Travel Arrangements for the Destination Weddings & Honeymoon

A normal Indian wedding is always elaborate and continues for at least two days. Some of them even get extended to the third day. Current day weddings especially among the affluent class, while gives preference for the traditional rituals, also provides a sense of participation and relaxation to the participating guests, on all the days. During such weddings,  suitable standby travel arrangements are provided for the ready use of the guests, though, most of them may own a chauffeur driven car.

Destination Wedding
Another interesting aspect that is fast catching up is destination wedding. Such weddings have become more common among affluent business families and in cases where both the bride and groom are well employed. Exotic locations within the country or in an overseas destination have become a norm for such weddings. All the invited guests are extended with to-and- fro travel arrangement from their own places or from a common place.

For the chosen locations within India, inorder to offer travel comfort to the guests’, luxury busses or cars are arranged. Depending of the arranged destination air/train travel advance bookings are made. Some of the Indian locations that are well-known for destination wedding include Rajasthan, Goa and Kerala.
For the weddings that are planned in some of the most preferred overseas countries such as Thailand, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Indonesia, Caribbean, Maldives, Seychelles and Fiji, air travel and local transportation arrangements are made. Invited guests are informed in advance about such wedding to know their availability to arrange visas and complete other travel formalities.

Honeymoon
Honeymoon is the first real occasion for the couple to be all alone and on their own. A perfect honeymoon is possible only with a flawless planning. A clear understanding between the couple, about the choice of place, makes the honeymoon days happy and fruitful. Most of the time, it is the allocated budget that decides the national or international destination for a honeymoon. It is essential for the couples to refrain from allowing their individual tastes to dominate the honeymoon location choice. Intelligent couples try to have a few best locations as their choice to narrow down the choice and finally select a common place of interest.

Role of wedding planners
Making travel arrangements during the wedding, conducting destination weddings in India as well in a foreign country and providing tailor made honeymoon packages have become a part of the wedding planning services. In addition to making arrangements for wedding, most of the corporate wedding planning companies are equipped to make flawless travel arrangements. The adequate knowledge and experience in arranging such packages and the proximity to travel service providers allows the corporate wedding planning companies to make perfect arrangements.

The parents on their part find it convenient to deal with a single source ie. the wedding planner to make all the local and international travel, air/train ticket booking, completing visa formalities and boarding and lodging arrangements needed for all the occasions.

Photo and Video Arrangement for a Marriage

Marriage is one occasion that draws the largest participation of relatives and friends alike. Their participation makes a special marriage occasion into a memorable one. The services of a professional photographer and a videographer help you to capture the unforgettable marriage moments that can never be recreated. The captured moments serve you in treasuring such memories for a life time.

Unlike the earlier days, the video and photo arrangements for a marriage are not confined to just shooting of the marriage events. They go beyond that occasion, to capture the everyday life of the bride and groom, in their very own special surroundings with friends and relatives. The video shoot even goes to a step further and pictures the school, college and working place environs gracefully and include the comments of friends and relatives.

Current day wedding video and photo capturing are no more dull and do not follow the mundane old routine. They no more video or photo capture the marriage function like a documentary. The video and photo arrangements have undergone a total transformation and transition. Every frame of the photo or video passionately captures of the occasion and re-creates it with all liveliness.

The marriage related video and photo shoot starts right from betrothal, starting of the bride and groom for the marriage hall, their entry into the hall, various arrangements in the hall and every single event of the marriage. The occasions, such as bridal shower, mehendi ceremony and sangeet are also included the photo and video coverage. The coverage even describe the intimate moments such as emotion, humor and love displayed during the marriage proceedings without fail. The captured emotional and intimate moments are imaginatively edited and included in the wedding video and photo presentation.

At present the movie style video presentation is in vogue and it is catching every one’s attention. The entire wedding event is videographed in sequence using a number of cameras, edited for crisp presentation and included with apt sound track to add value. Candid photo and video shoots have become regular during the marriages to capture the unexpected and finer moments for inclusion in the album.

