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18/03/2016

12 Awesome ways to prettify the cake for gorge photos !
NOVEMBER 30, 2015
in INDIAN WEDDING IDEAS, PLANNING ADVICE, WEDDING CAKES
The wedding cake is the most “picture-friendly” idea at your wedding. Let’s just admit that. The reception / party these days always features a good cake – and while it tastes yummmmm, it needs to look amazing to set the tone of your wedding pictures right. Right? Of course, your baker is the best person to make it pretty and add ideas and attachments to it, but does that mean you take a backseat completely? No siree, it pays to know what’s in the market and what works. We already gave you the essential cake-loving advice. Now it’s time to put together a few ideas that might just make your wedding cake picture an instagram-worthy one from our own weddings and vendors! (wink, wink)
1 . One Word Topper
Add a single word that defines your relationship, or a picture that is a caricature of you guys. Whatever it is, make a simple laser-cut cardboard cake topper that immediately strikes a note!
2. Naked Cakes
Fresh fruits and pretty flowers without a fondant covering = awesome times infinity. So rustic and old-school and all things vintage
3. 3d Models
Cute 3D models of your wedding ring, a pack of doves, a cute memento that defined your love life – make a 3D model of it and prop it up.
4. Songs + Love Letters
Add a frame – that leaves it so much space to say a few words and add a song / quote you love!
5. Match it to your Lehenga
Matching your cake with your lehenga is so so cool – indian-inspired cakes are the shizz!
6. Sugar Glamelia Roses
Sugar Glamelia is a better word for sugar work roses – that actually look a lot like real ones. It’s intricate work!
7. Chandelier Cakes with Bling
Hang those chandeliers up and keep those crystals rolling to make this one cake a glam addition to your wedding!
8. Curious Quotes
Funny quotes will really make your guests sit up and take notice – so keep your toppers quote-friendly. The cuter the quote, the better!
9. Song Lyrics + Quotes
If you are a romantic at heart, this cake is perfect for you!
10. Blackboard-Inspired Name Board
So cute and it takes you back to your childhood right away!
11. Mr& Mrs Additions
A Mr & Mrs Topper will always have your back – always!
12. Ombre Cake
No need to embellish it – just make the icing work like adding a double colour effect – ombre colours are just great and add good texture!

18/03/2016

The Do’s & Don’ts Of Finding The Perfect Wedding Cake! (Caution: It’s Never Simple!)
in INDIAN WEDDING IDEAS, WEDDING CAKES
Times they are a changing and that means, every reception in India will now have a wedding cake. Or a mehendi cake or sometimes, they are even part of our sangeets and the actual wedding ceremony. And they come in all shapes and colours – buttercream, fondant, chocolate and upside-down chandeliers. So many ideas, so many choices – but we researched on things and found you a few do’s & don’ts.


1. Don’t go by a notion, taste everything beforehand
Yes, chocolate is best. But you will never know how amazing a cinnamon-caramel flavour tastes , if you’ve never tried it. So it’s best for you to do some research – flavours, technicalities and icing all suited to you both as a couple. From cheesecake to fruit cake to tarts – there is so much out there. Make a list of 5 bakeries and visit each and ask for a tasting.
Quick tip: Choose an unusual flavoured icing, with a safe flavour as the base to make everyone happy
2. Make the cake part of the ceremony
….not an afterthought. Yes, a wedding cake is definitely not part of our culture, but that doesn’t mean you get anything and pass it off as wedding cake. Send fabric swatches of your wedding theme to the baker – discuss how it can fit into your wedding theme and try to make it fit in.
Quick tip: Get your cake to coordinate with either the decor or your outfit.
3. Also pay close attention to icing ribbons and cake toppers
The accessories you use to decorate the cake need to be as important as the cake. Look for cute wedding fondant figurines or sweet buntings or floral editions – get inspired by anything and everything but make sure you close attention to the decoration. Gum paste or sugar paste flowers are really detailed and require work and so do marzipan fruits and chocolate-molded flowers – so look at everything before you make a choice! (For example, we think sugar paste flowers are really cute!)
Quick tip: You can get some amazing cake toppers on Etsy. Our favourite ones are quotes like “Forever starts here”

