10 Fun And Naughty Wedding Gifts
Jan 11, 2012 Marriage & Wedding Trends
By Jaspreet Soni
Home décor items may be a popular wedding gift, but if your close friend is getting married, you want to gift them something unusual, a reminder of all the fun or naughty conversations you’ve shared! Here are 10 fun and naughty wedding gifts that are sure to make the couple chuckle with delight.
Couple Clone Dolls
No one can escape the laughter when they see their own 3D caricature in the form of bobble heads. All you have to do is provide the photograph of the couple and choose the setting in which you want them to be, the bathroom, over the moon, or on the beach; there are quite a few options available, each of them a riot!.
Personalized Magazine Cover
A personalized cover of Vogue magazine or a crispy headline with photos on Time magazine cover is a nice way to surprise the couple. Provide a photo, write a headline and have 3 copies shipped to you –a magazine cover where you can slip in the actual magazine and two prints that can be framed or pinned. If you’re feeling adventurous, blow these up and paste them all over the wedding venue. Expect the guests to feel amazingly privileged.
Couple clone dolls and a personalized magazine cover
Personal Movie
If you are thinking of something more enigmatic than photos, then how about an animated movie with the couple and some loved ones as characters playing their part? ExcitingLives brings to fore a group of professionals who work with you to develop a story, favorite music and develop a hilarious movie around that concept.
Romeo and Juliet Tribute
Get Shakespeare to write a love story for the couple – we hear he works at ExcitingLives these days. For all those who are hopelessly in love, the world’s most romantic play ‘Romeo and Juliet’ forms the most amazing read with the characters’ names replaced by names of the couple throughout. Even the back cover can have the picture of the couple. This wedding gift is certainly for keeps.
Pop Art Lichtenstein
WHAAM! Pop Art of your favorite picture in Lichtenstein style can set any wall afire in a very unique way. Just look up the term in Google and you’ll know why this is a hot favorite the world over with its vivid colors and trademark benday dots. The only thing better than this gift is actually two of these, lending a character to your interior décor in a manner few can achieve!
Levitation kit
Ok, so we got the folks over at ExcitingLives to create a special hamper just for our dear readers, and here it is – the Levitation Kit. A collection of all things boozy for the couple who like to get high in style! The kit includes cutest little charms for wine glasses, designer bar set and beer accessories, funky bottle stoppers and shot glasses, daaru cushions with A to Z of drinking illustrated, beer soaps, and then some true drinkers’ must haves. This levitation kit makes the most exciting and memorable gift ever.
The levitation kit hamper from www.excitinglives.com
Wedding couple caricature
Treat the couple with their own humorous exaggerated sketches in a fantasy setting and no one can stop them from grinning ear to ear. This gift is a keepsake because the caricature will look a lot like them but at the same time have the striking abnormalities to keep reminding them of you.
Kamasutra chocolates
One of the naughtiest wedding gifts is adding sweetness to the newly wedded couple’s life by gifting luscious chocolates inspired by Kamasutra. The chocolates are shaped in different kamasutra positions and are a sure fire way to keep the couple giggling the entire day.
Edible lingerie
Spicing up the romance between the couple is a great idea by gifting the exciting edible lingerie. They come in assorted colors, flavors and styles; you name it and the stores have it. But make sure you know the couple pretty well because naughty items can sometimes offend too.
Photo Jigsaw Puzzle
You think life’s a puzzle and enjoy piecing bits of life together? When you are looking for something to add that personal touch and enjoyment to the gift then photo jigsaw puzzle says it all. Challenge, curiosity, and uniqueness are what make this gift truly adorable. You can pick a picture of a treasured time of couple’s life and get it turned into a jigsaw puzzle.
Left, a picture converted to Lichenstein style pop-art poster. Right, the photo jigsaw puzzle.
Tags: Close friends, Couple clone dolls, Fun, Ideas, Naughty, Unusual, Wedding Gift
Best Celebrity Wedding Cakes of 2011
Jan 2, 2012 Marriage & Wedding Trends
As I sit on my desk writing this next post for you with a slice of oreo cheesecake, it got me thinking about, what else but, wedding cakes. We’ve featured some stunning wedding cakes from celebrity weddings on our blog, and here I narrow down my five favorite celebrity wedding cakes from 2011.
