MUSIC AND ENTERTAINMENT
The right kind of music will get the guests into the mood. Music usually depends on the religion. Muslim and Hindu weddings usually don’t have any music playing while vows are being exchanged. However, a shennai is very common. It usually plays softly in the background. Other modern options could include a string quartet, a harpist or even a solo singer.

RECEPTION
Guests attend a wedding hoping to have fun and to enjoy themselves so it is up to you to give them something different when organizing the music and entertainment. Depending on your budget and location, you can choose from a vast range of ideas.
. Serenaders can sweetly into your guests’ ears while they wait for the couple to arrive
. Live singers/Live bands as well as fusion bands
. Traditional singers and performers to add ethnicity– folk dancers, qawwali and ghazal singers, etc.
. Arrive in style with dhol players announcing entry
. Salsa dancers or fire eaters can wow your uncles and aunts
. Djs are the most common form of entertainment to keep you on your toes all night. They can be better than a band as they are not limited to a single genre of music and can play a vast range and please all age groups.

Come November, and its wedding season. The scent of flowers, tinkling of jewelry, anxious parents, excited brides and grooms – no matter where you are, you simply can’t miss the celebration, the promise of a shared future! If you are getting married, or are the parent of a bride or a groom, this is perhaps one of your lifetime events. Marriages may be egalitarian, but weddings are always unique. Simple, elegant or simply splash out elaborate, everyone has a vision of what they want for a wedding in the family.

Considering that weddings cost almost twice as much as it would a few years ago, money certainly matters. The most crucial part of planning is knowing exactly how much to spend and what to spend it on. There are many cases of high spending, resulting in over-kill and debt, as there are cases of under-spending, leading to a ceremony left with too much to be desired. The key word you should bear in mind when drawing up a budget is ‘realistic’. You need to come to an approximate figure before you can map out the big picture. Only when you have a comprehensive list of requirements can you truly assess what things are affordable and what are unreasonable. For instance, you may have your heart set on having a super grand wedding, but if that’s at the expense of settling for a sub-standard honeymoon, you have got your priorities all wrong.

Once upon a time the cost of a wedding was pretty easy to calculate: the bride’s parents pay for the lot. Then top it up with a dowry! Thankfully, that practice is looked upon as something from the Dark Ages and today there are no hard and fast rules for who pays for what. Depending on the financial status of the couple and their respective families, costs may be shared on any or all items relating to the wedding. While some parents offer help with a particular part of the wedding, others nowadays even give a gift of a specified cash amount and let the couple choose how to spend it. However, once you finalize your budget, you must emphasize on various categories such as the venue, reception, décor, food, clothes, jewelry, pre-wedding functions, etc.

Venue: The largest expenditure when it comes to the special day is the venue. Book a hall six to eight months before the wedding and make sure the contract says that the price is fixed, there are no hidden charges and the vendor does not have the option to hike the tariff. As wedding season approaches and demand soars, vendors may get tempted to increase the price of venues. Try to negotiate a combined rate for the venue and the food. Certain halls and hotels charge only for the food and the venue comes free. You might also want to look for unusual wedding venues. Outdoor spots cut the expenditure on hall bookings and improve other areas like food and decoration.

Food:This is certainly not an area to lax in. Your guests will be talking about the food for days after the wedding and if the food turns out to be bad, they will be talking about it for months. Pick a caterer who comes with a lot of positive recommendation. Sit with the banquet manager well in advance, discuss the menu options and always insist on a tasting. Even if the food seems good at the tasting, fall back on recommendations to finally make your decision – food cooked in small quantities for the tasting may not taste the same when cooked for a big crowd. Choose excellent options for food which is generally likely to suit the taste of your guests.

Décor: The trend nowadays is to keep the décor simple. Elegant flowers, fairy lights and a nice color scheme. Heavy drapes are saying goodbyes this season. Focus on oriental influence which is all set to have a heavy impact. Choice of venue has a bearing on décor costs. You can save money on décor if you choose a banquet halls or hotels which are maintained and well lit. Small decisions can make a big difference to your budget. You can opt for seasonal, local flowers which look just as good. Try and have an eco-friendly décor and reduce the plastic content in your decoration.