4. 2-tiers or 3-tiers…that is the question!
Three tiers will always look good. After all, it’s only the top of the cake that’s real. The rest is just decor and cardboard. You can choose a 3-tier so it looks good in pictures and then distribute the cake in already-cut pieces to your guests. Plain cakes without tiers are oh-so-boring and pictures don’t ever do them any justice!
Quick tip: If you are looking to save on cake, then cut a smaller sized two tier, and get your baker to make the same flavour (but in a much simpler cake ) to distribute. This way you don’t have to pay extra for getting more of the fancy cake and yet everyone has enough.
5. Fondant or buttercream?
Fondant is hard but looks structured and can be conducive to shaping and creating new stuff. Buttercream is soft and can only be used in a few ways – but it’s super-delish. So it’s all about choosing the right icing really. Don’t forget to take weather into consideration – buttercream, whipped cream, meringue can melt in minutes, fondant is better for summer weddings because it doesn’t even need refrigeration. But do know that fondant costs more than buttercream – only because moulding it can involve a lot of work.
Quick tip: Fondant cakes are the way to go in most weddings.

6. Know the difference between real and Photoshop
The thing about Pinterest is that pictures look amazing but reality isn’t so rosy. Don’t see these elaborate designs on magazines and Pinterest boards and expect your cake to look the same after hours in the fridge or in a cardboard box. Be realistic, things will look good but not spectacular for 10 hours. Often magazine pictures are photoshopped so you need to be a bit more easy-going with your baker.
Quick tip: Pick a baker whose work is neat over and above everything else.
8. Choose chocolate over any other flavour if you want to please everyone
That’s because chocolate can never go wrong. A baker once told me that not to many people like fruits in their cake, some hate flavours like butterscotch or vanilla, most find sponge cake boring. So you can’t please everyone with niche choices – so go for the best, chocolate. Universally loved!
Quick tip: Mix it up with an offbeat salted caramel fondant to cover it
9. The cake table must be taken into consideration
Not just the cake, the accompanying table needs to look good. So decorate with flower rims or buntings or get the sweetest table-cloth in place in lace. You could also try to go for upside down chandelier cakes that only need a hook to hold them.
Quick tip: Gather around some cutesy cupcakes, maybe a vintage birdcage or just lots of flowers.
10. Time, time!
Allow for the cake to come in just an hour or two before you cut it – refrigeration is a huge problem. Trust a cousin or a friend to keep it someplace where no one can touch it.
11. Cake trends to take it up a notch
You could make your cake sentimental – add drapes to it. Or make it a chandelier cake, or make it look like the bride’s sari. Oval-shaped cakes are very popular these days too. More people prefer buttercream to fondant now. Whatever it is, look at modern cake trends and see if they work for you! At WMG, we love monogrammed letters on cakes – so cute!
Quick tip: Cake pops are a great idea. They are mini lollipops with cake and easy to distribute
12. Give the baker enough time
2 months is a good time to plan your cake. That means, your themes are frozen and work has begun. Some bakers need to experiment with stuff or they need to order some ingredients from somewhere else – so give them enough time. Don’t wait till the last week to plan a cake.

18/03/2016

Fun Alternatives to your Reception Cake
in WEDDING CAKES.
Cakes are probably the newest addition to the 1000 rituals that we already have at Indian weddings, and while cutting a cake on your engagement/ reception has become the norm now-a-days, there is always some scope for innovation for those of you who find the entire cake cutting experience boring ! Plus, if you are an OCD bride then that half cut cake with uneven pieces cut off it is going to get on your nerves (or maybe that’s just me :p)

Push up Cakes : Little shot glasses or mason jars filled with gourmet cakes or pies will be perfect companions to your wedding ceremony. They are so much easier to eat than slice of cake on the plate. In India, Le15 patisserie makes amazing cake jars, and if you can get your baker to customise little push pop jars like the ones above, we think your guests may just want to thank you forever.