1. On top of the list is Kate Middleton and Prince William‘s spectacular wedding cake created by renowned pastry chef Fiona Cairns. The eight-tier fruit- cake, decorated in cream, white icing and 900 delicate sugar-paste flowers, had newlyweds’ initials, C & W, stenciled into the cake’s bottom layer.
2. Loved the elegant six-tiered wedding cake at Kate Moss and Jamie Hince’s wedding created by London baker Peggy Porschen for their garden wedding reception. The ornamented traditional white cake was surrounded by yellow roses at the base.
3. George Bush’s daughter Jenna Bush and hubby Henry Hager enjoyed a four-tier tres leches cake; with each layer of sponge cake soaked with three different kinds of milk and topped with whipped cream icing.
4. Prince Albert of Monaco and his new bride Princess Charlene’s five-tier wedding cake decorated with Proteas, the South Africa’s national flower makes it to our list for its sheer size. I haven’t seen a bigger wedding cake.
5. The fun rock n’ roll wedding of Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton had an equally funky tiered vanilla cake, made by Jay Qualls owner of Maples Wedding Cakes from Nashville, in brushed leather color finished with hot pink frosting, Miranda’s favorite color.
Tags: Celebrity Wedding Cakes
An Artsy Proposal
Dec 26, 2011 Marriage & Wedding Trends
The Heart Bandits, a Marriage Proposal Planning company, was contacted by a very excited Sameer who needed help proposing to his girlfriend Nisha. Nisha wanted a public proposal, but Sameer wasn’t sure how to bring it all together. He ended up deciding that he would take her on a date to the beach and surprise her with a very artsy proposal.
On the proposal day, Sameer and Nisha were enjoying a relaxing day soaking up the sun, when an artist set up two canvases right in front of the couple. The artist, who was of course in on the whole thing begun painting and marvelling over his own masterpiece. Finally Sameer told Nisha that he was going to talk to the artist and make sure that he wasn’t painting them! When Sameer approached the artist, he was raving over his work and Sameer called Nisha to look at it. Just as Nisha realized that the paintings said, “Will you marry me?” in the clouds, Sameer got down on one knee to propose!
Luxury Wedding Rides
Dec 22, 2011 Marriage & Wedding Trends
So you’re a groom who loves cars, and like every groom you want to treat your bride to something out-of- the-ordinary, and give her an experience that exudes luxury and elegance. How about combining your love for cars with the grandeur of the moment? When you enter, make a splash with a luxurious stretched limousine and take your bride in style.
Shining wedding limousines with privacy partitions to kick start the just-married romance, fiber-optic mood lighting to give you goose bumps, leather upholstery to add to the plush status, electronic recliners to make you feel like King and Queen, and an exclusive bar! What more can you ask for?
One name that stands out in luxury rides hire service is LAC Auto Designers Pvt. Ltd, a design, customization and production house that specialises in mobility needs. They offer not just cars but the complete experience of luxury, exoticness and wow. To take it one step ahead, they even have an in-house designer who customizes design of the interiors to the theme of your wedding. Dress your car’s interiors and exteriors to complement the celebratory or romantic mood and you are ready to paint the town red!
For more information call +91 9899996421, 9810122622 or log on to
www.limousineauto.com
Tags: LAC Auto Designers, Limousine, wedding
Small is Stylish
Dec 16, 2011 Marriage & Wedding Trends
Sarthak Shah’s parties were always unique and the themes most interesting. After he got engaged, it was time for Wedding Planning and he spent a lot of time thinking of the visual communication. Obviously, he wanted a very creative invite, so he got in touch with Sindoor Couture Designs known for their good work in the field. Sindoor Shah who runs Sindoor Couture Designs shared with him the idea of a business card holder, she tells us more: “For each of the functions, there was a separate card, with detailed gold foiling at the back of each insert. It had the ‘wow’ factor which Sarthak was looking for.” Sindoor explains why brides, grooms and their families are moving away from jazzy and bulky invitations to more creative concepts.
1.Bulky and hardbound cards are usually much more expensive
2.Lesser paper means less wastage, and is more eco-friendly
3.Packaging the invitation in keepsake boxes or holders serves a dual purpose- the boxes or holders can be used later.
4.And most importantly, unusual invitations stand out!
Sindoor Couture Designs www.sindoorshah.com
What comes to your mind when you think of Parsi weddings?
Dec 16, 2011 Marriage & Wedding Trends
Elegant women dressed in beautiful Garas, Patra ni Machchi and Lagan nu Custard? Bhavna Kohli tells us more, with inputs from Delhi’s ace Wedding Planner Meher Sarid.
