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.

Nine out of 10 Indian girls are highly excited about their trousseau shopping. In fact, most girls consider the unlimited shopping bonanza that accompanies all Indian weddings, one of the biggest plus points of getting married. Indian wedding trousseau shopping includes everything that a bride-to-be assembles for the most important day of her life; and of course for the functions preceding and following the main day.

With Indian weddings stretching for as long as a week, the list of bridal trousseau has only extended over the years. The clothes, shoes, accessories, jewellery, make-up, etc. for each event is to be planned months in advance. For many brides in India, trousseau shopping may also include lots of extra things, such as western clothes, linens, accessories and any other essentials that she will need to take with her post marriage to her new home.

It’s easy to get stressed out and feel overwhelmed with the choices at hand. What’s in this season and what’s so very passé? What’s chic yet reasonable and what will burn a hole in your pocket? Custom-made or ready made? Phew!

The fashion weeks, couture carnivals and bridal exhibitions, which are held few months before the wedding season kick starts are a great way of knowing the latest trends of the season. Creations by famed and budding designers, latest accessories – shoes, handbags, jewellery, etc. will make your life a tad simpler. Even if you don’t feel like going the exorbitant way by spending truckloads on designer couture, you can always attend the exhibits and fashion shows to check out the various silhouettes, colour palettes and other embellishments.

Indian Bridal Trousseau

While shopping for your Indian wedding trousseau, it is good to go ahead with a plan of action. Make a list of all your functions and what all you need. Also, set aside a budget in mind so that you don’t end up spending all the money on one or two outfits. Try to go for a different look for every function. So if you are planning to wear a saree for your mehendi, wear something different for your cocktail or sangeet. Unlike a mehndi function, a cocktail or a sangeet involves dancing, moving around and being on your toes. So choose your clothes and shoes accordingly.

Do not repeat colours; it just takes away from a beautiful and expensive outfit. Also, remember to go for subtle colours and pastel shades for daytime functions. Your bling elements will look way classier and not in-your-face in the evenings. With the help of an experienced indian wedding planner you can find out where to get the best deals for your shopping and trousseau packing.

Catwalk queen Kate Moss is all set to marry her rocker boyfriend Kills frontman Jamie Hince this July. The biggest question on everyone\’s mind, apart from how the actual wedding bash will be like, is naturally what this darling of the designers will wear! Considering Moss have been a über successful model for years, she can definitely have her pick from the cream of the crop.

And….. she picked famous British designer John Galliano to help her create her dream wedding outfit. Oh, to have famous designers as friends and at your fingertips! Kate let her pick be known during a Topshop dinner at London Fashion Week, putting to rest the rumours that she was going to design her own wedding creation. Galliano\’s designs are known to be colourful, vibrant, dramatic and dripping with a theatrical kind of romance. His couture creations have been seen on major Hollywood A-listers on various red carpets.

We wait to see what fabulous concoction, these two style icons come up with! This should be one delicious high fashion wedding gown. Keep an eye on Marry Me – The Wedding Planners, for more details on their wedding!

Lazing by a beach or pool, cocktail in hand and your spouse by your side; your idea of a perfect honeymoon…..naaah! Not if you are a true adrelanin junkie. A honeymoon need not necassarily be a conventionally romantic getaway where cozying up with your hubby or wife is the main focus. If you have an insatiable a thirst for adventure and lounging about seems like a waste of time, you need to plan a fun, adventurous trip with its own brand of fantasy. Doing something new and exciting that gets your blood pumping, can be a fabulous way to bond with your new spouse and create memories that will last you a lifetime. Even if you don\’t have the time or budget to do an international trip, there\’s tons to do and see in India itself and you can have the adventure honeymoon you always wanted. Here are a few ideas:

Land: Forget the wildlife at clubs and bars of the usual tourist destinations, take a trip and see what nature has to offer. There are plenty of places in India like the Kanha National Park or Corbett National Park, where you can enjoy wildlife safaris and wake up to gorgeous natural surroundings. Another kind of safari worth exepreincing are the dessert safaris; you can check the available tours in Rajasthan or internationally in places like Mexico and Dubai . Another fun option is organising treks and hikes and camp out under the stars, instead of a hotel. Or find a lovely isolated hotel with loads of hiking trails nearby; just the two of you can set off for the day and come back to the comfort of a hotel after a long, satisfying and tiring day out. Maybe you could take a long road or bike trip to a place that has a significant meaning to the two of you as a couple.

