Wedding Special 2015

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GUJARAT SAMACHAR

March 2015

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Tinseltown Weddings

elebrity weddings have always piqued one's curiosity. May be it's the glamour quotient, or may be it's the magnanimity of celebrations involved, they have nonetheless been trend setters for generations to follow. The recent £15 million Hinduja family wedding in Udaipur was no less than a Bollywood bash, with celebrity designer Manish Malhotra personally dressing up each guest to their choice, Hollywood heart-throb the hot actress and singer JLo performing and of course the star studded gala parties rolling over days.

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In this article, let us look at the top 5 recent Bollywood weddings, that we will remember forever.

Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor l The Royal Wedding: Saif Ali Khan and Bebo (Kareena Kapoor) tied the knot on 16 October 2012, after a courtship period of 5 years. All the break ups and failed marriages aside, the entertainment world celebrated a Royal wedding of the Nawab of Pataudi over a period of five days in 2012. It included a pre-wedding gala in Mumbai, then the wedding registry in the presence of family members at Saif ’s Mumbai residence, followed by two glamorous and star studded receptions in Mumbai and Delhi.

Riteish Deshmukh and Genelia D’Souza l The Maratha Magic: Actor and son of a Maharashtra politician Riteish Deshmukh and Genelia D’Souza tied the knot in a grand Maharashtrian wedding in a five-star hotel after 8 years of courtship on February 3, 2012. The exciting atmosphere of the night was complimented by a long line of laavni dancers dressed in colourful clothes, welcoming the baraat into the venue. After the Hindu rituals were over, Genelia solemnised their wedding with the Catholic rituals at a local church.

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Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan l The Bash of the Titans: Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan were industrious in seeing their wedding go through on April 20, 2007 after 2 years of courtship, despite their kundli match failing miserably. The Bachchans' home, Jalsa, got a fibre glass structure covering the windows on the first floor and their house Prateeksha became the wedding venue with air-conditioned mandap. The filmi twist?

As the wedding proceeded an allegedly half-crazy Jahnvi Kapoor slashed her wrists outside, claiming she was dating Abhishek. Thankfully she disappeared just as quickly as she arrived, making this the wedding of the millennium.

Vidya Balan and Siddharth Roy Kapur

l The Wedding Kahaani: Actress Vidya Balan and directorproducer Siddharth Roy Kapur married on December 14 2012, in a private affair at Mumbai after 3 years of courtship.

After a full Punjabi style Sangeet on December 11, a traditional Tamil wedding followed with the complete rites and rituals.

The happy couple then moved into their posh 14 crores suburban house.

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Asian Voice & Gujarat Samachar - 2015

Shilpa Shetty and Raj Kundra

l Happily Ever After: After a courtship of 2 years, on 22 November 2009, Britain's sweetheart Shilpa Shetty and Raj Kundra’s got married in a private affair at businesswoman Kiran Bawa’s villa in Khandala. The wedding combined rituals of the Mangalorean bride and Punjabi groom with vows exchanged to South Indian tradition but pre-wedding rituals as per Punjabi style.

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Specialising in Asian Wedding Catering, Annapurna Caterers are here to take care of your event. From a simple pre-wedding ceremony to a lavish wedding/reception, we have over 25 years of experience to make your event truly special.

With Annapurna, it’s always a dining experience to remember

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અાપણા લગ્નસંસ્કાર અનેબદલાતી અાધુનનક નિચારસરણી

