Wedding Adventures

This post is a little late. For some reason I struggled to complete it. This is probably because I have not done any serious wedding duties recently.

The major responsibilities have been finalised. The venue, food, entertainment and wedding attire are secured. There are still many minor responsibilities that require my attention. Accordingly to the wedding checklists, I should have the following in order:  

Seven to Six Months Before (Yes, I have six months before the big day)
1.         Select and purchase invitations.	Done, they are in the design process currently.
2.        Start planning a honeymoon.	Done!
3.        Shop for bridesmaids’ dresses.	Done, we just need our designer to work her magic.
4.       Decide on groomsmen attire.	Done, shopping for men is surprisingly easy.
5.       Meet with the officiant.	I have, many times, weekly actually.
6.       Send save-the-date cards.	The invite will suffice.
7.       Reserve structural and electrical necessities.	Working on it…
8.       Book a florist.	Working on it…
9.       Arrange transportation.	Each man for themselves.
10.     Start composing a day-of timeline.	I can, but I’m Indian. Indian folks do not know how to stick to timelines.  #IndianTime  #NotAtMyWedding  #BeThereEarly

 

My duties are by no means restricted to this list. I am currently on the look-out for an ideal wedding cake.  I want a three tier cake that tastes like something from Woolworths and looks like something from Buddy Valstro’s kitchen. Initially, I wanted a ‘naked’ wedding cake, in keeping with the modern rustic theme. Naked cakes are sponge cakes with minimal or no cream/icing. They are decorated with fresh fruit or flowers. No fondant or marzipan is used. I like naked cakes for this reason. However, fondant covered cakes have an elegant, polished look with the option of adding handcrafted embellishments and decorative patterns, while still being able to enjoy the sponge on the inside. Attention to details and perfection are close to my heart. Based on this you will probably find a fondant covered cake at my wedding. I have just learnt that the price tags on the above beauties are shocking, so do not be surprised if there is no cake at all at my wedding.

Selecting garden and reception hall décor is another task waiting to be struck off my list. We are meeting with a supplier soon and our aim is to achieve an elegant, modern rustic look, incorporating shades of coral, gold and white. I am excited about reviewing the possible décor ideas and choosing the most appropriate pieces for the final look. Our DIY centerpieces have earned the right to appear on the tables. They look good and are fitting with the theme. They just need a few candles and flowers as a final touch. I am a strong believer of ‘less is more’ even when it comes to price tags.

Over the last few months, I have been constantly reminded about how weddings have evolved since our parents were married. My father believes that I can successfully plan a wedding for more than 200 guests for half the price that I am currently paying for 200 guests. He is not entirely incorrect, which he loves to hear. However, previously wedding celebrations consisted of food for the entire neighbourhood and a venue that could fit the entire neighbourhood. Budgets are now blown on boutique venues, extravagant décor, sky-high wedding cakes, fancy photo booths, drone photography, celebrity emcees, pyrotechnics and many more. Business owners and wedding suppliers know that bridal couples are weak when it comes to planning their ‘fairytale’ wedding. They thrive on the fact that weddings are a one-time only event and create the belief that spending copious amounts of money is justifiable, as a result. It is an ironic situation as business owners and wedding suppliers claim to make your planning easier, however your wallet becomes incredibly lighter, which makes your life burdens heavier.

To prevent a hole from forming in my wallet, I have established a step-by-step plan to overcome persuasive wedding salesman:

1.       Thoroughly research and formulate a clear idea of what you want.

2.       Decide on the maximum amount you will pay for a specific item or service.

3.       If you find something you like, compare it with other suppliers or similar items.

4.       Select the best three from the lot. Choose one that best suits your criteria.

5.       If the chosen item or service is above your budget and you are not willing to compromise, the budget WILL HAVE TO BE REDUCED on other items or services that are less significant. (Be Strong!)

Planning a budget for a wedding is no child’s play. It requires good commutation, dedication and sacrifice. Similar qualities are required for marriage.

Love

The Bride-to-be