A guide to wedding tips, trends and experiences. Marriage event reviews, Wedding venue reviews and ideas, honeymoon destination tips, photography, wedding decor and much more.

If you are a bride-to-be who means business when she talks about her perfect wedding outfit or reception attire, then you had to be there on the third day of the Pearls Delhi Couture Week.  Sabya on day one, Rohit on day two and now Pallavi Jaikishan and Manav Gangwani on day three – this event is just getting better by the day. Both designers showcased their glitzy yet not in-your-face bling collections in their respective shows. In a nutshell, day three was full of glamour, celeb quotient and of course, some very good couture.

Manav Gangwani’s clothes are far from ordinary. In yesterday’s show, he showcased Indian as well as Western outfits; his collection was rightly labelled “An Affair to Remember”. Models were seen strutting their stuff in grandiose ball gowns in red, blue, and other vivid colours. The big hair embellished with bizarre yet chic hair pieces made the show look extraordinary. The styling in particular was amazing and flawless. His Indian clothes had everything from lehengas, to sarees to salwar kameez – again with fantastic detailing, Swarovski elements and a very appealing colour palette. Though some of the Western clothes weren’t really wearable, they somehow completed the show.

Manav’s popularity in Bollywood was evident in his show. Dia Mirza, Zayed Khan, Jacqueline Fernandez, Aftab Shivdasani, Kunal Khemu and Soha Ali Khan were all seen cheering their friend from the audience. Though conventional women will find Manav’s clothes too loud, his target audience consists more of women who are not scared of experimenting and those who are more than willing to put elements of their bold personality in the clothes they don. So if after reading this, your inner princess is coming to the fore, then Manav is the man for you!

Classic, colourful and rich – these are the best words to describe acclaimed designer Pallavi Jaikishan’s collection on day three. The evening sarees stole the show hands down. Be it bright orange with a gold blouse or an amazingly styled black saree with a big border, you can start feeling feminine and sexy simply by looking at Pallavi’s clothes.

Sporting a Pallavi Jaikishan outfit for your Indian wedding or reception can ensure endless compliments coming your way. She understands and depicts something so special in her bridal clothes, which no designer can ever replicate.

Halfway through this six day event, it is no surprise that Pearls Delhi Couture Week is going to be a much spoken about event, long after it’s over!

The six day extravaganza called Pearls Delhi Couture Week had two glitzy designers showcasing their collections on its second day. After the extraordinary commencement of this fabulous event, with Sabyasachi’s paranormal clothes, Gaurav Gupta’s fusion of Indo-Western couture failed to work its magic. The over the top, loud designs were meant to create an international, larger than life appeal, but unfortunately it could just about pass for ho-hum.

With today’s fashion prodigies, creating designs, which are not just flamboyant, but also highly wearable, it is very important for the couture week creations to be exciting and captivating enough to catch the fancy of today’s demanding fashionistas. Though the show was a delight to look at, it lacked that certain finesse, which should be expected from an acclaimed designer like Mr. Gupta. Neha Dhupia, an ardent fan of the designer’s work was seen cheering him, sporting a pink gown (designed by Mr. Gupta, of course).

Gaurav Gupta’s show was followed by Rohit Bal’s yet again one-of-a-kind, flamboyant and really unexpected collection. With Rohit, it’s safe to say that you will never guess what’s coming your way. With this show, Rohit has once again managed to raise the bar beyond the reach of mere mortals. Imagine models walking in amazing, never-seen-before ruffled gowns with incredible layering in deep and evening hues and big hair. Now imagine them walking straight into the swimming pool! Yes…swimming pool. And how does the designer take a bow in front of the audience? By plunging in the pool himself!

In this day and age, where fashion is becoming extremely experimental, bold and unpredictable, it is great to have a designer like Rohit Bal who represents India on the international fashion platform with his indescribable talent and panache. Only a daredevil, with extraordinary taste will muster the courage to sport his designs and turn heads.

Delhi Couture Week is a fabulous event, especially for brides and grooms to-be, to be in tune with the latest trends before they start shopping of their impending Indian wedding at the end of the year. Taking cues from the best designers in the industry helps you work on your wedding wardrobe. After all, every bride wants to look like a million bucks on the most important day of her life! And the nostalgia she goes through for months, while choosing those perfect outfits; well that’s just a bonus!

With fashion weeks and couture shows happening by the dozen in India, one would think that they would have lost their grandiose quotient by now.  But Pearls Couture Week is an action-packed six day event that promises much more than Bollywood big-wigs walking the ramp for their favorite designers. India’s first couture week kick-started in 2008; now in its third year, it’s conducted in the Capital. The designers couldn\’t be happier about the shift in host city and many of them have invariably chosen to label Delhi as the fashion capital of India.

