Dian Valentine's Tips for Making Wedding Dreams Come True

Diann’s Blog: Dream Weddings within Reach

In these uncertain economic times with consumer spending decreasing, there is one milestone that remains recession-proof: your wedding day. Although many brides are exercising cost-conscious decision-making, the opportunity for a woman to have one day to experience the greatest celebration in her life should go without sacrifice. To help you achieve all of your wedding dreams without uttering the ‘R’ word, here are my tips to ensure that your ‘I Do’ day is nothing less than fabulous!

1. Never sacrifice quantity for quality! Rather than compile a guest list that includes everyone from your childhood nanny to your college professors, ask yourself ‘if this were the last celebration of my life, who would I want to celebrate it with me’? This list can make all of the difference between a chic afternoon backyard soiree for 50 of your closest family and friends versus a buffet style reception for 200 complete with aluminum foil containers at the local banquet hall.

2. Choose non-traditional locations! Many hotels and venues will have a designated ceremony and reception location within their event space. Elect to flip the script and swap the areas for a less than predictable celebration. For example, you can opt to have a simple ceremony on an outdoor courtyard or ballroom of a hotel and then invite all of your guests to an intimate dinner and reception inside of the on-site chapel.

3. Color Your Love! Do not allow traditions or seasons to dictate the colors for your celebration. Most brides default to seasonal colors but if tangerine orange, celadon green and blood red excite you and ingnite your creative genius, and your wedding is planned in the middle of winter snow season, do not allow the weather forecast to deter your creative direction. It’s your day and probably the only day when you should absolutely have it your way!

4. Pre-ceremony receptions! Guests often arrive at weddings rather early to be certain not to miss the bride’s grand entrance. However, there are always a few last minute guests rushing in at the last minute or our precious bride herself that is running behind schedule. In anticipation of this often inevitable circumstance, plan for a 15 – 30 minute cocktail reception before the ceremony actually begins. Chilled white wine or naturally-flavored fruit spritzers will be well appreciated by your guests and offer you a cushion of time to mask any last minute delays while appearing to be a gracious and thoughtful host.

5. Unformatted seating! Traditional table seating with place cards is a must for multiple entrees offered for a sit-down dinner reception. However, a more casual affair lends itself to groupings of vignettes that may include sofas with coffee tables, dinner tables and chairs, ottomans and side tables or high cocktail tables with stools. The non-traditional approach to your seating plan will allow everyone to find their comfort zone and enjoy your celebration in the most comfortable manner for themselves – not to mention all of the great conversations that will stem from the variety of options.


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David’s Bridal is proud to stylishly outfit brides on TNT’s “Wedding Day”, a new reality television series that helps deserving brides ensure that their wedding day is one of the most magical days of their lives. Each week, celebrity wedding planner and author Diann Valentine hosts as family, friends and community come together to create a dream wedding. Today, the David’s Bridal Style Council is thrilled to welcome Diann as a guest blogger who will share tips to ensure your picture-perfect wedding fantasies come true, no matter your budget!


http://www.weddingsbyashlee.com/ http://weddingideas.blogspot.com/

www.scottsfinejewelry.com http://betteswedding.livejournal.com/


For additional tips, please visit www.diannvalentine.com and check out Diann’s tips of the week. Diann Valentine is the co-host of Wedding Day a new reality show from Mark Burnett (Survivor, The Apprentice) that airs on Saturday mornings at 9am ET on TNT, author of Weddings Valentine Style and Creative Director of her Los Angeles based company D. R. Valentine & Associates, Inc.


http://betleebridals.blogspot.com



Learn more about the db Style Council

Traditional Indian Wedding: Dispelling myths & Tips on How to Budget a traditional Indian Wedding:

You have popped ‘The Question’ & the answer was “Yes, I will!” Now you are planning a wedding and the question is what kind of wedding to have? If you are the kinds, who like colors, rituals, traditions & flamboyance then the Indian wedding, is the perfect way to celebrate the biggest occasion of your life.

If you still have apprehensions and are wondering that Indian weddings are rudimentary and boring then you really, need to check your facts twice. The Big Fat Indian wedding has changed dramatically. From an elaborate traditional affair that involved the family and community for days at a stretch, it is now as much a celebration of beauty & romance and an occasion for friends/family to get together and have a great time. I have noticed that earlier Indian weddings were about the best five star hotels, a heavy designer lehenga (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_dress#Lehenga.2C_choli.2C_and_odhani) & chunky jewellery with elaborate invites. Today, all this has been fine-tuned to a different level and the ceremonies have a modern twist. The functions now include more fun, and are events that are more social. In fact, off late even the guests get all the pampering with shopping expeditions, Folk performances, desert safaris and cruises, as part of the wedding entertainment.

