Category: Wedding Planning Guides

Nowadays, many Indian couples are flying off to scenic locations for their wedding celebration, away from the hustle and bustle with limited people and unlimited fun. Not only are foreigners coming to India, but Indians themselves are looking for exotic wedding destinations to “tie the knot” in style.

Be it sandy beaches, cooling backwaters, snowy mountains or beautiful architecture, India has it all to make your destination wedding a memorable occasion. From royal to offbeat, here’s a list of five most awesome wedding destinations in India. Take your pick!

Fancy having a beach wedding in India?

If you wish to have a romantic affair, nothing can beat the experience of having a fairy-tale like wedding, planned against the backdrop of the beautiful sandy beaches of Goa. With its beautiful shimmering beaches, deep blue waters, lush dense greens and carefree way of life, Goa tops the list when it comes to choosing a perfect destination wedding in India.

A hot spot for ‘Big Fat Indian’ weddings:

Lakes, castles, palaces and sheer beauty, this is what Udaipur is all about. Also known as the “Venice of the East”, Udaipur is one of the most sought-after locations for couples wanting a royal destination wedding in India. Remember the beautiful wedding of Kalki Kochelin’s from Yeh Jawaani Hai Diwani?

Go a little offbeat:

For those who desire a quiet and picturesque ceremony, Kerala is the perfect wedding destination for you. Just imagine your wedding venue surrounded with coconut palm trees, the backwaters and the lovely houseboats. Simply beautiful!

Saath Pheras In The Mountains:

Mussoorie is a fabulous place for an out-of-the-box destination wedding. The hill station is full of gorgeous Havelis with vintage architecture that is perfect for a pre-wedding photo-shoot. After all, what could be dreamier than tying the knot surrounded by all of nature’s glory, right?

Tying The Knot In Paradise:

Agra is a very beautiful place that needs no introduction at all. For a royal wedding ceremony, this city of love is perfect for you. Nothing can beat the celebration of one’s marital bliss in the settings of the epitome of love: The Taj Mahal.

So why wait? Choose your desired wedding destination and start off with the wedding preparations.

Bored of the same old jasmine and rose garlands? Looking for ways to add that personal touch to your wedding decoration? If yes, then let DreamzKrraft – the best event planners help you!

Picture This – While the panditji is busy doing his job, your guests are admiring the beautiful colour scheme, drapes and center-pieces around. And when the Bidaiis over, your guests walk away from the ceremony saying, “OMG, that was incredible!” How did they do that?

Likewise, if you too wish to have a wedding that is unique and speaks ounces of your love story, then take a look at these awww-some personalized wedding décor ideas listed below.

Personalized Name Brooches

Give your guests brooches with quirky personalized text written in Hindi, like LadkeWale or LadkiWale. These eye-catching accessories will definitely give your guests something to retain as a memory from your wedding!

Customize Your Dance Floor

Incorporate your wedding theme into the design of your dance floor. After all, your dance floor is where the real fun and magic begins. You can go all out with customized flooring, or keep it simple with hanging décor.

Print Napkins With Your Initials!

It’s no hidden fact that Indian weddings are all about food! People forget everything but the great food at the wedding! So the best way to personalize your wedding is to print napkins with initials of you two.

Create A Magnificient Mandap

The Mandap is undoubtedly the most important feature in any Indian wedding. A simple way to add a unique touch without having to spend a lot of money is to add a crystal chandelier in the center. The crystals and light will be a stunning detail to any Mandap.

Bangle It Up

You will be anyways wearing your choora on your wedding day. So why not set up a bangle bar for all of your female guests? Instead of handing out gifts at the end of the function, have a bangle booth and let your girls pick out their own.

Photobooth

Photo booths are the easiest way to make your wedding memorable.And since it is an Indian wedding, you can definitely expect a lot of colour, flowers and extravaganza. Just decorate a cycle, put on a pagdi and click pictures that you can cherish for a lifetime to come.

A Treat For The Kids

Don’t let cranky kids ruin your special day. Keep them entertained. Include fun size packets of Haribo healthy treats such as packets of grapes, carrots or apple slices. Or Bubbles – a little pot of bubbles is always a winner!

Your invitation card should reflect the style of your wedding – after all it is the first impression your guests will have of your Wedding Day! And whether you choose to print the wedding invitations in your mother-tongue or English, there are a few important things that you definitely need to keep in mind before you put that pen to paper.

