Many couples say that the best part about being with a partner is the honeymoon period that lasts for a few months just after marriage. On the other hand, if you have to ask married veterans which is their favourite part about married life; they are likely to say that it’s the journey itself that they love the most. Marriage as an institution has undergone a huge change over the past 50 years. Traditionally, women were told that the kind of husband they got depended entirely on their luck and fate. These days, modern women believe that they ought to make their own luck without waiting for the stars to do the needful for them.

Image courtesy Dream Catchers Photography

If the numbers are to be believed, there are approximately 13 divorces taking place for every 1000 marriages in India today and the number of broken marriages are only growing. Most of us take a look at older couples and wonder what makes them tick even today. The truth is, that if you really want to have a successful marriage, it’s possible. Here are a few tips to help you get there:

Rule number one is that a successful marriage takes hard work. And plenty of hard work. You don’t think twice about working hard at your job in order to get a promotion, so why shouldn’t you apply that same rule to your married life too? Just like there are rules at your workplace to be followed, you need to make a set of rules to follow at home too. And just like you would negotiate with your boss or talk about something you don’t approve of at work, you shouldn’t hesitate to do the same with your spouse either.

Image courtesy Dream Catchers Photography

Rule number two is that if you enter a marriage with the steadfast thought that you absolutely must get your way for everything, then you’re heading for disaster. The two of you should give each other enough of emotional space to vent and also have the maturity to understand that even if either one of you needs to let off steam, it doesn’t mean that the marriage itself has come to an end. Keeping any argument healthy without getting personal or without pointing fingers at your spouse’s character takes plenty of practice. Quitting should never be an option.

Image courtesy Dream Catchers Photography

Rule number three is to work on romance. So, you don’t think of yourself as romantic person and that’s why you don’t understand what the fuss is all about. Studies show that couples who make time for each other and who show that they care in small ways are the ones who have a successful marriage. No, you don’t need to write him a poem every day but you can surprise him by cooking his favourite dishes for dinner. Or getting him that book he’s been wanting to buy for ages. Or even booking a weekend getaway just for the two of you. Your options are endless.

Image courtesy Hariom Digital Photography

Patience, maturity, communication and commitment with huge dollops of love work as the glue that binds marriages together. And yes, if you choose, your marriage can last for a lifetime.

Main Image courtesy Hariom Digital Photography

The post Useful Tips On How To Make Your Marriage Last appeared first on India's Wedding Blog.

Let’s talk about how to get a great bridal shot. Now that you’ve decided on which wedding photographer to go with on your wedding day, have you also thought about the kind of photographs you would like him or her to take? Most brides don’t really put much thought into the kind of bridal shots they would like to glance at years after the wedding is over, so we thought we would share 5 bridal shots you shouldn’t miss out on clicking on your special day.

The Bride getting Ready

Image courtesy Anshu Vini Photography

Years later on, when you see the snaps of makeup being applied on your face, of wearing your saree and your pretty shoes, you’ll relive all those moments of excitement before the wedding, again.

A Close-up of your Face

Image courtesy Rich Digital Colour Lab

We suggest going with candid shots for this photograph. This bridal shot could cover anything, a few tears in your eyes, a wistful smile on your lips, a glance or even a blush.

A Bridal shot of your dress

Image courtesy Studio Focus Vision

Image courtesy Onkar Photography

Image courtesy Onkar Photography

You spent months hunting for the perfect saree or lehenga so shouldn’t you take a few good snaps of your wedding ensemble? Get a snap clicked of you walking down the aisle, sitting in a corner or even just posing for the photographer. We say don’t hesitate to go all out girlie for this bridal shot.

Just with Him

Image courtesy Abhay Sawant Photography

Image courtesy Anshu Vini Photography

Image courtesy Anshu Vini Photography

Once you’re standing in front of your to-be partner for life, you’ll feel a tidal wave of emotions sweep over you. Ask your photographer to click one intimate bridal shot of you and your partner as you say your vows.

You having fun

Image courtesy Candid Kliks

Image courtesy Anshu Vini Photography

Image courtesy Candid Kliks

Your wedding day isn’t just about getting dressed up and beginning a new journey. It’s also about having fun with friends and family and shaking a leg or two. As you look through the photographs of you enjoying yourself with your family later, you’ll remember little details like the music and dancing like there was no tomorrow.

Image courtesy Classy Captures

The post 5 Bridal Shots You Should Definitely Click On Your Wedding Day appeared first on India's Wedding Blog.

The blushing modern brides of today might love to bare their arms, but that does not mean that long sleeve lehenga cholis are not in vogue. Autumn and winter brides would especially prefer long sleeve cholis which add an elegant twist to the otherwise traditional attire. You can choose from sheer sleeves, to sleeves embroidered with motifs; there are literally millions of choices to help you add a regal look to your lehenga’s cholis. Feel like the princess bride you are in the following 10 trendy full sleeve lehenga cholis we have specially handpicked for you!

1. Navy Delite- Navy Blue and Beige Embroidered Jacket Style Lehenga Choli

Dress by Utsav Fashion

2. Multi coloured lehenga choli with full sheer sleeves

Dres by EthnicCode

3. Traditional Green Red Beige Lehenga with Full sleeve Choli and Sheer Beige Dupatta

Dress by Ethnic Code

4. Light Gray And Pink Lehenga With full Sleeve choli

Dress by Gravity Fashion

5. Mint Green Lehenga With Full Sleeve Choli

Dress By Ethnic Code

6. Gorgeous Beige And Orange-Red Lehenga With Boat Neck Full Sleeved Choli

Dress Found On Weddingseve

7. Dark Green & Red Orange Jacket Style Sheer Lehenga With Embroidered Full Sleeve Choli

Dress by Andaaz Fashion

8. Monisha Jaising Red And Beige-Gold Lehenga With Long Sleeves

Dress by Monisha Jaising

9. White Studded Sabyasachi Lehenga with Full Sleeve Choli

Dress by Sabyasachi

10. Pretty Pastel Pink Sheer Lehenga With White Appliques And Full Sleeve Choli

Dress By Astha Narang

The post 10 Trendy Full Sleeve Lehenga Cholis For Autumn/Winter Brides appeared first on India's Wedding Blog.

