My Dulhan Diaries
Dear Dulhans (Brides), Welcome! I'm new to blogging so please excuse my amateur entries. I'm a grad student, and I've been engaged for some time now, and I've finally set a wedding date! I've been browsing online for ideas, reading other wedding blogs, finding inspiration and information about South Asian weddings, particularly Gujarati Weddings. I've created this blog as a space for me to share my ideas, research, and inspiration, and hopefully, get some contribution/input from all of you! Join me on my journey to the mandap!
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Here are a few centerpiece and decor ideas from G and H Photography’s feature of Shivon & Shawn’s Wedding. Garima Singh always manages to photograph some of the most elegant weddings and receptions I have ever seen.
This couple’s wedding theme reminded me of an inspiration board that I put together in the past called “Bollywood Red Carpet GLAM SHAM.” Check out the decor and red carpet elegance of this reception. From the crystal lampshade centerpieces to the red roses, everything about this reception was glamorous. I’m not usually a fan of red-themed receptions mostly because the wedding ceremony color theme usually revolves around the more auspicious colors — red, maroon, orange, green, and white. I would rather not have repeat colors for my reception. However, I absolutely loved this couple’s ‘red carpet’ elegance.
P.S. Check out the dulhan rockin’ her brand new shiny mangal sutra at the reception! Who says the mangal sutra can’t be stylish?
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The Moroccan themed Mehendi/Sangeet party still remains a popular choice among dulhans. A few decorations/lamps can go a long way when expressing the Moroccan theme in an outdoor party. The following images were selected from Wedding Tidbits by Kelly McWilliams.
I love how the lights begin to brighten as the sun sets at this outdoor location…
The more (lanterns) the better…
Lanterns of all different shapes, sizes, and colors brighten the tent…
The outdoor mood lighting gives this party a relaxed yet elegant feel…
The trees were even intertwined with rope lights. (A great idea for lighting plants/trees in your yard)
The flameless lotus light…safe and ideal for your outdoor mehendi party!
The subtle lighted star. I’ve seen these around during Christmas time. You might want to buy a few when they’re on sale after Christmas.
The clear tent…I would imagine this to be a ‘high-end’ rental. It almost looks like a greenhouse.
You can treat your close family and friends with a wooden box favor (if your budget allows).
Hanging lanterns will always do the trick.
You may not be able to buy these Moroccan tables, but you might be able to find something similar at a garage sale/antique shop.
You can never go wrong with a few or more decorated pillow cases, which you can buy fairly cheaply in the motherland (India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal…etc.)
Picture speaks a thousand words, doesn’t it? I feel like I’m in Morocco…
I hope you enjoyed the Moroccan decor!
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Inspiration Board - Orange, Purple, and Red inspired by Neha Dhupia’s designer lehenga by Jaya Rathore.
Click on the Image above to enlarge.
Here’s another inspiration board with the same color scheme via Here Comes the Blog
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If you’re thinking about a ‘Moroccan’ themed Mehendi Night/Sangeet, you can always buy a few hanging or table lanterns to set the mood. These lanterns are gorgeous (and inexpensive) if you buy them online from Cost Plus - World Market. I used to love browsing this store in college and I often got excited at the thought of furnishing my future home (with my husband). I LOVE almost everything in the store! Click on the pictures to find out the prices/price ranges of the different lanterns.
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Check out this cool feature that I found via The Asian Wedding Editor’s blog where you can create your own crest with yours and your groom’s name for FREE. Click here to begin! Make this crest “your own” by incorporating it into your reception (i.e. napkin ring, personalized cocktail napkins, on wedding favors, or on the cover of guestbook <—- just a few ideas!)
Just look what MaeMae Paperie did with the free crest!
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I’ve never seen anything so enchanting! Here’s a gorgeous Indian wedding reception in Sandusky, Ohio that I found on the Z Media photo blog! I don’t know whether to call it an enchanted forest or a secret garden theme, but the greenery is so nicely arranged in a way that it’s not overwhelming in the venue. Floral and event design were by Neil Leeson Decor and Floral.
I’m liking the ‘green’ sweetheart table. What do you think?
A cake fit for a rani!
Green Sweetheart Table…
Elegant, classy, enchanted…
Sweetheart Table up close:
Photography by: Z Media
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Gorgeous Purple Sangeet! The decor is absolutely amazing - especially the colored lighting and special intricate gobos on the walls. Breathtaking.
I love the modern twist on what is usually a traditional sangeet party held in the bride’s home. The ‘lounge feel’ is definitely something I would consider…
Check out the Raja/Rani and Ganesha lighted panels…they’re so unique! I’ve never seen anything like it.
The bride and groom!
Look the PURPLE colored dance floor! Attention to detail makes this a Platinum Sangeet in my book! What do you think?
Photography: Jessica Strickland
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Inspiration Board: Bollywood Red Carpet GLAM SHAM
We all know that the RED CARPET is often associated not only with the rich and famous, but also with high fashion, style, and sophistication. Here’s a board that I hope can inspire your Indian wedding or reception.
Click on the collage to enlarge. :)
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A Divine Wedding…A Divine Love
The shaadi scene of Sri Ram and Sitaji from a Ramayan TV serial. There are plenty ideas for mandap and wedding decor! Check it out!
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One of my absolute favorite fusion Gujarati weddings featured on WE’s Platinum Weddings.
Here’s a slide show of Shail and Valentina’s Wedding by Rodigo Varela:
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Dulhan wedding color inspiration through interior decor! A feast for the eyes…
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Pre-wedding rituals are usually held at the bride’s home. The bride’s family prepares for the festivities by decorating the home both inside and out! Here are some rangoli patterns that I came across:
Rangoli can be created from various materials: colored powder, different colored lentils, flowers, and even colored chalk that most of us used in our childhood!