Baugs
Most Parsi weddings in Mumbai are conducted in the Baugs followed by a reception at the same venue. The weddings in other states takes place at the Parsi Agyari (Fire temple) compound, where there are dharamshalas attached with boarding and lodging facilities.In Mumbai, the two most popular baugs are the Seth Jeejeebhoy Dadabhoy Baug (commonly known as the Colaba Agiary), Malcom Baug in Jogeshwari and the Allbless Baug at Charni Road.
Decor
Generally Parsi weddings are white weddings, with touches of pale tones of baby pink, pale yellow, pistacchio green etc. The entrance to the venues always has a Toran and Chalk.
The bride enters the wedding space accompanied by the ladies in her family, carrying the Sagaan Ses, the Wedding Ses and the mawa macchi (sweet in the shape of a Fish). The Ses is a huge silver platter, with silver elements which include sprinklers, a cone, a silver paan patta, a silver supari and silver nariyal.
Garas
There is hardly a woman who doesn’t want to own a beautiful Gara and one gets to see the best Garas at Parsi weddings. Unknown to most non-Parsis the bride does not wear a Gara, it is typically the family members and guests who wear Garas! Most brides wear white (as it stands for purity) in French Chantilly lace, with delicate pink sequence work on it. The lady best known for resurrecting garas in Mumbai is Naju Davar and now the business is run by her daughter Farzeen Daver. Ahmedabad’s Dhun Chinoy is also working hard to revive the dying art of hand embroidered Garas. For those seeking more affordable Garas there are stores like Pushpam at Charni Road and Mahavir at Matunga. The Parsi men & the Groom wear the traditional White Dagli with the black topi.
Photograph Courtesy: Khurshed Poonawalla
Lagana Bhonu
How can an article on Parsi weddings be complete without a mention of the delectable meals. While vegetarian food is also served the meal also known as Laganu Bhonu is largely a non-vegetarian affair. The food is served on banana leaves and some of the typical dishes in the meal are Laganu achar (a sweet carrot pickle), saarya/saali wafers, Chicken pulao with masala dal, Patra ni Machchi or saas ni machchi, Sali Boti and Laganu Custard. The popular caterers in the community are Tanaz Godiwalla who is based in Mazagaon, Catering & Allied (Joss) by Farrokh Khambatta, Jimmy Caterers and Bomi Patel. In Delhi, Dhun Bagli is most sought-after for her delectable food, which is home cooked for the largest gatherings. In recent times, there has been a slight departure at select weddings, where even Italian or Thai is served.
Tags: Allbless Baug, Decor, Dhun Bagli, Dhun Chinoy, Garas, Laganu Bhonu, Mahavir, Malcom Baug, Meher Sarid, Naju Davar, Parsi Weddings, Pushpam, Tanaz Godiwalla
Gifts with a Conscience
Dec 15, 2011 Marriage & Wedding Trends
The market maybe buzzing with grand gifting ideas but there is a section of society who think a little differently. Many brides & grooms want to give and receive gifts that support a cause– and NGOs with creative wares and unique new services like www.wishberry.in have stepped in to fulfill this need.
Pouches & phone covers, bangles & bindis by NGOs
In India, we may have not the concept of favors, but at Mehendis most families give a gift to the girls, often bought from NGOs. In Mumbai, many NGOs participate at wedding shows and shopping extravaganza and in their stalls you’ll find beautiful and often not-so-expensive creations– coin pouches, mobile phone covers, bangles, bindis, beaded coasters, dining mats, book marks or jewel boxes.
Packaging Elements by Shraddha Charitable Trust
Yesteryear model and fashionista Rasna Behl tells that most of her friends source gift boxes, decorative packaging and serving plates from NGOs who produce some great quality products. She did the same when her son got married, “I visited Shraddha Charitable Trust in Mahalakshmi where young autistic adults are empowered with special skills to create various eco-friendly, artistic articles and handicrafts. The wedding was a simple affair, what was heartening was that everyone appreciated the simple, elegant gifts and packaging elements.”
Gifts with the Invitation Cards
Accessories Designer Sarika Mehta Desai states: “This year I received three invitations where the accompanying gifts with the invites were created by NGOs. My good friend Neha Thirani, for her sister’s wedding chose Shraddha Charitable Trust to source the chocolate boxes to go with the cards, she even put in a little note about the Trust in the box, to help spread the word.”