When it comes to photography and getting the best out of your wedding day clicks, you should know that there are so many different styles to choose from and all sorts of photography tricks that can make an ordinary snap something extraordinary. Here are a few styles you should consider asking your wedding photographer to take:

Black and White photographs

Image by Rich Digital Colour Lab

Image by The Picture Factory

These are a superb option to consider and you should definitely have at least one or two such snaps in your wedding album. Not surprisingly, many photographers believe that the best shots are all taken in black and white. You’ll find that little details that get overlooked in colour photos tend to stand out beautifully otherwise. The point to note is lighting and that’s why it’s just as important to capture the right shapes and tones. Although your photographer can add black and white effects after the pictures are taken in colour, we suggest shooting them in black and white itself.

Macro Photos

Image by The Picture Factory

Have you ever walked past a jewellery store and admired the blow ups of the ear-rings or bracelet being advertised? You would have noticed that such photographs tend to drown out the surroundings while keeping the focus just on the main piece that steals the spotlight. When such macro photographs are taken of smaller things that otherwise get lost in the middle of other details, like the wedding rings or even a pair of shoes, every little detail becomes highlighted.

Drone Photography

Using the latest technology is in and that’s why photographers aren’t hesitating to invest in drones to snap photos that wouldn’t otherwise get clicked. We suggest using drone photography for panoramic views and for a series of shots taken from high up. Drones can even take really good close-ups but unless your photographer is that sure about getting close enough without hurting the guests, we would say go with views from up above. You really don’t want any drone related accidents happening on your special day.

Aerial Photos

Image: Camera Crew

One of the best wedding photographs that you can get clicked of you and your partner involves aerial pictures. The best times to actually take these snaps is either at dawn or at sunset when you can expect longer shadows. Aerial photographs allow the photographer to capture a little bit more of the surrounding without losing focus on the actual subjects. You can even use props to make these photos much more fun and interesting.

Portraits

Image Rich Digital Studio

Clicking the perfect portrait is tough because it requires doing 100% to the subject in question. Not only does the wedding dress or gown need to be captured in its entirety but the mood of the moment, the personality of the subject and facial expressions also need to be captured perfectly. We suggest taking at least one portrait photo that involves looking directly at the camera and not away from it. The lighting should be in such a way that it enhances the beauty of the photo without spoiling anything else.

Main Image by The Picture Factory

The post 5 Photography Styles You Should Consider appeared first on India's Wedding Blog.

Sometimes, it feels like no matter how much you’ve prepared for something, you find that you really aren’t that prepared at all. You’ve probably felt that way  before writing an important exam and chances are that you’ll feel those same butterflies in your stomach when you are about to embark on a new journey too. So, what are the little steps that you can take in order to calm yourself down from inside so that you are a smiling bride who is ready for a new beginning and not a nervous wreck? We share 4 tips you should follow on your wedding day with you:

Avoid Alcohol the Night Before

People often say that the best way to calm the jitters is by taking a peg or two to calm one’s nerves. But if you aren’t a person who can hold down your drink, then we suggest staying as far as you can from bottles of all sizes (unless they are scented!). Even if you do take a drink or two now and then and you are fairly confident of staying calm and alert even if it’s just one day before the wedding, there’s still a fair chance that you may have a hangover the next day. Sip on smoothies, mocktails or fresh juices instead.

Say No to Heavy Food

Image courtesy Hariom Digital Photos

Rich oily food is best avoided before your wedding day and the smartest thing to do is to break up the three main meals into smaller ones, so that you have plenty of energy to deal with the hustle and bustle of the wedding. Eating too many sweets and chocolates will make you feel thirsty so stick with food and snacks that are loaded with protein and other wholesome nutrients instead. Keep sipping water infused with citrus to stay cool throughout the day. And yes, now is the best time to avoid binge eating and late night snacks!

Meditate for a few Moments

Image: Sandeep Gadhvi 

When we say the word ‘meditation’, a person sitting in the lotus pose is the first image that comes to mind. But if Buddhist monks are to be believed, then meditation is something that can be practised anywhere and at any time. All you need to do is to close your eyes, breathe in deeply and count the number of breaths you are taking. You will feel calm in an instant and it’s the best way to collect your thoughts and to refocus on the important auspicious ceremony that awaits ahead.

Keep the Gadgets Away

Image: Fotoskarma

We’ve become so used to our phones that they are almost an extension of ourselves. But, when you’re going to enjoy this day just once in a lifetime, do you really want to waste each moment by checking group messages, the latest Facebook posts or even giving second by second updates about yourself? We say switch off. And we mean completely. Hand over your phone to a trusted family member who will be near enough should you want to make an urgent phone call. Don’t forget to keep the phone in silent mode.

Main Image courtesy Capturing Creatures

The post 4 Dos & Don’ts Before & On Your Wedding Day appeared first on India's Wedding Blog.

Most brides would agree on one thing: they are all looking for simple solutions to look great in those close-up shots. In this article, we will help you discover 10 perfect pick-me-up secrets to look ravishing in those wedding photos.

1. Vitamin E and Aloe Vera for the bridal glow

For an instant glow, mix the oil from Vitamin E caplets with some Aloe Vera extract. If you have sweet almond oil, add in a few drops of that as well. Massage the mixture into the skin and let it remain for 15 minutes. Next, rub a lemon slice on the skin and rinse off with cool water. Your face will glow all day!

2. Have puffy eyes? Use chamomile

Brew some chamomile tea and apply the bags to your eyes for 10 minutes. You can also use cucumber slices or potato juice. Cool damp green tea bags can also be left on the eyes for 15 minutes. These remedies work wonders on dark circles too.

Image: Impress Digital Studio

3. Keep zits under control with salicylic acid

Talk to a dermatologist who can prescribe a gentle salicylic acid-based faced wash for keeping your zits under control. You can also use a witch hazel toner post cleansing since it contains natural salicytate compounds. If you have active pimples, go for Clindamycin or benzoyl peroxide creams to dry them up overnight.

4. Change the routine a bit

If what you are doing now is not working for your skin, you might want to change things a bit. Apart from cleansing, toning and moisturizing, exfoliate the skin once a week using a gentle scrub. Deeply cleanse your skin with the right products and also use a good sunscreen with SPF 30. At night, use a moisturizing serum containing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, Vitamin C, retinol, green tea, pomegranate etc.