So what did day one of the multi-designer starring couture week dish out? Read on and find out:

Kolkata based Sabyasachi Mukherjee inaugurated the couture week with his inimitable collection Aparajito (the invincible). Sabya, known for his eclectic designs and traditional style, first captivated the fashion industry in 2002 when he showcased his premier collection in Lakme India Fashion Week in Delhi. He hasn’t looked back ever since. His clothes always have very strong Indian influences sans much bling.

Sultry yet traditional babes, Rani Mukherjee and Vidha Balan who have been seen sporting Sabya’s creation on more than one occasion were proudly seated in the audience to cheer him. Vidya looked ravishing in a red hot saree (of course a Sabya creation) teamed with a black blouse. Rani, on the other hand, donned the season’s favourite – a black jumpsuit.

The collection mostly displayed earthy hues and most of the fabric used was khadi. The designer referred to his collection as “essence of India” and stated that Indian fabrics, textiles and culture are unbeatable. The block printing from Rajasthan and Kalamkari from Andhra Pradesh gave a whimsical feel to his collection.

Rumour has it that the cost of the collection coupled with the sets used cost him a whopping three crores. The collection displayed 40 designs for women and 15 men’s wear items. Classic, no-nonsense and traditional, Sabya has once again managed to floor the audiences with his unique panache.

Returning to the Capital after five long years, Sabyasachi has definitely made a thud on arrival. What remains to be seen is whether or not the rest of the couture week manages to keep the momentum alive. Check this space for the scoop on the much talked about Delhi Couture Week. The designers and details that we will feature will surely help you shop for the Big fat Indian weddings!

The 10^th Anniversary of The  Marwar Mega Wedding Show scheduled at Mumbai’s World Trade Centre from July 23 to 25 is set to revolutionize the Indian wedding exhibition scene. With a decade of showcasing top couture and jewellery from across the nation, the Marwar Mega Wedding Show is back again, but in a brand new funkier and chic avatar.

Conceived as a community initiative, a logical extension of the magazine by the same name Marwar www.marwar.com, the exhibition is organized by the magazine’s publisher Spenta Multimedia www.spentamultimedia.com. The single-minded focus on quality has probably led the exhibition to become the most visited wedding show in Mumbai. A regular exhibitor at the exhibition says, “What’s most attractive about the event is that nearly 15,000 people over three days visit us and our business for the year is secured with just one event”.

On offer is an extravaganza of delightfully rich and sophisticated fashion wear from the best in the industry. Find here handcrafted and exclusive couture from the by-lanes of Kolkata to the gallis of Delhi and Lucknow. Check out the fabulous designs offered in gold and silver studded with precious stones at the jewellery designer’s posts that hail from Jaipur. Find a panorama of designer, handmade products, shop for your dream wedding trousseau and get the best bargains in Indian wedding jewellery.

The 10^th Edition of The Marwar Mega Wedding Show is proud to showcase brands that include Gitanjali Group, Rosenthal, Orra – The Diamond Destination, Lladro, Amway, Kashvi, Lucera, Diya, Nyassa, Varuna D Jani, Stefan Hafner, Nakshatra, D\’damas, Calgaro, Sangini, Rivaaz, Desire, Ezee Diamonds, Gili, Asmi, Maya, Rosato, Morelatto, Philip, Sector, Just Cavalli, Marvin, Everlast, Umbro, Iris, Pirelli, Nina Ricci, Miss Sixty, Reberto Cavalli, Greggio, Jusra International, Grape to Glass, Divyavastra by UCJ, Shaina NC, Savio John Pereira and others. We at Marry Me are glad to be a part of the show for the first time this year!

The Marwar Mega Wedding Show is on at the World Trade Centre, Cuffe Parade in Mumbai on July 23, 24 & 25, from 11am to 7pm. It is also scheduled at Hyderabad and Bangalore. For enquiries call 022 24811010. Stay tuned for more on Indian weddings and The Marwar Mega Wedding Show in future posts!

Come July 31, 2010 the US will experience perhaps one of the biggest weddings of the year. Chelsea Clinton, the only daughter of former American president Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton is all set to tie the knot with long-term beau Marc Mezvinsky. At the moment, the media is abuzz with speculations of who’s invited and who’s been excluded from the guest list. Read on to find out some of the details we have garnered about this lavish summer wedding.