- કોકકલા પટેલ અાપણા વૈદિક શાથત્ર મુજબ માનવજીવનના સોળ સંથકારોમાંલનન એક મહત્વનું પાસું છે. લનન એટલે બે અાત્માઅોનું દમલન. લનન સંથકાર એટલે કલરફૂલ, અાનંિ-ઉલ્લાસ સાથેપદરવારનો ઉત્સવ. કહેવાય છેકે, “marriages are made in heaven but are celebrated here on earth” અથા​ાત્ તમારા જીવનસાથીનાંબેલાંથવગામાંજનક્કી થઇ જતાંહોય છેમાત્ર પૃથ્વી પર એનો ઉત્સવ જ મનાવાતો હોય છે. લનન એટલે બે અાત્માના સુભગ દમલન સાથેબેપદરવારનો સાત પેઢીનો સંબધં બંધાતો હોય છે. પુરુષ અને થત્રી જયારેલનનગ્રંદથથી જોડાઇનેપદત-પત્નીનો િરજ્જો પામે છે ત્યારે એમના િાંમ્પત્યજીવનનો અાધારરથતંભ થવાપાણ, થવીકાર, સહકાર, સહનશીલતા, દવશ્વાસ, િમાવૃદિ, ઉપકારકતા અને સંબધં ો વચ્ચેના અાિાન-પ્રિાન ઉપર દનભાર રહેછે. “મારુઅનેતારુ" મટી બડનેવચ્ચે"અાપણુ"ંનો ભાવ પેિા થાય ત્યારે લનનની એ ગાંઠ વધુ મજબૂત બનતી જાય છે. પહેલાના જમાનામાં પરણવા લાયક વર કે કડયા એકબીજાને જોયા કે બતાવ્યા વગર જ એમના વાલીઅો કે માતા-દપતા એમનાં લનન નક્કી કરી નાખતા. કડયાના માંડવે સાજન-મહાજન સાથે જાન જોડી અાવેલા વરના બાપા-કાકા બે-ત્રણ દિવસની વટભેર પરોણાગત માણી વાજત-ગાજતેતોરણે લઇ અાવતા અનેમ્હોં માનયા કદરયાવર સાથેકડયાનેશ્વસુરગૃહેલઇ જતા. માંડવામાંઘૂઘં ટ અોઢી બેઠલ ે ી કડયા એનો મનનો માદણગાર કેવો હશેએનાથી તદ્ન અજાણ રહેતી. દપયરનુંઅાંગણ નેપાિર છોડી ૧૭-૧૮ વષાની કુમળી વયે જ સાસરીયે ગયેલી કડયાને સાસુ-નણંિ, જેઠ-સસરા, જેઠાણી સદહત અનેક કેરકે ટરના તાપ ને જોહુકમી વેઠવી પડતી. કેટલીક કડયાઅોને તો તુમાખીભયા​ાપદતિેવોનો પણ તાપ વેઠવો પડ્યો હશેપણ એ જમાનામાંકોણ જાણેકેમ િીકરીના જડમથી જ મા-બાપ કેએમના િાિા-િાિીઅો "પદત એટલે પરમેશ્વર કેમૃત્યુપછી જ પદતનુંઘર છોડાય" એવી ગળથૂથી મૂકી િેતા. અાજે એ "બ્લાઇડડ ગેમ" (જોયા વગર પિાની બાજી રમવી) જેવાંલનનો યેનકેન પ્રકારેન ટકતાં, એમાંકિી કોઇનુંછુટૂંથયુંએવુંસંભળાતુંનદહ. પહેલાંના જમાનાના લનનો કરતાંઅાજના અાધુદનક લનનોની વાત બહુ ડયારી છે. અાજના યુવાન-યુવતીઅો સુશીદિત છે, પગભર છે, થવતંત્ર અને અાધુદનક દવચારસરણી ધરાવતાંછે. ચાર-ચાર વષાસાથેહરેફરે, એકબીજાને અોળખે, પ્રેમમાં ગળાડૂબ થઇ જાય પછી જ "પ્રપોઝ" કરતા હોય છે. અા પ્રપોઝ પણ પાછુંયુદનક હોય, પેદરસના એફફલટાવર પર હોય, થેમ્સના ઝુલતા પૂલ પર હોય, અમેદરકાના લાસવેગાસ કેલીબટટી થટેચ્યુપર હોય, અાગ્રાના તાજમહેલમાં હોય!!! વર-કડયા પ્રપોઝ કયા​ા પછી પદરવારને"સરપ્રાઇઝ" અાપેત્યારપછી બેઉની મરજી મુજબ તારીખ અને થથળ નક્કી થાય. હવે અાધુદનક લનન ઝાકઝમાળ હોટેલો ને દરસોટટમાં થતાં હોવાથી અાધુદનક વરકડયાનેઝાઝી ભીડ પસંિ નથી હોતી. ફેમીલી એડડ ફ્રેડડસ સાથે એમને સપ્તપિીના ફેરા લેવાની તમડના હોય છે અને સાંજે ધમાકેિાર ખાણી-પીણી સાથે વેડીંગ દરશેપ્સનની મોજમથતી માણવી હોય છે. ઇન્ડડયામાંતો માલિાર મા-બાપના મૂરદતયા હેદલકોપ્ટરમાંકડયા પરણવા અાવતા હોય છે. પહેલાં કૂળ-કુટબ ંુ ને ગોળ-જ્ઞાદતમાં જ િીકરા-િીકરી પરણાવવાનો મા8