To add to the twist, dance choreographers are either coming in for on-stage performances or training the family members for a dance night (sangeet). Community and regional origins are no longer a parameter for hosting a wedding function. Thanks to the ellaborate portrayals in Indian cinema, you can enjoy every aspect of the marriage in a unique way.

Ok, so you are sold on the Indian wedding. However, are wondering what is a Traditional Indian wedding and how big a hole it will burn in your wallet? Let us start with what Tradition Indian (Hindu) wedding must are. Commonly a traditional Indian wedding is a three-day affair with a host of events.

1. The ceremony starts with offering prayers to Lord Ganesha.
2. This is followed by The Tilak, (the sacred mark on forehead) ceremony. Following the Tilak is the Mehendi Ceremony. Tilak & mehendi are hosted on a single day mostly.
3. The next function is the Sangeet: This is a entertainment evening where family members and Artistes perform to music ranging from Bollywood to folk.
4. The next function is the wedding ceremony.
5. Last but not the least is a Reception dinner.

(You can read more about The Traditional Indian wedding on my soon to be launched website: www.theroyalshaadi.com)

Hence, at the least one needs 3 to 4 days to host a truly enjoyable & memorable traditional Indian wedding.

How to budget a traditional Indian wedding:

1. Keep in mind that you are talking about 3 days of fun & frolic hence the budget must be planned day wise & function wise

2. The first thing to be decided is the number of guests per day + No. of rooms+ No. of meals per day per guest (Meals apart from the ceremony meals) + Transportation & ceremony venue/venues

3. One of the foremost in your budgeting is setting up an amount for The Bridal trousseau/groom’s attire & Jewelry/accessories for bride and/or groom ; invitations & announcements, Music, photography & videography, gifts for relatives

4. Next comes the budgeting for ceremony lunches & dinners

5. Please put aside a separate budget for Flowers/ décor/lighting

6. If you are not cutting corners then set aside a good amount of money for entertainment & wow elements!

7. Last but not the least don’t forget your wedding consultant fee!

For a common man, the great Indian wedding is an enticing dream world. Every girl’s heart nurtures the dream of marrying off amidst pomp and flamboyance. The ostentation and hype that an exotic designer wedding enjoys doesn’t come without a cost. Yes the grand-traditional Indian weddings come at the cost of your fortune, if you are not Midas or a treasure owner. Briefly, a great Indian traditional wedding for 200 guests will not cost you less than $ 150000!

Traditional Indian Wedding: Dispelling myths & Tips on How to Budget a traditional Indian Wedding:

You have popped ‘The Question’ & the answer was “Yes, I will!” Now you are planning a wedding and the question is what kind of wedding to have? If you are the kinds, who like colors, rituals, traditions & flamboyance then the Indian wedding, is the perfect way to celebrate the biggest occasion of your life.

If you still have apprehensions and are wondering that Indian weddings are rudimentary and boring then you really, need to check your facts twice. The Big Fat Indian wedding has changed dramatically. From an elaborate traditional affair that involved the family and community for days at a stretch, it is now as much a celebration of beauty & romance and an occasion for friends/family to get together and have a great time. I have noticed that earlier Indian weddings were about the best five star hotels, a heavy designer lehenga (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_dress#Lehenga.2C_choli.2C_and_odhani) & chunky jewellery with elaborate invites. Today, all this has been fine-tuned to a different level and the ceremonies have a modern twist. The functions now include more fun, and are events that are more social. In fact, off late even the guests get all the pampering with shopping expeditions, Folk performances, desert safaris and cruises, as part of the wedding entertainment.

To add to the twist, dance choreographers are either coming in for on-stage performances or training the family members for a dance night (sangeet). Community and regional origins are no longer a parameter for hosting a wedding function. Thanks to the ellaborate portrayals in Indian cinema, you can enjoy every aspect of the marriage in a unique way.

Ok, so you are sold on the Indian wedding. However, are wondering what is a Traditional Indian wedding and how big a hole it will burn in your wallet? Let us start with what Tradition Indian (Hindu) wedding must are. Commonly a traditional Indian wedding is a three-day affair with a host of events.