Akshaya Patra Foundation
In their reception invite TVS heiress Lakshmi Venu and Infosys scion Rohan Murthy requested guests not to carry gifts or flowers and enclosed a small note on Akshaya Patra foundation, a charitable organisation that provides children in public schools with wholesome meals for lunch, and requested guests to make contributions to the foundation instead.
Wishberry.in
Gift registry site www.wishberry.in has introduced a special feature on ‘charities’ where couples can choose a charitable cause close to their heart and ask their friends to donate their gift money to a charity rather than spending it on buying gifts. Here’s a sample of a charity gift registry created on the site www.wishberry.in/Priyanka-Ashish-s-Wedding–11907 where the bride & groom have requested friends to bless them by donating to NGOs like Pratham and Akanksha.
The big fat Indian wedding will get bigger by the years, but a small yet conscious decision on the part of couples can help the needy and the deserving. What better way to start a beautiful journey together.
Tags: Akshaya Patra Foundation, Gifts, NGOs, Shraddha Charitable Trust, wedding, Wishberry.in
Think Outside the Envelope
Nov 11, 2011 Marriage & Wedding Trends
We are always excited to see couples put their own twist on time honored tradtions and when wedding photographer, Devendra Purbaiya shared Sonal and Sri’s wedding card with us, we knew its something that we would like to share with our readers. Says Devendra, “Personal and Classy were the keywords that were buzzed into my ear by this cute couple Sonal and Sri, who are getting married in December. I said I have not really done any wedding card design. They said they trusted my instincts. So I started with the card design with the help of my design artist friend Anushri Chordia. Mr. Kayu from KolorKode in Bangalore helped a lot in selecting the perfect paper. Since the wedding is in Udaipur, we decided to build a storyline of Prince and Princess. But a few pictures were missing.”
Since the couple live in the US, it was impractical for them to fly down to India for a portrait shoot. That’s when photographer Mohaimen Kazi stepped in and shot some beautiful pictures of the couple. Take a look at the beautifully designed card – it sets the tone for their upcoming wedding in Udaipur that Devendra will be photographing for them.
10 Wow Wedding Gifts & Giveaways
Nov 1, 2011 Destination Weddings, Marriage & Wedding Trends
The most fun and creative part of any wedding is planning the wedding gifts and giveaways. With Indian weddings getting larger than life every year, the wedding gifts and giveaways are also getting a makeover, and are now exotic, personalized and fabulous. Jaspreet Soni talks about 10 ‘wow’ wedding gifts that make the occasion even grander:
Jiva Spa Vouchers
What can be a better wedding gift than exclusive experiences from the luxurious Jiva Spa at the Taj Hotels! Jiva Signature Experiences draws on the rich and ancient wellness heritage of India; the fabled lifestyle and culture of Indian royalty; and the healing therapies that embrace Indian spirituality. One of their must-try experiences is the 30 minute nourishing scrub followed by the 60 minute Indian Aromatherapy. Available at Jiva Grande, Taj Wellington Mews and Jiva Spa at Vivanta by Taj President in Mumbai.
Silver and Sterling Silver
Silver makes the perfect gift for well traveled people who look for trusted products that add to aesthetics and are yet functional. Wedding Planner Sneha Tejwani of Occasionz Unlimited says, “Silver and Sterling Silver is among the most sought after wedding gifts and giveaways this season, brands like ‘Episode’ and ‘Gorham’ offer photo frames, vases, intricate boxes, bowls, candle stands and much more. You can even order customized items designed exclusively for you.”
Digital Frames
Photographs are the best way to relive memories. Kodak’s Easyshare P86 Digital Frame is a great gift because it has stunning image quality and can store up to 1000 images. Simply put in your USB and you are ready to walk down memory lane.
Local Flavors
If you’re having a destination wedding in exotic locales don’t forget to add local flavor in the form of personalized giveaways. Says Bangkok-based Intiporn Kordonis who specializes in organizing Destination Weddings in Thailand: “The wedding gifts often come in pairs– unbreakable, exotic and a reminder of great moments. Typical local gifts like a pair of crystal slippers, handmade luxury trays made of wood, silk from Jim Thomson and bags from Naraya are very popular.”
