Getting ready for Wedding

Weddings are generally associated with a beautiful bride, a handsome groom, charming decorations, bountiful food, pampering and sometimes nosy relatives and overall an atmosphere of festivity. But, what also constitutes a wedding is the spiritual and practical aspect of the new life going to be shared by not only the couple in question but also the whole family on both sides. What then is important is that one is prepared both mentally and physically for this wonderful but life changing experience. A few simple suggestions we bring forward may help one plan better for the D-day.

For Men

• If the bride is moving in with you, ready the house for the new partner. If you are still living with your friends, this is the right time to start looking out for a comfortable house that is not too hard on your budget.
• If you are already living on your own or in a joint family, make arrangements and provide extra space for her belongings not only in the house in general but also in your cupboard. If you think that your pad will not be able to house both your belongings, discuss and come to a truce as to what belongings from your side and her's can stay and what must be discarded.
• Buy new furniture if required. If you still live in a bachelor pad that houses a single bed or a divan, buy a double bed. If you are used to using the bathroom mirror for getting ready , maybe it is time to buy a new dressing table. Talk to each other and discuss what needs to be bought right away and what can wait.
• Keep a tab on the preparations going on for the wedding in order to prevent any nasty surprises later. Check on the caterers, decorators, transport providers and anyone else who is booked for providing service for the wedding.
• To avoid last moment panic, try on all your new clothes, jewellery, shoes etc for fitting.
• Ensure that you do not forget the wedding night present for your bride. The gift need not be too expensive- a piece of jewellery is generally acceptable.
• Eat well and at regular intervals. Although some wedding rituals suggest fasting on the day of the wedding, there could be nothing worse than fainting during the ceremony.

For Women

• Make a list of all the things you want for the wedding at least six months prior. Share this list with your family and the organisers of the wedding so that nothing on the list is overlooked.
• If you think you need to shed off some extra weight before the wedding, you must work on it such that you reach your ideal weight atleast a week prior to the wedding or pre wedding ceremony. Eat and sleep well for a fresh look on the big day.
• Visit the hairdresser at least six months in advance if you intend to experiment with a perm or a new hair colour. Take a look at the mehendi designs and start visiting jewellery stores and clothes shops for selecting dresses for the various pre and post wedding ceremonies.
• It is better to stick to water proof mascara and long stay lipcolour and makeup on the wedding day, keeping in mind that this is not only going to be a very long day for you but also a very emotional one. Smudgy mascara doesn't sit well with a bride who cant help but cry during the bidai.

For Both Sides

• Choose a wedding date keeping in mind not only an auspicious but at the same time a convenient day. Think about holidays, working days and how easy it will be for out of station guests before fixing on a date.
• Order your invitations in advance and in bulk. This way it works out cheaper and you can quickly give one to that forgotten aunt, in case she enquires.
• Stick to the budget you have made without any excuses or compromises.
• Talk to each other and discuss even the minutest doubt you have regarding each other's likes and dislikes, friends, work or any other issue.
• Both families need to keep constantly in touch with each other in order to avoid any misunderstandings or last minute lapses in any issue.
• Plan the honeymoon and make your bookings for the travel tickets, rooms, transport services etc well in advance.
• Sit down and discuss in detail with the caterers, florists and videographers/photographers you have selected in order to avoid any confusion later.