1. The ceremony starts with offering prayers to Lord Ganesha.
2. This is followed by The Tilak, (the sacred mark on forehead) ceremony. Following the Tilak is the Mehendi Ceremony. Tilak & mehendi are hosted on a single day mostly.
3. The next function is the Sangeet: This is a entertainment evening where family members and Artistes perform to music ranging from Bollywood to folk.
4. The next function is the wedding ceremony.
5. Last but not the least is a Reception dinner.

(You can read more about The Traditional Indian wedding on my soon to be launched website: www.theroyalshaadi.com)

Hence, at the least one needs 3 to 4 days to host a truly enjoyable & memorable traditional Indian wedding.

How to budget a traditional Indian wedding:

1. Keep in mind that you are talking about 3 days of fun & frolic hence the budget must be planned day wise & function wise

2. The first thing to be decided is the number of guests per day + No. of rooms+ No. of meals per day per guest (Meals apart from the ceremony meals) + Transportation & ceremony venue/venues

3. One of the foremost in your budgeting is setting up an amount for The Bridal trousseau/groom’s attire & Jewelry/accessories for bride and/or groom ; invitations & announcements, Music, photography & videography, gifts for relatives

4. Next comes the budgeting for ceremony lunches & dinners

5. Please put aside a separate budget for Flowers/ décor/lighting

6. If you are not cutting corners then set aside a good amount of money for entertainment & wow elements!

7. Last but not the least don’t forget your wedding consultant fee!

For a common man, the great Indian wedding is an enticing dream world. Every girl’s heart nurtures the dream of marrying off amidst pomp and flamboyance. The ostentation and hype that an exotic designer wedding enjoys doesn’t come without a cost. Yes the grand-traditional Indian weddings come at the cost of your fortune, if you are not Midas or a treasure owner. Briefly, a great Indian traditional wedding for 200 guests will not cost you less than $ 150000!

Traditional Indian Wedding: Dispelling myths & Tips on How to Budget a traditional Indian Wedding:

You have popped ‘The Question’ & the answer was “Yes, I will!” Now you are planning a wedding and the question is what kind of wedding to have? If you are the kinds, who like colors, rituals, traditions & flamboyance then the Indian wedding, is the perfect way to celebrate the biggest occasion of your life.

If you still have apprehensions and are wondering that Indian weddings are rudimentary and boring then you really, need to check your facts twice. The Big Fat Indian wedding has changed dramatically. From an elaborate traditional affair that involved the family and community for days at a stretch, it is now as much a celebration of beauty & romance and an occasion for friends/family to get together and have a great time. I have noticed that earlier Indian weddings were about the best five star hotels, a heavy designer lehenga (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_dress#Lehenga.2C_choli.2C_and_odhani) & chunky jewellery with elaborate invites. Today, all this has been fine-tuned to a different level and the ceremonies have a modern twist. The functions now include more fun, and are events that are more social. In fact, off late even the guests get all the pampering with shopping expeditions, Folk performances, desert safaris and cruises, as part of the wedding entertainment.

To add to the twist, dance choreographers are either coming in for on-stage performances or training the family members for a dance night (sangeet). Community and regional origins are no longer a parameter for hosting a wedding function. Thanks to the ellaborate portrayals in Indian cinema, you can enjoy every aspect of the marriage in a unique way.

Ok, so you are sold on the Indian wedding. However, are wondering what is a Traditional Indian wedding and how big a hole it will burn in your wallet? Let us start with what Tradition Indian (Hindu) wedding must are. Commonly a traditional Indian wedding is a three-day affair with a host of events.

1. The ceremony starts with offering prayers to Lord Ganesha.
2. This is followed by The Tilak, (the sacred mark on forehead) ceremony. Following the Tilak is the Mehendi Ceremony. Tilak & mehendi are hosted on a single day mostly.
3. The next function is the Sangeet: This is a entertainment evening where family members and Artistes perform to music ranging from Bollywood to folk.
4. The next function is the wedding ceremony.
5. Last but not the least is a Reception dinner.

(You can read more about The Traditional Indian wedding on my soon to be launched website: www.theroyalshaadi.com)

Hence, at the least one needs 3 to 4 days to host a truly enjoyable & memorable traditional Indian wedding.