Clothes/Jewelry: Make the most out of your creativity. While some color and jewelry would be mandated by tradition, there is also scope for bringing out your individuality and personality. Most people here tend to go to India for their exclusive wedding wear. If you want to optimize costs, try and visit the wedding exhibitions that are held in India just before the wedding season. If you are on a budget, they may be rather expensive for you, so just understand the trends and once you get a handle on what you want, go ahead and explain it to an experienced tailor. You can have your dream outfit at a fraction of the cost. Keep reusability in mind when shopping as you would definitely want to mix and match them with the rest of your wardrobe. For jewelry, stick to the classics rather than short term trends. Lastly, do check out wedding magazines which advise you what’s in on the wedding couture front.

Invitations: The trend for wedding invites is contemporary right now. Invitations have emerged from being a roster of family names into focusing on just the bride and groom. You can be personal and creative with hand made cards or even calligraphy. Use recycled paper.Consult graphic designers for their unique ideas and spend some time in stores to look for better designs and cost effective prices.

To round up, you can spend as much or as little as you want. Since it is rare for weddings to go without any hiccups, you should be open to anticipation of trouble – a vendor who does not show up on time, shoddy work in the arrangements and more than usual guest turn outs. Your job is to be calm, plan ahead and organize well. A memorable occasion is what matters. You would want a wedding where a guest walks away with a smile on his/her face and remembers the experience for years. In the end, you could be Zen-like, it’s your wedding day after all and you deserve to cherish it!

You were certain you planned for everything — from flowers on the tables, to the songs the band would play — and everything in between.Experts say if you haven’t planned ahead for your bridal beauty and grooming routines you could end up with some wedding-day blues. Overloading on beauty sessions just days before the wedding can not only leave you looking and feeling less than perfect, it also increases your stress on the very day you want to look poised and serene.

You must plan ahead of time and set up a schedule that anticipates some of your most important health and beauty needs. Ideally you should begin atleast three to four months before the wedding. However, even thirty days is sufficient for most important self care rituals as long as you make sure you can attain that natural glow and picture perfection!

LUST HAVE! Dust Lancome Star Bronzer Sun Cherub Bronzing Powder over the face or body to cheat a golden glow. The powder comes beautifully embossed with the iconic Lancome angle. Simply blend the two shades together and dust over pale areas to experience a glistening sheen.

IN NEED OF THERAPY?
The Aromatherapy Associates bath and shower oils will help you deal with the upheaval of wedding preparation stress and even travelling — especially if you are flying off to a far flung honeymoon destination. The relaxing oils help induce a peaceful night’s sleep. The zesty morning oil helps awaken a weary head and the reviving evening blend works wonders to boost energy levels. ( www.aromatherapyassociates.com )

FRESH AS A MEADOW
Slather yourself with Philosophy’s Field of Flowers, ( www.philosophy.com ). The 3 in 1 shampoo, shower gel and bubble bath has a delicate and distinctly fresh floral scent that will transport your mind to a summer meadow and leave you smelling of sweet flowers.

PUTTING ON THE SPRITZ
Spritz your hair with Korres Red Wine Sun Protection Spray ( www.korres.com ). It’s great for saving the locks from the onslaught of UV Rays, especially if you are having an outdoor wedding. The added sunflower extract is blended with antioxidant rich red wine polyphenol, to protect hair from UV damage and provitamin B5 offers long lasting hydration.

NAIL PROOF
Vibrant nails look great against brown skin. Paint yours with Ciate’s range of long lasting and ultra glossy polishes developed by celebrity manicurist Charlotte Straughan. They come packed into beautiful bow details and you can pick from a wide array of shades in both bright and neutral hues.

FALL PRESTIGE
Searching for a new obsession this season? Try Lancome’s Magnifique. The infusion of the spicy impertinence of saffron, the spicy woody embrace of the exotic Nagarmota and the unique blend of the feminine rose leaves behind an elegant and sensuous aroma. A perfect combination of modernity, sophistication and tradition, this new fragrance is perfect for the fall/winter bride.

The secret to a perfect setting for a wedding is setting on a theme that runs throughout the proceedings. The trick is not to clash but fuse ideas. There are many types of themes to choose from, both adventurous and classic; from Bollywood, medieval, Indian Ocean, carnival, masquerade, fiesta and beach to the traditional Cinderella and Madhubala weddings, all with their own colour scheme ( subtle and understated to bold and grandiose). Most Asian brides settle for one of the following three themes.