To make it easier for you, Dreamzkraft has put together some of the important guidelines for writing a perfect wedding invitation.

CHOOSE A STYLE

If you are having a themed wedding, choosing a traditional or elegant style is suitable for both formal and informal wedding invitations. You won’t risk offending your “Bade Chacha or Bua” with this beautiful, tasteful style choice.

WEDDING INVITATION WORDING

Some of the components like the name of the hosts’, couple’s first and last name, date and time of the wedding and the address are mandatory. There is no official order for listing the names. It’s all up to personal preference.

START EARLY

Just like your wedding, the invitation card is also a one-time deal. You need to remember that after writing the invitations they’ll be shipped to your guests abroad. Keeping this in mind, it is always advisable to write your invitation card for your wedding as early as possible.

WITH BEST COMPLIMENTS

Once you’ve figured out the nitty-gritties (the host line, request line, information line!) you need to figure out which family members should be mentioned under the “with best compliments” part. If you have a really long list of relatives, mention a few and then add “friends & family” or the family name at the end.

THE LINE ABOUT GIFTS

Mentioning gifts on wedding invites, is an Indian thing. The guests will most definitely be getting the couple something! Etiquette gurus will tell you that you will least receive a shagun envelope, a bouquet of flowers or even a re-gift! But if you’re sure you don’t want any (or at least no boxed gifts), it’s best to mention it on the card itself.

RSVP

Most couples ignore this part. But by sending the RSVP, it can help make proper arrangements for the expected number of guests attending the wedding function.

THE PARTY

If there is a cocktail party after/before the ceremony, you can mention it in the last. You can also choose to add your wedding hashtag in this section or at the end of your wedding invitation.

You may also like to include the following on the back of your invitation card

• Directions to the ceremony
• Personal contact details
• Dress code (if any)

Take this as a little early wedding gift from us to you

Unlike the West, Indian weddings are often larger-than-life. With so much glamour and glitter around, you must be perfectly aware about the cost it requires to set up such an event. From wedding decoration and gorgeous wedding attires, to gifts and extravagances, Indian weddings certainly come with a hefty price tag.

So to all the brides and grooms who are looking out to cut costs and save money on their BIG DAY, here are 10 tipson how you can get hitched without breaking your bank account.

LIMIT YOUR GUEST LIST

This isn’t easy, especially if you have a big family. But the bigger the guest list, the higher the price tag. Think if you really need to invite 500 guests or a 100 guests who are at your foremost priority? if not, cross that name off and you’ll save big on your catering costs.

DITCH THE WEDDING SEASON

But these Pandits and Grandfathers will not let you marry in the off-season. This tip will work best for those who do not believe in pandit-ji-wala-date. If you do this, you will save thousands and get everything cheap from marriage venue to catering options.

GO WITH THE SEASON

Buying off-season flowers for your wedding decorations could be a costly affair. The same goes for your food. Consider buying what’s in season for cheaper prices. Go with the season, as you’ll get more attention from shopkeepers and save BIG BUCKS too!

USE FAMILY MEMBERSHIPS

Holda wedding at your popular sports club or a nearby hotel. Because members get both – special rates and significant discounts. Plus, both locations will be located nearby.

HIRE A WEDDING PLANNER

Yes, you read it right! Wedding planners have a better idea where to find cheap and quality stuff. You just need to inform them about your requirements and they will arrange things for you.

TRY TO CUT BACK ON YOUR WEDDING DRESS

It might sound a little bizarre, but if you think with a clear mind (keeping your BUA and CHACHI’s view out of the equation), you will realize that your clothes are not going to be used even once after the wedding (If you are not planning to remarry any time soon): p

DIY WHEREEVER POSSIBLE

If you have creative friends, put them to work. Do you plan to host a Sangeet? If yes, instead of hiring expensive choreographers, you can use YouTube videos to help choreograph the dances. Or If you have a friend who’sa makeup artist, ask him or her to help with your makeup.

CHOOSE YOUR VENUE WISELY

Instead of choosing different venues for different events, you can host all your functions at the same venue. You can choose a holiday house or a beachside open-air venue. Or maybe a relative or friend of yours owns a farmhouse which you could rent for the wedding.

GO DIGITAL

Why send printed invites? We get it that your DADI or one of your older relatives do not regularly access their email and may miss your invite. But what about the rest? We bet your uncles and aunts have access to social media. You can create an affair on a social networking site and invite all of your near and dear ones.