How to budget a traditional Indian wedding:

1. Keep in mind that you are talking about 3 days of fun & frolic hence the budget must be planned day wise & function wise

2. The first thing to be decided is the number of guests per day + No. of rooms+ No. of meals per day per guest (Meals apart from the ceremony meals) + Transportation & ceremony venue/venues

3. One of the foremost in your budgeting is setting up an amount for The Bridal trousseau/groom’s attire & Jewelry/accessories for bride and/or groom ; invitations & announcements, Music, photography & videography, gifts for relatives

4. Next comes the budgeting for ceremony lunches & dinners

5. Please put aside a separate budget for Flowers/ décor/lighting

6. If you are not cutting corners then set aside a good amount of money for entertainment & wow elements!

7. Last but not the least don’t forget your wedding consultant fee!

For a common man, the great Indian wedding is an enticing dream world. Every girl’s heart nurtures the dream of marrying off amidst pomp and flamboyance. The ostentation and hype that an exotic designer wedding enjoys doesn’t come without a cost. Yes the grand-traditional Indian weddings come at the cost of your fortune, if you are not Midas or a treasure owner. Briefly, a great Indian traditional wedding for 200 guests will not cost you less than $ 150000!

Traditional Indian Wedding: Dispelling myths & Tips on How to Budget a traditional Indian Wedding:

You have popped ‘The Question’ & the answer was “Yes, I will!” Now you are planning a wedding and the question is what kind of wedding to have? If you are the kinds, who like colors, rituals, traditions & flamboyance then the Indian wedding, is the perfect way to celebrate the biggest occasion of your life.

If you still have apprehensions and are wondering that Indian weddings are rudimentary and boring then you really, need to check your facts twice. The Big Fat Indian wedding has changed dramatically. From an elaborate traditional affair that involved the family and community for days at a stretch, it is now as much a celebration of beauty & romance and an occasion for friends/family to get together and have a great time. I have noticed that earlier Indian weddings were about the best five star hotels, a heavy designer lehenga (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_dress#Lehenga.2C_choli.2C_and_odhani) & chunky jewellery with elaborate invites. Today, all this has been fine-tuned to a different level and the ceremonies have a modern twist. The functions now include more fun, and are events that are more social. In fact, off late even the guests get all the pampering with shopping expeditions, Folk performances, desert safaris and cruises, as part of the wedding entertainment.

To add to the twist, dance choreographers are either coming in for on-stage performances or training the family members for a dance night (sangeet). Community and regional origins are no longer a parameter for hosting a wedding function. Thanks to the ellaborate portrayals in Indian cinema, you can enjoy every aspect of the marriage in a unique way.

Ok, so you are sold on the Indian wedding. However, are wondering what is a Traditional Indian wedding and how big a hole it will burn in your wallet? Let us start with what Tradition Indian (Hindu) wedding must are. Commonly a traditional Indian wedding is a three-day affair with a host of events.

1. The ceremony starts with offering prayers to Lord Ganesha.
2. This is followed by The Tilak, (the sacred mark on forehead) ceremony. Following the Tilak is the Mehendi Ceremony. Tilak & mehendi are hosted on a single day mostly.
3. The next function is the Sangeet: This is a entertainment evening where family members and Artistes perform to music ranging from Bollywood to folk.
4. The next function is the wedding ceremony.
5. Last but not the least is a Reception dinner.

(You can read more about The Traditional Indian wedding on my soon to be launched website: www.theroyalshaadi.com)

Hence, at the least one needs 3 to 4 days to host a truly enjoyable & memorable traditional Indian wedding.

How to budget a traditional Indian wedding:

1. Keep in mind that you are talking about 3 days of fun & frolic hence the budget must be planned day wise & function wise

2. The first thing to be decided is the number of guests per day + No. of rooms+ No. of meals per day per guest (Meals apart from the ceremony meals) + Transportation & ceremony venue/venues

3. One of the foremost in your budgeting is setting up an amount for The Bridal trousseau/groom’s attire & Jewelry/accessories for bride and/or groom ; invitations & announcements, Music, photography & videography, gifts for relatives

4. Next comes the budgeting for ceremony lunches & dinners

5. Please put aside a separate budget for Flowers/ décor/lighting

6. If you are not cutting corners then set aside a good amount of money for entertainment & wow elements!

7. Last but not the least don’t forget your wedding consultant fee!

For a common man, the great Indian wedding is an enticing dream world. Every girl’s heart nurtures the dream of marrying off amidst pomp and flamboyance. The ostentation and hype that an exotic designer wedding enjoys doesn’t come without a cost. Yes the grand-traditional Indian weddings come at the cost of your fortune, if you are not Midas or a treasure owner. Briefly, a great Indian traditional wedding for 200 guests will not cost you less than $ 150000!

