{Wedding Feature} Tina and James' Perogative

This morning on the blog, I bring you a gorgeous couple who ooze style and know how to enjoy the moment. Tina and James' wedding was a soiree of fun, frolics and plenty of love.

Tina and James have turned their multicultural wedding into a beautiful elaborate do. In the settings of a Grand mansion house, surrounded by serene landscapes and gardens, the couple infused Tina’s Asian background with James English Heritage. A fusion wedding is what it was.

The Bride adorned a pretty peach fusion gown with silver and crystal embroidery and a rouge red scarf covering her head in a glamorous chic, modern way. She most certainly went ethnic with her jewellery as she worked her bindi. Her bridesmaids wore western knee length rouge red, strapless dresses with Asian infused jewellery to make a perfect match to Tina.

The Groom worked a very suave tux with a deeper red tie and pocket square. A dashing groom he was as his face lit up on the arrival of his bride.



Special credit goes to M&R Photography for sharing these amazingly gorgeous photo's of Tina and James.

{Don’t forget that if you are looking for a wedding planner or have questions relating to wedding planning, our experts are on hand – just comment on the blog or email them at mail@rsweddingconsultants.co.uk – Enjoy!!}

Keeping you inspired!!

Rachyeta xxx

{Advice} Bridal etiquette faux pas

Good Morning Y'all! So today we indulge on some of the key things that you should be aware of when it comes to wedding etiquette. Some Bad Bad BAD things, that you will hopefully avoid! There is an etiquette to weddings, pre wedding, wedding day and post wedding. You need to be aware that not only are your guests taking time out of their lives to spend this special day with you, there are a whole host of people giving you  gifts and wonderful amounts of money. So being polite, acknowledging their presence, and taking note are all small things that apply to good etiquette. Lets get on with some serious etiquette pitfalls. 



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1. Never pre print thank you notes! It's rude and makes you sound ungrateful. Hand write all thank you notes.

2. It is not wise to say on invitations that you have a gift registry- let your bridal party spread the news.

3. Never post your engagement on or other social networking sites unless all the important people have been informed of the good news first.

4. Don't ever stop smiling. The cameras are everywhere!

5. Don't start making invitations without confirming a date.

6. Don't confirm a date under pressure without consulting those who you would like to be at your wedding.

7. Do not ignore your guests. Make some time to make your rounds to each table spending a few minutes at each one.

8. Be sensitive to food allergies and special dietary issues. Make sure you know these ahead of time.

9. Don't just serve all alcohol. Have some non alcohol options and plenty of water.

10. During the first dance try not to have a conversation with each other. It's nice to embrace the moment.

I hope you have found this useful, for further queries, do not hesitate to contact us directly and we can settle your questions right here on Shaadi-Esque!

Keeping you inspired!

Rachyeta xxx

{Wedding Feature} Seena & Vishal

So rarely do you come across a photographer who allows you to see a great couple and feel as if you are there sharing their precious moments alongside them. Jason Pierce-Williams of A J Williams Photography has done a remarkable job in stylistically creating a momentous collection of imagery that speaks volumes.

Seena and Vishal in today's wedding feature, I have never met them before in my life, but remarkably, they have made me fall in love with them. Every image of the wonderful couple is another insight into how perfect and joyous their day has been. I truly thank them for sharing their momentous day with Shaadi-Esque.

This wedding, like the others we feature on Shaadi-Esque are full of new ideas and stunning beauty. Innovative and incredible are two words I like to associate with the blog in all its glory. Enjoy these images and engulf yourself in the spectacle of the day.

Photography Credits: A J Williams Photography

A stunning bride and a handsome groom, the quirky couple have the time of their lives whilst sharing this with their family and closest friends.

Please feel free to contact our wedding planners who are excellent wedding designers and great stylists on mail@rsweddingconsultants.co.uk – alternatively join the community on facebook where we are spoiling you with wedding resources.