Asian Voice & Gujarat Samachar - 2015

બાપ અાગ્રહ રાખતાં. હવે સમયને સમજી મા-બાપની દવચારસરણીમાં પદરવતાન અાવી રહ્યું છે. અાજના દશદિત મા-બાપ સમજિાર બડયાં છે. િીકરા કેિીકરીનેમનગમતા પાત્ર સાથેપરણવા રાજીખુશીથી મંજરૂ ી અાપતાં થયાંછેપદરણામેઅાંતરજ્ઞાદતય લનનોનુંપ્રમાણ વધ્યુંછે. સમજિાર, દશદિત અનેઅાધુદનક દવચારસરણી સાથેતાલમેલ ધરાવતાંથયાંછે. પહેલાની જેમ અાજના મા-બાપ બહુ અાશાવાિી નથી પરંતુ િીકરો પરણીને એનું ઘર સંભાળે ને એનો પદરવાર સુખી-સમૃધ્ધ બને એવી અંતરેચ્છા રાખતાંથયાંછે. અાજની યુવા પેઢીની અાધુદનક દવચારસરણીમાં "અમે બે અને અમારાં બે"નો જીનશો ફીટ થતો િેખાય છે. કેટલીક દબનધાથત અને થવતંત્ર દમજાજી કડયાઅો મૂરદતયાને પહેલી જ મુલાકાતમાં સીધુ જ પૂછી લે છે કે "તારા ઘરમાં "ડથટબીન છે!!?” અા ડથટબીન એટલેમૂરદતયાનાંમા-બાપ!! વર-કડયા વૈદિક મંત્રોચ્ચાર સાથે દવઘ્નહતા​ા શ્રીગણેશજી અને અન્નનિેવની સાિીએ મંગલફેરા લઇ સપ્તપિીના સાત વચનો સાથે એકબીજામાં ભળી જવાનો, અોતપ્રોત થવાનો કોલ અાપે છે. (અા સાત વચનો અહીં અંગ્રજીમાંરજૂકયા​ાંછે: 1) All your pleasures and all your pain you will divide with me, for wherever you go, there I will be. I take this first step with you. 2) That I may protect our family with love, that I love you with a whole heart, I take this second step with you. 3) That we wash our minds clean of dust in the water of wisdom, that we learn and trust together, I take this third step with you. 4) That we may let our joy and work lessens the suffering of others, I take this fourth step with you. 5) That I tend to your every need and remain ever faithful to you, I take this fifth step with you. 6) That we live within our means with spiritual wealth; I take this sixth step with you. 7) That, with this fire as witness, you are my companion until death; I take this seventh step with you.) અામ બેઉની મરજીથી લનન લેવાય, અન્નનની સાિીએ, સૌ થનેહી-દમત્રોની ઉપન્થથદતમાં એકબીજાને અનુકળ ૂ થવાના કોલ અપાય તેમ છતાંનજીવા કારણોસર છૂટાછેડાના પ્રશ્ન ઉભા થાય છે. અાજના લનન સંબધં માંપદત-પત્ની વચ્ચેસહકાર, સમજિારી, સમપાણ, સહનશીલતા, સિભાવ અને િમાવૃદિનો અભાવ હોવાને કારણે છૂટાછેડા થવાનો સંભવ રહેછે. પદત-પત્ની સપ્તપિી સાત વચનો યાિ રાખી એમનો જીવનરાહ કંડારેતો સુખીિામ્પત્ય માણી શકે. લનનના માંડવે જાન લઇ અાવેલા વરરાજાનું પોંખણું કરી નારાયણ થવરૂપ જમાઇરાજાના પગ િૂધપાણીથી ધોઇ પોતાની લક્ષ્મી થવરૂપ કુંવરીનું "કડયાિાન" કરી સાસરીયે દવિાય કરે છે. દપતૃગૃહ છોડી સાસરીયેજતી િીકરી દપતૃઋણ રૂપેપાછળ નજર માંડ્યા વગર જ મૂઠ્ઠીભર ચોખા નાખીનેપદતના પગલે ચાલી નીકળે છે. પરંતુ અાજે "પરણ્યા એટલે પારકાં બહેની, ચાલો અાપણે સાસરે", અથવા તો "માતાના ખોળા બહેનીએ દવસારી મેલ્યા, સાસુના ખોળા બેનને વ્હાલા રે લાનયા" એ ભાવ ભૂસ ં ાઇ ગયા છે. અાજે િીકરી અને સાસરીયાની વ્યાખ્યા બિલાતી જણાય છે. કેટલાક અપવાિ દસવાય િીકરીના ઘરમાં મમ્મીઅોનો હથતિેપ હોવાને કારણે પરણીતાને સાસરીયા પ્રત્યે"મારા અથવા પોતીકાપણા"નો અભાવ વતા​ાય છે.

