The outfit for the mehndi was the hardest to find. I wanted an ethnic lehnga. But I could not find anything which was festive enough yet not too heavy. Cottons looked dull, silks were out because of the weather. A week before the ceremony, the entire family was looking for an outfit befitting the occasion. Eventually we found EXACTLY what I was looking for at Panna Sarees in Karol Bagh– a burnt orange-and-red lehnga with gold embroidery and sequins and a beautiful dupatta. I had it made short (mid-calf length) with a backless choli, combined it with a light tourmaline/kundan set and it was a real hit.

For the wedding, I wanted the perfect red – not bright cherry red, and not maroon either. I also didn’t want bright gold embroidery, so I picked a lehnga which had zardozi work in antique and coppery tones. The outfit turned out to be heavier than I expected, but I think a smart decision was to get two dupattas made– a heavy one to drape on the shoulder, and a light net dupatta covering my head and serving as the veil. Jewellery was classic pure gold in an antique finish, from Tribhuvandas Bhimji Zaveri. The lehnga was from Kalakriti in Chandni Chowk.

The wedding ceremony

I bought most of my footwear and handbags from the UK, where I currently live– shoes from Nine West, Kenneth Cole, Clarks and Barratts. Bags from Accessorise, Monsoon and River Island. In Delhi, I bought shoes and bags at D&A, Woodland, Metro shoes, and various smaller shops. I was lucky to find a really elegant pair of golden wedge-heeled sandals to wear with my lehnga – both comfortable and stylish.

Where I Shopped
All over Delhi – mainly South Extension, Greater Kailash, Chandni Chowk and Karol Bagh. Most of my sarees came from Meena Bazaar, Kalpana Sarees and Perfection. My suits were from Perfection (South Extension) who also has a tie-up with an excellent tailor. Silks were bought from Nalli and Kumaran Silks in Chennai.

Most of my jewellery came from M. Rajsons in Greater Kailash (M-Block) market, Madan Jewellers in Karol Bagh, Tanishq and Tribhuvandas Bhimji Zaveri in Connaught Place. I tried to get different types of jewellery– in white and yellow gold, studded as well as pure gold, in polki and kundan, pearls and diamonds. A classic polki set came from Jaipur. I tried to buy more ‘light’ sets than heavy ones, so I could wear them with suits as well as sarees. The engagement and wedding rings came from Madan Jewellers, who had them custom-made to our designs of choice. Bangles came from Tanishq.
 
My favourite designer / store

Meena Bazaar has a really good range, I always enjoy shopping there. Shopping at Perfection Sarees at South extension was also really nice, especially as they try and understand your needs and tastes, and then find exactly what you are looking for.  
 
My Makeup and Hair
I got my make-up and hair done at a salon called Plum in Greater Kailash-II. Their chief make-up artist Susan has worked with Ambika Pillai and has a great reputation. I wanted my look to be as natural as possible. I wanted a soft look for my hair rather than the tightly pulled back ‘jooda’ which most Indian brides get. Make-up was nice, and although it was a little heavy, I didn’t feel uncomfortable.
 
My advice for Brides-to-be
First- wear whatever you feel comfortable in – clothes as well as shoes. Try the whole outfit (for every major event) before hand, including jewellery and shoes, to make sure it all fits and looks good together and feels comfortable. This is particularly important for the wedding day, when you’ll be standing and walking around for HOURS– I was wearing my wedding outfit for about ten hours before I could finally get rid of it! It has to be comfortable else it will end up giving you grief!

Second– don’t be afraid to let your make-up/hair stylists know your needs and your apprehensions. They are there to listen to you, not the other way around. Get advice, but follow your instinct as well. Take a cousin or friend with you whose judgement you trust. Go for a trial run a couple of weeks before the event– I did and it really helped.

Finally, the most important thing is to be relaxed– I know it is easier said than done, but you have to condition your mind over many days, if not weeks. Leave issues of logistics and arrangements to other people (no, you really don’t need to have an opinion about the menu – get your priorities right!!!). Tell yourself that you will not allow anything to spoil what is probably the most special day of your life, learn to ignore minor irritants, stay calm - and don’t forget to smile! If you are happy and relaxed from within, it will show on your face and in your photos.