Archive for April, 2009

Hindu Priests and Religious Considerations

Thursday, April 30th, 2009

Hindu religion plays a major role in an indian wedding. Traditionally, this starts from the birth time astrological readings of the couple to determine compatibility. This custom has carried on from yesteryears which involved formal arranged marriages.  Nonetheless, even in modern times, this custom is still followed. I did it for the curiousness and ‘check’ the customary steps.

The next most important steps is choosing an auspicious date and time for the wedding ceremony. The hindu priest is consulted for this task. In Australia, some hindu priests can also conduct the legal marriage, which is just as important.  For a complete list of indian temples  and priests in Australia, contact the Hindu Foundation of Australia and the Hindu Council of Australia.

In all the fun and festivities of organising your indian wedding, don’t forget to organise to be legally married in Australia. You must visit the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages in your relevant state for the information. In Victoria, the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages provides guidelines and answers to most frequently asked questions.

Firstly, there is a bit of paperwork to fill out like a Notice of Intended Marriage among other things. In Victoria, you can be married by an authorised minister of religion or a civil marriage celebrant. The Hindu Council and Hindu Foundation can help you in this regard.

Please comment if you think, I may have missed something or need to explain further.

* Image by Flickr

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Indian Garden Weddings

Tuesday, April 28th, 2009

The concept of  an indian garden wedding is just beautiful. I was considering one myself. As I explored the idea further, I realised that you will need a back-up plan. But as any good wedding planner would tell you, a back-up plan is a must for those unexpected instances.  Melbourne’s unpredictable four season weather is certainly one the reasons.  For example, in summer, there is extreme  heat and flies and in spring and winter, the cold and wet weather. An indoor wedding ceremony option is a must as a back-up.

Check out some of these garden weddings. Some of these ideas whilst simple is very easily achievable on a budget. For inspirations, check out the wedding galleries in Photos by Jay of:

Enjoy and please do share other inspiration ideas.

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Indian Wedding Garlands and Flowers

Friday, April 10th, 2009
Flowers

Flowers

Flowers  are used extensively in indian weddings from the actual indian wedding ceremony, indian wedding garlands, indian bridal hair decoration, indian mandap decorations, table decorations and the list is endless.

Flowers for indian wedding garlands. The popular choices are white jasmine flowers, red and white carnations and roses and marigolds with green fernery in between. Making garlands take time and patience and anyone can make it. You need a strong cotton thread, needle to weave through the flowers and friends to make it a fun night. While many people chose to pay to get it made by someone, a more personal touch is for the ladies to get together on the sangeet or mehndi night before the wedding to make the indian wedding garlands.

You will need flowers with base stem and your florist will tell you the approximate costs of flowers for the wedding. Make sure you give them plenty of notice to source your flowers. Smart choices for summer are carnations and marigolds. These will keep reasonably well in the summer heat compared to roses. Ideally you should store your garlands in the refrigerator or cooler temperature. Another idea is to wet a few tea towels or paper towels and place on the flowers to keep them looking fresh.

Image by Flickr

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Indian Bridal Henna/Mehndi, Hair and Make-Up

Tuesday, April 7th, 2009

I think a professional bridal hair and make-up artist is required to create that beautiful look that an indian bride is after. I have started my consultations and I am finding out that the indian bridal make-up artists are getting booked out very quickly. Plus, it was fortunate to start early since I have short hair and very quickly found out that wearing a veil can be tricky. So I have started growing my hair now, hopefully it will be long enough in 6 months for extensions!

Check out Exquisite Beauty. This is a great website with sample of the artist’s work. Great Mehndi designs and I like the make-up work. It looks very natural. Shakereen is based in Sydney and her contact details are in the website.

Can you recommend indian bridal artists in Melbourne?

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Wedding Planners

Tuesday, April 7th, 2009

Wedding Planners – do we need them?

The stress of organising a wedding, working full time and having personal life is taking its toll one me.  I am seriously thinking of perhaps getting a wedding planner, who will assist me.  I am not sure how expensive they are but this company weddingbootcamp seems to have tiered pricing structure to give you the flexibility.