Traditional Indian Wedding: Dispelling myths & Tips on How to Budget a traditional Indian Wedding:

You have popped ‘The Question’ & the answer was “Yes, I will!” Now you are planning a wedding and the question is what kind of wedding to have? If you are the kinds, who like colors, rituals, traditions & flamboyance then the Indian wedding, is the perfect way to celebrate the biggest occasion of your life.

If you still have apprehensions and are wondering that Indian weddings are rudimentary and boring then you really, need to check your facts twice. The Big Fat Indian wedding has changed dramatically. From an elaborate traditional affair that involved the family and community for days at a stretch, it is now as much a celebration of beauty & romance and an occasion for friends/family to get together and have a great time. I have noticed that earlier Indian weddings were about the best five star hotels, a heavy designer lehenga (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_dress#Lehenga.2C_choli.2C_and_odhani) & chunky jewellery with elaborate invites. Today, all this has been fine-tuned to a different level and the ceremonies have a modern twist. The functions now include more fun, and are events that are more social. In fact, off late even the guests get all the pampering with shopping expeditions, Folk performances, desert safaris and cruises, as part of the wedding entertainment.

To add to the twist, dance choreographers are either coming in for on-stage performances or training the family members for a dance night (sangeet). Community and regional origins are no longer a parameter for hosting a wedding function. Thanks to the ellaborate portrayals in Indian cinema, you can enjoy every aspect of the marriage in a unique way.

Ok, so you are sold on the Indian wedding. However, are wondering what is a Traditional Indian wedding and how big a hole it will burn in your wallet? Let us start with what Tradition Indian (Hindu) wedding must are. Commonly a traditional Indian wedding is a three-day affair with a host of events.

1. The ceremony starts with offering prayers to Lord Ganesha.
2. This is followed by The Tilak, (the sacred mark on forehead) ceremony. Following the Tilak is the Mehendi Ceremony. Tilak & mehendi are hosted on a single day mostly.
3. The next function is the Sangeet: This is a entertainment evening where family members and Artistes perform to music ranging from Bollywood to folk.
4. The next function is the wedding ceremony.
5. Last but not the least is a Reception dinner.

(You can read more about The Traditional Indian wedding on my soon to be launched website: www.theroyalshaadi.com)

Hence, at the least one needs 3 to 4 days to host a truly enjoyable & memorable traditional Indian wedding.

How to budget a traditional Indian wedding:

1. Keep in mind that you are talking about 3 days of fun & frolic hence the budget must be planned day wise & function wise

2. The first thing to be decided is the number of guests per day + No. of rooms+ No. of meals per day per guest (Meals apart from the ceremony meals) + Transportation & ceremony venue/venues

3. One of the foremost in your budgeting is setting up an amount for The Bridal trousseau/groom’s attire & Jewelry/accessories for bride and/or groom ; invitations & announcements, Music, photography & videography, gifts for relatives

4. Next comes the budgeting for ceremony lunches & dinners

5. Please put aside a separate budget for Flowers/ décor/lighting

6. If you are not cutting corners then set aside a good amount of money for entertainment & wow elements!

7. Last but not the least don’t forget your wedding consultant fee!

For a common man, the great Indian wedding is an enticing dream world. Every girl’s heart nurtures the dream of marrying off amidst pomp and flamboyance. The ostentation and hype that an exotic designer wedding enjoys doesn’t come without a cost. Yes the grand-traditional Indian weddings come at the cost of your fortune, if you are not Midas or a treasure owner. Briefly, a great Indian traditional wedding for 200 guests will not cost you less than $ 150000!

Traditional Indian Wedding: Dispelling myths & Tips on How to Budget a traditional Indian Wedding:

You have popped ‘The Question’ & the answer was “Yes, I will!” Now you are planning a wedding and the question is what kind of wedding to have? If you are the kinds, who like colors, rituals, traditions & flamboyance then the Indian wedding, is the perfect way to celebrate the biggest occasion of your life.

If you still have apprehensions and are wondering that Indian weddings are rudimentary and boring then you really, need to check your facts twice. The Big Fat Indian wedding has changed dramatically. From an elaborate traditional affair that involved the family and community for days at a stretch, it is now as much a celebration of beauty & romance and an occasion for friends/family to get together and have a great time. I have noticed that earlier Indian weddings were about the best five star hotels, a heavy designer lehenga (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_dress#Lehenga.2C_choli.2C_and_odhani) & chunky jewellery with elaborate invites. Today, all this has been fine-tuned to a different level and the ceremonies have a modern twist. The functions now include more fun, and are events that are more social. In fact, off late even the guests get all the pampering with shopping expeditions, Folk performances, desert safaris and cruises, as part of the wedding entertainment.