TRADITIONAL
The good thing about keeping things traditional is that it’s likely to please your ‘desi’ ( local ) guests and intrigue the Western ones, whilst mirroring your own childhood vision of getting married, gleaned from all those classic Indian movies.
Everyone from the caterer to the DJ will be in their element and should things go a little bit out of schedule, it’s all part of the grand Asian wedding ceremony and will definitely be taken in good spirits! Traditional doesn’t mean that there is only one to go about it either — your planner will have a million ideas to add to your own to ensure that your wedding will be a cut above others!

EAST WEST FUSION
Fusing the best of Eastern tradition with the trends of the West is fast becoming the most popular theme among young independent couples. Let your imagination run riot here — twin your saree/ lehenga with a tiara, multicolour your henna ( body art ), have mandaps/ stages with starry backdrops, canapes before curry and a wedding cake before Rasgulla ( traditional Asian spongy sweet )– it literally is the best of both worlds.There is a danger of dilution, so make sure the two are balanced and complement each other.

CINDERELLA
According to me, the tradiotional English Cinderella wedding is as exotic as they come. Long flowing gowns, horse-drawn carriages, bouquet tossing and toasts for the bride and groom — how quaint! In the same way that Western guests take in Eastern weddings with awe, chances are your traditional guests — who have probably never attended an English wedding — will find this a magical experience! Imagine getting your grandmother bopping to a live jazz band outside a marquee on a hot summer’s day!
Be careful not to lose your identity and cause disappointment! The best recipe for success here would be to give the venue a western feel, complete with seating plan and order of event, but keep the Eastern spirit alive in the food, music and dance!

The Groom’s Do
Hair care is an is an integral part of grooming as it adds to the personality of the groom. About three months before the wedding, try and find an experienced salon that also suits your needs. If you already have a favourite, be a regular there for those crucial three months. You must explain to your stylist what you are looking for. Three months of consistent cutting by the same stylist will cut down on risks of a sudden bad hairdo, which you can’t come out of. You must also take proper care of your hair by cleaning and treating it well in case of dandruffs. Use a good branded hair color as recommended by your stylist for untimely greying. Have lots of fruits and vegetables and drink lots of water to avoid excessive hair fall. Get your final haircut atleast a week before the wedding as it gives the hair time to settle down before the big day.

 PRIORITY MALE! Tommy Guns Moulding Texturizing Paste is formulated with orange and limes to enhance hold and natural texture. It’s just the thing for adding structure and definition to shorter hairstyles.

The Groom’s Ugly Mug
The week before the wedding things get really busy. You want to definitely avoid breaking out into zits like the highschool weakling you left behind. A trip to the spa or dermatologist can ensure that your skin will look its best! Treat yourself to a pampering shave and facial by booking into a spa, where you can be treated to a look normally reserved for the bride only. Have your facial done no less than three days before the big day as they can leave some redness for up to a day or two after a treatment. Mens’ Salons worth mentioning in Dhaka would be Habib’s at Persona, Total Care and Ban Thai. The spa at The Westin and The Radisson Water Garden Hotel is pretty good as well.

FEED YOUR SKIN
Men’s skin is oilier, thicker and has smaller sweat producing glands when compared to women’s. A day outdoors playing football or washing the car can drain at aleast half a pint of water from skin, which can take up to eight hours to re-hrydrate, so don’t neglect it. Perfect your skin in time for your wedding with Vaseline’s new men’s range, designed to suit your skin’s specific needs. Try the Body Lotion — it lifts moisture levels and locks it in, while the Extra Strength Hand Lotion keeps hands nourished for hours.

HITTING HOMME
Versace has gone back to basics with this new Pour Homme fragrance packaged in a chic understated bottle. The minimal ingredient blend, initially leaves behind a fresh aroma due to a mix of floral-heavy notes such as bergamot and blossoms from the bitter orange tree. Then masculine aromas of cedar wood appear as it settles. The range also includes an after-shave balm, hair and body shampoo and deodorant stick.

Last but definitely NOT the least, conceal partied-out eyes with a stroke of Under Eye Corrector Pens. They are the latest stuff in the market with the ability of blending seamlessly and disguising perfectly, so nobody needs to know what you are hiding. Dior’s Homme Under Eye treatment is a must try!

Stay tuned for some more grooming news coming your way!