Have you used a wedding planner and would you recommend one?

Image by Flickr:

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Tips on choosing wedding venue and reception centre

Sunday, April 5th, 2009

Ladies, to save you the headache and stress on organising and indian weddings, I have compiled a list of things to consider (some of which you may not have considered!)

  • Spring, Summer, Autumn or Winter wedding. In australian summer, have a back up plan for extreme heat or the surprise rainy/cold weather. You will need to consider a venue with adequate heating/cooling options. You may have difficulties having an indian wedding in the garden in summer due to the odd Total Fire Ban day. You should have  a backup if this happens.
  • Number of your guests. I know it is very rare for indians to have a small wedding (anything around 100 guests) but it is an emerging trend as couples are choosing to share this day with special people. The number of quests will determine the size of your reception venue.
  • You and your partner’s wishes and personalities. Everyone and anyone will be eager to help and have an opinion. While it is important to involve your loved ones in your special day, it is equally important for you and your partner to retain some elements that will make it special for you since it is your special day!
  • Budget! How much do you want to spend on your wedding? This needs to be determined from the outset as the costs will only escalate if you don’t rein in your creative ideas for that special day.
  • DIY reception centre in a hall/function centre versus a formal reception centre. Most people try the DIY approach by organising everything themselves to save money. But do you costings, as for a small premium for having the wedding at a reception centre, you will save yourself time and get to enjoy your day – rather than be a stress freak on the day!
  • The locations for the wedding ceremony and reception. Consider the travelling time for your guests!
  • Your complete guest list. Divide into adults, children and babies to help you negotiate prices with reception centres.
  • Ask for a taste test so that you know what the food tastes like. Also ask for the chef’s recommendations.
  • Compare what table and chair decor you are getting for your price.
  • Toilet and disabled access facilities.
  • Sound system and microphones etc.
  • The duration of your function, the longer the function time, the more it costs.
  • Photo opportunity.

Phew, I think that’s pretty comprehensive but please add to this list if you think I have missed something. Also, have you had an bad experiences with wedding reception venues that could have been avoided. Please share.

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Pastel’s in the Garden – Sandown Regency Melbourne

Sunday, April 5th, 2009

Venue to consider for an indian wedding/function:

Pastels’ in the Garden, Sandown Regency Melbourne, 477 Princess Hwy, Noble Park, Victoria.

This is another gem that can be easily dismissed as you zoom up/down the Princess Hwy in Noble Park. I am impressed with their facilities and layout. There is a garden gazebo for garden ceremony. This can be used for the wedding mandap…very elegant and contemporary. There is a fountain outside and the gazebo is decorated with fairy lights.  After the garden wedding, you can cater for your quests inside which overlooks the garden/gazebo area. The formal dining can accommodate from 70 to 150 guests.

The restaurant has an indian chef as well and the function manager is very helpful in accomodating all your needs.  Check out their website and seriously do consider this venue.

What other venues can you recommend for indian weddings?

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Golden Sand Receptions

Saturday, April 4th, 2009

Venue to consider for indian weddings/functions:

Golden Sand Receptions, 399 Blackburn Road, East Burwood, Victoria

This is another reception centre for indian weddings and functions. Easily caters for more than 250 guest and allows outside catering for indian food. Contact the reception centre to discuss your needs.

What other reception centres are you aware of for indian weddings?

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Princess Court Receptions

Saturday, April 4th, 2009

Venue to consider for indian weddings/functions:

Princess Court Receptions, 2249 Princess Hwy, Mulgrave, Victoria.

This is a grand venue that is able to cater up to 250 guests quite easily. The function manager, Janet is very helpful and great with ideas. She has coordinated many indian weddings and is well aware of indian wedding needs. There is an area to set up the Mandap, buffet area, spacious dancing floor and the grand staircase to make the bridal entrance. Outside catering is allowed as well.

If you have 250 guests and more, I think this place is good value for money considering that you get a very formal reception centre with all the tables, cutlery/crockery, linen and chair covers and the service you expect from a very good reception centre.

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