Cake pop cakes: Cake pops are just cakes but without the drama- mini cake in lollipop form if you may . Just pick one of your own and eat away- no hassle of cutting into a new cake for this one.

Left: Indian sweets covered with icing Right: Cake made out of milkcake and Mewa
Mini Indian sweets: What’s a wedding without all the lip-smacking sweets that we have in India! Little chena squares with rabri icing or our very famous gulab halwa/milkcake kept in a shape of the cake are perfect for single servings!

A dessert bar: For the picky eaters that we are, why not have a full dessert bar with some macaroons, brownies, cupcakes, cookie and marshmallows . You can keep sauces like hot fudge sauce, strawberry/blueberry sauce etc. Also keep some hot chocolate in case you have a winter wedding! This will keep everybody happy.

Cupcakes: What better than cupcakes because they are just your personal cakes! And it is easier to ask for another one. If you ask for another piece of cake…god have mercy on you! Plus they can be customized in different flavors so that you don’t have to bear the wrath of your cousin who doesn’t like pineapple. If you still want it to look like cake, there are cupcake towers !

26/02/2016

Super Cute DIYs You Can Do With Glass Bottles At Weddings!
February 24, 2016
Super Cute DIYs You Can Do With Glass Bottles At Weddings!

in INDIAN WEDDING DECOR, INDIAN WEDDING IDEAS, WEDDING TRENDS
Plain glass bottles can make for great wedding decor – and real brides have used them so innovatively in the past. According to us – thrifty girls at WMG, glass bottles are still in trend and if used well, can give your DIY wedding an expensive luxurious twist. So without further ado, 10 super cute trends to try out at your wedding this year. P.S Mason jars might be cool, but a good ol’ bottle will add old-school charm to your wedding decor.
Simple Flower Vases

This elegant Mumbai wedding had so much attention to detail, just like these glass bottles. Fill it up with water and throw in your favourite flower!
Water-colour DIY bottles as wedding favors

This bride painted all the glass bottles so they could use them as vases. So chic!
Gold work

Try doing a bit of mehendi work with some Fevicryl gold paint – so much fun!
Ring your bottle games

Paint them up and play a game – throw the hoop into the bottle. Such good fun!
Bottle buntings

If not anything, just colour them and hang them as buntings – easy peasy!
Just baby breaths

A few baby breaths into a tiny bottle – that’s just the way things roll!
Hang tealights

A few tea lights in the bottles never hurt anyone – they are so kitsch!
Bottle invites

They could be invites, they could be centrepieces – just add monograms or engrave names and your guests will clap!
Vintage centrepieces

Mark them, decorate them and pour in some perfume to make it a unique centrepiece at the wedding.
Use cord to green them up

Cord adds rustic charm and that’s why adding it to a bottle makes the decor pop!
Paint them half

Paint it in half with your favourite colour theme and boom, it’s cuter than cute!
Metallic sheen

Add a nice sheen – any of the metallic tones work to create a chic look.
Engrave the bottle

You can engrave your favourite words and keep the poetry going.

17/02/2016

15+ Ways To Use Orchids Inventively At Your Wedding ( Hello Purple Theme!)
February 17, 2016
15+ Ways To Use Orchids Inventively At Your Wedding ( Hello Purple Theme!)

in COLOR CRUSH, INDIAN WEDDING DECOR, INDIAN WEDDING IDEAS, INDIAN WEDDING THEMES, MEHENDI DECOR IDEAS,MEHENDI IDEAS, PLANNING ADVICE, SANGEET IDEAS, UNIQUE INDIAN WEDDING DECOR IDEAS, WEDDING TRENDS
You know roses are cute and romantic, marigolds are basically tradition and jasmine, totally plain vanilla. The breaking news: all of the above are done to death at Indian weddings. Flowers make up for a big part of your wedding decor and that’s why it makes complete sense to w**d out the ordinary and come out with the exotic. In our world, orchids are those flowers that are fancy but at the same time, not too fancy that you end up importing them from Thailand. They are the perfect bridge between style and elegance combined with a dose of sophistication. Perfect for those nice winter weddings that are coming up. We got you 10 amazing ways you can use orchids to make quite an impact and also, me thinks that a purple/lilac theme is so becoming these days at weddings. That is, if you choose a mix of purple and white orchids.