Image: Sandeep Gadhvi

5. KISS!

By KISS, we mean ‘Keep It Simple, Simple’. Choose products that suit you instead of going for trends. When you go for a bridal consultation, make sure you specify that you want colors that suit your complexion instead of going for an overly made up look with unflattering shades.  Simple nude makeup is not only trendy- it highlights your best features and makes you look like you.

6. Vaseline for thicker eyelashes

Did you know that you can use Vaseline on your eyelashes to make them look thicker and longer? Take a small amount in between your thumb and index finger and rub the excess off. Now apply the left over to the eyelashes and voila! You will have thicker, darker eyelashes all day long!

7. Use a seaweed pack before applying makeup

A seaweed pack closes the pores and also hydrates and nourishes the skin, making it glow. Leave the pack on for about 15 minutes to let it works its magic. Then wipe it off with a tissue, leaving a residue on the skin which acts as a primer and protects your skin from makeup .

Image: Confetti Films

8. Got hair fall? Use garlic!

If you have excess hair fall, apply the paste of garlic with water, leaving it on the hair and scalp overnight. Wash it off with a mild herbal shampoo the next morning. Also use fenugreek seeds (methi) and mustard powder with some coconut oil to massage the hair once a week.

9. Treat brittle nails with vitamin E

Got easily breakable, brittle nails? Use a hand cream containing vitamin E to soften cuticles and keep hands soft. Vitamin E locks in the moisture and nourishes the weak nails.

10. Want some natural curls in the hair? Braid it!

Braids are easy to do and you can make them on slightly damp hair at night time. Keep the braid overnight to get curly hair the next morning.

Try these easy bridal beauty secrets, tips and tricks as shine in those photos!

Featured image: Dream In Focus

The post Princess Bride: 10 Quick Beauty Secrets Tips And Tricks appeared first on India's Wedding Blog.

It’s your wedding day- you have to be the cynosure of all eyes. That makes choosing the bridal makeuppackages even more important than the bridal wear. Going for a pre-bridal trial makeup and hair sessions can be your USP to look beautiful on the most important day of your life. Bridal makeup packages are designed keeping in mind your requirements which are determined through elaborate skin treatment and consultations. Gone are the days when Indian brides used to be prepared for their big day by friends, family or neighbours. These days, every bride wants to be a diva; she wants the best bridal trousseau and beauty treatments, so she won’t settle for anything less that that. Here are some useful pointers on things to keep in mind while choosing a bridal makeup package for your wedding.

Tips to Choose the Best Bridal Makeup Packages

Hygiene and Reputation

Your first priority should be finding a salon that ensures hygiene. Everything would come next. This is why reputed salons or spas are preferred over any random beauty parlours. Do not forget to ask for certified professionals for your sessions.

Go natural all the way

Most of the bridal makeup packages include everything -hair spa, facials, body massage, manicure, pedicure etc. The difference lies in the products used. Always go for 100% natural products. Avoid packages where 2 treatments contain natural products and ingredients while the rest of the products come with hidden chemicals. Avoid them at every cost. Kesar, haldi, natural oils, herbs are far more gentler on human skin than those chemicals.

Images: Confetti Films

Face

Choose a pre-bridal package that offers an all-encompassing face treatment- which includes bleaching, skin assessment, facial, eyebrows and upper-lip threading besides laser treatments if necessary. As galvanic facials are perfect for every skin type, you can easily go for them. Oxy facials are also great for the skin as they increase blood circulation.

Body

As you are planning to flaunt your designer lehenga with absolute confidence and elegance, it’s time to work on your body. Ask your makeup expert that whether their pre-bridal packages include an effective body toning plan that won’t require you to starve yourself to death right before the wedding. If it means enrolling in their gym a few months prior to the wedding, go for it. Body massages once or twice a month along with body packs may also be included in the package. Do check waxing in the list if you have excess hair on the arms and legs.

Confetti Films

Hair

You have scouted Pinterest and Instagram for months to find those best wedding hairstyle ideas for your big day. To try those exotic hairstyles you need healthy hair. Ensure that your hair is in good hands and it is assessed by experts at the beginning of the trial session. Girls who want to get their hair coloured must do so at least 10 days before the wedding.

Hands and Feet

The best pre-bridal packages are those which include pedicure, manicure, nail arts, and even permanent nail paints.

Only when you are completely satisfied about the pre-bridal package and know exactly what is included and what not, sign up for it.

Featured Image Courtesy: Candid Kliks

The post How to Choose the Best Bridal Makeup Packages? appeared first on India's Wedding Blog.

Today, we have 10 beautiful real wedding photos that display the bridal Mehendi designs perfectly. Go on, get inspired!

Image: Camera Crew

Image: Impress Digital Studio

Image: Impress Digital Studio

Image: Impress Digital Studio

Image: Dream In Focus

Image: Dream In Focus

Image: Confetti Films

Image: Confetti Films

Image: Pixelscape Mediaworks

Image: Fotoskarma

Featured Image: Impress Digital Studio

The post 10 Photos That Display Bridal Mehendi Designs Beautifully appeared first on India's Wedding Blog.

Today, for our wedding supplier spotlight feature, we are firing some questions at the beautiful and talented makeup artist from Mumbai and Pune based Blush Salon,  Melanie Rawat. 

1) Can you tell us a bit about yourself? How did you start Blush?

I began my career in beauty in the year 2000.  I am a Sociology graduate and currently pursuing  a Doctorate in Naturopathy from the Indian Medical Board of Alternative Medicine. Before starting  this venture, I had worked as a Clinic Manager for Marico (Kaya) in the Sales Division  for 5 years and as Salon Manager for Enrich Lokhandwala. I was also the head trainer for the hair  Mumbai branch of VLCC for two years. My professional certifications include:
•       Hair Certified from Juice (Toni&Guy)
•       City and Guild Certification (UK)

I started Blush Salon in early 2006, in Mumbai and later opened a second salon in Goregaon in 2010. This one is located on Film City Road. Blush’s mission is to give every customer the highest standard of service in every area of treatment.  To this end, we ensure that our staff and technicians are well trained with theoretical and practical knowledge that encompasses a comprehensive array of beauty treatments and services. From hair styles to skin care, beauty and bridal treatments, we have it all!

2) Can you walk us through the process of a bridal consultation? What are the steps involved from the first visit to her final makeup and hair on the Big Day?

