Often, an Indian wedding ceremony is thought of as a colorful, elaborate and inclusive family affair. However, few realize the extent to which these joyous traditions also allow room for a depiction of romance and love celebrations in the world. For the many couples-to-be, we count down four such traditional Indian ceremonies that help couples celebrate their love.

Remember, traditions vary across the length of these immense country and no two celebrations can be just the same. Still these four are common across both North Indian and South Indian sub-cultures.

The Sangeet Ceremony

The Sangeet in an Indian wedding ceremony can be in parts a rehearsal dinner, a wedding reception and an after party to a Western wedding ceremony. Hosted by the bride’s family, the ceremony typically happens the night before the wedding ceremony and gives both families the chance to get to know each other. How? Through the language of song and dance.

Sangeet, which means ‘sung together’, is essentially a large pre-party. This ceremony is full of joy, colorful costumes, and music. From family members simply choosing to belt songs, hymns and sonnets (both traditional and film-based) to elaborate, choreographed numbers, it works splendidly as an ice-breaker.

What’s more, it is an opportunity nowadays for couple dance moments. There are also dance-offs between the bride and groom’s sides to keep everyone glued.

The Mehndi Ceremony

Mehndi often takes place a day before the wedding since it’s such a long, intensive process. During the Mehndi ceremony, a henna artist paints beautiful designs on the bride’s hands and feet. The color of the henna signifies the intensity of love that the bride and her husband would share, so many leave it on to dry for as long as 8 hours and more.

Another tidbit? The Mehndi artist generally include the name of the groom in the design, which he is supposed to look for. This is meant to be an ice-breaker during their first night together.

The Varmala Ceremony

The Varmala is not just a traditional exchange of garlands – it is meant to physically represent that the bride and groom are each other’s chosen ones, at least for the next seven lives. The exchange finds a mention in the tales of the Gods too, where the bride declared her chosen one (or ‘Var’) with a garland.

The flowers of the Varmala or Jaimala are supposed to add their sweet aroma to the union, as each take turns to bow their heads to the other and accept this declaration of love.

The Pheras or Saptapadi Ceremony

This is the true heart of an Indian wedding ceremony, across all cultures. The couple solemnize their vows to each other, in the presence of their families, God and all loved ones, by taking either seven rounds or Pheras together or seven steps together.

The North Indian traditions normally feature Pheras (either around the Holy fire or the Religious Book (Sikh Weddings)), while Southern customs have variations of the Saptapadi. And as seen with the Western vows, these lay the foundation of the marriage for both the bride and the groom – choosing to forsake all others and standing with each other through all their highs and lows.

It is as much of an emotional and romantic moment, as it is traditional.

Traditional Wedding Games

Think an Indian wedding ceremony is over the moment the bride leaves after her Vidai? Think again. The ceremonies continue, this time at the groom’s home.

As a form of a traditional welcome to the couple, the family engages in a series of wedding games, pitting the groom against the bride. They could be in a race to find their wedding rings (or coins) in a bowl of milk or in untying traditional threads on each other’s wrists (called ‘Gaana’).

These fun elements are meant to be an ice-breaker for the bride and an introduction to her new family. Held on the morning after the wedding ceremony, they lead to playful interactions that both can smile about for years and years.

Incorporating Indian Wedding Ceremony Traditions in Your Celebration

These days, many couples are incorporating these same traditions into their own weddings, even if the bride and groom aren’t Indian. With so much light-hearted, colorful symbolism, it’s not hard to imagine why. If you’d like to include one of these beautiful ceremonies to celebrate your own love, learn more about wedding planning in India to discover them for yourself.

A wedding is a life-changing event in anyone’s life and people want to make it extremely memorable. But planning a perfect wedding can be quite challenging and, not to mention, expensive too. Taking a personal loan for wedding can help you host a perfect wedding if your expenses are going north of what you actually planned for. Here are a few tips that will help you plan a magical wedding in your dream location.

6 Tips to Make Your Wedding Magical

1. Know the Guest Count

A major portion of your expenses depends on how many people you invite. To begin with, ensure that the venue can accommodate all the guests comfortably. If you don’t have a clear number, it will become expensive down the line to shrink an area or to fill up a large place. Opt for a venue that can be tailored to a small wedding as well as a big one, which allows you to cut down or add to your guest list. Send in RSVPs in advance so that people have time to confirm their presence. If you research well, you will find a stunning wedding venue on a budget.