1. As a floral curtain on your arches / walls
Orchids can be clubbed with other flowers to create a neat wall or become part of an arch. The deal is to keep them simple and delicate – not crowd it up. Boughs of hanging orchids can help you make a great entrance.

2. As transport decor
Cycles and other household display items can be carefully decorated with orchids to give it a more sophisticated vibe. All we see with transport at weddings is gendha phool and admit it, kitsch is so 1999.

3. As centrepieces
Decor by Henna Bespoke Weddings
Roses do indeed make for great centre pieces but that’s not it. Orchids can be a little underdone or even delicate and sparse but they do leave space for the imagination and decor will look understated. And that, my friend, counts.

4. As a Bouquet
This one is fairly simple. Christian brides love carrying that cute bouquet but it’s always predictable roses. This time, it will be fun to carry orchids that will trail across your dress or white sari.

5. As bridal hair adornments and other accessories
Braids as mehendi adornments and hair accessories – need we say more? And if you’re smart, you can also include them sweetly in your trousseau or shoes at the sangeet or mehendi. You can either stick a few orchids on your footwear or buy these cute faux orchid jhuttis.

6. As Mandap decoration
The whole colour theme veers towards sophistication the moment you choose orchids as your main mandap decor.

7. As wedding favours
Use them as wedding favours with tiny orchid plants to give out. Alternatively, you can also use them as packaging for your other gifts. Yay!

8. As chair decor
Decorating wedding chairs with inventive orchids is the trend du jour. Just go from a single orchid hanging on the side to orchid garlands that can add a bit of glam.

9. As dining cutlery
Decorate the plate with one orchid and see how fast your guests will go from ooh to ahhh. Plus, it’s so avant-garde!

10. As food decor
Wedding cake courtesy: Weddingthingz.com; Orchid Cupcake Wedding Cake by lisebake on Flickr
Flowers like orchids add to the colour theme but also make ordinary things look elegant – socakes and cupcakes with this decor work very well for classic themed weddings.

11. As groom accessories
Grooms can totally join in the purple gang with decorating and accessorising their suit for the wedding or reception with a single orchid. Classy!

12. As floral headbands for bridesmaids
Faux orchid hairband on Sweetlittlesparrow on Etsy
These cutesy hair bands can really add a touch of awesome as your bridesmaids walk the wedding walk with you or pose for pictures throughout. Real cute stuff!

13. As lighting
Tea lights make for cute wedding decor and if you increase their adorbs factor by adding a floral arrangement, then let it be orchids because they add charm and elegance. You can also alternatively add orchids to chandeliers and other lighting for effect!

14. As wedding installations
Cute birdcages laced with orchids or animal installations adorned with orchids – so much fun! You can also look at having them as hanging gardens because unlike other flowers, orchids hang low and beautiful.

15. As petals to be thrown on couples
Among the most amazing things we thought would be great alternatives for traditional rose petals, orchid petals are rare and exotic and all things cool.

16. As part of invites
Preserved flowers are being used as part of wedding invites nowadays so why not use the sweet orchid. Orchids, let me tell you, don’t come with too many petals are hence easier to press and create.

17. As the walkway
Create a beautiful little walkway complete with low-lying orchids to bring out a deeply inspired classy look!

18. Orchid jaimalas and garlands
This one is a great alternative for your traditional marigold jaimalas – they really add a sophisticated touch.
More orchid ideas that you think will find their way here? Ping us asap!