SERVE SIGNATURE COCKTAILS

Alcohol is one of the biggest expenses of a wedding. Consider choosing a signature drink (or a series of signature cocktails) that use one type of liquor. Or just stick to serving wine, beer and enough champagne for toasts.

No reception is truly complete without wedding decorations. However simple it may be, your wedding decoration can turn a boring event into a magical, once-in-a-lifetime celebration that you’ve always dreamed of. You don’t really have to decorate every single nook and crack of your reception stage to make a huge impact, as long as you focus on a few of the basic elements you’re pretty much sorted. So before you go out there and scout for decoration ideas, equip yourself with some basic décor knowledge, especially if you’re trying to stick to a strict budget.

From flowers to lights and to all kinds of new additions, we have 6 wonderful suggestions and wedding ideas of how you can decorate your reception stage in the easiest way.

LIGHT IT UP

Lighting enhances the atmosphere and makes the decorations look alive. Have your lighting designer and wedding decorator work together to add little touches of light here and there to make your wedding stage look amazing.

HANG THE FLOWERS

Think flowers are just for decorating your tables? Then think again! Hanging lush arrangements a few feet above your reception stage is a fun way to create a more intimate space.

FABRIC CEILING DRAPING

You’ll be amazed to see what a little fabric can do. Keep it elegant with white fabric, or if you’re looking for a fun vibe, opt for a bright color like yellow or pink.

MANDAP STYLE SETTING

Use Persian styled carpets, antique chairs, brocade cushions, satin drapes and flowers with a covered canopy. You can also opt for a rose-colored or gold-colored theme to accentuate the theme of your wedding accurately.

LOTS OF LANTERNS

Like suspended balloons, hang a ton of paper lanterns. Whether you illuminate the sky with them or hang from your wedding stage, these romantic globes look super pretty and will improve the illusion of a higher ceiling and greater space.

USE YOUR VENUE’S DECORATION

If you’re getting married in your community hall, see what decorations they have for you to use. Many have candelabras which can add sophistication to your occasion. You may not have to decorate at all if the reception stage is already adorned with flowers and greenery after a recent wedding.

Looking for fresh wedding centerpiece ideas that will steal the show? Do floral arrangements feel a little too “done that, been there” for your taste? Do you wish to make a lasting impression on your guests? If your answer is “YES”, then look no further!

To help you with the perfect wedding decoration ideas, DreamzKraft has rounded up a list of 12 different centerpiece designs that include candles, crystals, antiques and more. So go ahead and discover what your options are and get inspired for your own wedding décor.

MIX AND MATCH

Indians are known for their mixing and matching skills. So don’t shy away! Try illuminating your table with floating candles in glass bowls. This will not only look traditional but also provide a cordial feel to the whole atmosphere.

BE A LITTLE MORE DARING

Set the scene! Bring in a wonderful scent of lavender in a jar to your big celebration. And if you want, guests can take these jars home as theirwedding return gifts. That’s what we call … a win-win situation after all 😉

RING FOR A SHOT

Add a playful touch to your reception with something unusual as a centerpiece option. With a fun touch like a bell, your guests will be joining in for some fun in no time.

CRAFTY CANDLES

Candles are an ideal choice for wedding decorations. They provide romantic lighting for your space at a reasonable price and give your tables an ultra-modern romantic feel.

LIGHT IT UP

Think outside the box! Decorate your table and add branches to a sleek vase with small white lights. There’s no doubt your guests will feel the winter charm.

UNDER THE SEA

Obtaining your décor from the sea like using different types of colored corals with alternate shells will make your guests feel like they’re right on the coast.

CRYSTAL CLEAR

If the glitz of the art decor is your thing, then you definitely need gilded candelabras draped with crystals on your tabletops. This will add elegance and looks very plush as wedding centerpieces.

ANTIQUES

Visit your local garage sales and secondhand shops for unique vintage pieces to place on your tables. From lamps, lanterns and birdcages to pretty antique looking vases. You can rent anything you want for that perfect classic look.

FEATHER CENTERPIECE

Add drama to your reception. Give your table a touch of Gats by glamour with feathered centerpieces. They’re less expensive and they’re less likely to make your guests sneeze. So if you’re looking for a wow factor, feathers are your answer.

