I was introduced to Tejani through Maharani Weddings, but I never really started looking through the necklace sets until recently. I’m not sure how many of your in-laws will want to adorn you with their own jewels for the reception, but here’s an option of getting a ‘diamond’ inspired look without breaking yours or your parents’ bank account. Tejani look as elegant as diamonds, but they are far from it, and they claim that their pieces are:

Shimmering Austrian crystals, brilliant cubic zirconia, organic man-made pearls, brass with rhodium plating and a selection of custom finishes—the graceful elements of couture costume jewelry for the most important day of your life and a lifetime of beauty.

Most of the styles have a Western look which are perfect for those dulhans who want to experiment with a more modern look for the reception. However, there are also quite a few Indian style pieces that look slightly Victorian:

For a more Western style:

They can even offer a free service where they make recommendations of what pieces match your outfit. You can upload an image of your outfit, and they find a matching jewelry set for you!

Here’s a DIY project that seems easy enough for any dulhan. You will proudly walk down the isle towards a new life with your dulha as your guests shower you with rose petals. These petal cones can be made from decorative paper or vellum paper found in any craft store.

Follow the link to the step-by-step photo instructions to make your perfect petal cones. I love the ribbon attached to the cones that can allow you to hang the petal cone from the handle of a chivari chair. I plan on having chairs with covers and and sashes, so I’m not sure how I would be able to place the petal cones next to the ceremony programs and pouch of mixed dried fruit/nuts. Instead of placing the petals cones on each chair, you might want to alternate the seats or just reserve the petal tossing for close family and friends under the mandap or in the first couple rows of reserved seats so the petals will not become too overwhelming in the photos/video. Also, depending on your venue, there might be an extra charge for clean up so you might want to check that out before giving your guests petals and/or rice.

Anyways, I hope you find this project easy enough to complete successfully -  ‘I Do’ it yourself’s Let me know how they turn out, and please do send me pics! (mydulhandiaries@gmail.com)

Honeymooners: SAFETY FIRST!

After reading the heart-wrenching story of the British Newlywed bride who was murdered in South Africa, I realized that it is important to discuss safety when traveling on your honeymoon.  Although every couple is looking for a unique, relaxing honeymoon destination, they should also do some research on the country & cities that they plan on visiting beforehand. Couples can sometimes get so excited in honeymoon planning that they may forget to take precautions when traveling in an unknown country.  Honeymooners are almost always an easy target because they usually carry large amounts of cash, dress well, and tend to stand out in any crowd of locals.

I found a really good list of Honeymoon destination ‘Travel Safety’ that I hope you will find helpful.  Most of these should be common sense (or maybe I just had a really paranoid Mom who pretty much covered all of the points in this list!). Take a look from a Honeymooner’s Review Guide: Yes, it’s so important that I quoted the entire list of safety tips, so please read them!

What does the government say about your honeymoon destination?

Look at the U.S. Department of State website when picking your honeymoon destination and then once again before leaving on your honeymoon. These advisories are primarily for large-scale conflicts or problems and don’t necessarily reflect how safe tourists are from local criminals. Some locations have a much higher incidence of street crime. Some websites list information about tourist crime in certain countries. World Travel Watch shows information about safety issues for travelers to different countries around the world. Visual Tourist is also a good site to look up your location and read the warnings.

Pack light

Dress to fit into your destination. Don’t wear expensive jewelry or clothing. Leave at home anything that is irreplaceable or very valuable, including your diamond ring! Buy a $20 fake to wear around. If it gets stolen, you will be the one laughing! Dressing too casual can also be a sign that you’re a tourist.

Protect your possessions in your room.

Lock suitcases while away and put anything important in the hotel safe. Items have been stolen from hotel rooms and are often not returned or compensated.Make sure your door is locked when you leave and put an extra bolt or chain on while in the room. Request a room on the 2nd – 6th floors. Rooms on the ground floor are easier to access for thefts and rooms that are too high may not be accessible from a fire ladder. Be familiar with the layout of the hotel and fire escapes, which can be hard to find during a fire.

Money, Credit Cards, Traveler’s Checks, Documentation…

Only bring as much cash as you need, carry traveler’s checks and credit cards. Leave home everything in your wallet that is unnecessary to have abroad such as social security cards, extra credit cards, check book, library cards, etc.