Keeping you inspired.

Rachyeta xxx

The Hindu Ceremony - Head to toe

Planning your wedding ceremony and have no idea where to start? Fear not, Shaadi-Esque is here to assist! Just remember that each family has their own rituals they include  and some they exclude, some of those in this post are very traditional and are celebrated in India, whereas British Hindu equivalents are less extreme. However you can choose to dress your wedding up or dress it down, but to stay on the safe side, its **best to ask an elder**

Hindu wedding ceremonies, much like that of Sikhism and other Indian rituals are long and can last for days if not weeks. If you scroll down this post, you will truly appreciate how many and how long Hindu wedding ceremonies are. The wedding itself is held on one day, however the days leading up to the big day are filled with rituals and cultural metaphors. They may seem tiresome, but when you understand the deeper meaning beneath each ceremony, you will understand and have a greater appreciation for the many sacrifices.



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To begin there is the most exciting …

Engagement or Ring ceremony ('Misri') – this is when then wedding rings are exchanged, the couple welcome one another with garlands and the families exchange sweets and gifts. The engagement like many is rounded off with a dinner for friends and close family.

The Mendhi Party – This is a great reason for the Bride’s family to get dressed up and have henna painted on their hands and feet. The henna is for the Bride, her close female family and friends. There are songs and occasionally dancing to celebrate the festivities. Mendhi signifies the strength of a bond in a marriage so brides try to leave the Mendhi on for longer to ensure it darkens nicely! Mendhi parties are often celebrated in a hall or at home, food is usually served.



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Raas Garba (Sangeet Party)
Most families celebrate the Sangeet party as a much larger affair, this can be as a separate or joint event for the two new ajoining families. There is an opportunity to primarily sing songs as well as have a feast and dance as it is a party. For Gujaratis, Raas Garba is a favoured alternative, usually held in a hall and a traditional dance, Garba and Dandia Raas is performed. A light supper usually concludes the Raas Garba.

Thr Ghari Puja
This religious ceremony takes place the night before the wedding day in both the bride and the groom’s houses. A priest will be called to perform prayers with a few props, these include rice, coconut, wheat grains, oil, betel nuts and turmeric. During this event, the female relatives and close friends dress up in all of their finest clothes and jewellery. They hold ceramic pots of water on their head and plant a small stalk in their garden in celebration of the marriage. Nowadays, the Ghari Puja is often combined with the cleansing ceremony (Pithi) during which the bride and bridegroom are pasted with turmeric powder in a beautification process.

The Wedding Ceremony:

The wedding day begins with a fast for the bride and the groom. The groom will leave his house alongside his best man and a younger female relative whose job it is to keep the groom awake by shaking a metal pot filled with a few. “The history behind this curious custom is that weddings in India were traditionally held in the evening at which time many a groom might succumb to slumber!”

On departing his house, his younger female members will stop him and demand a "gift" in exchange for allowing him to leave for his wedding ceremony.

The wedding ceremony will take place in a Mandap, which is the four poled which performs a similar purpose to an alter. There is a fire which is sacred on the stage in the Mandap which “symbolises not only the illumination of the mind, knowledge and happiness but is also a clean and pure witness to the ceremony as it progresses.”

The ceremony is performed by the bride, the groom and their parents and close relatives through a set of rituals. The priest will chant "mantras" from the Vedas that were originally written in Sanskrit. He will also use the following props in his ceremonies .. Fresh flowers - to signify beauty; Coconut - to signify fertility; Rice, jaggery and other grains - to signify the food necessary for sustenance of human life; Ghee (purified butter) - to feed the sacred fire; Kumkum (vermilion) - red powder used for marking the forehead to signify good luck and to say that your soul (husband) is with you.



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The breakdown of the HINDU WEDDING DAY CEREMONY:

Ganesh Puja
This starts the wedding day off with a prayer which asks Lord Ganesh to chase away any evils and to promote a successful and peaceful completion of the ceremony.