Pre-wedding photo and videography is no more a taboo. Photographers use the digital cameras to follow and capture every movement of the couples right from the day one and all the time during the marriage to seize the special unexpected moments in film as they unfold.

It is vital for one to exercise utmost care in selecting the photo and videographers for the marriage. It becomes essential to cross check their experience and earlier work execution with provided samples and by interacting with those who have hired them in the past. Always select someone who will listen to your requirements and exceed your expectations.

Finally before signing a contract discuss the terms of package to understand the type and the number of cameras used to cover the function, various lighting options, and the video and audio quality specifications.  Also, get to know the number of DVD and photo albums included in the package and the cost for extra orders.

Arranging a Theme-based Wedding

Indian marriages are no more confined to marriage halls or temples.  Current day brides and grooms consider their marriage as very special and look forward to celebrating it in a most fitting and novel way. The wedding couple does not hesitate to try various marriage ideas and themes. The theme-based wedding is altogether a new idea, based on western marriage concepts. It is fast gaining acceptance and momentum among the marriage aspirants in India.

The theme-based wedding while continue to have all the ingredients of a traditional marriage, it adds colour and value to the marriage to make it more vibrant. It is becoming popular even among the conservative elders because it continues to keep the orthodox values intact. It provides a different and pleasant type of marriage experience to the participating relatives and friends.

Some of the popular themes used for theme based wedding include royal wedding theme, fairy story theme, fiction or illusion based theme, romantic theme, and colour based theme. If you choose dark red and golden colours as colour theme, then every marriage arrangement such as the decoration, flowers, and invitation cards will bear the identical theme colour. The wedding planner who offers theme wedding will even ask their staff at the marriage hall to wear the same theme colour as uniform.

Similarly, for the families who consider the bride as one who brings illumination to their house, then ‘Lighting’ will become the thematic concept. To go beyond the theme traditional lamps will be kept light up at all the places of the marriage hall. Even the wedding invite will have the lamp in design. If the family considers the arrival of the bride to the arrival of the goddess Mahalaxmi to the family, then lotus flower the symbol of the goddess Lakshmi will be used in all the decorations.

Points to remember in choosing a theme

• It is advisable to choose a wedding theme after doing a thorough research. Always choose a theme that fit the tastes of the bride, groom and their families. Better choose a theme that falls within your budget.
• Discuss the theme atmosphere with your family, especially with the elders to make sure that it will not hinder the religious rituals. Furthermore, make sure that the theme is comfortable for the kids who attend the marriage.
• Always choose a theme that can accommodate both pre-wedding and post-wedding requirements and the reception.
• Settle for a theme that looks natural and not offering a kind protruding unnatural look.
• If you hire a wedding planner, it is advisable to discuss your mind and take the expert guidance of the planner in choosing the wedding theme.
• Do not forget to find out the functional feasibility of the chosen theme at the hall or location arranged for the wedding. If more open space is available at the locatio, then the theme arrangements also need to cover such open space with lighting as well as decorative material. Such an arrangement will naturally increase the allocated budget.
• Never attempt a wedding theme half-heartedly and confine it to the wedding hall only. Have it introduced at all the places of the wedding location uniformly.
• Choosing a flower theme is a convenient choice. The flowers such as gerberas, marigold, carnations, orchids, jasmine, rose, etc., offer a range of arrangement options. Use of flowers as a theme will give an authentic feel for an unconventional theme.

While most of the to be married  opt to celebrate a theme-based wedding in a hall some of the adventurous type among them  even try to experiment and have their marriage at exotic locations. Such ideas include forest marriage, hill-top marriage, sea front marriage and marriage even in the deep-sea.

The Changing Face of Wedding Invites

Wedding is one event that introduces a lasting relationship to two people and their two families. It is one among the most revered religious and cultural event in India that brings in large participation of relatives and friends.

Wedding invites announcing the wedding are used to invite the relatives and friends seeking their participation in the wedding. The invite cards were traditionally extended to the relatives and friends personally by the bride and groom’s parent. Such invitation cards merely gave information such as  on who marries whom and the name of the parents. Some of them even went to a step further and included the names of close relatives in the card. Such wedding cards did not offer much room for innovation and change.