2. Determine Budget and Logistics

Marriage expenses don’t just include renting out the venue. You need to factor in the costs of decor, floral arrangements, catering, guest rooms, etc. Prepare a budget based on everything you need on the D-day and scale back the design or choices based on it. Always remember to keep a buffer budget to accommodate unforeseen costs such as last-minute guests or unexpected additions in the menu or decor.

3. Consider Transport Facilities and Services

Consider what all miscellaneous services the venue offers. It is critical to check if emergency and medical equipment are in place, in case of an accident. Apart from that, ensure that is adequate and comfortable transport facilities to pick and drop you and your guests from the accommodation to the venue. Services like salon and seamstresses should also be considered in case your guests may require them at the last minute. It is possible to have a low budget wedding despite considering all these factors. If you are slightly falling short on cash, apply for a marriage loan to make your dream wedding a reality.

4. Finalize a Wedding Style

What kind of wedding do you envision to have? Some popular styles include traditional or non-traditional, formal or informal, indoors or outdoors, night wedding or day wedding, rustic or modern, low-key or extravagant, boho or luxurious, themed or non-themed, etc. Narrow down your location search based on the style you want.

5. Catering

Check if the venue has an in-house catering menu or if you have to bring your own caterer. Go over the food menu with the food manager to ensure everything you wish for is available and there are no surprises on the day of the wedding. Apart from food, have a clear liquor menu as well, if you intend to serve liquor.

6.  Consider Geographical Location

Make sure you choose a venue that is easy to locate and reach, especially if you plan a destination wedding. You don’t want your guests getting lost or reaching late because they had trouble finding the venue. Print out the directions on the invite if necessary. Lastly, make sure there is ample parking space for everyone to park easily.  There is no need to cut a few corners that may take your wedding from being memorable to mediocre. You can now afford your dream wedding on a budget, thanks to the different marriage loans that are available.

Author bio:

Shiv Nanda is a financial analyst who currently lives in Bangalore (refusing to acknowledge the name change) and works with MoneyTap, India’s first app-based credit-line. Shiv is a true finance geek, and his friends love that. They always rely on him for advice on their investment choices, budgeting skills, personal financial matters and when they want to get a loan. He has made it his life’s mission to help and educate people on various financial topics. Click here to know more about MoneyTap’s marriage loan.

Marriage is an event that requires special expertise in photography. Indeed, a “simple” mastery
of the image will not suffice since the alliance of relational, patience and precision will augur.

With the assistance of camera of your need, it is necessary to trace and immortalize this sweet
day which symbolizes the union of two beings…

The bride and groom are waiting not only for you to know how to expose and work on your
photos with retouching software, but also and above all that you make their personality shine
through photography.

All is therefore to take original photos, breaking with the appearance of the classic wedding: the
newlyweds can then find the friendly atmosphere of the most beautiful day of their lives!

 

What Style of photographer to choose for your marriage?

If you are looking for a photographer for your wedding, you may have noticed that we often talk
about “style.”

But what does that mean exactly? Should we choose a photographer for his style, and what
should we look for exactly not to be wrong?

 

What style fits you? Who are you?

The first question to ask yourself before looking for a wedding photographer is: Who am I?

To get to know what you really want, you have to ask the right questions. The way you dress, the
brands you like, the music you listen to, the movies you watch:

Here are so many clues that will help you understand who you are to know who to look for?

 

Are you more “direct” or “suggested” style?

You have of course the right to have your own style. For example, you might prefer to take
photos in reportage mode: to be there, to observe and to discuss.

That said, the bride and groom may have special expectations and it is better to talk to them to
make everyone happy.

Maybe the images you like are the ones where the subjects are watching the camera. Maybe you
prefer the “suggested” style, where the subjects do not look at the camera, where you see a bit of
a look, a part of a face, or a small detail that attracts attention.

Be attentive, it will help you to understand the style of a photographer: the images are rarely the
result of chance, and the photographer’s personality is expressed through the bride and groom.

 

Pictures memories or dream?