Photocopy:

• Credit cards & ATM cards (front and back). Record international telephone numbers & keep track of credit limits or balances.
• Passport
• Traveler’s checks
• Detailed itinerary
• Airline tickets and hotel reservations
• Numbers and addresses for local American consulates

Leave one copy with a friend and put the one in a location that is separate from your valuables. Write your name, address and phone number on luggage in covered luggage tag to prevent people from knowing your name or nationality. Place a copy of this information inside of the bag as well, in case your tags get ripped off. Use luggage locks whenever possible.

When away from your resort or hotel, use the hotel safe to protect all important documentation, extra traveler’s checks and credit cards. Bring only what you think you will use while away. This way, if your wallet gets stolen with one of your credit cards, you will have another one waiting at the hotel, along with the photocopied information for how to report your stolen card.

Getting through Customs

Leave all medication or prescriptions in their original containers. If there are any medicines that could be problematic, bring a note from your doctor with the reasons why you are taking the medicine and with written permission.If you have any concerns about certain items being brought into a country, clarify with that countries embassy or consulate. Some medications are acceptable but only until a certain quantity and then it becomes illegal.

Luggage and Purse Protection

Never leave your luggage unattended, even for a second. If your luggage is too heavy or large to lug around, pack lighter. Walking with overstuffed arms makes you appear as an easy target. Get luggage that is easy to carry or pull and that leaves one arm empty. Test this out before you depart.

While walking around in town, don’t put your wallet in your pocket or wear a fanny pack or handbag. Wallets in back pockets while walking in crowded areas is a high-risk situation for theft. Place all money and valuables in a concealed pouch underneath your clothes, with some cash in your front pockets or somewhere accessible. Thieves watch tourists, so don’t let them know that you have a concealed pouch. You can also use a bag with a strong shoulder strap and wear it across your chest. If you need more money out, go someplace private to retrieve your money or credit cards. Whenever you do anything, especially in tourist areas, be thinking that someone could be watching what you’re doing. Remember that anyone can be a pickpocket, not just those you would stereotype. A child or well-dressed person can easily steal your bag because you put your guard down around them. Some of the best thieves are the nicest people you could ever meet!

While carrying a bag or purse, make sure it is fairly secure to your body. Place it on the table in your eyeview when you’re eating, not a target dangling from the back of your chair. If your belongings are lost or stolen, get a police report to show to your insurance company for claims.

Money

Don’t carry large amounts of cash. Cash traveler’s checks as you need them.Only exchange money with an authorized dealer. Many crooks say they will give you a better rate but not follow-through.Verify that your credit card is returned to you after paying a bill or getting money out of an ATM.If you are carrying a lot of cash, put it in a concealed and secure location.

Transportation

Only purchase tickets for train, bus travel, shows or museums from the authorized dealer. You could be getting a deal but more likely you are getting ripped off. Don’t use transportation, especially taxis, that don’t show government authorization.If the taxi does not have the appropriate markings, leave and find another. This could be someone just trying to make some money illegally or you could end up being mugged. If your gut says that there is something wrong, there probably is.

Don’t fall asleep on trains, buses or taxis unless your partner is staying awake. If you must sleep, secure your luggage to your body and sleep on top of it.Consular Information Sheets report the safety on public transportation, refer to these to find out what form of transportation is best for your destination. Choose a rental car that looks common for the location and doesn’t scream “wealthy tourist”. Try to put any valuables in the trunk. Criminals have even been known for reaching in to driving cars and grabbing purses or bags.Use safe transportation at night instead of walking, especially if you’ve been drinking and your judgment may not be at its best.

Acculturation

Read about customs and laws in your destination to familiarize yourself with how you should act.Some actions, which may be normal for you at home, can get you into trouble in other countries. Don’t find this out the hard way.You are not under the U.S. protection while in foreign countries and can be held accountable for illegal activity, even if it wouldn’t be considered illegal in the U.S. If you are unsure if something is appropriate, ask a relevant source, don’t just follow suite of other tourists.

Learn several words of the native language if it is different from your own. Know how to ask for the police and a hospital, as well as letting someone know you are in trouble. Carry your hotel name, address and phone number with you in case you forget or something happens to you and medical personnel need to figure out where you are staying.

Safety Back at Home

Make sure your house is taken care of by a friend. Whether this means having a housesitter sleeping or someone stopping by to collect the mail and newspaper, it is important for your house to not appear abandoned. Criminals look for signs that people are away. If this isn’t an option, make sure you stop your mail, newspaper and wedding registry mailings. Put your lights and water on automatic timers. Check all window and door locks to verify they are in good condition and place extra security on high-risk break-in areas of your house. There are inexpensive window locks or bars that can protect these easily accessible areas.