Water: There is so many things you can do if you are a water baby – rafting, kayaking, snorkeling, scuba diving etc. Rafting down the Ganges or the Cauvery River can be so much more exciting than  lazing in a jacuzzi (not that it isnt fun too!) and can be something you and your spouse will do as a team. If scuba diving and snorkelling is more your scene, you can plan a honeymoon at popular diving destinations like Sri Lanka or Lakshadweep Island. While you do need prior training for a scuba dive, anyone can try their hand at snorkelling.

Air: Sky-diving, bungee jumping etc….these are definitely not for the faint of heart! Jumping out of a plane or even a bridge for that matter (with appropriate safety measures) can be super exhilerating and what better way to get the heart pumping on your honeymoon. You could even try your hand at para-gliding.

Find out about honeymoon destinations and packages that can incorporate a couple of different adventure sports as well. Adventure holidays are perfect for active honeymooners…it gets your blood racing and you can extend the sense of adventure to cozier activities as well! We at Marry Me Wedding Planners have a wide range of honeymoon packages available.

Goa isn’t just a popular tourist destination for no good reason. It’s a gorgeous Indian state with a heady mix of stunning beaches, majestic places of worship, fun festivals, party places and places to just relax and unwind. It’s no wonder that it has increasingly become one of the top most choices for destination weddings both for Indians and foreigners. Who wouldn’t want a beautiful wedding in a sun-kissed place along the Arabian Sea, with all possible entertainment and comfort options available?

Goa was under the Portugese colonial rule for hundreds of years right up until 1961. Therefore what you find is a beautiful mix of Indian and Portuguese influences both evident in the culture, the delicious food and the architectural styles in the state. With it’s big cities like Panjim, Vasco Da Gama and Margao as well as loads of smaller pretty villages, towns and beach side resorts, Goa is a gorgeous option for any wedding. With it’s East meets West sensibilities you could easy have any type of wedding you desire here. Planning a wedding here is easier when left to  professional wedding planners unless you are okay with the often easygoing sensibility of the much famed Goan ‘susegad’. Although most places are efficient and quick when it comes to you planning your wedding with them, it’s best to get some help with you are a typical type A personality!

If you do decide that Goa is your dream wedding destination make sure you take advantage of the beauty that is in abundance here – the beaches and the weather! Pretty much warm throughout the year, Goa is fabulous for outdoor weddings by the sea. Imagine exchanging your wedding vows or going through your sacred rituals right by the glorious sea under swaying palms and bright sunlight…bliss! Beautifully decorated tents on the shore itself both for the ceremony or an evening do are lovely and can be super conducive to creating a romantic ambiance. There are plenty of beach, garden and indoor venues that offer comprehensive services for weddings like the catering and decorating, as well as make provisions for live bands, live entertainment and dancing space. Some hotels also offer access to clean, private beaches, perfect for a wedding. Rates run from budget to extravagant – so there’s something for everyone. If you are planning a function on the beach make sure you ask your wedding planner for what permits and state permissions may be required.

Beaches like Baga, Calangute, Anjuna, Candolim, Agonda etc. are great choices for weddings depending on how secluded or buzzing you want the destination to be. Do look at all the possible options in North and South Goa and you will find differing sensibilities in terms of the energy and the sheer number of people in these areas as well as the Indian vs. international feel of the place. The numerous ‘shacks’ that are restaurants and bars are great for letting your hair down with your guests and they offer various kinds of cuisines. There’s plenty of sightseeing and shopping around, to keep them busy in their spare time too.

The minute the clock starts ticking toward wedding day, the panic starts setting in the hearts of even the most organized bride-to-be! Yes ladies there’s a lot to plan, organize and put together so you can achieve that picture perfect wedding but don’t forget the fun bits. Once your main wedding outfits and trousseau is out of the way, there’s a little more shopping you should do…think of it as your very own bridal survival kit!

It’s definitely handy having a stash of all you will need to survive your special day/days since it’s always a whirlwind of activity. Start with a pretty hold-all bag or case! Putting together this kit can be one of your best friend’s duties too. So your wedding planner in India is taking care of the wedding preps and your clothes and decision making are done, now the bridal kit will get you through all sorts of ‘emergencies’!