The bride is the cynosure of all eyes on her wedding day. Even before the dress and the hair or the jewelry is admired, the focus would be on her face. At Blush Salon, we understand this and that is why we pay close attention to our bridal makeup procedures. Our aim is to perfect the effect of a stunning dress and gorgeous hairdo with a face that is flawless in its beauty and presentation. The two essential aspects that must meet in the middle are the bride’s personal preferences and the texture and tone of her skin. Indian brides are usually dressed in shades of red, gold or white and most wear jewelry and accessories that compliment these colors. We do not believe in applying makeup like heavy paint. Our approach is just to enhance the bride’s existing features and beautiful skin, while underplaying any problem areas. With our skill, experience and approach, any bride will look her absolute best, whether indoors or outdoors and under any kind of lighting and weather conditions. To ensure this, we have put together a comprehensive package that begins with cleansing and clean-up and ends with the last artistic touch of color. The result – a perfection that even the movie stars would covet!

3) Could you share one experience with a bride who was totally worried about her skin/hair and how you turned things around to make her look like the princess she deserved?
  Yes my client Mansi  (The daughter of the owner of Spykar Jeans in Vile Parle Mumbai.) She wanted a typical Maharshtrian look.   She had a very sensitive skin which was also quite oily ( she had many other concerns too) and  was very worried about the kind of look she wanted for the day. So, we had to do a consultation for  her  once by my manager and second by me. We then gave her complete skin service and a  makeup trial which she needed .We used Bobbi Brown cosmetics which are formulated for sensitive skin types. The result: a Happy Bride!

Then we had Naina from Malad in Mumbai. She was a lecturer by profession and had absolutely no idea about makeup, what products suited her etc. We had to do 3 trial consultations. She too was completely satisfied with her wedding look.

Here is an image of a NRI client-Linda-another satisfied client of Blush!

4) Makeup artists are also business owners. How do you remain professional at the same time establish a rapport with your clients?

The  consultation is the key. As a professional, I need to know the details about each client before I can suggest any kind of enhancement service. I also need to know their expectations. So, this way my professionalism is taken care and at the same time, I make sure I listen to the client to known what their expectations are from me. This helps me establish a rapport with each one.

5) Any general skincare tips for brides and grooms?

Certainly. Always drink tons of water to stay hydrated from inside out. We also have a diet consultation for each bride where I personally oversee her nutrition. Next, a good skin care regime is a must. Cleansing, toning and moisturizing along with 8 hours of sleep is very important. Exercise is also essential, but one should not overdo things. The skin and hair care consultation varies from client to client and is especially different for the grooms. We take time to address specific concerns like acne, hair fall etc. Accordingly, we recommend a regime for each client.

6) Do you vary your makeup products based on the season in which the wedding takes place?

Yes, most certainly we do. The makeup products vary based on the season and the destination of the wedding , since every women has a different skin texture as well as hair. Based on this, we decide the products for e.g: for brides with dry skin , we recommend a regime a month before the wedding using products that keep the skin hydrated and we also use extra hydrating makeup-we avoid gel based products for these clients since gel based product can make the skin even drier.

7) What should a bride look for in her makeup artist?

A bride should feel comfortable with her stylist. The stylist should spend time addressing her doubts and queries and put her at ease. S/he should understand that she, the bride, is undergoing quite an emotional upheaval during this phase. And, of course, the bride-to-be should feel she is in good hands and that she will look her absolute best on the Big Day.

8) How does a typical wedding day go on for you? Can you walk us through it-where you either visit the wedding venue to render your services or the bride comes to your salon?

As mentioned above , we do salon service as well destination weddings, so yes, we do  travel. As our brides are known to us by then, we know her skin type and hair texture 2 months prior to her wedding. So on that  special day we do not waste any more time. We already have all the information we need about her as we have kept a separate file for each client. We also use photos she might have liked-say a particular up do she has liked and her wedding colors etc. On the wedding day, when a bride has multiple costume changes, we know that time is of essence. So we keep her clothes ready so that we can quickly get her hair and makeup touches redone in between her rituals.

9) How long does it take for you to complete a bride’s look?

No more than 45 minutes to an hour.

10) Finally, what makeup styles do you use: contemporary, traditional?
  I like versatility in my work. Every bride has different expectations. We make sure to set these clear before hand. We also know that every bride has to achieve a fine balance between modern and traditional look, based on her family’s expectations and the style of her wedding. Accordingly, we adjust the look and products.

The post Supplier Spotlight: Interview With Top Makeup Artist Melanie Rawat Of Blush Salon appeared first on India's Wedding Blog.

Some days just happen to be good hair days; even without much effort, the hair looks and feels great. But, such days are rare and most of the times, it is a story of great struggle where one needs to put in efforts to get that ‘awesome hair’ look. Today, we are letting you in on 10 hair-styling secrets using which you can make every day a great hair day!

10 Hair-styling Secrets Every Girl Should Know

1. Control frizz with toothbrush

Yes- you heard that right! Toothbrush! Controlling frizz is perhaps one of the greatest challenges for most. While hairspray comes as a saviour, balancing the right amount of the spray needs professional level of experience. With the use of a toothbrush you can easily tame otherwise obstinate frizz. Just spray a little amount of hairspray on an old toothbrush and run it over your pesky hair strands.

2. Wet hair braids give perfect curls

If you are not really a hair dryer or curler person then this hair-styling secret is just for you. To get a natural curl, wet your hair at night and braid it before going to bed. Choose a braiding style as per your hair type and style choice, and next morning, you’ll get those lovely curls.

3. Start curling with the middle of hair

If you want to flaunt long, beautiful curls then start using the curling iron from the middle part of your hair. This will give you long-lasting waves. People often make the mistake of starting from the end of the hair. So, try this hack to get wavy, voluminous hair with longer curls.

Camera crew

4. Blow dry with cold air

It might sound strange, but cold is better than heat, when it comes to blow-drying the hair. Next time you use a drier, change your setting to cool and alternate between warm and cool air. That will set your hair right as you want it to be.

5. Pat dry your hair with a towel

Instead of vigorously rubbing your hair dry with a towel, pat the moisture out. Rubbing does not only cause hair fall, it also makes the hair frizzy. Just gently pat your hair dry to get a sleeker look.