Grah Shanti (Worship to the Nine Planets)
This is a prayer to the nine planets of our Solar system. The effect of the nine planets is meant to be the most reflective. During this puja the Gods associated with these planets are asked to instil courage, peace of mind and inner strength to the bride and groom to help them tolerate life's sufferings.

The Welcome (Parchan)
The bride's mother will welcome the groom with garlands and she then walks him to the mandap. The father of the bride washes the right foot of the bridegroom with milk and honey. After this, a white sheet is held up to prevent the groom from seeing the bride on her arrival.

Arrival of the Bride
This can be as elaborate or simple as you wish. The bride can be carried in a small carriage into the mandap or she can be escorted by her very close uncle followed by the brides female cousins and friends.

Kanyadaan (Entrusting of the Daughter)
The parents consent is given before the wedding is allowed to proceed. The bride's parents at this point will hand their daughter to the groom by putting the bride's right hand into the grooms right hand. (Hastamelap, joining of hands) while reciting a sacred verse. The sheet or curtain separating the bride and groom is now lowered and the couple exchange flower garlands. The elders of the house place an auspicious white cotton string around the couple's shoulder's to protect them from the evil influences.  This represents the couple's bond. The bride and groom join hands and say their vows to love and protect one another.

Ganthibandhan (tying the knot)
The priest ties the wedding knot as a symbol of the permanent union between the bride and groom as husband and wife.



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Agni Puja (evocation of the holy fire)
The remainder of the wedding ceremony is performed around a fire which is set up by the priest in what is usually a copper bowl. Agni (fire) is the mouth of Vishnu and symbolises the illumination of mind, knowledge and happiness.

Shilarohana (stepping on the stone)
This ritual is to represent strength in the coming troubles the couple will face together. The bride will be expected to place her right foot on the stone – this stone is a symbol of their home.
Laja homa (putting parched rice into the sacred fire)
Three obligations are offered to the sacred fire. The brother of the bride puts into the bride's hand parched rice, half of which slips into the bridegroom's hand. Mantras are chanted. The bride prays to Yama, the God of Death, that he grant long life, health, happiness and prosperity to the bridegroom.

Mangalfera (walking around the fire)
The couple will make four rounds of the fire, after each individual round they will pause and touch their feel. This resembles the hindrances in their life that they will overcome together. Everything in these many ritual and ceremonies have a distinctive meaning and in their own way protect the couple from evil and hurt. Each of these four rounds have their own true symbol: Dharma – righteousness, Artha – monetary, accomplishment, Kama - energy and passion in life, Moksha - liberation from everything in life. The Groom will lead on the first three rounds which symbolically refers to his promise to attain righteousness, monetary aid, and energy and passion. The bride however signifies the liberation and will lead the final round.

Saptapadi (seven steps)
It is said in Hindu philosophy that if two people walk seven steps together then they will remain lifelong friends. The couple will exchange their vows at the start of each round and at the end the bride’s palms are generously overloaded with rice by her brothers to represent prosperity and wealth. A translation of the seven steps are below:

1.Let us take the first step to provide for our household, keeping a pure diet and avoiding those things that might harm us.

2. Let us take the second step to develop our physical, mental and spiritual powers.

3. Let us take our third step to increase our wealth by righteous and proper means.

4. Let us take out fourth step to acquire knowledge, happiness and harmony by mutual love, respect and trust.

5. Let us take the fifth step so that we may be blessed with strong, virtuous and heroic children.

6. Let us take the sixth step for self-restraint and longevity.

7. Let us take the seventh step to be true companions and remain life-long partners by this wedlock.

Saubhagya Chinha (blessing the bride)
The bridegroom blesses the bride by putting kumkum or sindhur (vermilion powder) at the parting of her hair (or on her forehead) and by giving her a sacred necklace (Mangal Sutra). The Mangal Sutra represents the couple's togetherness, love and sacred union.