Present day invitation cards have become trendier, informal, and lively and are designed to carry a surprise element. The younger generation is looking for something beyond the conventional invite. They are looking for small changes that can make a big impact. The families of the wedding couple are opting for card a design that gives the guests a glance into the grandeur of the planned wedding. The conventional invitations are continued to be printed for distribution among the close relatives.

The marriage arrangements are also undergoing changes. More number of wedding couples now opt for theme wedding by adding some imaginative element to the otherwise normal wedding. Such introduction of theme adds luster to the wedding. The chosen theme or color clearly depicts the concept of the wedding.  During such weddings the designed wedding cards invariably match and reflect the theme of the wedding.

In the case of couples who have studied are living and working in a foreign country, they regularly choose an invite that goes well with their friends living in that country.

Another concept of wedding invite that is fast catching up is 'E-invite'. Such invites can be designed cost effectively and quickly. Couples who are hard-pressed for time and have a number of relatives and friends living at far off locations prefer designed E-invites. While, the e-invites guarantees delivery with a correct mail address they also help to find out whether invited relative or friend will take part in the marriage.

It is also a practice among some of the newly engaged couples to create their own exclusive wedding website, They update the website with wedding information and photos right from the betrothal day to wedding. The regularly updated website with current information is also used to invite relatives and friends. The advance information sent about the setting up of a wedding website also enables the invited guests to take part in the proceedings virtually from far off locations.

Catering Arrangement for a Marriage

Most often, the food served to the guests during a marriage, determines the success of a marriage. It is essential to contract with a talented caterer, to serve the invited guests, with quality and delicious food. Parents are willing to spend more money, in hiring a well known reputed contractor, to serve quality and succulent food during the marriage. Most of the present-day parents, instead of engaging an exclusive caterer, prefer to sign up with a wedding planner, who provides complete arrangement for the marriage.

Before hiring a caterer or a wedding planner, have discussions to quantify the estimated number of guests to be invited and likely to attend the marriage. Prepare the approximate number of guests likely to attend during each occasion of the marriage. This will help you to decide on your budget for catering. Based on your budget, you can arrange to have a contract with the caterer or wedding planner.

It is always advisable to have a choice of preferences in fixing the catering contractor. If the date of a particular contractor is not available, it will become easy for you to try the others in the list. Make researches  on the services of a caterer or wedding planner and collect opinions about the quality of services before signing the contract. Most of the reputed wedding planners or caterers will not be opposed to share their clients list and suggest you to make enquiries if needed. They also will be even agreeable to share the photos taken during the marriage functions managed by them. Some of them may invite you to taste the food served at their catering services on other locations to have first-hand idea about their services..

It is essential to discuss your preferences about the type of serving style, i.e., buffet or sit-and-eat type of table meal for various occasions during the marriage. If you plan to have special food arrangement for kids and elders discuss it with the contractor for making the arrangement.

The menu and variety of food play an important role in the marriage. Check with them the type of food varieties and items they serve for various occasions of the marriage. Discuss with them the kind of food you wanted to serve and have their suggestions. If you have any special preferences do not hesitate to share it with them to get it improved and implemented. It is advisable not to be overzealous about your ideas because the experienced caterer may have better viable suggestions in place of yours. You may ask for their special food serving and order for it if it is convenient and suits your budget.

Ask the service provider about the number of servers and other helpers available during food serving. Most of the current-day caterers prefer to serve hygienically using gloves where required. Also, the people who serve the food wear uniform as a practice. You can get it confirmed with the caterer.

Never be ambiguous about the timing/dates during which the caterers presence is needed at the marriage hall. Be aware of their time requirement to set up and start their work and wind-up their work at the end of the function. Furthermore, consult your purohits about the timings of muhurtham and various wedding related functions well in advance, discuss the details with your caterer to utilise his services in a better way. This advance information also will help you to decide on the menu.

If you have plans to supply yourself the vegetables and other provisions required for the marriage, have it discussed with the caterer. Though most of the caterers will agree to your proposal and cut down their charges, but, it is not advisable to do so. While, you may be saving a few thousand rupees by taking such responsibility, it is not a prudent idea unless you have a group of relatives or friends to share the task.