Designer Candles
Candles have moved on to become luxury items ranging from non-drip, scented to beautifully crafted pieces in the glass moulds. One much sought-after brand is Dimple Kapadia’s Faraway Tree. From Indian fragrances like cinnamon, rose to special series like ‘Tranquility’ for stress relief, they have it all. Diptyque is another premium brand for which fashion maestro John Galliano has created signature scents.
iPads and iPods
The latest and sleekest addition to the wedding gifts genre is electronic media. Wedding planner Neha Seth Arora states: “iPads, iPods and iPhones will be all-popular this season. Some families are also sending the wedding invitation through iPads.”
Patchi’s Collection
Patchi chocolates are pure indulgence. They are as much a temptation to eyes as to the palate. This premium global brand has a dedicated wedding line of beautifully decorated chocolates in giveaway boxes that are nothing less than genuine craftsmanship. They also offer a complete range of collectables and gift platters from renowned international brands like Ferro Murano and Limoges.
Original Artwork
Artworks make the ultimate wedding gift for they combine beauty, culture, heritage and investment. The high potential gains is what makes this gift special.The artworks of artists like H R Das, and Aniket Khupse who are emerging fast on the art scene, have doubled in price in less than two years. Artists like Viraj Naik and Sudipto Tewari have also shown great potential.
The Nuptial Nest
If you are looking for something edgy, contemporary yet functional then you must checkout the collection ‘The Nuptial Nest’ by AA living, the luxury home interiors store in Mumbai. The collection designed to add ‘wow’ to the bridal wardrobe has the finest silk quilts, lustrous satin bed sheets, Turkish towels, accent cushions and beautiful jewelry organizers.
Sabyasachi Sarees
Sushil Wadhwa of Platinum Weddings says: “Swarovski embellished Pink Dom Perignon bottles with the brides and grooms initials are not adequate to elicit the ‘wows’, select guests receive a creation by a Couture King too. Recently, when a South-based baron’s daughter got married, many family friends received an exquisite Sabyasachi saree alongwith the invite. Business barons hosting a Big, Fat Wedding often get designers like Suneet Verma or JJ Valaya to design sarees, jackets or kurtas not just for the extended family but for close friends and business associates too.”
Tags: AA living, Aniket Khupse, Episode, Exotic, Gorham, HR Das, Ideas, Intiporn Kordonis, Jiva Spa, Kodak Digital Frame, Neha Seth Arora, Patchi, Personalized, Sneha Tejwani, Sudipto Tewari, Sushil Wadhwa, Viraj Naik, Wedding Gifts
Mapple Emerald– A New Wedding Destination in New Delhi
Oct 12, 2010 Marriage & Wedding Trends
Mapple Emerald is emerging as one of the most popular Wedding Destinations in New Delhi. After all, it was launched on the premise that in the City of Big Fat Weddings there is a constant requirement for new wedding venues and more venues. With five-star hotels being unaffordable for the huge majority, an Exclusive wedding destination like Mapple Emerald with multiple banqueting spaces and rooms is considered to be the perfect, convenient choice.
The spaces in the 7 acre Mapple Emerald include– 13 banqueting areas, locales for outdoor functions, and 64 large rooms to suit the needs of wedding families. A mere 10 minutes drive from the Indira Gandhi International Airport the hotel’s strategic location offers easy access from both New Delhi and Gurgaon. Overall, the hotel is a complete destination for those on business or leisure.
Says Sanjay Wadhwan, the CEO of Mapple Hotels, Palaces and Resorts which operates 8 properties all over India: “Mapple Emerald is the perfect choice for hosts who want a simple wedding for less than 300 guests, or a big fat wedding with upto 2,000 guests. And in Delhi our destination offers conveniences like few others.” Adds Wedding Planner Neeta Raheja: “Many luxury hotels in Delhi have stopped giving their space for a wedding. And there are severe restrictions on renting out of Farmhouses. Mapple Emerald has opened at just the right time—for it caters to the Wedding needs of affluent Delhiites, of which an increasing number live towards Gurgaon side. And the fact that it is in Delhi makes it very accessible. Little wonder, more and more Hospitality Entrepreneurs are exploring the possibility of building spaces around Delhi, on the lines of Mapple Emerald”.
For more information contact
Mapple Emerald, Rajokri, National Highway – 8, New Delhi – 110038,
Tel: 9910169555
Tags: Banquet spaces, Delhi, Mapple Emerald, Neeta Raheja, Wedding Destination
