Diary Of A Bride To Be

Barely 10 days now... Still tying up loose ends. Finalising gifts, gift bags, what to print on them, organise the mehendi caremony. venue decoration material, shopping... the list seems endless! Where does one begin... Of course it all really began the day the wedding was fixed. And I not only found the right groom but the right family. A family that is appreciate of everything that I do-no matter how big or small. A family who supported and guided us through the needs and traditions of planning a wedding. Making a checklist is a great boon, if done in detail. Things happened so peacefully because everyone's role was clearly defined and everyone following the task assigned to them on the list. This is where our management skills came in handy!

We began with finalising the date and the venue as getting good avenues during the season is next to impossible unless booked far in advance. But we were fortunate to get the beach side venue we wanted for the reception. The wedding was not a problem as it is to be a simple family affair at the temple. Then we sat down together (my folks and my in-law-ti-be)to run through the list of rituals and all the necessary items required. This is very critical in the beginning for any wedding especially if the families belong to different regions-as in my case. Our next step was to start gathering information with regard to items to be purchased, based on a geographical spread of their availability. (A Friend of mine introduced me to the huge Parry's market at the heart of Chennai. Each street deals in a particular item. This market offers literally everything under the sun. Invitation cards to bridal clothes to jewellery... the list is endless. But it really requires a great amount of physical stamina as it's a huge place). Spent a few days window shopping; made a note of what is available where and then went back to pick up my selections. The time consumering items should be knocked off the list first-the saries and clothes required during the various conditions. The bride is going to be the centre of attention-how she presents and carries herself is important. Everything she does and wears gets talked about-whether you like it or not!(I have packed my clothes and accessories for each occassion and for the breaks in separate packages that are clearly marked-and packed everything in a suitcase) Tailoring takes a good amount of time. Especially if you are seeking professional help. I have taken the help of a trained dress designer. I had a couple of meetings with her to decide on what outfits/colours, etc to select. Jewellery and other accessories should be planned for only after all the clothes are finalised-so they can match the outfits. (including bangles, neck wear,earrings,rings...) Once I finished my shopping I went around choosing things for others. At least 10 days before, finalise the team for make-up, hairstyle and mehendi. Keep at least a week's time before the wedding as a buffer for last minute running around.

Thoughts leap into my mind in the midst of all the action. Visualising being showered with best wishers from all my dear ones on THE DAY. A feeling I'll cherish forever. Especially when I remind myself of those who rescheduled their travel plans to ensure their presence on the occassion. It is so touching. Believe me, no matter what, marriage is THE EVENT of one's life-that is so true for me. I am waiting to hear the special chating session organised by my brother and his friends(members of Bharat Sokagakki internation, a Buddistoriented group) for the day before the wedding to pray for the day before the wedding to pray for the success of the function, followed by the ceremonial chanting of 'mantras'.

The countdown begins:

10 days before:

Oh, lots of time. We can do things at leisure...do I really have so much time? Let's check that list once more... Panic, so much to do! called friends for suggessions on professional help for make-up and hairstyle. Got to finalise these in the next day or so. I run down the complete list of 'invitees' against the original list to ensure nobody is missed out.

9 days before:

Still at work. But also checking out on whatever I can over the phone in terms of return gifts, where to buy them? What budget... I also went to check on gift bags. We wanted gifts bags made of paper with an ethnic design. And in a size that can take the weight of the items meant to be put inside. I went to a whole sale shop and bought the entire lot in one shot. Of course, only after bargaining! And sent them for printing with the logo designed by my young colleagues at work (very sweet of them!) Then a discussion about the car decorations. How many cars? Who needs them? How many to be left with the groom's family for their use? I checked with them. They wanted two. And we need a bigger vehicle to transport the guests from the wedding venue to the temple. So we blocked them all right away.

8 days before:

Went to look for return gifts for the guests. My brother wanted something unique. Being a true Indian, he suggested something that will be treasured by all our guests-the Indian flag. The government has eased up on the restrictions and sanctioned permission to all Indians to fly the flag in their houses. Collected about 300 flags to give to my helpful volunteers to put in the gift bags.

7 days before:

I went to pick up the matching jewellery for all the dresses. It's an eye opening exercise for me. I discovered a whole range of items to suit any budget. Couldn't believe that you can pick up a Kundan choker set(including earnings) for as little as Rs.300?-. it looks pretty decent. Picked up a couple of bridal binds as well. 6 days before: Seems as if there is still a lot of time. A quick review with all concerned to take stock of things done and to be done. Especially with the priests to draw a complete checklist of items required for the poojas and various caremonies. Venue inspection along with decorates to plan on what type of decoration, material required, etc...

5 days before:

I made a trip to the designer to check on what's happening. I was delighted to see the dress shaping up well. I went with my mom to buy things for others. Some giveaways to close relatives as per the list drawn already. Chose everything myself. it was a nice feeling to choose things for others as well. Ever ready for any kind of shopping for anybody! That's the magic of shopping.

3-4days before:

I went to my dress designer for a trial. some minor alternations... thank goodness, there is still time! It's time to: Double check pick-up arrangements. We have drawn a chart of arrivals including names, train timings, placards...,Double check arrangements at the guest house. Extra mattresses, pillows, bed sheets..., Reconfirm the decorations for the venue., Reconfirm the mehendi should be arranged for one day before the wedding for the best effect. If done earlier, the colour may not be as rich on the day of the wedding. This is what I have been advised., Reconfirm the make-up artist and hair stylist for the wedding and reception. Morning requirements are not as elaborate as the evening. But it is always helpful to have a professional on hand. Everything goes smoother when you have everybody performing a clearly defined role...

2 days before:

It's just two days away. I feel like being all by myself on the beach watching sunrise. Peeping into the future that is going to be so different change my life forever. It's an amazing feeling. The whole world is going to change after 48 hours-new family members, new house, new environment, even new country. What's it going to be like? well, Guess that's the beauty of marriage. So much to look forward to and at the same time so much to leave behind(through not forever!)

1 days before:

Family get-together, the mehendi caremony, the final coundown begins.....