EXPERT Q& A
ask carley Our cofounder answers your questions.
My fiancé is Hindu, and while we’ve chosen not to have a religious ceremony, I want to surprise him with a few personal touches from his heritage. Any suggestions? The best way to do this is subtly. Gold and red, both auspicious colors in Indian tradition, could appear throughout your wedding details. Choose a red stationery suite inked in gold, have your bridesmaids wear red or decorate your tables with gold-plated urns filled with red, pink and yellow blooms. Elephants (to honor the god Ganesh) could also play a role, or include a modern mandap in the ceremony.
Q A
I’m having trouble finding accessories to match my style of dress—how should I start?
SEATING STRESS
One or two accessories can complete any look (and make it your own), but try not to pile on too many pieces or you’ll be headed for a fashion faux pas. But if you want to achieve glamgirl status, feel free to add a big, bold necklace to your embellished dress, plus a crystal clutch. Is modern more your style? Then a sleek column gown with a pair of sexy metallic shoes and a haute headband will do the trick. For a more vintage look, go for lace and heirloom-like details such as gloves and a brooch.
A HAIR AHEAD
Q A
If my bridesmaids are getting their hair and makeup done, do I go before or after them?
It usually takes a pro about two to three hours to do a bride’s hair and makeup. More time may be needed if they have to make lots of adjustments or start over (which hopefully won’t happen, but you should prepare for it anyway). To save time and stress, ask bridesmaids to do their own hair and makeup, and then have your professional touch them up. Or, preferably, hire a separate person for your attendants and mom. If the pro will be working on both you and the others, you should go last so your look is nice and fresh for pictures.
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Q A
Who else sits with my fiancé and me at the reception? Do we have to sit with the wedding party?
You can sit with whomever you like. One choice is to have the honor attendants and their spouses or dates seated with the newlyweds. Some couples sit with their whole wedding party, while others choose to sit with their parents. If you go with the latter option, both sets of parents should be at your table to prevent any appearance of favoritism. If your parents are divorced, you may want to skip this and seat each set at a table of their friends and relatives (to prevent any awkwardness). Want to use dinner as a chance to steal a moment for just the two of you? You can decide on the most romantic option: the sweetheart table. >>
let’s talk stats
CINDY LEE PHOTOGR APHY
40
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THE RIGHT MIX
20% 83% of couples incorporate ethnic elements/traditions
of bridal parties have their hair done for the wedding
6/7/17 9:18 AM