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લગ્નોત્સવમાંરજવાડી ઠાઠથી પહેરાતા પોશાક-વસ્ત્રપરરધાન

- કોકકલા પટેલ લગ્નોત્સવ એ અાનંદ-ઉત્સાહ સાથેનો કલરફૂલ મંગલ ઉત્સવ છે. દીકરા કેદીકરી પ્રભુતામાંપગલાંપાડી રહ્યાં હોય ત્યારે બે પરરવાર સાથે એમનાં સગાંલનેહીજનો, રમત્રો અને શુભેચ્છકો પણ અા મંગલ ઉત્સવમાં હરખભેર સામેલ થાય છે. દીકરા-દીકરીની સગાઇ, ચાંલ્લો-માટલીથી માંડી લગ્નપ્રસંગની તમામ માંગરલક રવરિઅોમાં પુરુષ અને મરહલાઅો જે રીતે વલત્રપરરિાન કરતાં હોય છે એના ઉપરથી તમે પાટટી કેટલી દમદાર છે એની ગણતરી માંડી શકો. ગુજરાતીઅોમાં પ્રભુતામાં પગલાં માંડતી દીકરીને રપયરનું પાનેતર અને સાસરીનું "કન્યાસેલ"ુ જેને અાજે અાપણે ઘરચોળું કહીએ છે એના શુકન હોય જ. લાલ, મરૂન કે લીલી જરી બોડડર બુટ્ટી અને કલાત્મક પાલવ વાળું પાનેતર પહેયુ​ું હોય એની ઉપર સાસરેથી અાવેલંુ બાંિણી-બોડડરવાળું ઘરચોળુ દીકરીને અોઢાડી સાસરે વળાવવામાંઅાવતી. અાજેએ પરંપરા બદલાઇ ગઇ છે. પાનેતરની જગ્યાએ કન્યાને ઇઝી પડે એવા લેંઘાચોલીની ફેશન અાજે વિુ પ્રચરલત છે. અા લેંઘા ચોલી પણ કેવા?!! રૂા.૨૦,૦૦૦થી માંડી રૂા. લાખ-દોઢ લાખ સુિીની કકંમતના હોય. બંગાળી અને મુસ્લલમકારીગરોની હલતકલા દ્વારા જરદોશી ભરતકામને ડાયમંડ લટડેડ પ્યોર રસલ્કના કલરફૂલ લેંિા-ચોલી લગ્નોત્સુક યુવતીઅો વિુ પસંદ કરે છે. કેટલાક રૂઢીચૂલત પરરવારોમાં હજુ ઘરચોળાની પરંપરા જળવાય રહી છે. મરૂન અથવા ઘેરા લાલ રંગનાં ઘરચોળા પણ અનેક રડઝાઇનમાંજોવા મળેછે. દાણેદાર બાંિણીની છાંટ સાથેરીયલ જરી વણાટના ચેક્સવાળાં અને મોર-ચકલાની બોડડરવાળાં પરંપરાગત ઘરચોળાની કકંમત અાજેરૂા. ૨૫ થી ૩૦ હજાર સુિી બોલાય છે. કેટલીક કન્યાઅો જરદોશી વકકવાળાં, ડાયમંડ જડેલ રસલ્ક કે રસફોનનાં ઘરચોળાંપસંદ કરતી હોય છે. મોહમયી મુંબઇ નગરી અને રદલ્હીમાં ફેશન રડઝાઇનરોએ પોશાક કે સાડીઅોની તૈયાર કરેલી નવી-નવી રડઝાઇનો રોજે-રોજ જોવા મળે છે. દુરનયાભરના વલત્રોની રડઝાઇન ને કલાકારીગરીમાં કદાચ ભારતનો નંબર પહેલો કહીએ તો ખોટું નરહ. અાપણા સલવાર કમીઝ, લેંઘા-ચોલી, અનારકલી સૂટ, ઘરારા અથવા તો સરારા સૂટ, પાટટી વેર ડ્રેસ, નાઇટ પાટટી માટે બોલ ગાઉન અને હા... સાડીઅોની તો વાત જ કંઇક અોર જ કહી શકાય. અાજે લગ્ન રનરમત્તે પહેરાતી સાડીઅોમાં બનારસની જામેવાર બનારસી, બંગાળની બાલુચરી, મધ્યપ્રદેશની ચંદેરી અને ટશર રસલ્ક, તામીલનાડૂની કાંચીપુરમ રસલ્ક, કણા​ાટકની મૈસુર રસલ્ક, અાંધ્રની પોચમપલ્લી રસલ્ક અને વેંકટગીરી, મહારાષ્ટ્રની નારાયણપેટ (પૈઠણી) રસલ્ક સાડી, અાસામની હાથવણાટની ઇકત