To add to the twist, dance choreographers are either coming in for on-stage performances or training the family members for a dance night (sangeet). Community and regional origins are no longer a parameter for hosting a wedding function. Thanks to the ellaborate portrayals in Indian cinema, you can enjoy every aspect of the marriage in a unique way.

Ok, so you are sold on the Indian wedding. However, are wondering what is a Traditional Indian wedding and how big a hole it will burn in your wallet? Let us start with what Tradition Indian (Hindu) wedding must are. Commonly a traditional Indian wedding is a three-day affair with a host of events.

1. The ceremony starts with offering prayers to Lord Ganesha.
2. This is followed by The Tilak, (the sacred mark on forehead) ceremony. Following the Tilak is the Mehendi Ceremony. Tilak & mehendi are hosted on a single day mostly.
3. The next function is the Sangeet: This is a entertainment evening where family members and Artistes perform to music ranging from Bollywood to folk.
4. The next function is the wedding ceremony.
5. Last but not the least is a Reception dinner.

(You can read more about The Traditional Indian wedding on my soon to be launched website: www.theroyalshaadi.com)

Hence, at the least one needs 3 to 4 days to host a truly enjoyable & memorable traditional Indian wedding.

How to budget a traditional Indian wedding:

1. Keep in mind that you are talking about 3 days of fun & frolic hence the budget must be planned day wise & function wise

2. The first thing to be decided is the number of guests per day + No. of rooms+ No. of meals per day per guest (Meals apart from the ceremony meals) + Transportation & ceremony venue/venues

3. One of the foremost in your budgeting is setting up an amount for The Bridal trousseau/groom’s attire & Jewelry/accessories for bride and/or groom ; invitations & announcements, Music, photography & videography, gifts for relatives

4. Next comes the budgeting for ceremony lunches & dinners

5. Please put aside a separate budget for Flowers/ décor/lighting

6. If you are not cutting corners then set aside a good amount of money for entertainment & wow elements!

7. Last but not the least don’t forget your wedding consultant fee!

For a common man, the great Indian wedding is an enticing dream world. Every girl’s heart nurtures the dream of marrying off amidst pomp and flamboyance. The ostentation and hype that an exotic designer wedding enjoys doesn’t come without a cost. Yes the grand-traditional Indian weddings come at the cost of your fortune, if you are not Midas or a treasure owner. Briefly, a great Indian traditional wedding for 200 guests will not cost you less than $ 150000!

Traditional Indian Wedding: Dispelling myths & Tips on How to Budget a traditional Indian Wedding:

You have popped ‘The Question’ & the answer was “Yes, I will!” Now you are planning a wedding and the question is what kind of wedding to have? If you are the kinds, who like colors, rituals, traditions & flamboyance then the Indian wedding, is the perfect way to celebrate the biggest occasion of your life.

If you still have apprehensions and are wondering that Indian weddings are rudimentary and boring then you really, need to check your facts twice. The Big Fat Indian wedding has changed dramatically. From an elaborate traditional affair that involved the family and community for days at a stretch, it is now as much a celebration of beauty & romance and an occasion for friends/family to get together and have a great time. I have noticed that earlier Indian weddings were about the best five star hotels, a heavy designer lehenga (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_dress#Lehenga.2C_choli.2C_and_odhani) & chunky jewellery with elaborate invites. Today, all this has been fine-tuned to a different level and the ceremonies have a modern twist. The functions now include more fun, and are events that are more social. In fact, off late even the guests get all the pampering with shopping expeditions, Folk performances, desert safaris and cruises, as part of the wedding entertainment.

To add to the twist, dance choreographers are either coming in for on-stage performances or training the family members for a dance night (sangeet). Community and regional origins are no longer a parameter for hosting a wedding function. Thanks to the ellaborate portrayals in Indian cinema, you can enjoy every aspect of the marriage in a unique way.

Ok, so you are sold on the Indian wedding. However, are wondering what is a Traditional Indian wedding and how big a hole it will burn in your wallet? Let us start with what Tradition Indian (Hindu) wedding must are. Commonly a traditional Indian wedding is a three-day affair with a host of events.