INDIANS AND CHAI – GO HAND IN HAND

Paint a small chai kettle and fill it with exotic looking multi-colored flowers! A vintage tea set makes a charming centerpiece.

BOOKS

For creating that perfect romantic look, place your favorite love story book (or a fake one) on each of the table and combine it with whatever decorations you like.

AIR BALLOONS

Delight your guests by hanging miniature air balloons at your wedding. You can also tie them to your table for a floating effect. So, try these simple yet stylish wedding decoration ideas to add a personal touch to your entire wedding decor.

Proposing to your girlfriend is a life-changing moment that you both will cherish and share for forever. And the story of how you proposed will be retold numerous times. First to her parents, followed by her friends, and then to everyone who spots the new ring you got her. If you’re going to have a story, you better make sure it’s a good one.While the standard picks of placing the ring in a champagne flute, proposing on a holiday, or getting down on one knee in a beautiful park are definitely classics, you can always try something out-of-the-box to wow her.To help you, DreamzKraft has compiled the best proposal ideas she just won’t know how to say no to.

Plan an Unforgettable Vacation Proposal:

Go somewhere with her for a holiday. It could be just going trekking or exploring a city nearby. Plan and find places with a breathtaking view in advance. There is nothing more romantic than a glass of wine atop a mountain. Your proposal would make this moment extra special.

Hire a Skywriter to Spell Out Your Proposal for You:

Can be a little dramatic, but skywriting is one of the most romantic proposal types ever! You can stay close and at the same time announce your love to the world. And it’s definitely something extraordinary and not something she’d expect!

Recreate her favorite love story:

Maybe she is a big fan of “The Notebook”, or maybe she just can’t stop re-watching “Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jaayenge” Recreate her favorite love scene and she won’t say NO!

Take a Trip Down Memory Lane:

Take her to the place where you both first met, had a date or shared some good memories together. Arrange a beautiful dinner or just make a note. She will be impressed and remember this proposal for her whole life.

Make it Big News:

Take out a full-page ad in a newspaper, or call a radio station and make sure your girlfriend is listening when your proposal is on air.

Surprise Her at Work:

Being proposed to at work is a dream come true for some women. Let her friends and co-workers see this monumental moment in her life.

Surprise Her During the Movie Interval:

If your partner is a movie buff, then this may be the perfect proposal for you. Create a movie trailer and then screen it at the movie theater during the interval of the film. She will be smitten by this move.

Put On Your Chef’s Hat:

This works best for men who never cook. Seriously! Plan the dinner menu around her favorite cuisine. Place the ring on the table in a centerpiece. Try to avoid placing the ring in the food as this may be seen as being ‘too cliché’. Which one among these options has your heart skipping a beat?

Planning a beach wedding is a lot of fun. After all, it’s like a mini-vacay for everyone involved. However, pulling off a flawless event at the shore has its own unique challenges. Don’t sweat! DreamzKraft is an expert in planning beach weddings. And, if a beach wedding seems to be on your cards, then here’s a list of things you need to consider before you place down your chuppah on the public sand!

Check For the Permit:

A permit isn’t always required. But, if you have a large guest count or want to reserve a section of the sand for a certain amount of time, you may need to obtain one.

The Location and the Wedding Attire:

High heels and sand don’t mix! Make sure your guests know that the wedding is on the beach, so that they can dress accordingly. Also, check the weather forecast to avoid a windy day.

Beach Wedding Constraints:

Note that most public beaches have many strict rules when it comes to protecting the environment. Things like helium balloons, confetti, glass and Styrofoam are usually prohibited. Make sure you find out the rules and regulations beforehand!

Mother Nature Can Be a Beach, Too:

You wouldn’t want your wedding to be damped by waves, do you? Consider weighing down some of your décor and always have a back-up plan.

Skilled Photographers and Videographers:

The climate and lighting on the beach is always unpredictable, so it is extremely important to choose a photographer and videographer who has experience in documenting beach weddings.

Have a Proper Sound System:

Apart from the waves and the wind, there’s a lot of background noise at a beach wedding. We suggest you use a proper sound system, so that your guests don’t miss out on any of the wedding vows!

So what are you waiting for? Go ahead and plan a perfect beach wedding with us and make your dream come true!

Dream weddings don’t just happen in anyone’s backyard, they are cleverly thought of and planned and paid for! And if you and your sweetheart are planning to have a destination wedding instead of throwing big parties with lengthy guest lists but don’t know when to start; then look no further!

