Shivaani Shashi

View Original

‘This or that? Here or there? When and how?! - I’ve got you covered!’

Before I say anything more, here’s some love and light coming your way. There is a certain level of sanity required to keep your wits about yourself in the current scenario. So, thank you for being here and choosing to accompany me. I’m sure there are quite a few of you trying to plan your big day, giving it your all to ensure things go as planned. This is for you, for your friend, your sibling, your partner and anyone who would like to bring their dreams to reality. Like I said earlier, sharing my something cinnamon with you!

Now, when you sit down to list the things you want for the big day, it's important to know the things you definitely DO NOT want. Believe me that is half the work done. To eliminate stuff you aren’t keen on isn’t rocket science and it automatically charts a clearer path to the things you want. And where better to begin than from your own experiences from close quarters at events over the years. A mismatched outfit, ‘under-dressed’ grooms, ‘overdressed’ bride, an unnecessary display of opulence, a waste of resources are indicators of the many ‘mishaps’ you can and must avoid at yours. Wait a second, I’m not here to tell you what to or what not to do, neither am I saying I’m not a fan of fanfare and grandeur. I’m a sucker for that perf mix of elegance, class and a dash of glamour. By all means, do what your desires, but prepare well - look into the details, be smart, spend a little wisely, be picky, take your time, try things out, see them in daylight and at night if need be, work out combinations in your head and for real. You’ll only be too glad you did :)

Bride’s Mehendi Event Outfit: My lovely mother dearest, Leena Shashi

Mehendi Outfit: Mayyur R Girotra Couture

Blessing Ceremony Outfit: Seemati, Kochi

Sangeet Outfit: Seemati, Kochi

This story of mine is being shared with you for many reasons - but mostly because I didn’t really have or create a backup plan while preparing for mine, and I know how excruciatingly challenging yet heartwarmingly rewarding it can be. So, I’m going to tell it all, for you. So you can come back to this space for absolutely anything you might need to prepare for your big event.

Temple Wedding Saree: Karalkada, Kochi

Blouse: Razak Creations, Chennai

If you intend to leave no stone unturned, make sure you understand the specifics of the logistics and the possibilities that might work around what you are looking to achieve. There are going to be many planners, multiple vendors and a zillion options being thrown at you with the stupendous amounts of opinions too (so keep your eyes open and your ears shut :D). The venues, decor, food, photographers, stage, music, outfits, jewellery and all the intricate details all add up to make it an event of a lifetime for you and your guests. And most times it doesn’t stop with picking out only your stuff, it extends to your partner’s, your family’s, friends who might walk up to you pretty clueless except wanting to make the most of your big day too.

Does it seem like a bunch of herculean tasks? Well, it is a little bit of a ‘yes’, and a good amount of ‘no’.  Afterall, the fastest way to make your dreams come true is to continue dreaming all those glorious moments while giving it your all. 

So, here’s the thing - this is YOUR day and it is going to be all about YOU and the journey matters as much as the destination, if not more (tch tch :p), therefore there isn’t a need for you to entirely get down and dirty. Organise the details of it all and delegate tasks to your most trusted buddies or famjam. 

I cannot thank my ever supporting family enough to trust me for my crazy wishes and dreams! Lots of love to the craziest soul I know, my partner-in-crime and forever roommate, Abhinand, for putting up with all the ups & downs then & now.

From left to right: Dad, Mom, Abhinand, Myself Amma & Acha!

Bride’s Wedding Saree: Seemati, Kochi

From left to right: Nandu, Sarvesh, Amma, Acha, Myself, Abhinand, Mom, Dad, Chechi & Ettan!

Bride’s Blessing Ceremony outfit: Seemati, Kochi

Here is my trusted list of people who helped me bring my wedding dreams to reality!

Camera team: Studio A

Wedding planners: Wedding Factory

Location: Hyatt Regency Thrissur

Make-up & Hair: Mehak Oberoi

Let me know your favourite look by commenting below! :)

See this form in the original post