10/02/2016

Simple & Effective: 10 Ways to use floral strings for the prettiest wedding decor
February 10, 2016
|
Swati Popat
Simple & Effective: 10 Ways to use floral strings for the prettiest wedding decor
in INDIAN WEDDING DECOR, INDIAN WEDDING IDEAS, WEDDING TRENDS
Want to add some prettiness to your photos without going elaborate on decor? Getting your hands on a flower string is the easiest thing to do- you can get marigold strings from your local florist, or just thread together beautiful carnations for some pastel prettiness in these unique ways.

Flower Curtain as a Photo Booth
Simple white and pink carnations, and a chalkboard sign make for the most gorgeous photobooth backdrop in this wedding. We love how the colors complement the bride and grooms outfits.

Gajra Strings to Decorate Chairs
So simple, so effective. Metallic chairs with pastel cushions adorned with simple strings of Gajra. Imagine how beautiful the entire venue would smell.

As pretty Phera Backdrops
This simple Mandap was taken a notch higher with colorful floral strings hanging from each side. These work great for photographs of your Pheras and ensure color in every frame.

Rustic strings from trees
Easy, effective DIY. Just boy flower strings and have them suspended from a large tree so they spill over on to the floor. A few earthen clay pots and you just created a rustic chic element yourself.

Interspersed with Mason Jars & Bottles
Mason Jars, bottles and flowers inside them, all put together on a string of ribbons hanging from the ceiling. So stunning!

Spilling out from pots for an interesting installation
Earthen pots tilted over with flower strings seemingly oozing out is an interesting conversation starter and a neat installation without spending much cash.

Hung from the ceiling
Glamorous, yet innately Indian these white floral strings hung from the ceiling are so stunning.

Floral Strings with Balloons
Our favourite DIY. Plain white balloons with flowers hung from string. So gorge!

03/02/2016

Trending: Bridal hairdos with Ghungroo !
February 3, 2016
Swati Popat
Trending: Bridal hairdos with Ghungroo !
in BRIDAL MAKEUP & BEAUTY, ENGAGEMENT HAIRSTYLES, HAIRSTYLES FOR INDIAN BRIDES
We first spotted it on this real bride below, just a hint of rustic gold tinkling away in her hair as she got ready for her wedding. But the more we look around the more we are seeing ghungroos everywhere-around bangles, in mehendi decor and even on Juttis. But our favourite interpretation would have to be the ones with ghungroos used as hair accessories . Musical hair much???

Gold ghungroo bits in the hairdo of this bride

Absolutely stunning this jhoomer with Ghungroo balls at the bottom

Left: Seen on the international runway- Ghungroo as a headwrap| Right: Ghungroo Jooda Pin
Incorporating these baubles into your hair do:


1. Ensure you use the most delicate bits of ghungroo as the chunky ones can be quite heavy and not to mention create a whole lot of noise as you turn your head.
2. The easiest way to incorporate them would be to put them in various places inside your jooda instead of the using glitzy clips the salon ladies bring.
3. If you are doing a braid, ghungroos would look stunning inter-twined in your braid or hanging from a parandi as well
4. Ghungroos always are a gorgeous addition to the edging of your dupatta and if you are wearing relatively simpler hair ornaments, then just that framing your face looks super angelic
5. If your dupatta border is simpler, try a mathapatti with ghungroo bits

03/02/2016

28/01/2016

Stop Everything…!!! We Found The Coolest Ways To Deck Up Wedding Chairs!
JANUARY 28, 2016
in DESTINATION WEDDING ADVICE, INDIAN WEDDING DECOR, INDIAN WEDDING IDEAS, WEDDING TRENDS
Gone are the days of Nilkamal and foldable metallic chairs – weddings these days come with fancy-schmancy floral additions and quirky decor. To soothe our crazy Monday, we thought we’ll cheer ourselves up with a few pretty chair decorations and ideas that will make any wedding a fancy one in minutes. Go, take a look!

Woven Fabric Chairs
Weaving only the top part of the chair is easy and fun, so it seems!

2. The Side-Sash Tie-up
Like a beauty queen, this one needs to tie in with the pretty bow in tow!

3. Corsage Chairs
A corsage can make a big difference instead of just regular flowers!

4. Photograph Hangings
Memories on a chair – sounds interesting. But make sure that the frames are small and the pictures, fun!