1. The ceremony starts with offering prayers to Lord Ganesha.
2. This is followed by The Tilak, (the sacred mark on forehead) ceremony. Following the Tilak is the Mehendi Ceremony. Tilak & mehendi are hosted on a single day mostly.
3. The next function is the Sangeet: This is a entertainment evening where family members and Artistes perform to music ranging from Bollywood to folk.
4. The next function is the wedding ceremony.
5. Last but not the least is a Reception dinner.

(You can read more about The Traditional Indian wedding on my soon to be launched website: www.theroyalshaadi.com)

Hence, at the least one needs 3 to 4 days to host a truly enjoyable & memorable traditional Indian wedding.

How to budget a traditional Indian wedding:

1. Keep in mind that you are talking about 3 days of fun & frolic hence the budget must be planned day wise & function wise

2. The first thing to be decided is the number of guests per day + No. of rooms+ No. of meals per day per guest (Meals apart from the ceremony meals) + Transportation & ceremony venue/venues

3. One of the foremost in your budgeting is setting up an amount for The Bridal trousseau/groom’s attire & Jewelry/accessories for bride and/or groom ; invitations & announcements, Music, photography & videography, gifts for relatives

4. Next comes the budgeting for ceremony lunches & dinners

5. Please put aside a separate budget for Flowers/ décor/lighting

6. If you are not cutting corners then set aside a good amount of money for entertainment & wow elements!

7. Last but not the least don’t forget your wedding consultant fee!

For a common man, the great Indian wedding is an enticing dream world. Every girl’s heart nurtures the dream of marrying off amidst pomp and flamboyance. The ostentation and hype that an exotic designer wedding enjoys doesn’t come without a cost. Yes the grand-traditional Indian weddings come at the cost of your fortune, if you are not Midas or a treasure owner. Briefly, a great Indian traditional wedding for 200 guests will not cost you less than $ 150000!

Traditional Indian Wedding: Dispelling myths & Tips on How to Budget a traditional Indian Wedding:

You have popped ‘The Question’ & the answer was “Yes, I will!” Now you are planning a wedding and the question is what kind of wedding to have? If you are the kinds, who like colors, rituals, traditions & flamboyance then the Indian wedding, is the perfect way to celebrate the biggest occasion of your life.

If you still have apprehensions and are wondering that Indian weddings are rudimentary and boring then you really, need to check your facts twice. The Big Fat Indian wedding has changed dramatically. From an elaborate traditional affair that involved the family and community for days at a stretch, it is now as much a celebration of beauty & romance and an occasion for friends/family to get together and have a great time. I have noticed that earlier Indian weddings were about the best five star hotels, a heavy designer lehenga (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_dress#Lehenga.2C_choli.2C_and_odhani) & chunky jewellery with elaborate invites. Today, all this has been fine-tuned to a different level and the ceremonies have a modern twist. The functions now include more fun, and are events that are more social. In fact, off late even the guests get all the pampering with shopping expeditions, Folk performances, desert safaris and cruises, as part of the wedding entertainment.

To add to the twist, dance choreographers are either coming in for on-stage performances or training the family members for a dance night (sangeet). Community and regional origins are no longer a parameter for hosting a wedding function. Thanks to the ellaborate portrayals in Indian cinema, you can enjoy every aspect of the marriage in a unique way.

Ok, so you are sold on the Indian wedding. However, are wondering what is a Traditional Indian wedding and how big a hole it will burn in your wallet? Let us start with what Tradition Indian (Hindu) wedding must are. Commonly a traditional Indian wedding is a three-day affair with a host of events.

1. The ceremony starts with offering prayers to Lord Ganesha.
2. This is followed by The Tilak, (the sacred mark on forehead) ceremony. Following the Tilak is the Mehendi Ceremony. Tilak & mehendi are hosted on a single day mostly.
3. The next function is the Sangeet: This is a entertainment evening where family members and Artistes perform to music ranging from Bollywood to folk.
4. The next function is the wedding ceremony.
5. Last but not the least is a Reception dinner.

(You can read more about The Traditional Indian wedding on my soon to be launched website: www.theroyalshaadi.com)

Hence, at the least one needs 3 to 4 days to host a truly enjoyable & memorable traditional Indian wedding.