6. Don’t curl the bottom half inch

If you want to curl your straight hair then try to leave the bottom half inch of your hair as it is. Don’t curl it. This gives a more natural-looking curls.

Justin Rabindra Photography

7. Ponytails for quick curls

Need to attend a party but have no time to go to a salon or curl your hair at home?Just tie your hair up in a ponytail and divide it in three or four parts. Next, wrap each section around the curling iron. Once you are done, get the hair out of the ponytail and you will have gorgeous curls.

8. Apply hairspray with hands

Say ‘goodbye’ to stiff hair by applying hairspray with your hands: you will be amazed to see the results.

9. Fine hair tips

Flip your hair upside down while blow drying. This will give you instant volume.

10. Use the bobby pins upside down

Yes, that’s how bobby pins work the best.

Featured Image Courtesy: Camera crew

The post 10 Hair-Styling Secrets Every Girl Should Know appeared first on India's Wedding Blog.

Let’s be honest- you may have the entire wedding all nicely planned in your head, but unless you put down those thoughts to paper, there’s a good chance you will end up overspending for things you don’t really need to. Just like a monthly budget is a must in your personal life, so is a proper wedding budget. Planning a wedding isn’t as easy as it appears and with so many bridal magazines available and tons of bridal trends doing the rounds, it’s easier to get swayed by all that’s pretty and glossy and harder to stay focused on what really matters.

No, we don’t want you to have a drab wedding although it’s more than ok if you choose to have a low-key ceremony like so many modern brides choose to do. We want you to plan for a wedding that’s chock full of special moments, with fun, with laughter, with heaps of little details that make the girl in you feel like a princess and of course which fits the budget too. So, irrespective of whether the two families are jointly footing the wedding ceremony bill, whether you and your partner have mutually decided to take care of the expenses or even if everybody near and dear plans to contribute to the kitty to make your wedding spectacular, this two-part article is for anybody who has a say in the financial aspects of the wedding. So here are the top 8 wedding budget mistakes to avoid:

Not Being Organised

Image courtesy ConsciousSpace

So, what does wedding planning have to do with being organised you may ask? The answer is – Everything! We suggest using Google Spreadsheets to create an exclusive wedding budget page and authorizing a few family members ( the ones who will be taking care of the bills) to add, edit, delete and to make changes to this specific page as and when required. It doesn’t matter if all of you are sitting in different parts of the globe because all of you can stay abreast of what needs to be done, any decisions that have already been taken and the planning work that lies ahead. Like we said, it’s not enough to have the wedding plan in your head; put it down on paper and attach a value to it to get an estimate of how much you are likely to spend.

Avoiding Advice From Other Brides

Image courtesy Snap Guru

It doesn’t matter if you have attended your fair share of other weddings and didn’t really think much about them, because you didn’t think it was worth finding out the smaller details. You’d be surprised at how much you can learn about wedding budget mistakes just by asking around. Even if you decide not to go with the decisions taken by other brides with respect to vendors, florists etc, at least you’ll know what NOT to do and WHO to avoid. And trust us, that kind of knowledge is simply invaluable!

Not Taking Comparison Quotes

Image courtesy ConsciousSpace

A huge wedding budget mistake that many brides and grooms make is that they tend to take a quote from just one event planner or vendor instead of taking price comparisons from a minimum of three vendors. Yes, meeting vendors in person and then talking business with them no doubt requires a certain amount of effort from your side but if you are serious about cutting down unnecessary costs and getting the most bang for each buck, then that calls for some research from your side. Avoid taking the easy route out and talk to vendors in person.

We’ll be back with more wedding budget mistakes that you should avoid when it comes to your own wedding!

Main Image courtesy Snap Guru

The post 8 Wedding Budget Mistakes Every Bride Should Avoid appeared first on India's Wedding Blog.

If you have been thinking that you have sorted your wedding budget already, think again. There are many hidden costs which make budget planning the trickiest part of coming up with a wedding budget. Such hidden/unexpected costs also make it difficult sticking to one’s budget. Therefore, it helps to be aware of these unforeseen expenditures. Listed below are 10 hidden costs you must ensure including in your wedding budget.

10 Unexpected wedding costs to account for in your budget

1. Beauty Treatments: You might have already set aside budget for the bridal beauty package. But, what about those beauty treatments you are going to need throughout the month before wedding? Those regular pedicure/manicure or even a body massage could cost you quite a bit.

2. Bachelorette Party: These days, bachelorette parties are as important as the big day. If you are planning to throw a bash in a 5 star hotel or take your buddies a foreign trip, it can cost you a small fortune. So, do include these things in your wedding budget right from the beginning.

3. Marriage Registration: Marriage registration cost in India is pretty negligible, but if you want the event at  your home then you need to include the fees of the marriage registrar, transportation as well as refreshments for the registrar, witnesses and other present guests.

AnshuVini Photography

4. Postage: Before choosing the invitation, make sure you weigh it properly. Because a card with heavy designs and work will come with higher postage charges. Now, imagine how much it will cost you to send the cards across India or abroad.

5. Miscellaneous : You might have forgotten certain wedding accessories or even misplaced them. This will cause you or someone from your bridal party to rush and buy that item at the last moment. So, keep aside an amount for these things beforehand.

6. Dress Alterations: It could be your wedding gown, your wedding shoes or other accessories which may need alterations. It is tough to guess how many times you have to pay a visit to the store for changes. Now, that’s a cost you have to account for in your wedding budget.

Confetti Films

7. Dresses for Pre-wedding Occasions: You have bought all those lehengas, sarees or salwar suits for the wedding day and the post-wedding period. But, what about hundreds of parties and invitations you are supposed to go to before wedding? Aren’t you going to need dresses for those events as well?

8. Transportation of Guests: Even when the transportation option for guests has already been arranged for, there will still be some unexpected circumstances which will call for unplanned transportation.

9. Unexpected Guests: There’s no wedding on earth which didn’t have unexpected guests. We know that guessing the exact number of them can be quite tricky. Still, you have to do it and have a chat with the caterer.

10. Coordinator for Your Wedding Day: The last thing you’d want to do on your wedding day is picking up calls and coordinating with the vendors. People now hire coordinators for that. So, that could be added cost if you haven’t already planned for a wedding planner.

It is always good to be prepared for such unexpected wedding costs to avoid a load of trouble.