Determine the amount of wedding guests that you intend to have before you approach a caterer. Next, discuss your budget. If money is an issue, ask for a minimum cost per guest as well as ‘any’ hidden costs involved. Each caterer has their own way of charging, so ask if it’s per head, a ball park figure or an itemized quote. Also get the caterer to view your venue as there might be other costs involved – for example a reception in a marquee could incur costs for a generator, fridges, cookers, as well as water! Always sample the food beforehand. If you’re unsure about the taste, you can guarantee your guests will be sure it’s not up to scratch.
A good caterer will also be able to advise you on a variety of things – music, décor, parking and even flowers. Be very frank with your caterer – it’s only when they know what you want that they will be able to serve you better.

RECEPTION STYLES

Sit down meal : The traditional way of serving the wedding meal. This is usually the most expensive and involves waiters catering to every need of the guests. The menu is pre arranged and options can be given for vegetarians and children. Although, a little hefty on the wallet, this reception style makes sure that food isn’t wasted that much.

Buffet : A cheaper option to the sit down meal. This allows you to serve more than one type of cuisine and is a good opportunity for guests to mingle. However, not everyone prefers or is comfortable standing, so make sure there are enough chairs, especially for the elderly, children and any pregnant women.

Canapes : If you are having an informal affair, you could settle for canapés with an Indian/ Bangladeshi flair. Serve small bite size samosas or canapé chaat. Whatever your choice, make sure there are enough to go around and that they are circulated efficiently. People will ask what’s in them – so make sure the person serving has correct information.

The food served at your wedding should complement your décor. I attended a friend’s wedding in India which had a traditional Rajasthani theme. The food was served from that region with copper cutlery and the waiters liveried in local style.

You must consider the spice factor – the Asian cuisine can be a tad pungent on the tongue and some of the guests may not appreciate it. Label your dishes if you have a buffet with ratings of spice. This may seem a little out of the ordinary, but hey that’s why you are probably reading this piece of information. You should opt to serve dishes that balance out taste and flavors with various dishes balancing each other out.

Keep a few questions in mind when arranging your mode of transport. The most important thing is that you see it before you hire it. All too often, you will be shown the best in photographs, but when it arrives—it’s not as attractive or the colors clash with your outfit. If it’s a limo or a classic car you are hiring, make sure you go on a test drive to get a feel of it – and insist you get that very car. You should also preferably be given the same chauffeur as your trial run, to assess how well you communicate. On the day, you are likely to be stressed and you don’t want a bad tempered driver snapping at you. Needless to say, he or she needs to be immaculately attired and trained to make you feel like a celebrity.

INVITES
You can use recycled, non-bleached paper for everything from your invites to your programs.
Set up a wedding website rather than sending printed directions. This can be a great resource for you and your guests.

LOCATION

If you plan your wedding for spring or fall, you are already ahead of the game. Having your wedding during a cooler month can cut your air conditioning costs in half. Also, have your ceremony at a convenient place so that guests can easily drive there. Try and choose a botanical garden. Not only are you surrounded by lush natural beauty, the site fee goes to support the garden!

DECOR
Use potted plants throughout the ceremony. After your wedding, they can be replanted near your home as a wonderful reminder of that special day. Use local, in-season flowers. This not only cuts down on carbon-emission from trucking and shipping, but also saves on energy and water.
Use fruits in your centerpieces and to decorate your tables. It is a great way to punch up the color of your decor and you can donate it to a food bank after the event. You can even donate your flowers so people can continue to enjoy them after your event.

FOOD
Like your flowers try to focus your menu on seasonal local ingredients. Work with a caterer who uses organic produce and is committed to sustainable agriculture. Most food banks do not accept perishable food but organizations like Second Harvest (http://www.secondharvest.org/how_to_help/donate_food) will collect the food from the reception and use it to feed the hungry.

FAVORS
Give away bulbs or wildflower seeds and encourage guests to plant them. Make a donation to a charity in the name of each guest rather than giving them something material. Include sustainable, eco-friendly products like bamboo housewares, hemp and soy products, and organic linens in your registry.

For more great tips and advice, check out Portovert Magazine.

http://portovert.com

In the dead heat of summer, this centerpiece is perfect!
It looks difficult but in reality it is very do-able.
SHHH don’t tell your guests….

Now that you have those you need to decide what kind of flowers you want to use, I prefer all white to go along the lines of refreshing but I think color would look fabulous too! Don’t forget to use flowers that float as well. Gardenias are perfect little floaters and smell terrific too! Make sure you cut the flowers in different heights to add layers to the centerpiece. Tie up the bouquets, sink the vases in water and add the flowers.
Coordinate your table setting with the flowers. Your guests are going to be so impressed!