Question: I am getting married for the second time. Hence I want a very low-key wedding ceremony. But that doesn’t mean I don’t want a traditional affair. I want to follow all the norms and ritual of a traditional wedding. I don’t want to jazz up the occasion unnecessarily. Can you tell me some ways wherein I can have a nice wedding yet not look all glossy?
Answer: Low key wedding is not what Indians believe but that doesn’t mean it’s implausible. There are a lot of elements in a wedding which can be safely done without. A few things that could be kept aside but are given humungous importance.
Since you want to follow the norms and rituals, try to figure out which are the ones which truly mean a lot to you. Sit with your partner and chalk out the essential traditions. Do you want a temple wedding? Or a small gathering of few closed ones? You wish to keep it subdued and so you might need to compromise with certain aspects. Discuss between each other what they can be.
Get a wedding planner who understands your desire and choices. Don’t give in to their incessant excitement about your wedding. Don’t be rude but firm. A wedding needs you and your partner who get legally sealed together. Everything else is just accessory you can discard anytime you want.
Keep the guest count low. The best way to have a subdued wedding is by having only you friends and family by your side.
Do away with any kind of pomp and show if you are not game for it. Like you can discard the band bajaa or the elaborate baraat or groom’s procession.
Since you intend to have a small wedding, the need of a reception doesn’t arise. So you can safely put that out of your list.
Let your near and dear ones know about your decision to keep the whole affair sublime. If need be explain the reasons. A somewhat disappointed guest is better than heartbroken ones. So be honest and tell them about your choice.
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