Featured Image Courtesy: Confetti Films

The post 10 Unexpected Wedding Costs to Account for in Your Budget appeared first on India's Wedding Blog.

When you start thinking of doing an engagement shoot you’d want to get it right through the use of unique ideas instead of just having posed for shots. The best way to do so is to find a talented wedding photographer who can bring forth his/her experience that can help make your engagement photo album a memorable one. You could also decide upon a theme which can add a distinct flavour to your engagement photo-session. To help make matters easier for you, we are presenting 10 photos of real couples who, we feel, have totally nailed their prewedding/engagement shoot.

1.This couple who used the setting sun to their advantage

Image: Dreamcatchers Photography

2. This couple who took to the forest

Image: AnshuViniPhotography

3. And this one to the railway tracks!

Image: Aarthi Videos

4. The couple who used the fish eye effect

Image: Impress Digital Studio

5. This one used trick photography

Image: Camera Crew

6. The jumping shot-works every time!

Image: SnapStories

7. And this monument makes a gorgeous backdrop

Image: Confetti Films Inc

8. This couple embraced solitude on the empty beach with setting sun as backdrop

Image: Dreamcatchers Photography

9. This couple who twirled under the darkening sky

Image: DreamInFocus

10.  And finally, this couple who used rose petals and the sun to their best advantage!

Image: ConsciouSpace

Main image: CandidKliks

The post 10 Couples Who Totally Nailed Their Engagement Shoot! appeared first on India's Wedding Blog.

Speeches at a wedding an undoubtedly be a really boring affair and although speeches made by the near and dear ones tend to get the biggest applause, if you’ve been asked to give a speech as the maid of honour, we have some great tips on how you can absolutely sweep everybody off their feet and make an impression. The sweet and lasting kind. And no, you really don’t have to stress about what the Best man or the best friend to the groom is going to say and whether your speech is going to beat his. All you have to remember are these 4 tips and trust us, you’ll have a winner of a maid of honour speech in your hands:

1. Avoid cliches

We suggest staying away from Hollywood flicks where the maid of honour gives the usual dripping with honey sort of speech that makes everybody reach out for their hankies. Yes, it’s great to switch on people’s emotional sides but going generic and using adjectives and phrases that are oh-so-cliché is so last century. You think the bride is great and that’s why you need to quit singing her praises and instead do it differently.

Image courtesy Justin Rabindra Photography

2. Tell a great story

Everybody loves stories and if you have a couple of great memories with the bride to share, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t tell the audience a story or two. But here’s the warning- do not and we really mean DO NOT talk about any incident that the bride will find embarrassing, insulting, shameful or humiliating. The idea is to talk about the bride’s qualities without making it look like a song of praise and yet to add a  humourous human touch to it. Share a sweet memory that you remember and that you will treasure. Trust us, you will make the bride blush with happiness.

Image courtesy RawPixel Films & Photography

3. Avoid raking up her past relationships

So, you’re the best friend and you’ve allowed her to cry on your shoulders many a time. And plus, you know all about her long list of exes, her secret crushes, her pet peeves and so on. If you’re having a girlie night out, talking about it and giggling over a few drinks, then that’s fine. But talking about her past relationships in full public view and that too in front of her folks and HIS folks isn’t going to make her look good and make you look that nice either! It’s a big N O.

Image courtesy Gareth Hoover Photography

4. Be creative

Nobody said you can’t add a touch of creativity to your maid of honour speech. Watch YouTube for inspiration and you’ll realise that the maid of honour speeches that truly impress are the ones in which a lot of thought and emotion have been applied to. Do a speech sung as a song, create a presentation with throwback snaps of the two of you, put together a cute photo shoot or a video that you and the gang may have made of her. But all the same, don’t forget to wish the two of them all the best at the end of your maid of honour speech either!

Main image courtesy Fotoskarma

The post 4 Tips For A Killer Maid Of Honour Speech appeared first on India's Wedding Blog.

Gone are the days when bright colours and modern cuts were reserved only for bridal attire for Indian brides. Trends seen on the fashion ramps have revealed time and again that more and more top designers are using vibrant hues and contemporary silhouettes for Indian grooms. Modern Indian grooms are also taking matters into their hands and are making au courant decisions about their wedding attire. It is with this understanding that men want to experiment with their looks for social functions. So, to help out our grooms, we have come up with a range of modern Indian groom sherwanis –designs and styles that will help one create an extraordinary look.

1. Traditional Yet Modern Dhoti Style Sherwani

Image: Nihal Fashion

For a prewedding function, pick a silk kurta with a stylish dhoti. Accessorize with matching shoes and dupatta.

2. Traditional Sherwani Chudidar Combo

Image: EthnicNx

Want to stick to traditions? Then try the simple sherwani chudidar combo which you simply cannot go wrong with.

3. Dapper Bandhgala With Embroidery

Image via FullOnWedding

Chuck out the boring and bring in the new! This dapper calf length sherwani with matching pants is a great alternative to the tuxedo. Wear it at your reception or even your Sangeet function.

4. Flamboyant Blue Sherwani

Image: via Pinterest

Bring in a dash of modernity while retaining traditions- this groom sherwani  in royal blue color, intricate pattern and contrasting chudidar is ideal for your Mehendi or Sangeet functions.

5. Silky Blue Sherwani With Knee Length Kurta And Silver Embroidery

Image: via Pinterest

Look like a Rajasthani prince in this dazzling blue and silver sherwani having a knee length kurta, chudidar and matching mojris.

6.  Shimmery Pink Silk Kurta With Brown Dhoti

Image: Manish Malhotra

Colour coordinate your wedding attire with that of your princess! Choose this playful Sherwani with an equally playful dhoti or Patiala style legging in contrasting colour.

7.  Purple Dhoop Chaao Sherwani With Jacket And Embroidery

Image: via BharathStudent

Another classy colourful Sherwani with silk purple kurta and embroidered jacket. The dhoop chaoo effect creates an elegant, royal look that is perfect for the reception eve.

8. Beautiful Beige Sherwani With Embroidered Shawl

Yet another elegant sherwani, this beige attire comes with intricate embroidery work on the neck and sleeves. We especially love the embroidered Kashmiri shawl. Pair it up with a beige Dhoti, Patiala or Banarasi chudidar and you are good to go.