અને બોમકાઇ રસલ્ક, રાજલથાનની લાલ-લીલી ને નવરંગી બાંિણી એમાંય વળી જયપુર, જોિપુર અને ગુજરાતના જામનગરની દાણેદાર બાંિણીઅોનો તો રુઅાબ જ અોર હોય. સાડીઅોમાંભલેરનત નવી રડઝાઇનો નેફેશન બદલાતી હોત પણ રાજકોટી પટોળાં ને બાંિણીની ફેશન કદી બદલાતી નથી. પાટણમાં રેશમના તાર પર કલાકૂશળ કારીગરો હાથવણાટ દ્વારા જેરીતે મોર-પોપટ, ચકલાં ને હાથીની ભાત ઉપસાવે છે એ બેનમૂન છે. અાપણા લોકગીતોમાં " છેલા જી રે મારી હાતુ પાટણથી પટોળા લઇ અાવજો, એમાંરૂડા રે મોરલીયા ચીતરાવજો" એવા અોરતા (અાશા) સેવતી પત્ની જેની રડમાન્ડ કરે છે એ અા પાટણનું પટોળું એ વૈભવશાળી, પૈસાપાત્ર પરરવારને જ પોષાય એટલી કકંમતનુંહોય છે. લગભગ એક લાખ રૂરપયા (£1010)થી વિુકકંમતનુંએ પટોળુંપ્યોર રો રસલ્કમાંથી વણી તૈયાર કરતાં કારીગરનેઘણો સમય લાગેછે. પાટણના ગણ્યા ગાંઠ્યા કારીગરો અા મોરચકલાંની રડઝાઇન હાથશાળ ઉપર ખૂબ કુશળતાપૂવાક ઉપસાવેછે. પહેલાંનાયલોન, રસફોન અનેચાઇના રસલ્કની સાડીઅો નેમટીરીયલ જાપાનથી અાવતા. અાજે એનું માકકેટ ગુજરાતના સુરત રસટીએ સર કરી લીિું છે. સુરતના કાપડ ઉદ્યોગે અાજે મોટી હરણફાળ ભરી છે. સુરતમાં તમને નાયલોન, રસફોન, કોટન રસલ્ક, રસન્થેટીક રસલ્ક ને જરી-કસબની સાડીઅો નેબોડડરો અસંખ્ય રડઝાઇનોમાંમળેછે. પહેલાંનો વરરાજા સાદા સીિા પોશાક કે સૂટમાં સજ્જ થઇ કન્યા પરણવા અાવતા. હવે તો કન્યાની બરોબરી કરી શકે એવા જક્કાસ લટાઇલના ઝાકઝમાળ પોશાકમાંવરરાજા પણ ઠાઠમાઠ થઇ કન્યાના માંડવે અાવે છે. કન્યાના પોશાકને મેચ થાય એ પ્રમાણે વરરાજાનો પોશાક નક્કી થતો હોય છે. અાજે વરરાજાના વેડીંગ શૂટના રૂરપયા ૧૦,૦૦૦થી માંડી એક-દોઢ લાખની કકંમત જોવા મળે છે. કેટલાક પહેલાંના રાજામહારાજા જેવા વેલ્વેટ પર જરદોશી ભરતકામ અનેરત્ન જડેલા સેરવાણી શૂટ અનેજડતર ને ઝૂમ્મરવાળી મોગલાઇ લટાઇલની રજવાડી કલગી લગાડેલા લાલ-સોનેરી ફેંટા પહેરતા હોય છે. ભારતના દરેક શહેરોમાં અાજે સંખ્યાબંિ શો રૂમ્સમાં લગ્ન અને પાટટીવેરના એક એકથી ચરડયાતા પોશાક જોવા મળેછે. લંડન સરહત યુ.કે.માં પણ લગ્નોત્સુક યુવાન-યુવતીઅોને મનગમતા સાડી, લેંઘા-ચોલી, ઘરચોળા, બાંિણીઅો અનેપ્યોર રસલ્કની લેટેલટ રડઝાઇનની સાડીઅો-સેલાંમળતાંથયાંછે.

Asian Voice & Gujarat Samachar - 2015

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10-My Wedding.qxp_A4 Temp 19/03/2015 14:45 Page 10

he choice of venues have significantly changed over the last few decades. There was a time when people used to hire halls in schools or community halls for the wedding, serving traditional wedding food, cooked from home and served to the guests on plastic or paper plates. Now, things have changed drastically as even the smallest of things gets looked into with great detail.

Outdoor weddings have become extremely popular in the UK during the summer time, especially for Hindu weddings; having the marquee and altar outside and tying the nuptial knot in fresh air can be quite relaxing for the bride and groom. However, the negative side to this is the erratic weather conditions in the UK. Even during hot summers, unexpected showers do make a visit; so if an outdoor wedding is something you're extremely keen on, plan accordingly in advance.