How to budget a traditional Indian wedding:

1. Keep in mind that you are talking about 3 days of fun & frolic hence the budget must be planned day wise & function wise

2. The first thing to be decided is the number of guests per day + No. of rooms+ No. of meals per day per guest (Meals apart from the ceremony meals) + Transportation & ceremony venue/venues

3. One of the foremost in your budgeting is setting up an amount for The Bridal trousseau/groom’s attire & Jewelry/accessories for bride and/or groom ; invitations & announcements, Music, photography & videography, gifts for relatives

4. Next comes the budgeting for ceremony lunches & dinners

5. Please put aside a separate budget for Flowers/ décor/lighting

6. If you are not cutting corners then set aside a good amount of money for entertainment & wow elements!

7. Last but not the least don’t forget your wedding consultant fee!

For a common man, the great Indian wedding is an enticing dream world. Every girl’s heart nurtures the dream of marrying off amidst pomp and flamboyance. The ostentation and hype that an exotic designer wedding enjoys doesn’t come without a cost. Yes the grand-traditional Indian weddings come at the cost of your fortune, if you are not Midas or a treasure owner. Briefly, a great Indian traditional wedding for 200 guests will not cost you less than $ 150000!

Traditional Indian Wedding: Dispelling myths & Tips on How to Budget a traditional Indian Wedding:

You have popped ‘The Question’ & the answer was “Yes, I will!” Now you are planning a wedding and the question is what kind of wedding to have? If you are the kinds, who like colors, rituals, traditions & flamboyance then the Indian wedding, is the perfect way to celebrate the biggest occasion of your life.

If you still have apprehensions and are wondering that Indian weddings are rudimentary and boring then you really, need to check your facts twice. The Big Fat Indian wedding has changed dramatically. From an elaborate traditional affair that involved the family and community for days at a stretch, it is now as much a celebration of beauty & romance and an occasion for friends/family to get together and have a great time. I have noticed that earlier Indian weddings were about the best five star hotels, a heavy designer lehenga (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_dress#Lehenga.2C_choli.2C_and_odhani) & chunky jewellery with elaborate invites. Today, all this has been fine-tuned to a different level and the ceremonies have a modern twist. The functions now include more fun, and are events that are more social. In fact, off late even the guests get all the pampering with shopping expeditions, Folk performances, desert safaris and cruises, as part of the wedding entertainment.

To add to the twist, dance choreographers are either coming in for on-stage performances or training the family members for a dance night (sangeet). Community and regional origins are no longer a parameter for hosting a wedding function. Thanks to the ellaborate portrayals in Indian cinema, you can enjoy every aspect of the marriage in a unique way.

Ok, so you are sold on the Indian wedding. However, are wondering what is a Traditional Indian wedding and how big a hole it will burn in your wallet? Let us start with what Tradition Indian (Hindu) wedding must are. Commonly a traditional Indian wedding is a three-day affair with a host of events.

1. The ceremony starts with offering prayers to Lord Ganesha.
2. This is followed by The Tilak, (the sacred mark on forehead) ceremony. Following the Tilak is the Mehendi Ceremony. Tilak & mehendi are hosted on a single day mostly.
3. The next function is the Sangeet: This is a entertainment evening where family members and Artistes perform to music ranging from Bollywood to folk.
4. The next function is the wedding ceremony.
5. Last but not the least is a Reception dinner.

(You can read more about The Traditional Indian wedding on my soon to be launched website: www.theroyalshaadi.com)

Hence, at the least one needs 3 to 4 days to host a truly enjoyable & memorable traditional Indian wedding.

How to budget a traditional Indian wedding:

1. Keep in mind that you are talking about 3 days of fun & frolic hence the budget must be planned day wise & function wise

2. The first thing to be decided is the number of guests per day + No. of rooms+ No. of meals per day per guest (Meals apart from the ceremony meals) + Transportation & ceremony venue/venues

3. One of the foremost in your budgeting is setting up an amount for The Bridal trousseau/groom’s attire & Jewelry/accessories for bride and/or groom ; invitations & announcements, Music, photography & videography, gifts for relatives

4. Next comes the budgeting for ceremony lunches & dinners

5. Please put aside a separate budget for Flowers/ décor/lighting

6. If you are not cutting corners then set aside a good amount of money for entertainment & wow elements!

7. Last but not the least don’t forget your wedding consultant fee!

For a common man, the great Indian wedding is an enticing dream world. Every girl’s heart nurtures the dream of marrying off amidst pomp and flamboyance. The ostentation and hype that an exotic designer wedding enjoys doesn’t come without a cost. Yes the grand-traditional Indian weddings come at the cost of your fortune, if you are not Midas or a treasure owner. Briefly, a great Indian traditional wedding for 200 guests will not cost you less than $ 150000!