It is known that the guest list will comprise around 400 people. Chelsea has insisted that she must personally know each and every guest (plus-ones are out of the question here). We think that this is definitely the way to go! Television biggies like Oprah Winfrey as well as famous film personality Stephen Spielberg will show up for the former first daughter’s wedding, as will heavy-weight political figures like President Obama and other members of the White House.

Word has it that President Obama apparently offered the White House as a ceremony and reception venue for the Clinton wedding. We wonder why the Clintons declined this grand offer! Perhaps, the Clintons want to keep away from the media buzz that has already begun to surround this wedding. It is said that the ceremony and wedding is slated to take place in the grounds of a private mansion owned by a family friend of the Clintons in Rhinebeck, a historic New York village which is a couple of hours away from Manhattan.

With regards to Chelsea’s 32 year-old fiancé, it is known that his parents are both former members of the Congress. Many Jewish media houses in the US are wondering whether Chelsea will convert to Jewish for her Jewish fiancé Marc. People are also wondering whether it will be a priest, rabbi or both who will officiate the ceremony. It has also come to be known that the wedding menu will be kosher.

When the wedding bells ring for Chelsea and Marc, the Rhinebeck mansion and the surrounding area will be as secure as the White House! According to a source close to the bride-to-be, the wedding may take place in a tent to ensure privacy from air-borne paparazzi and security for many of the high profile attendees! We don’t know how much truth lies in this though.

As for Chelsea’s wedding gown, well rumor has it that since Chelsea is quite traditional when it comes to fashion; it looks like it may be a Vera Wang or Oscar de la Renta. Both designers have an equally classic style that definitely goes with the taste of America’s former First daughter.

The wedding that has been shrouded in secrecy ever since the couple got engaged in November last year, is one wedding we at Marry Me – The Wedding Planners are yearning to know more about. Stay tuned because we are sure that more details on the wedding designers, wedding photographers, caterers and invitees will emerge as the big day draws closer.

You can checkout this Sunday’s matrimonial section in the Times of India – Check mate.

Here’s this weeks question – I\’m getting married in December and don\’t want a regular wedding. What ideas can you offer me on a medium budget?

Every little girl dreams of the day when her prince charming will bend down on one knee and pop the question by presenting her the little blue box, which will have the world’s best engagement ring – Undoubtedly a Tiffany! Though Carrie Bradshaw may have asserted with sheer confidence in the first ever episode of Sex and the City that no one has “Affairs to Remember” anymore and no one has “Breakfast at Tiffany”, Tiffany has always been and will continue to remain the most coveted jewellery brand for many years to come. Sealing the “I Do” deal with the little blue box will always remind your bride she said yes to you for good reason (We aren’t questioning your love for her, just avowing your good taste in jewelery).

Though most people associate the brand name Tiffany with wedding rings and engagement bands, it has a lot more on offer than that. The collection offers everything from charms, necklaces, pendants, brooches, designer watches, earrings, to leather goodies and scarves. In fact, recently they have also ventured into fragrances for men. There you go groomy, it ain’t all about the ladies! Depending on how far you want to go while expressing your true love, Tiffany won’t really give you an upper limit as far as spending the green stuff in concerned. (We suggest you try and go at least an extra mile).

Their range of engagement rocks is second to none. Pear, marquise, round, cushion, oval, princess or heart – depending on your taste, style and of course budget, you can choose the shape and size of your ring, one which you plan on adorning on your finger for the rest of your life. The price of the rings will greatly vary depending on the quality, size, weight and colour of the stone. So if you want a rock that shines from miles away and has blinding sparkle to make your gal pals see green, make sure you are marrying a man who isn’t parsimonious. The different settings, perfect finishing and flawless quality of the rings, depict the eternal bond of marital bliss. The bride gene in you will be able to sniff it even from a great distance. We have also heard of a few elaborate proposal where the groom has proposed to the love of his life in a the Tiffany booth in the Tiffany store with the help of a wedding planner. A lot of wedding planners in India also help with interesting ways to propose that are setup and managed by them.

So boys, whether you plan on doing it via the tried and tested champagne glass method or by kneeling in broad day light, make sure you have the little blue box tucked in your pocket; you can be rest assured that a yes is coming your way!

Ok let’s face it! A good photographer is almost as important as the groom while planning a wedding. Don’t be up in arms yet – we used the term “almost”. And just as finding the groom is no one day task, it can take you quite a while to search for the perfect photographer. The one, who takes your feedback, makes you look like a size 2 in all your pictures and is a pro at hiding all the flaws. After all, your wedding day is only going to last a few hours, but the photographs are keepers; they will stay with you forever.

