BHAWAN, JODHPUR: Perching on a hilltop and crafted out of golden sandstone, this is an art deco marvel. Giving you a taste of grandeur, the Maharani Suite features a bathtub carved from a single piece pink Italian marble, while the Maharaja Suite sports murals of leopards and tigers. The palace reinforced its wedding credentials earlier this year when it hosted the nuptials of actress Elizabeth Hurley and Indian businessman Arun Nayar.
GOA: Goa is renowned the world over as an ideal venue for beach weddings. Its pristine beaches, vast stretches of swaying palms and breathtaking canopies, all combine to form a perfect destination for a dream wedding. There are beach resorts, hotels with their own private beaches, where one can arrange exotic and lavish weddings. Also, you can choose from a host of secluded beaches if you want a private celebration.
DHANAULTI, UTTARAKHAND: Imagine a wedding venue that doubles up as your honeymoon destination. Dhanaulti, a hill station in Uttarakhand, is just the perfect spot for love-lorn couples. Set amidst forests of oak and deodar, a pandal in the open will make for a picture-perfect wedding. The bride and the groom can ride to the venue on horses, a la Julia Roberts and Richard Gere in The Runaway Bride. The lovely weather and the fabulous view of snow covered mountains make it an ideal retreat for a wedding.
ONS BACKWATERS, KERALA: Fervent chanting of hymns against the backdrop of a houseboat lapping against the sparkling green backwaters... Whether it’s the backwaters, plantations, hills, houseboats, food, or the famous rejuvenation therapies, Kerala ensures the experience of a lifetime. Exotic local cuisine, traditional music, forest gardens, chapels and temples, boat rides and many more, await to shape a dream wedding.
LAKSHADWEEP ISLANDS: In recent times, the Lakshadweep Islands has become an ideal place for weddings. This breathtakingly beautiful island is situated over 240 km from the Malabar Coast in Kerala. Coral reefs, palm fringes and white sand make the coastline of the island. The sparkling water of the sea, replete with marine flora and fauna makes it an incomparable venue for weddings. The place is also home to a number of world-class hotels and resorts.
DEVIGARH PALACE, UDAIPUR: When Vikram Chatwal’s epic wedding came to Udaipur, the Devigarh Palace hosted a huge party. Nestling in the Aravali hills of Rajasthan, the 18th century palace commands one of the three main passes into the valley of Udaipur. It was recently re-styled with sleek contemporary designs to suit the tastes of its high-profile visitors. Some of the suites are gilded with semiprecious stones, rendering a royal ambience. A perfect place for those who prefer things kingsize.
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guests
STAR BLESSINGS Y Ever dreamed of Bollywood celebrities dancing and singing at your wedding? Turn your dream into reality... call in your favorite celebs and have a lavish and star-studded wedding
our wedding is indeed the most special day of your life. Gorgeous jeweleries, intricate bridal couture, vibrant decorations, rituals and celebrations... there is nothing you can afford to miss to make your big day a splendid affair. So, are you ready to add some extra zing to make your wedding the most spectacular one in town? Here’s how you can transform the otherwise ordinary wedding into a fairy tale one... Imagine Shah Rukh Khan wishing you a happy married life or Rakhi Sawant shaking a leg at your wedding. Sounds awesome. Isn’t it? Bollywood stars like Amitabh Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai, Akshay Kumar, Malaika Arora, singers Sonu Nigam, Shaan, Daler Mahendi will not mind a date with you at your wedding. But only if you are willing to spend a few millions to pay your VIP guests. However, if you want to keep your budget a little lower you can opt for others like ghazal singers Jagjit Singh and Talat Aziz. When Bollywood superstars like Shah Rukh, Akshay, Aishwarya performed at the wedding of the billionaire steel tycoon Lakshmi Mittal’s daughter, it made headlines. Shah Rukh was reportedly paid 20 million for his dance performance at the reception. The actor also performed
at builder Kanti Govani’s nephew’s wedding, for which he was apparently paid 30 million. Other Bollywood actors like Rani Mukherjee, Emraan Hashmi and Bipasa Basu also performed at the event. The sangeet ceremony also had prominent stars like Neil Nitin Mukesh, Celina Jaitely and Neha Dhupia. Another million-dollar wedding where celebrities in strength turned up to wish the couple was of Dr. Ramesh Agarwal’s (Lilvati Hospital) daughter. Among other well-known celebrity guests were Kareena Kapoor, Saif Ali Khan, Babita and Karisma Kapoor, director Lovely Singh and designer Sabina Khan. Nowadays, it is not a big task to have celebrities at your wedding. You can easily get in touch with event management companies like Gujarat-based Idea Unlimited, which provides special services and will get you your favorite celebrities to add glitz and glamor to your wedding. Go ahead and get the sizzling stars. And have a wonderful star-studded wedding.
Having celebrities over at weddings is in vogue. Stars like Akshay Kumar and Shah Rukh Khan, among others, have often performed at a number of million-dollar weddings; actress Neelam Kothari spotted at a wedding celebration (left); celebrities at a high-profile wedding event (below)
Abhishek and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan at fashion designer Nandita Mahtani’s brother’s wedding