Which images are most important to you? Are pictures in memory enough, or are you looking
for something more creative for your wedding?

Do you want to create images with a dreamlike spirit, taking advantage of these moments of joy
and happiness, where is a pure photojournalism report enough for you?

If you want to know more about the Fine Art spirit, this article explains his philosophy.

 

Colors and light or dark atmosphere?

Some photographers like to work by underexposing the scenes, that is to say that the atmosphere
that emerges is quite “dark” and others like light and colors.

It is important to understand that this is often a photographer’s choice, and that it has nothing to
do with the place. One can make a very bright place “dark” in the processing of images and
shooting, and the opposite is true too.

Discuss this type of topic with your wedding photographer, so you do not have any nasty
surprises. His style must match your expectations.

There are no more beautiful reports than those where the photographer invests deep inside
himself for the bride and groom, and when he likes what he does: It’s the key to having a
wonderful report!

 

Quality or quantity?

Quality and quantity are rarely compatible. If a photographer promises you 1,500 images for
your wedding, do not expect a work of art. It’s up to you to choose between a lot of medium
images, or fewer images with a real artistic work.

To tell your story, it’s not enough to trigger on “everything that moves”. We must see the project
as a whole. What will be the support and the products? If you want pictures, the photographer
should know in advance, to project images compatible with this style of image.

If you want a beautiful book in portrait format, the shooting is not the same as a landscape
format. It is therefore useful to learn about the quality of prints (type of papers, boxes, ink used
…) before choosing his wedding photographer

 

QUANTITY IS THE ENEMY OF EMOTION

 

Analogue or digital?

The choice of film or digital is a technical choice for the photographer, but it concerns you
directly!

The silver photographer often favors quality and costs more than digital, so you need to plan a
higher budget. More on the subject: why a film wedding photographer?

 

Some tips to identify the style of the photographer

The first thing to do is to watch several different reports from the same photographer, and see if
the images are homogeneous. Are transitions between images fluid? Do we go from color to
black & white for no reason?

Are the newlyweds always comfortable, bright and smiling or rather serious in a rather dark
atmosphere? Why is it so important? In reality, every photographer has his vision of things.

If you ask 2 photographers to take an image of the same person, in the same place, you should
have two totally different images. If this is not the case, it is because the photographer does not
have a well-defined “style”, and it is often indicative of a lack of experience.

Navigate between the different wedding reports of a photographer: Even changing mood,
location, weather or people, there must be very strong common points in the images. A sense of
stability and coherence must emerge. Choosing a photographer for his style is the most important
thing to do so you will not go wrong. What would happen if your photographer told you
something different than what you saw when he “seduced” you?

A homogeneous style and well marked year after year, marriage after marriage, is a guarantee of
quality: It is the ultimate advice to remain serene and have only good surprises!

 

Preparations

Several factors contribute to photos of successful preparations:

 A good photographer (that’s fine and that’s why you chose it carefully)

 The good mood…. well, of course! You will tell me; beware of stress that can ruin the
overall mood; an infallible cure for stress: the organization. Here. Easy to say, I know it.
In terms of photos, a general panic during which everyone runs in all directions can be
worth its weight in gold but, very honestly, I do not wish you; On the contrary, Relax!
Smile! it’s your day, finally, it’s there. Enjoy. Worries? We are here! We have seen
others, and perhaps we have some advice or a solution; you are not alone, we are here!

 The environment. I mean, the place. I mean, a room (usually it’s in a room that happens),
tidy, tidy, without plastic bags with the dirty laundry of the day before, coats doors in all
directions, plastic and more, (wink friendly), the bed undone (if it’s in a room), etc. You
get the picture!

 Mirrors, big and small, which invite to very particular shots.

 An entourage: do not stay alone / alone; these moments are so beautiful to share.

 Go for a makeup artist and a hairdresser at home, this will prevent you from running
everywhere in the morning.

 

The Ceremonies

Enter the raised head: Whether at the town hall or in a place of worship, walk, head up, and
forget your pretty shoes, even if they are the person for which you flashed there has 6 months
now and bought on the spot as if your life depended on it! Enter these places with your head up!
Look ahead; look at friends, family and all who are here for you…

Get out of the same way: go for a throw of light things like flower petals, soap bubbles, confetti
liberty; leave aside the grains of rice or lavender seeds, because, believe me … it hurts … The rice
thrown by handles is not particularly pleasant to receive in the face!