So what’s the best way to test the waters before taking the plunge? Simple! Arrange a pre-wedding photo shoot. This shoot will ensure that there is good synergy between the photographer and the couple and it will also prep you to pose before the D-day!

So what are benefits of having a pre-wedding photo shoot?

Pose! Experiment! Have fun. Just like the rehearsal dinner, a pre-wedding photo shoot also gives you the chance to just let go and have fun. You can experiment with different poses and locations – something you will not get to do on your wedding day. Since you know the shoot is more of a trial and error procedure, it takes the whole pressure off. Weddings preparations, as of today, can be pretty arduous on the couple, so this day will give you an opportunity to take a break from all the chaos.

Hit or miss! At the end of the shoot, the photographer will come to know how comfortable you are in front of the camera. Also, the angles and other technicalities can be worked on with the aid of this shoot. As a professional, he can also give you handy tips so that the end results are super. And you too will get a chance to see the photographer’s work and undo your decision in case you are not happy with what you see (hopefully this will not happen – fingers crossed).

If you plan on giving a special touch to your wedding invitations and guest book by using your and your partner’s photographs then this shoot will give you just the material. The shoot can happen anywhere (some couples prefer going to places they frequented while courting), and in non-wedding attire!

Better wedding photography is surely in demand these days. Some coupes choose go abroad and some choose to do pre-wedding photo shoots in 5 different countries. Yes! we mean FIVE different countries!!

We have shown you a few pictures from Rob & Laurens pre-wedding photo shoot with  Sonal and Raj. You can checkout some more pictures of their awesome pre- wedding photo shoots at their website.

Get in touch with your wedding planner in India to arrange your pre-wedding shoot either in India or a destination of your choice.

You can checkout this Sunday’s matrimonial section in the Times of India – Check mate.

Here\’s this weeks question – There will be be alcohol at my wedding; any tips on preventing my guests from getting drunk and creating mayhem?

When it comes to wedding style this year, we\’re following fresh new trends from British brides. Borrow a few of these ideas to create a wedding that is stunningly beautiful, enjoyable, and definitely memorable.

Dress:

This year, British bridal fashion is all about romantic touches. We’re seeing lots of light, flowing fabrics such as tulle, organza, and sheer chiffon.

Look for dramatic asymmetrical shapes such as off-the-shoulder draping or halter necklines. Silhouettes have a retro glam appeal emphasizing the waist and shoulders. Soft layers, ruffles, embellished lace, flowers, feathers, and sparkly beading are also in vogue.

Many brides are allowing bridesmaids to choose their own dresses rather than requiring a certain style or fabric. Suggest a color palette and allow your attendants to express their personalities, creating a look that is complementary rather than uniform. Everyone feels beautiful and the dresses really will be worn again!

Hair and Accessories:

British trends for bridal hairstyles this year combine softness with a bit of an edge. 1920s hairstyles, such as finger waves, are reemerging among many bridal trendsetters. Also consider a simple ponytail swept to the side with height at the crown, or a classic bun or chignon that is slightly undone.

Simple hairstyles like these make excellent showcases for dramatic, glamorous statement accessories. Add a birdcage veil, a headband of jewels or ribbon, or a beautiful hairpiece decorated with feathers, flowers, or jewels to finish the look.

Flowers/Decor:

2010 themes in wedding decor are eco-friendly, vintage, intimate, and personal. British brides are thinking green by using recycled stationery and reusable centerpieces such as potted plants or herbs that guests can take home after the event.

Place centerpieces in vintage containers such as wooden trays and galvanized metal buckets, incorporating natural elements such as wildflowers, twigs, moss, driftwood, shells, pebbles, or pine cones.  A few Indian weddings have also opting for eco-friendly weddings for their wedding stationery, decor & favors.

Food:

British brides are going for great heights with wedding cakes of several tiers this year. Cakes are eclectic, often showcasing tiers of different flavors or even individual servings of cheesecake, cupcakes or tarts. Decorative touches of flowers, pearls, and ribbons give a vintage, feminine appeal.

In keeping with the eco-friendly trend, many brides are using local, seasonal, organic food and drinks. Aim for a relaxed picnic feel instead of a fussy five-course meal. Tapas-style dishes allow guests to mingle while munching. For drinks and dessert, an ice cream van or a cocktail bar adds a whimsical and playful touch.

Unique, beautifully British trends give chic and timeless sophistication to weddings in 2010. Stay tuned for more wedding tips and trends from Marry Me  – wedding planner in Mumbai. Happy wedding planning!