Banqueting suites, hotels, historic places and palaces are hot favourites for Asian weddings; fulfilling the bride's dream of a fairytale wedding. Most wedding venues provide catering facilities as well but if you are choosing to go for another caterer, then most venues can accommodate with that too.

The “mandap�, or the altar plays a significant part of most Asian weddings and most venues provide a stage with different theme options for you to choose; whether you're looking to have a very traditional alter or have decided to go with an unconventional theme, everything will be looked after by them.

In most traditional Asian weddings, marigolds are used for decorations; however, in the UK, choices for the decorations have become more urban and sophisticated, more in tune to the theme of the

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wedding and the outfits of the bride and groom.

Another popular choice for the wedding venue is to go abroad. Many people opt for that as it tends to be much cheaper than getting married in the UK. In many cases, couples decide to get married in India so that their extended family who reside there are able to participate in the wedding, while other couples choose to get married abroad to restrict the number of attendants to the wedding, making it a strictly intimate affair.

If we speak about venues, then we have to think about the mode of transport to the venue as well, for both the bride and groom. Many people choose to keep it classy and come to the wedding in a limousine or a vintage car; while some grooms still like to come the traditional way, sitting on a flower-clad horse while dancing relatives lead the way. Or, you may even prefer to go for something completely outrageous and quirky, such as a funky, colourful rikshaw- now that would certainly be a talking point amongst your guests!

My Wedding, My Choices!

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f we talk about wedding videos, who can forget the videos we had back in the days? Rotating images on the screen and the loud Bollywood music placed irrelevantly in the film, overlapping the wedding procedures and the photographic image of the groom miraculously looming on the open palms of the bride's hands. Cringe! Nowadays, everything has become more coordinated. There are professional cameramen looming around you throughout the festivities, making sure they capture every important footage.

They even release a wedding and pre wedding trailer movie for you as well. While filming your pre wedding trailer, it would give you and your fiancé the opportunity to come together for a very Bollywood-esque video, maybe even singing and dancing around trees as well. Sounds cheesy, but this well directed and choreographed sequence will leave you gobsmacked once you've watch the final product.

In the “olden days”, your wedding film would have been made available for you on a video cassette, but considering that has reached near extinction, DVD wedding album and films are made. Some even prefer to have the film saved on a USB stick instead and can burn it on a DVD themselves or email the film to all their near and dear ones. People even opt to upload their wedding film online for the whole world to see; if you're brave even, go for it as well!

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There are professional cameramen looming around you throughout the festivities, making sure to capture every important footage

Shaadi Waali

While filming your pre wedding trailer, it would give you and your fiancé the opportunity to come together for a very Bollywood-esque video...

Film...

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Playing

Dress Up or many brides and for some grooms as well, the outfits are really important. Earlier on, men used to get away with just wearing a normal suit for the wedding ceremony; now they opt to go for the full fledged sherwani and whatever comes along with it. For the bride, standing out and looking the best out of everyone is the most important. Sounds rather superficial, but it is the bride's day and she has every right to want to look her best. And not only for the wedding day, but for other wedding functions like the sangeet, mehndi, haldi, registry and reception; the bride and groom spend a lot of time, as well as money on their choice of clothing.

In 2014, the emergence of bright and daring colours for bridal outfits seemed extremely popular as brides chose yellow and blue attires, rather than the traditional red choice.

Therefore, you could expect more daring and unconventional outfits as people are now less afraid and are unapologetic to experiment with their look. However, in 2015 the bridal attire trends are becoming more traditional, with a royal touch, inspired by the Mughals.

The outfits would have heavy zari and embroidery work, with more emphasis on jewellery.

The registry attire has become a very big deal, in comparison to what people used to wear before. There is a lot of emphasis on the bride's over flowing white wedding gown and the groom's tuxedo. Plus, the occasion is marked and celebrated in a somewhat similar way to a “white wedding”. This event also gives the all of the bride's “besties” to dress up uniformly in beautiful bridesmaid's gowns.

While weddings are a traditional affair, in terms of outfits, brides and grooms tend to opt for a more modern alternative for the reception. While some brides go for evening gowns, some prefer to choose an outfit which is a fusion of east meets west; for example, like a modernised lengha choli.

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Asian Voice & Gujarat Samachar - 2015

15-17.qxp_A4 Temp 19/03/2015 14:49 Page 15

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Asian Voice & Gujarat Samachar - 2015

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16-Bling Bling.qxp_A4 Temp 19/03/2015 14:52 Page 16

Bling Bling! ntraditional jewellery are quite popular as well, such as the oversized nose ring and headpieces. Maangtikkas have been a traditional and popular choice of jewellery, however, fashion stylists have upped their game by creating classy and simple gold headpieces to compliment the face shape of the bride. For those who are looking for a traditional meets modern look, headpiece maang-tikkas will also be available as many designers are gearing up to release many traditional yet modernised wedding accessories and jewellery.