5. Burlap Knots
Perfect for a green wedding, these burlap straps with delicate baby breaths just make us smile!

6. Gajras on Chairs
We did mention these beautiful chairs a while ago, but really gajra? Who would have thunk?

7. Knotted Woven Backs
Not just the top part, the entire chair can be woven beautifully!

8. Coloured Cushions
The most simplistic thing you can do is to make the cushions colourful.

9. Rhinestone Band
Shiny and sweet – rhinestone bands can make any wedding chair uber glam in minutes!

10. Paper Cut-outs
Heart-shaped cut-outs and really, any kind of cut-outs – this one is so quirky!

11. Floral Garlands
A small floral garland is good fun!

12. Different Kinds of Chairs
Choose different kinds of chairs to add character – if you can!

13. Tassels and Tie-ups
Very Arabic influences, these tassels really are miracle-workers!

14. Ruffled Bottoms
Colourful pastel ruffled bottoms are a real treat!

15. Colour-blocked Chairs
When it looks boring, you just colour-block the fabric on the chairs!

16. Side Ferns
Side ferns are interesting – so rustic, yet so chic!

17. Indian Flowers
Marigolds are beautiful things to hang on chairs – so pretty! Choose smaller ones so as to not make it look like it’s too much!

18. Flower Bouquet
fresh bouquet of flowers will solve any problem!

19. Bangles as Chair Decorations
Best way to use bangles – mehendi decor symbolism!

20. Pretty Hangings
Little things, fun knick-knacks – just add a string and make ’em dangle!

21. Paper Flowers
Don’t underestimate the power of paper flowers – they stay up for a longer time and look fresh as ever!

22. Lace Tie-Up
A lace cloth and a cute orchid – sounds like a good plan!

23. Flower Frames
A frame along with a bouquet of flowers gives it a 3-D effect of sorts!

24. Ribbon Love
Wanna go super simplistic? Then a small neat bow will do that for you.

25. Ribbons Galore
If you think you want to go colourful – then, multiple ribbons are it! Go pastel to make them look more delicate and effortless!

26. Mason Jars
We love how mason jars can be used beautifully to create a romantic vibe!

27. DIY Beads
Beads and trinkets – best way to keep it glam, if you ask us!

28. Peacock Feathers
Indian-inspired looks will always get you brownie points!

29. Chair Covers
Go for the entire chair instead of just a bit of it – match those covers to your theme!

30. Floral Knots
wedding wire
A pretty floral printed tie-up can give the chair a vintage Parisian look!

18/01/2016

Simple Ways To Go Green At Your Wedding: It’s Tough But Do-able!
in DO IT YOURSELF INDIAN WEDDING DECOR, WEDDING TRENDS
We all know that weddings are one occasion where we go all out without any worries. We’ve all heard of the reducing, reusing and recycling, but applying these eco-conscious concepts to your wedding might leave you feeling like you have to sacrifice the glamour. However, decorating with eco-friendly elements can be both gorgeous and kind to the earth. Read on for tips to making your eco-friendly wedding an absolute stunner.

1. Save trees with your invitation choice

The easiest way to go green is through the invitations – from a digital invitation for casual weddings to a high-end couture invitation on recycled cotton. Use hand-made paper or invitations that come with seeds, organic paper, recycled envelopes, eco-friendly inks and seeded paper ( paper that is actually embedded with seeds so you just plant it). You can try adding jute buttons and frills, burlap tie-ups, handmade papers, elephant dung papers, dried flowers and leaves. We had even mentioned recycled wood peel boxes and scrolls in our stories. An online invite is a great option too. No paper at all.

2.Give seeds with your invite

Genius bride Noni gave a cute little packet of seeds along with her wedding card. It was labelled “Let love grow” and was a thoughtful way to go green

3. Get married in the morning

Choose a venue that has a lawn, Look for farms, hilltops or a nice garden and use the natural sunlight to keep your wedding prettier than pretty. You see, it’s about using less electricity and staying alongside nature. Win-win, if you ask us.