1. First stock up on the basic essentials like a small sewing kit and safety pins, in case of loose buttons or beads and faulty hems.
2. Buy some band-aids and basic tablets like those for headaches, upset tummies, etc. It will keep you well prepared when your nerves are trying to get the better of you!
3. Mints and breath fresheners are always a good idea…a bride with not-so-fresh breath, eeew! A small travel size toothbrush and toothpaste work too.
4. Carry your favourite make-up items. Even if you are getting your make-up done professionally it’s best to have your go-tos handy for touch-ups and corrections. Make sure there’s a nail-polish in your shade as well as cleanser, moisturizer, a small mirror and some make-up remover. Get a small travel-size version of your perfume or deodorant.
5. A comb or brush, hairdryer and some bobby pins are useful to have.
6. Throw in an extra pair of sandals or shoes for last minute glitches, as well as a towel, tissues and some napkins.
7. Your wedding day can be stressful and emotional so add something to your kit that you know makes you happy like some music, a favourite picture or even some chocolate and candy!
8. Throw in an extra pair of underwear too. If you are planning on using shape-wear having an extra of those is useful too so you have an option.

A bridal survival kit is also a great gift for a bride you love. Small special touches like a case or bag in the color she loves or a handcrafted compact mirror will have her feeling even more special on this important occasion.

Another figure of royalty is said to be set to tie the knot – fashion royalty that is! Kate Moss, the 37 year old fashion runway favourite and her boyfriend the 40 year old Kills frontman Jamie Hince are planning to get married later this year, most probably in the summer of 2011.

The news of Kate and Jamie being engaged has been spreading like wildfire since the cat walk stunner has been spotted with a ring on her engagement finger. Kate Moss has been an iconic face in the fashion industry since the last 20 odd years and has been on the covers of dozens of high fashion magazines, the face of many a top end brand and has also turned designer with her own line at Topshop. Unlike the other Kate (Middleton) getting married this year, Moss is known for exciting party girl image and her in the spotlight relationships.

Her wedding is highly anticipated because it will undoubtedly be something other than the norm. Rumours are that the fashion darling has even asked a friend of her to have a splashy art exhibit at the wedding! The event is likely to be extremely star-studded and definitely lavish and out there. Her daughter Lila Grace (from a previous relationship) is reportedly going to be her mommy’s bridesmaid.

Since even a potato sack would look fabulously chic on this stunner, we wait to see what Moss will wear when she’s ready to walk down the aisle. With such interesting fashion and music fraternities, this wedding is sure to be one big, colourful bash!  Follow Marry Me – The Wedding Planners in Twitter for more details on their wedding!

While we all wait for the latest details of Prince William and his longtime girlfriend Kate Middleton\’s wedding extravaganza, the much coveted wedding invitations have finally been sent! The who\’s who of not only the British monarchs, political and business big-shots, military personnel and celebrities but also those from the rest of the world have been waiting to see if they make this prestigious and powerful guest list. With nearly 2000 attendees expected for the wedding ceremony, this royal wedding has gotten even bigger and grander by the day.

This highly anticipated wedding card has been sent in the name of the Prince\’s grandmother Queen Elizabeth of England and bears her royal seal. Quite suited to the occasion, the text in the invitation as well as the Queen\’s insignia is in a regal gold and the card itself has elegant gilded edges. The invitation reads that the wedding is supposed to start at 11am on 29th April at the Westminster Abbey in London. The short and sweet invitation card says that the Lord Chamberlain has been commanded by the Queen to invite the said guest to the marriage of Prince William and Catherine Middleton i.e. Kate followed by the time and venue details.

Approximately 600 of these guests are also being invited to a wedding reception hosted by the Queen after the ceremony. A tighter guest list of around 300-600 people is further invited for a dinner and dance at the Buckingham Palace, held by Prince William\’s father Prince Charles, the same evening. Now we will have to wait and see who makes the most intimate cut!

The dress code is formal, as expected. Stay tuned for more details on the royal wedding from Marry Me – Wedding Planners in India.

As interesting as finding out what a princess might wear on her wedding day is wondering where you would get married if you were part of an aristocratic family….visions of palaces, historical churches and horse-drawn carriages may just not be confined to our childhood storybooks. Soon after Easter this year on the 29th of April 2011, the future King of England Prince William and his fiance Kate Middleton are set to walk down the aisle at the gorgeous Westminster Abbey in London, England.