As well as the bangles, the nose ring plays a significant part for an Asian bride on her wedding day. Nose rings come in all shapes and sizes and one need not have their nose pierced in order to sport them. The current trend may suggest oversized nose rings, but you may choose to go for a much smaller and comfortable size... or even choose not to wear one, whatever suits you.

Not only does the bride get decked in jewellery, but you will see many guests wearing their best sets to the wedding.

Being in the UK, on hardly gets the opportunity to wear such outfits and jewellery, unless there is a special occasion. And what better occasion to pull out those dusted jewellery that were sitting at the back of your closet.

There is this unspoken secret competition among guest who like to go and observe who is wearing what and who is doing what. Not only do they scrutinise the bride, but also compare other guests attire while gloating if there own jewellery set and outfit is better, or pull faces out of jealousy towards those who dared to outdo them and beat them in this secret competition. And here we thought weddings were a harmless affair!

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16

Asian Voice & Gujarat Samachar - 2015

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September 2015

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17

18-Glamp Up.qxp_A4 Temp 19/03/2015 14:52 Page 18

Glam-up! t would be a sin not to mention mehndi and makeup for the brides. This is the occasion when brides decide to splurge it all in order to look their best. Mehndi and makeup have always been a part of the deal for Asian brides, but before, it would usually be a relative or the bride herself doing her own makeup, but now we have full-on makeup artist who come to the rescue to save the day. Pre wedding makeup trials are offered as well, so that the bride knows what she'll look like on her wedding day, saving her from panic and any prospective chaos.

Mehndi, or henna (however you prefer to say it) used to be a simple affair, the palms and feet used to be decorated. Nowadays, you'll see brides getting mehndi up to their upper arms and up to their knees as well. Bridesmaids and other female guests take the opportunity to get their mehndi done at the event as well.

There are many designs to choose from; Arabian and Rajasthani designs seem to be winning choices for

I

bridal mehndi. Mehndi can be used as another method for body art. For those who want a tattoo but fear needles or do not want something engraved permanently on their bodies, mehndi is a good alternate option. There are so many uses of mehndi. For example, if you are worried about your greying tresses- worry not, as mehndi will also do the trick for that as well. Get your hand and hair painted.

There are many stories behind the shades of your mehndi. In some cultures, if the mehndi turns out to be dark, it signifies that the groom will love the bride immensely; while in other cultures, the darker the mehndi, the better relationship the bride will have with her mother-in-law. In other words, no clashes, no wars! Strange how the shade of your mehndi can detect the depth of some relationships.

This is the occasion when brides decide to splurge it all in order to look their best 18

Asian Voice & Gujarat Samachar - 2015

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Hen Nights & Stag-Dos! his is one of the most anticipated events for most (or dare I say all) grooms, where they enjoy their last day of bachelorhood to the max! On this occasion and ONLY this occasion may guys go wild and be forgiven for it (well, that's arguable). But wait, why should guys get to have all the fun? Women are no less as they too venture out to celebrate their hen night with their bunch of close girlfriends. It's strippers, booze and dancing galore for the bride and groom to be.

As per the perception, everyone usually gets drunk until they can't hold it in anymore and throw up. However, things seem to be sobering up as many guys are choosing to go for adventure sports or experiences with their mates. A majority of the youth have become more health conscious, hence, the prospect of getting drunk and waking up hungover does not appeal to them. They would rather go on a long run or water ski instead. At least you would be sober and have no embarrassing moments which you would have to be apologetic about in the future; plus you'll be able to cherish every moment better when not under the influence of alcohol. Plus, many guys go to the pub with their friends in the weekend; so going to the pub for their stag-do wouldn't exactly be very memorable for the groom as it would seem like a usual routine.

While many girls do go all out and celebrate their hen nights at clubs, many choose to have a relaxing time instead. They prefer to have a spa date with their best friends and enjoy their last moments of spinsterhood.

Not everyone is into the club and booze craze, so they may find the setting and activities uncomfortable for themselves. Hence, spending time at the spa or doing something more adventurous would be a much better choice.

To make things extra special (and to make sure their grooms aren't getting up to anything naughty), the brides and grooms have their celebratory last night of single-hood celebrations together. Whether they choose to drink and party the night away, explore a new place or have an intimate time with their loved ones, being together will surely double the fun (unless you were really looking forward to enjoying your last night of freedom without the other half's clinginess and invasion).