 

The group photos

Group photos are now often replaced by a photobooth. If the option tempts you, it must be
included on your wedding invitation.

Your guests will know that a photo corner has been prepared in advance and that they are invited
to go before leaving. If the photobooth option is not your thing, go to the more traditional one.

However, if it is more difficult to put in the situation the beautiful family and you think it is
better to make pictures say (oh horror) asked for these photos, either! Book a little time to take
photos in staggered with your bridesmaids and groomsmen.

 

The couple pictures

The couple photos of the “d” day will be either in the morning, or before or during the reception
and sometimes at these three times of the day. You will have pictures of couples in different
places, but especially with a different light.

You will have previously discussed your wishes with your photographer and shared a Pinterest
board.

You will have made with him or her a location of suitable places. Bring accessories (giant
balloons, colored sunglasses, rubber boots, off-the-wall shoes.

Long live Converses or tiags! … everything that can stand out and personalize your photos – this
is also valid for photos with the girls and boys honors, etc …),

Finally, let yourself be guided by your professional image. You have trusted him or her by
choosing them, so continue in this direction and to the end.

 

As a photographer, how to start wedding photography?

It goes without saying that a certain mastery of the image is necessary before embarking on such
an undertaking. Indeed, it is appropriate to know how to handle the atmosphere photos, the
portraits, but also the ceremonies.

First of all, try to contact a professional from the field in order to ask him to accompany him and
observe his actions to make your hand.

 

Love the bride and groom, love the world!..
… and avoid unflattering photos.

Avoid underwater shots that get bigger, find the right profile, look for the best light, and do not
shoot when your subject is eating.

In short be patient, because there are many ways to miss his portraits. Accompany with laughter,
get upset when the golden light comes (I advise you to read this statement of love of Chloé
Vollmer-Lo to his subjects, it is very fair).

 

Introduce yourself to the family (and other guests)

Although you know the bride and groom very well, you will probably not know their family, or
their friends. It is therefore very important that they present you (on the page thanking if there is
a book of mass, the welcome speech of the wines of honor …) for an important reason: you will
be hungry and thirsty.

And if the guests have a feeling of sympathy for you, they will smile at you, and that will make
more beautiful photos!

 

Smile!

Do you want people to smile at you? Smile too!
And yes, even when you hear the same joke a third time, and even if it’s not very funny.

 

Have a lot of room on your memory cards

Because a wedding is not the place to say “damn I have more than 300 photos to do, that one I
do not”, be very very wide on the free memory on your cards.

Since you shoot in RAW, count 16mo per photo, add to that the fact that you will sometimes be
tempted to make small video, mix with the fact that we can easily do between 1200 and 2500
photos during the weekend ( depending on the number of guests), and you need at least 32 GB of
space – but plan a little more in case.

 

Have the program on you (and ask the arrangements at the church)

The bride and groom have read in all the books on marriage: you have to make a schedule for D-
Day, and having it will help you know where and what time to find the bride and groom.

Here are the key points:

 Is there an engagement photo shoot or save the date? (several weeks / months before the
wedding)
 Hairdresser? Makeup?
 where are we eating at noon? (cf be introduced to the family)
 Dress
 Couple photos: before or after the ceremony? it depends on both the planning and the
desired light
 Town hall
 Place of worship?
 Group photos
 Wine reception
 Meals
 Evening party

Some will push the details of the schedule to the nearest second. In this case, locate the most
important elements: be keen enough to spot for yourself what time the bride and groom look at
each other with eyes in their eyes, but remember the time of the bouquet (even if you are a girl,
you may not hear the call).

If you know exactly the minute-by-minute process, you will also need to be aware of the
investments, especially if the wedding takes place in a place of worship.

 

Some tips for getting started on wedding photography:

• Use the black and white photo mode to bring out the bride and groom’s outfits,
• Equipped with a cobra flash with adjustable head,
• Tell a story with photos,
• Capture unusual and funny moments,
• Plan group photos in advance,
• Discuss goals with the bride and groom,
• Change often fixed focal length.

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