Haridaya-Sparsha (touching of hearts)
The bride and bridegroom touch each other's heart reciting promises to each other.

Chathurthi Karma
The bride and groom feed each other four times for nourishment of the bone, muscle, skin and soul.

Aashirvaad (blessings)
The priest blesses the bride and groom. Confetti in the form of petals and rice are thrown on the couple for blessings. The wedding guests can then give their individuals blessings to the bride and groom and once completed, the marriage ceremony ends. Guests are invited to enjoy a sumptuous meal with the newlyweds.

Viddai (Bride's departure)
The farewell to the bride by her family and friends is always very tearful. She will start her new life with her husband and his family.

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Pilucinchuanu
Just before the departure of the wedding car from the Hindu temple, the priest will place a coconut under the front wheel of the car; this is then broken by the car as it drives over it. I have recently seen this performed by a horse and carriage. The significance of this in the good old days was that the breaking of the coconut was to ensure the car was safe for the newly wed couple.

The pilucinchuanu is the last of the ceremonies for the wedding..

I hope you have found this post informative and useful whether you are researching or planning for your big day. Either way I wish you the very best and a prosperous 2012 in doing so.

Please feel free to contact our wedding planners who are excellent wedding designers and great stylists on mail@rsweddingconsultants.co.uk - alternatively join the community on facebook where we are spoiling you with wedding resources.

Keeping you inspired.

Rachyeta xxx

Information Source

{Wedding Feature} A Fairytale Bliss for Kandarp and Purvi

This morning on the blog I bring you a refreshing wedding tale of two beautiful people and their Fairytale bliss.

This glorious outdoor wedding by Kandarp and Purvi, has made my morning. I love it when couples create a wedding unlike any other, especially as a guest, attending that cookie cutter wedding year in and year out can get a little tiresome. But this quaint couple have brought elegance, grandeur and chic all in one decadent picturesque wedding. Thanks to Tapas Maiti for these wonderful imagery we can see this pristine wedding in all its spectacle. Enjoy these images of a seamless and demure wedding.



The beautiful bride prepping for her walk down the aisle, with her make-up artist by her side, a pampering life it is to be in a fairytale. The blue skies and spectacular sunshine illuminate this setting in all its glory. The Mandap has an open roof and the seating area is splashed with royal maroons and gold sashes.

But what cannot be ignored in this wedding is their royal horse and carriage in true Cinderella style. Tapas Maiti said that this wedding, "it was one of my favourites of the year".

This gorgeous birdcage centrepiece theme which was relayed on this sweet, demure cake just adds simple touches of awesomeness which cannot be faulted.

I feel as if this last image should go on the last page of a fairy tale book with the words 'happily ever after'.

Sincere thank you to Tapas Maiti Photography for your Wonderful Images.

I hope you are all feeling inspired and loving this fantastic wedding.

Have a wonderful first day back to work!!

Rachyeta xxx

{Exquisite Bridal Wear} Charmi Creations NEW Boutique Opening Soon

I am so humbled to introduce to you on the Shaadi-Esque blog today, Chami Mandavia. The brilliantly talented Designer and Owner of Charmi Creations. 

For those of you who do not know about Charmi, she is a London College of Fashion elite, designer of Bridal Gowns and Grooms wear, this uniquely bespoke collection of 'personally tailored wedding attire' is Charmi's brand and pride of joy! Charmi's collection of Bridal Gowns is a reflection of her unique style and eye for tradition, quality and individuality. It is this style and uniqueness that is enchanting the hearts of newly engaged British Asian Brides to be.

Charmi Creations is opening its doors to a Boutique in North West London in January 2012. Details to come ...

"Her unique flair for combining traditional designs and embroidery with quality fabrics, chic cuts and innovative styling offers a truly refreshing choice for today's discerning bride and groom."