4. Favors

Give reusable favors like fresh herbs or spices. Guests love wedding favors that have meaning and are reusable. A small pot of herbs or spices is a gift your loved ones can continue to use long after every thank you note has been written, stamped and sent. Oh, and they’ll think of you and your spouse every time they use it! Also choose organic edible favours over artificial fancy ones any day.

5. Opt for fresh local food

First, find a caterer who will do as much local, seasonal and organic food as possible. A 5-pound package shipped by air across the country creates 12 pounds of CO2. Also be realistic – Instead of a mutton dish, choose fish or prawns – if you are getting married in Goa. It’s about using the local food – instead of going exotic.

6. Beauty is skin deep!

Opt for eco-friendly makeup products for your big day. Just make sure you try them out before hand for any allergies or your skin might break out.

7. Go Digital

Digital photography offers a paperless and chemical-free way to capture your event. Green photographers go steps further by using rechargeable batteries, non-toxic inks, 100% post-consumer waste paper, LED and CFL bulbs, and recycling. Ask potential photographers about their green practices to see if they are the right fit for your values.

8. Jewellery Choices

Make Informed jewellery choices. Whatever your ring style or preferences, consider the source of your chosen metals or gems. Make sure they come from legit places – not illegally sourced!

9. …And Be Merry

As your guests raise a glass to toast your commitment, consider filling it with an organic beverage. Organic wines are a hot trend in the wine industry. For those who prefer a non-alcoholic beverage, try organic teas for a delicious, naturally brewed organic drink. There is nothing you can find in India nowadays.

10. Go Vegetarian for the Day

This one is easy since we are in India! You may have read the statistics: the production of meat takes a lot of water. But you don’t have to be a practicing vegetarian (and neither do your guests) to have an awesome, eco-friendly vegetarian dinner at your wedding.

11. Eco Decor

Instead of using printed materials for photo booths, use chalkboard or old window panes. Donate the items when wedding celebrations are over or use them as rustic home décor. Don’t unnecessarily buy anything fancy that you can’t use afterwards. DIY instead of buy – we did a few DIY stories right?

12. Phera Toss

Potpourri to toss when bride and groom take their pheras (confetti or glitter or any of those fancy things).

13. Plant a tree

If possible, keep 30 mins aside after you wedding where you and the guests can plant some samplings. You can allow the guests to take them home or donate it to a nearby nursery! You can even give them plants as return gifts.

15. Instead of balloons, try umbrellas

Balloons are a lot of fun and make great wedding décor, but unfortunately, they are far from green. Not only do they contribute to the landfill once the “I dos” are done, they’re extremely harmful to birds, sea life, and other animals that may swallow them. Instead of balloons, try hanging vintage umbrellas at your venue! They’re stylish and colourful, just like balloons, and if you rent or borrow them, they won’t end up at the dump after your wedding.

16. Try in-season foods

Do not ask for strawberry desserts or mango cake when it’s not in season – it just ups the costs. Think about seasonal produce and ask the chef to create dishes according to stuff that’s in season.

17. Try local vendors…

Instead of ones that need to have them and their teams flown down. Save time and fuel.

18. Skip anything that comes in plastic

From using plastic jars to tags to anything harmful to the environment, choose paper or jute. Reusable jars and glass bottles are good choices for decor and as favours.

19. Wear your mom or grandmom’s sari for one occasion

Vintage yeah? Wearing your mom’s sari is not just acknowledgement to your culture and your mom, it’s also about reusing old materials and making them into new garments with a little help.

20. Choose a wedding registry over normal gifts

Cup and saucer sets from 5 aunties? No sir, we talked about a registry – use it to get the things you want. You can even ask people to share costs on your honeymoon etc.

21. Donate the food leftover from the wedding

There are organisations that actually come and pick up the food and deliver it to those in need. We did write about this particular one that really does amazing work.