What better setting could anyone ask for than a centuries old church, steeped in history and famed to have a jaw-dropping romantic beauty. The Westminster Abbey was founded in 960AD and has over a 1000 years of history attached to its hallowed grounds. It has been the final resting place for Britain’s many monarchs including the prince’s mother the late Princess Diana. The Westminster Abbey is rich not only in natural beauty but also in beautiful art and sculpture and is architecturally stunning. With a seating capacity for over 2000 guests, this wedding venue definitely befits the grand occasion and the powerhouse guests that are sure to grace it.

Even if you did have a staggering amount of money and fame to your name the only people allowed to marry here are members of the Royal Family and certain other exceptions. The security at Westminster Abbey on the day of the wedding will naturally be extremely tight and is even being paid for by the British Government. Since the day has been declared a bank holiday, people across England and the world are sure to be glued to their TV screens watching the prince and his future princess ride with a grand procession, to the gorgeous church where they begin their journey as husband and wife. Stay tuned for more details on the royal wedding from Marry Me Weddings Planners.

The world is abuzz with the news of the most talked about royal wedding since decades. As Prince William and his lady love Kate Middleton get set to tie the knot, everyone around the world is waiting to hear the latest and juiciest details of this royal coupling. No other celebrity wedding has garnered this much attention after the wedding of the prince’s parents Prince Charles and Lady Diana on 29th July 1981. As we wait with bated breath to catch a glimpse of the grandiosity of  Prince William and Kate’s wedding at Westminster Abbey on 29th April of this year, let’s take a quick peek into their much talked about love affair.

As far as dating in the spotlight goes, Prince William has been under the glare of the media flashbulbs since he was old enough to even even know what dating was. The prince who is second in line to the throne and his wife to be met while studying at St. Andrews University,where they both were studying art history in 2001. Initially just a platonic friendship while they both were in relationships with other people, the two started spending lots of time together and even moved in together as flat-mates. William and Kate are reported to have started dating in late December 2003 and the news of them being together was made public in 2005. After many ups and downs  and a much hyped about split in 2007, this highly scrutinised couple finally announced their engagement in October 2010 after the prince popped the question on a romantic trip to Kenya.

Intelligent, poised and attractive Kate Middleton seems to be a good match for the future king of England and evokes the grace of his mother the late Princess Di. The happy couple are staying strong through the huge public scrutiny and are on the way to sealing the deal on their very own modern-day royal romance.

Want to know the latest details about this royal wedding? Watch this space for more!

So it’s your wedding day! Just you, your beloved and nothing else matters……Erm No! In Indian weddings, the scenario usually reads – Here comes the bride, her parents, her aunts and uncles, cousins twice removed, etc.   Although colourful and undoubtedly magical, weddings in India are definitely people-oriented. You find more people freaking out over the guest-list than the actual wedding itself.

It has been wisely said that when you get married, you not only marry your partner but also his or her family…and nothing could be truer for Indian weddings and families.  In most cases, the bride and groom have little say and control over the guest-list. With huge Indian families, far-flung relatives, friends, acquaintances, colleagues and even relatives of far-flung relatives expecting an invite, it’s extremely difficult to strike someone’s name off that dreaded guest-list. It’s a common scenario to look around at your wedding and not know more than half the people that have shown up!

Take a deep breath and bring out that pen and paper. Fixing on a guest list may be vital for your wallet and your sanity. Keeping budgetary concerns in mind first make a list of people you have to have with you, such as your family and close friends, people you just cannot do without. Next come people whom you and your parents may feel obligated to invite like not-so-close family and acquaintances, business colleagues and the like (people you may be able to leave out).

Of course the same applies to your spouse.  It’s important that you talk to your future wife/ husband before you get started so that you are on the same page regarding the size of your wedding, the number of invitees and the actual scale of the wedding. Lastly, it might be wise to also discuss whom you think you definitely cannot have at your wedding, like an ex or a creepy acquaintance.

If your parents or in-laws are paying for the wedding, which is normally the case in Indian weddings, these issues may require a little more sensitivity and tact. If sensible discussions fail, sometimes you just need to let go, give in and focus on the bigger picture!

Quite often you find that you can eliminate a number of potential guests without starting family feuds and neighbourhood rivalries. There may be hurt feelings, but the furore eventually dies down and soon there will be another big fat Indian wedding to talk about. What really matters is that you are surrounded by people you really want around you on your special day and have the wedding you can truly afford!