Charmi's collection and in fact her whole range of outfits are completely stupendous, they are out of this world pieces of beauty. They subtly make a statement without being too bold to be obvious - its remarkably clever.

You must have a look at this fab fashion show showcasing some of these exquisite bridal collections and so much more!!


Each item is individually designed - so not only can you say you are wearing a Charmi Creation, you are in fact wearing THE Charmi Creation. Below are some of the most statement-making bridal gowns that are a must on any Bride's Shopping List.



If you want to learn more about Charmi's Bridal Collection, her advice to Brides-to-be is invaluable and this video is a definite watch for you...


I hope you have enjoyed today's exquisite post and get down to Charmi Creations Boutique when we follow up with more details.

Have a wonderful week ahead

Rachyeta xxx

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Style Board - The Stunning and the most adorned

There is always something quite refreshing about creating a style unseen before. Celebrities do it all the time, they recreate their own style and that is what we remember them for. Why not try and play around with your style, be inventive. It doesn't have to be all about tradition and strict rules on colour and heavy duty sari's that pull you down to the floor. Stretch your imagination, nothing wrong with a little risk, a beautiful surprise for your guests or even for your groom.

Shoes, Dress, Jewellery

Bright Fuchsia Tropical Oranges and Ripe Citrus

Bright Fuchsia, Tropical Oranges, and Ripe Citrus! These colours make me wish I was on holiday! Such vibrancy is key to an Asian Wedding, we live for colours and together it works well. It oozes class (when the combination is right) and sophistication with a Jazz aura. Perfect for a low-key, summer fiesta! Olé!

Flowers, Cake, Table and Gazebo

A Splash of Regal Violet? - Yes Please!

 

 

Purple, Violet, Lilac and Lavender, are all colours of Imperial, Royal and Majestic highs. They just seem to add a modern class to any event.

Dress, Table, Invitations, Cake, Chocolates, Shoes

Exuberant Chinese Lanterns

Continuing from yesterday's blog on Bridal Street, rs1 - of Oriental Themes, I came across these lanterns and thought how much of a difference they could make to a simple venue.

Flying lanterns can be a great closing to an evening, if you are having an outdoor wedding by a lake or river, these swans make a magical feature. Otherwise they add colour, enchantment and they are exuberant on their own mark.

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Monsoon Summer Splash

The colour's bright, the feeling warm, this one is a definite Indian summer soiree.

Place setting, Bouquet, Sari

Brown Inspiration Board

Brown is a colour everyone is afraid of having at their wedding. But it doesn’t have to be a dark and dreary theme; it can be a beautiful, elegant, vintage idea.

Cake, Sari, Invitation, Jewellery, Shoes, Ring Pillow, Bouquet

Inspiration Board - Green And Deep Red

This Wedding inspiration is a personal favourite of mine. I love the contrast from the greens and that eye capturing red. Red is a popular and some would say 'dated' bridal colour, but in modern times, it doesn't hurt to mix it up a little with a little old and a little new and a little dazzle! The inspiration behind this board is based on a London Restaurant called 'Hakkasan' I recently visited. It is focally Chinese, but its deep dark echoing colours are so indulgent, you're eyes want to see more.

rs Wedding Planners London | rs Bridal Parlour

Hanging Bells, Dress, Jewellery, Invitation, Flowers, Cake

Style Board: Ice Bride

I seem to be a huge fan for blue's - its such a cool, fresh colour and any shade of blue is gorgeous. And it's a colour everyone can be adventurous with.

As we are still in icy cold Winter, ice blue colours seems to be apparent and the deeper blues creates a warming sensation, not forgetting the sheer weight of some bridal gowns that can create a warm sensation of their own.

So please enjoy this Style board of an Asian Bride. I call it the 'Ice Bride'!

rs Wedding Planners London | rs Bridal Parlour

Face, Dress, Bangles, Shoes, Purse, Anklet