9. Beige Sherwani With Self Design By Sabyasachi

Image: Sabyasachi

The best way to add glamour to your otherwise traditional look is to pair the Sherwani with the right accessories. In this case, we love the 5 strand pearl necklace and turban which is sure to make you look the royalty you are.

10. Purple Aqua Sherwani With Brown Dupatta

Image: Avalon Sarees

This knee length kurta and dhoti style Sherwani will help you add pop of colour to your attire. The burnt-orange and brown dupatta shows you are not afraid of taking fashion risks!

11. Tri Colour Modern Sherwani With Embroidery At The Neck

Image: Chock O Block Summer collection via Pinterest

Having a beach wedding? Then this brightly coloured, sporty Sherwani is perfect for you. An ideal choice for grooms who want to infuse their personality in their wedding day attire.

12. Indo-Western Bandhgala Style Sherwani With Golden Cuffs

Image: via Pinterest

Oo-la-la! Transform the English tuxedo or suit by infusing your heritage and culture in it. The stylish knee length jacket with brocade work at the neck and cuffs, combined with stylish buttons and paired with contrasting chudidar will help you dress stylishly for your Reception evening without losing your ethnic touch.

13. Teal Green Sherwani With Brocade Work

Image: CBazaar

An embellished teal coloured Sherwani paired with a contrasting chudidar and matching Dupatta, this attire is ideal for the main ceremony.

The post 13 On Trend Indian Groom Sherwanis For 2016-17 Weddings appeared first on India's Wedding Blog.

Last week, we took a look at some of the major wedding budget mistakes that most brides make while planning their special day. In the second part of the article, we take a look at 5 other wedding budget mistakes that many brides all across the country don’t account for in the planning process:

Crash Wedding Planning

Image courtesy Ankur Dandekar Photography

How long does it actually take to plan a wedding? Experts say that the right time to begin is at least 1 year before the wedding date. This gives you ample time to decide on what kind of a wedding you want, make a list of options with regard to the wedding dress, meet personally with vendors and so on. On the outside, wedding planning may appear to be a piece of cake (literally!) but it’s not and there are so many nitty gritties that actually go into making the perfect wedding. Avoid squeezing in 6 months’ worth of planning into a space of 3 months or less because you are certainly going to spend more than you originally budgeted for.

Picking an Expensive Venue

Image courtesy Ankur Dandekar Photography

There are so many differences of opinion when it comes to selecting the perfect venue. Sometimes, it feels like your home is the perfect spot to say ‘I Do’ and at other times, you really want to feel like a princess and have the ceremony in nothing less than a 5 or 6 star hotel. Don’t forget that if you choose to go in for a more expensive option, you will also end up paying more for catering and for other general services provided. Going in for a glamourous wedding venue just because impressing the guests is important is a huge wedding budget mistake.

Hiring the Wrong Photographer

Image courtesy Camera Crew

Candid wedding photography is making all the right noises and that’s why photographers who specialise in clicking moments that would have otherwise gone missed are trending. However, it’s not simply enough to go by a photographer’s website or gallery pictures. What you need to do is to meet the photographer in person and see if you can work with him to create an amazing photo album. Reviews and feedback are important but so is sticking to your wedding budget.

Paying too much for Flowers

Image courtesy Ankur Dandekar

Flowers are one accessory that you can’t do without no matter how big or small the occasion. The rate for a specific flower depends entirely on the season and its availability. So, if you insist on getting blooms that need to be shipped in or transported from elsewhere, you can bet that the figures will just add up to your bill. Avoid doing that and go with artificial flowers or even potted plants that the guests can take back home as a keepsake. Or, go for smaller bouquets with blooms that are in season.

Last minute shopping for Thank you Gifts

Image courtesy Camera Crew

Picking up the right presents for your guests is always a tedious task and the best way to take advantage of this situation is by purchasing gifts when a good sale is on. It could be from your favourite shop, on an online site or even during certain festive seasons of the year. You’ll get plenty of choices to select from and best of all, at half the rate that you would have spent otherwise. A little bit of careful planning can help you avoid this wedding budget mistake.

Main Image courtesy Camera Crew

The post 8 Wedding Budget Mistakes You Need To Know About appeared first on India's Wedding Blog.

Going DIY is seriously trending and how, all across the nation. DIY weddings undoubtedly have that spark of a personal touch when you decide exactly what you want and how you’re going to go about getting the dream wedding look. So, what happens when it comes to your wedding makeup? Should you always go with a professional and avoid a DIY look? What if you don’t really want to look dolled up on your wedding day and how do you avoid bridal makeup mistakes?

We say that it’s perfectly fine to go DIY with regard to your makeup. But, just like you are likely to need plenty of help in planning the wedding, we suggest thinking carefully about how you would like your look to be on the wedding day. Here are 4 bridal makeup mistakes that brides all over the world make from time to time, and how you can avoid them yourself:

Don’t Blindly Follow Trends

Image courtesy Capturing Captures

Trends come and go and nothing is permanent in the world of fashion and makeup. That’s exactly why experimenting with a look that isn’t you but that’s currently ‘trending’ isn’t a good idea at all. For example, if you have been told that you look great with black eye kajal, switching over to peacock blue eyeliner just to match the bridal bouquet, doesn’t make sense. The idea isn’t to create a makeover for you- it’s to bring out your best features with just the right bit of help.

Know Your Skin

Image courtesy Capturing Captures

You know your skin the best, even better than your dermatologist. If you know that some products just don’t work for you, irrespective of online customer reviews or other feedback, then avoid these. There are plenty of people who are allergic to herbal products, despite the fact that many such herbal brands claim to have zero preservatives or chemicals. Assuming that you know what works best for you, we say stick with it. Changing a brand based on recommendation a day or two before D-Day is a bridal makeup mistake that’s for real.

Wear makeup to suit your tone

Image courtesy Onkar Photography

There’s this general belief that brides need to be wearing the colour red on their wedding day because it matches the colour of their lehenga or saree and makes one look bright. Don’t go by such blind advice. If you have a dark skin tone, you need to be careful about applying too much makeup. That’s because when you get clicked, there’s a good chance that your makeup won’t bring out the best in you as it ought to. If you would like to keep your makeup simple, we suggest learning more about how to do the perfect nude look. Avoid the bridal makeup mistake of thinking that too much makeup will hide your skin flaws, if any.

