So, how did you go about planning it in just a month’s time?
“It wasn’t really planned, if I think about it now. The wedding and all aspects of it were just managed well. There wasnt really anytime to plan or to follow any bridal beauty timeline even.”
I and Anish got engaged on April 26, 2004 and got engaged exactly 30 days later on May 26, 2004. I did not even get enough time to go on various dates or know him better. I bless reliance mobiles though who made talking for hours possible for long distance callers.
Family Effort
My contribution towards planning the wedding was limited only till the shopping aspect, especially lehenga, sarees, dresses and jewelry. The most important job I did perhaps was design the wedding invitation card. I did start a 20-day weight loss regime to lose a few kgs.
Wedding venue was chosen by my father and brother-in-law, the accommodation requirements for the outstation guests and commuting arrangements were taken care of by my uncle. Mom and aunts took in-charge of all the ceremonies and gifts to be exchanged with the in-laws. All I had to do was be happy, look happy and get married.
Though I was not directly involved in the planning process, I knew all the details about everything, the guest-list, the wedding program etc. Every night at dinner, I and my family would talk about what all has been done and what all remains to be accomplished.
Amidst all this frenzy, my sister-in-laws would call me regularly to ask about my favorite color, if I like sarees or dresses, if I wear heels, the cosmetic brand I use etc. It was all very confusing at that time, but I do look back to those days.
Compromises
Everything that you associate with a lavish Indian Marwari wedding was present in my wedding, but there were a few things even we had to compromise on. For instance, there was no scope for custom designed lehengas for sangeet and wedding. The fact that the seamstresses could ready them in a span of 13 days was a big thing then.
Similarly, custom jewelry and personalized decoration options were out of question as well. The guest list was narrowed down till no deletions could be made. Internet technology hadn’t progressed so much and Facebook was still unknown. Nobody would create wedding websites or wedding video books in those days. That saved a lot of time.
At times I even think that if I were to get married now, there was no way I would be able to plan a wedding under a month or would it have been easier to do so, given the lots of resources available online. With websites like BollywoodShaadis.com, one can remotely plan a wedding in any part of India. Back then, my father or brother had to make weekly trips to Delhi to arrange for various things.
Wedding Celebration and Ceremonies
I have a big, extended family with many cousins. Prior to my wedding, I had attended so many weddings and also functioned as bridesmaid that I knew all about all the wedding ceremonies. However, performing them was a really different experience and if you ask me now, I do not know how the two days of celebrations went away. It all seems hazed now but some of the moments are still very sharp and distinct.
In fact a few friends of mine who attended the wedding played a prank on Anish and I co-operated with them very excitedly. Now seven years and two kids later, when I think of this, I can’t help but wonder: “Was I really this naïve?” But then, what else can be expected from a green bride? (smiles fondly)