Discuss and understand the items to be brought by them to provide the service and to be supplied by you to complete the services. Know the extra amount to be paid in-case extra number of guests turned up. Know the cancellation policies and refund procedures. Get everything written as a contract, pay the advance and have it signed. Always retain a copy of the contract for reference.

Printing Wedding Invitation Cards

Most tech-savvy youngsters of today look forward to announcing their marriage in style. Present day wedding invitations have become very informal, lively and always carry a special surprise element. A best conceived and printed wedding invites invariably set the right tone for the marriage. The theme based invites just gives a peep into the grandeur of wedding.

It is heartening to note that traditional wedding invites to continue to get circulated among the relatives especially among the elders. Such traditional invites carry the symbol and holy verses belong to the religion of the couple.

Present day couples who are entering wedlock desire the marriage invitations to reflect their individuality while setting the right tone for the marriage. The invitations while expressing warmth and hospitality also create an indelible impression in the mind of the invited guest.

More importance is given to the paper or other material used for printing the invite. Current day cards are not confined to the old twofold or four-fold formats or the square or rectangular shapes. Apart from the papers available with assorted textures and color the linen and cotton cloth are also used for printing the invite.

The actual printings of invitation cards offer a range of printing options. It is no more confined to only the offset type printing. The engraving option gives an upcoming look to the letters of your invite and makes you believe that the printed letters speak. The embossed invitations use thin metallic sheets to get embossed over the paper. The thermograph option looks similar to engraving but uses a different technique. The costliest invitation printing uses letterpress, which needs a special paper and ink. The spending capability of the couple often decides the choice of wedding invite.

If you plan for a theme wedding and have chosen a color and logo for the theme, then the wedding card should reflect the theme. The choice of right paper, color, ink, and printing quality should get along with the preferred theme. If anyone among the couple or both of them employed in a foreign country, it is always preferable to have a design idea that goes well with the locals.

Take adequate care about the use of words in the invite. It is preferable not to use any negative words or funny words that may give a controversial meaning.

Booking a Marriage Hall or Marriage Location

It is hard to believe for any one that in olden days the marriages took place at the palatial houses of brides. A marriage at a village was almost celebrated by all the families at the village. Relatives and friends of the bride’s family were very much willing to offer accommodation for the guests attending the marriage.

In the present vertical living atmosphere where majority of the families live in small flats or houses such a luxury is no more possible. For them the available alternative is conducting the marriages in public community-hall or a privately owned marriage accommodation.

Booking of a suitable marriage venue plays an important role in the conducting of a marriage. As soon as fixing the wedding the parents seek for at least three to four muhurtham day choices to fix the marriage hall conveniently.

While fixing a marriage hall the factors such as the proximity, facilities, total guests expected and the budget for such an arrangement plays an important role. Also, sentiment factor about the marriage halls is also need to be taken into consideration.

The affluent younger generation looks forward for a theme wedding and tries to book a hall that suits their wedding theme. Some among them even opt to have the wedding at exotic location or at a simple temple city.

It is a very pleasant experience to see that some of the younger generation gives more importance to marriage halls that are more convenient for the use of elders who attend the wedding.

Whatever be the choice of your wedding place, booking the right venue immediately after the fixing of the wedding dates allows you to proceed with other aspects of the wedding with ease.

Hello World

Welcome to the blog of AthithiSeva a wedding planning services company that steadfastly believes in the saying Guest is our God. With over 30 years of exposure to wedding planning and catering, we have seamlessly adapted to all the changes that have taken place during the years to stay ahead of time.

We are aware of the time constraints faced by the current-day parents in conducting the marriage of their daughter in a fitting way. We step in to help such parents in conducting the marriage efficiently. We offer our services to both limited budgeted and lavishly arranged marriages. We make sure for a tension-free participation by the parents in the marriage.

We plan to discuss everything related to WEDDING PLANNING and more in this blog. We look forward to you to read our blog and offer your valuable feedback.