Whether you wish to have a relaxed beach destination wedding in Goa, a royal wedding in Rajasthan or a romantic wedding against the backdrop of the Taj Mahal in Agra, the options are plenty. We have listed the most awe-inspiring Wedding destinations that will leave you love-struck.

WEDDING AND PARTY THAT GO HAND IN HAND!

Goa tops the list when anyone thinks of destination weddings in India. Nothing can beat the experience of crystal clear waters, blue skies and fairy tale marriages executed against the backdrop of beautiful beaches.

When: A lot of commercial gigs like Sunburn and New Year’s theme parties take place from November to February in Goa. June to September is the monsoon season, where Goa is at its ‘Green’ best. That only leaves the time from September end to late October, for a perfect destination wedding celebration.

DO IT THE “YEH JAWAANI HAI DEEWANI” WAY

Fairy-tale palaces, stunning lakes and sheer luxury, that is what Udaipur is all about. And If you’re thinking of a royal wedding, then the “City of Lakes” is the best place for you. Remember Kalki’s colorful Mehendi and her ecstatic Sangeet party! Likewise, you too can make your wedding a memorable affair.

When: You can choose to have a quaint wedding from September to March, where you can relax by the lake or on top of a hill.The summer here is unbearable and best avoided.

TIE THE KNOT AMIDST SERENITY

Many couples have walked that extra mile to get hitched in the most romantic way possible. And with River Ganges being in the backdrop, Rishikesh is the perfect wedding destination in India that offers a pleasant setting to create new beginnings.

When: Rishikesh is filled with tourists all around the year. But for weddings, October to March would serve as the best time.

THE PARADISE OF LOVERS

Nothing could be more exciting and romantic than tying the knot with the symbol of love— the Taj Mahal, being in the backdrop. If you want a lavish and a royal wedding, then this is definitely the perfect wedding destination for you.

When: October-March is a great idea to celebrate one’s conjugal bliss in the environs of the epitome of love.

GO SAATH SAMUNDAR P(Y)AAR!

If you and your partner love to travel, then why not make the beginning of your new life truly special? Head to a private island somewhere in Maldives or in a jungle resort in Thailand or in one of the pristine beaches in Mauritius.

When: These places are strikingly beautiful even in summer and will give you the perfect break from the heat, rain and pollution of your city.

So you have decided to have a destination wedding? Well, we don’t blame you. Nothing can compare to the excitement and romance of jet-setting to say “I do”. While the planning process for a destination wedding is some what the same when compared to a traditional Indian wedding, there are a few important things you need to consider before getting started.

Luckily, DreamzKraft – the best destination wedding planners have put together a comprehensive wedding checklist that will to help you navigate through the logistics and smoothly sail to your happily ever after. Take note, Ladies!

SET A BUDGET

Set a budget so you’ll know how much you can spend to make your dream wedding come to life. In doing so, you’ll also be able to figure out what destinations you can afford. After all, some destinations are costlier than others. Also don’t forget to include travel expenses like airfare and accommodations.

RESEARCH, RESEARCH AND RESEARCH

If you’re planning a destination wedding, you may already have a destination in mind. For example, if you both met in New York, you might be ready to tie the knot there. Or if you love vacationing together in Thailand, that might be on your radar too. Just be sure to consider the factors like the weather of the destination you’ve chosen.

PREPARE A GUEST LIST

Prepare your dream list but then be realistic. Will your “Bade Dadu” or “Gaon wali Mausi” be willing and able to fly to New York or Thailand? No Right! Keep the list small from the start if you have a modest budget.

PLAN A SCOUTING TRIP

Scout venues/hotels in person before making a decision. Meet vendors, do food tastings, hair, makeup trials, cake, flowers, music and catering, as you may want to incorporate some traditions native to the locale where you’re tying the knot.

ALERT GUESTS

Give your closest friends and family an early heads up about your destination wedding plans so that those closest to you can be sure to be part of your big day.

HIRE A WEDDING PLANNER

It’s important to hire a wedding planner—someone who comprehends your vision and who can be your eyes and ears at your destination. When it comes to international matters and planning from afar, a seasoned professional is essential in helping you manage the process.

GET THOSE EARLY BIRD DEALS

The earlier you book, the cheaper it is! Don’t forget to purchase your airline tickets and book a block of hotel rooms beforehand.

So dear brides, tick off these things before you start planning for your Indian destination wedding.