T

Dos and Don'ts for Hen Nights and Stag-Dos Dos:

b Invite all your close friends. b Choose the right venue according to your theme. b Drop a text to the other half (if they aren't at the event with you) telling them that you miss them (aww). But not more than once!

Don'ts:

b Drunk-call your ex, proclaiming your unrequited love for them. b Get recorded! Make sure none of your *cough* actions are filmed by your friends. It can be great footage for blackmailing in the future! b Over-do the booze. If you can't handle alcohol, skip it.

Who said alcohol was compulsory for having fun, anyway?

Asian Voice & Gujarat Samachar - 2015

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Honeymoon The Grand Escape It’s time

to relax and

go off on your

honeymoon fter all the stress and commotion, it's time to relax and go off on your honeymoon. For those living in India, Switzerland is a very popular honeymoon destination, thanks to all those Yash Raj movies showcasing the breathtaking locales in his films. For those on a limited budget, they choose to go to locations within India, such as Shimla, which could be considered as the Indian Switzerland, Goa: the Indian Vegas or choose to go to the exhilarating and relaxing state, Kerela.

For British Asians, exotic locations are the place to be for their honeymoon, ranging from Mauritius, Maldives, Hawaii or even Malaysia. Honeymoons are the most cherished times among newly weds and they do not leave any stones unturned to ensure that their honeymoon is perfect and memorable. This is the peri-

A

od when they can go away from all the hullabaloo and get to spend some important and quality time with their other halves.

Traditionally, most Brit-Asians choose to have a 1-2 weeks honeymoon somewhere in a foreign land which provides sun and sand; however, there's this new trend called the “buddymoon”.

The buddymoon is pretty self-explanatory. The newly weds decide to bring a bunch of their good friends along with them to the honeymoon. In recent years, joint stag and hen parties abroad have been popular, where the bride and groom decide to spend some fun time together along with their close friends. The buddymoon seems like an extension of that. But one can't be too sure whether the idea of going on a buddymoon will click with Asians; not many may like the intrusions of their friends. Sometimes, sticking to the conventional route is the best option.

Honeymoons are the most cherished times among newly weds

20

Asian Voice & Gujarat Samachar - 2015

21-Happily Ever After.qxp_A4 Temp 19/03/2015 14:55 Page 21

...Happily Ever After any couples decide to live independently, hence, buy or rent a property before the wedding and set it up as well. As much as they love their parents, they may find it quite intimidating to be living with them as a couple after marriage and may decide it's time to move out and start a new life for themselves; while many are very comfortable living as a joint family with their parents and siblings.

Many already set up their new homes before the wedding, with the aid of families and friends who give them a helping hand and even contribute by giving them early wedding gifts in forms of household utensils. This is probably why you'll find annoyed couples when they receive toasters or food steamers as wedding gifts; they already have those and do not need another 3. That's why the no gift policy at weddings have been adopted. Couples prefer receiving cash in cards and envelopes as gifts compared to boxed gift. By gifting them money, at least they can buy a gift of their own choice instead of having to make do with something which may be irrelevant and useless to them. They say it's the thought that counts, but sometimes it doesn't.

From planning the wedding, getting married, going off on honeymoon and coming back to set up your new home can be

M

extremely costly and if not planned accordingly, it can be very damaging, not only for the pocket! Ideally, it would be better not to move out from your parents' home if you are unable to afford a place of your own. However, living with your parents may not be very appealing to your other half, therefore, you'll have to have a very thorough discussion about this with them. As much as we love our parents, it isn't necessary that our other halves may get on well with them and the same applies for our parents as well; so you will have to think very wisely on whether you could afford staying at home or risk bankruptcy by moving out.

Asian Voice & Gujarat Samachar - 2015

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22-GS & Index.qxp_A4 Temp 19/03/2015 16:44 Page 22

Editor/Publisher: CB Patel

Article Content Comment Tinseltown Weddings

Managing Editor: Kokila Patel Associate Editor: Rupanjana Dutta

અાપણા લગ્નસંસ્કાર અનેબદલાતી અાધુનનક નિચારસરણી લગ્નોત્સિમાંરજિાડી ઠાઠથી પહેરાતા પોશાક-િસ્ત્રપનરધાન

News Editor: Kamal Rao

Consulting Editor: Jyotsna Shah Editorial Executive: Reshma Trilochun

My Wedding, My Choices!

Shaadi Waali Film Playing Dress Up Bling Bling!

Glam-Up Hen Nights and Stag-Dos! Honeymoon: The Grand Escape … Happily Ever After

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Advertising Manager: Kishor Parmar

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