Trial and Error Works

Image courtesy Onkar Photography

Let’s assume that you know exactly how you want to look on your wedding day. Even if you are planning to go for just a basic look, make sure that you conduct at least one makeup trial on yourself before the wedding. Get a stylist to do your hair the way you plan to wear it and then apply your makeup. A trial gives you the scope of tweaking your makeup if required. Applying your own makeup on the wedding day alone is a serious bridal makeup mistake you should avoid!

Main image courtesy Onkar Photography

The post 4 Top Bridal Makeup Mistakes To Avoid On your Wedding Day appeared first on India's Wedding Blog.

Sleeveless wedding lehengas are an iconic and longtime staple for brides. Recent bridal runways have also seen this invigorating style with fresh perspective in terms of appliques, trims, embroidery and silhouettes. If you are looking for a feminine and fashionable style in your wedding lehenga-we are sure you won’t go wrong with this one! Browse our edit below of 10 gorgeous sleeveless wedding lehengas we are sure you’ll love!

1.Floor length Metallic Silver And Magenta lehenga

2. Jyotsna Tiwari Pink And Silver Sleeveless Lehenga

Image via thebridalbox.co

3. Midriff Bearing Orange and Pink Lehenga Choli

Pinterest

4. Rohit Bal Maroon Sleeveless Velvet Lehenga With Gold Embroidery

5. Pretty Pastel Ivory And Pink lace And Tulle Sheer Sleeveless Lehenga

6. Elegant Red Lehenga With Sleeveless Choli And Gold Zari

7. Boat Neck Sleeveless Gold And Blue Lehenga With Trumpet Silhouette

Image: StrandOfSilk

8. Pink And Blue Cut-Off Lehenga Choli

9. Pink Tulle And Lace Jacket Style Sleeveless Lehenga

Image: BisouNYC

10. Mrunalini Rao Blue And Gold Embroidered Lehenga with Sleeveless Backless Choli

Image: SareePix

Featured Image Courtesy: girlsgetglamorous.com

The post 10 Beautiful Sleeveless Wedding Lehengas appeared first on India's Wedding Blog.

Lakme Fashion Week 2016 winter/festive was all about baby bumps. Our favourite diva Kareena Kapoor looked gorgeous as she walked the ramp flaunting her baby bump and she wasn’t the only one to do so. We also saw pregnant model (and former Bigg Boss contestant) Carol Garcias glowing on the ramp while walking for Gaurang Shah’s collection. Like every year, several celebrities walked the ramp for top designers including Tarun Tahiliani, Manish Malhotra, Sabyasachi and we got to see Kangana Ranaut, Jacqueline Fernandez, Radhika Apte, Shamita Shetty, and Bipasha Basu on different days of the show. Without further delay, let’s go to top pics from the event…

Kareena dazzled in a metallic silver grey lehenga with a lace grey veil and silver maang teeka.

Dark hues like midnight blue, dark velvety green and black seemed to be extremely popular colours at this year’s event.

Jacqueline Fernandez looked retro chic as she walked the ramp for Ashish Soni’s Volomatic collection. Riteish Deshmukh was hardly recognizable as he and Malaika Arora turned show stoppers for designer duo Shantanu Nikhil.

Tarun Tahiliani also used black in his collection.

He chose Art, Bollywood and sculpture as his inspiration for his pieces.

Tarun also used bright fiery colours, including red to dress his models:

Here he is with his favourite showstopper Kangana

Need some bridal inspiration? Here is some from Radhika Apte, show stopper for Saroj Jalan’s light weight traditional lehenga:

Bipasha looked gorgeous in pale ivory Saree as she came to cheer her favourite designer Sabyasachi at the event…

Here are some more Manish Malhotra dresses…

The post 13 Amazing Photos From Lakme Fashion Week 2016 Winter/Festive Collection appeared first on India's Wedding Blog.

When it comes to honeymooning out of the country, most couples tend to make a few mistakes as far as their money is concerned. This is where this handy guide comes in. There are many cheaper, easier and more convenient ways to pay for things and also avoid unexpected charges when traveling. Here are important money management tips for couples who plan to honeymoon outside the country:

1. Buy currency before you go

Not at the airport. When you buy money at the airport, you end up paying a lot more. Instead, enquire at your bank or any financial institution for a fair exchange rate. The interest rates are lower and most would give you discounts if you happen to be their member. In any case, make sure you notify your bank about your foreign travel so they can expect your foreign transactions.

2. Carry just enough cash

Traveling with too much money is never advisable. Instead, try to carry just as much as you’d need to pay for taxis, or things like drinks or snacks. It is always safer to carry a pre-paid credit card. Also, if you are buying travel insurance, you might want to check the coverage in case of loss or theft. This coverage amount can help you decide how much cash to carry when you go. Note that many foreign countries would not accept your ATM credit/debit cards. So talk to your bank about whether these cards can be carried.

3. Estimate your expenses before you go

This includes travel, accommodation, meals and other costs for the itinerary. You can also visit sites like TripAdvisor to find out other honeymooners’ experiences. This can help you consider feasible alternatives and also take measures to reduce your expenses.

4. Avoid unexpected phone charges

Talk to your phone company before you leave on your trip. Calling, data and texting charges can be quite expensive so verify your coverage before you go. Try to also estimate how much data you will be using during your honeymoon period. As far as possible, try to use free Wi-Fi where available. Also make sure you disable certain phone applications to avoid unnecessary data consumption. Try and avoid streaming movies, music and videos as they can be quite expensive when roaming.

5. Be informed

Be informed before you go. Ensure that your destination is safe. Many travel companies could null or void your insurance should you have to cancel your trip because of sporadic issues at the place you are traveling to.

6. Duty and customs

If you plan on shopping there, note that you can only bring back goods of only a certain value into your country. Here is a great article on how much you might have to pay in event you end up bringing expensive goods back from your honeymoon. Always keep original receipts and try to declare everything you have brought whether for yourself or as gifts.

7. Once you are back

Keep a receipt of all your transactions at the destination. Once you are back, check it against your monthly accounts statement. Verify this against those receipts to ensure there are no transactions you do not recognize.

Have a safe and happy trip!

Featured image: ConsciouSpace

The post Honeymoon Abroad: Everything You Need To Know To Make The Most Of Your Foreign Currency appeared first on India's Wedding Blog.