Bhawna Dua, Manager, IBM, DelhiEvery girl envisions a fairy tale wedding starring the quintessential tall, dark and handsome prince who will whisk her off to her happily ever after. But reality bites and in case of weddings, traumatises. From a close knit traditional ceremony to a flamboyant carnival at enticing destinations abroad, weddings these days are expensive affairs that threaten to overthrow your budget and peace of mind.While all of us would like the ostentatious pandal, orchids in attractive colours adorning the gates, roses and lilies transported from France and a designer trousseau, we have to make do with what our savings allow.Newly-weds Mahima Ahluwalia, Lawyer, Trilegal, and Bhawna Munjal Dua, Manager, IBM, with a fresh blush in their cheeks, talk about their eventful journey to D-day while Vandana Mohan, the brain behind many blissful betrothals, gives expert tips on how to plan a perfect wedding.The tyranny of excessIndian wedding ceremonies are an elaborate and expensive affair. If you want a dream wedding, you have to plan it right by getting organised. The Big Fat Indian Wedding has a flip side to it. As Mohan puts it, "Indian weddings are visual extravaganzas." You require a tremendous reserve of patience and skilled accountancy to be able to run the show solely and economically. Losing sleep over it is not the solution.A budget plan is an important requirement for any wedding so that there isn't a sharp dent in your pocket. Before creating the wedding budget, it's good to know the funds you have at your disposal, both your existing savings and how much you can save on a monthly basis before the big day. Spending wisely on jewellery is an important part of smart budgeting.Monitor your infatuation with those stupefying ornaments and the same applies to the countless bags, shirts and dresses that you desperately want but never use. No matter how skilled those displayed disciples of Pied Piper are, take control of things and shop wise.Mahima Ahluwalia, Lawyer, Trilegal, DelhiPrice of the packageIndian weddings come in all sorts of packages, from the grandiose to small, intimate gatherings; from one day festivities to week-long blow-outs. Whatever the scale of the wedding, the venue in India plays a huge role in making it picture perfect.First, it's vital that you fix your budget before you go hunting, as it can be heartbreaking to fall in love with a venue, only to find that it's way out of your reach. Try and think outside the box. Lesser-used venues like parks can be a beautiful setting for your perfect event."The real talent of any event, as most would agree, is adapting a space to fit both a vision and the budget. Our aim is to transform ordinary places into extraordinary spaces," says Mohan. It is important to keep in mind the expected size of the invited gathering and the feasibility of the potential venue while deciding the location of your wedding.Nobody likes a crowded wedding and you are surely too smart to waste money on a space bigger than what is required. Keep a list of the expected invitees handy and think in advance about what you want, to keep disappointment and error of judgement at bay.Cater to your audienceThe book of unsaid rules has it: the success of your wedding party is directly proportional to the variety and quality of food and drinks served at the occasion. You might want to hire a professional caterer to take this burden off your shoulders and ensure a successful party. The caterer and the menu should be planned in accordance with your budget.Vandana Mohan, Wedding Planner, DelhiVows with a viewWhile expecting your guests to travel to a far-away destination for your wedding doesn't seem like a practical idea, compromising on the people you want to share your joy with doesn't sound very exciting either. How about selecting a nearby destination without sacrificing the aesthetic brilliance you had imagined for your nuptials?The latest on the marriage block is destination weddings. It is often considered fashionable to host guests at exotic locations in India or abroad. Consider your options with a relaxed mind and then decide. The options can vary from a beach to a desert location or an exotic island."In some cases the locales can be an added bonus. Rajasthan, with it's repertoire of natural heritage, opulent palaces and majestic forts is a venue that no amount of money could ever hope to replicate," says Mohan, reminiscing about the Chatwal wedding.Once upon a honeymoonThe elaborate and exhausting wedding ceremony is only a precursor to a long-awaited honeymoon, where you can spend some quality time together. Sit down with your partner to decide on a destination that appeals to you both. You finally have the opportunity to put the fundamental principles of economics taught at school to better use than just clearing an exam.While making an itinerary for your honeymoon, remember to keep half a day for shopping. Unearthing an unexplored location with your life partner can be fun. Start planning early and give it a lot of thought and you can have a memorable vacation. Give the travel agents a miss because they might be convenient, but dig a deep hole in your pocket.Instead, bond with your better half as you research and work together towards planning your holiday. Ensure that you sort out all the petty details beforehand and get ready to enjoy the most memorable period of your life. Ways to reduce the budget Choose an economical wedding venue, instead of plush farm houses and hotels. Combine different wedding ceremonies with each other to reduce on cost. Avoid designer clothes. Instead, opt for local tailors and your own designs. Instead of fresh flower decorations, go in for artificial flower decorations. Avoid non-seasonal dishes. Going traditional is usually the best option.Published By: AtMigration Published On: Sep 8, 2011 00:00 IST--- ENDS ---
