The Theme Dream

Theme weddings are increasingly getting popular in India since many urban couples are seeking to organise a function that is a reflection of their 'identity'. A well-planned theme wedding gives you a chance to personally interact and enjoy the company of each of your guests. And your wedding will turn to be an 'unforgettable' experience for your guests who would depart with sweet memories of how 'personal' 'different' and 'interesting' the event turned out to be.

Enlisted below are some suggestions of easy-to-implement themes. But we advise you not to stop here. Allow your imagination to run wild as you work at organising a wedding which is meaningful to 'both of you' and exciting and enjoyable for the guests. It would be a good idea if you could consult a Wedding Consultant on the "how-to's", the "where-to's" and the "how-much?"

We present below a brief write-up on some wedding themes.

Wedding Themes:

1. The Fairy Tale Here's a 'once in a lifetime' opportunity for you to experience your 'Prince Charming' and 'Cinderella' fantasy (complete with exotic surroundings!!!)
Food:	Serve food that's fanciful & dreamy. Have each course served amidst dry ice to conjure up the magical.
Location:	With the wave of a magic wand & preferably with the help of a professional wedding decorator, any function room can be transformed into your mini palace.
Decor:	Think ice carvings. Hire a professional decorator to create the aura of being present in an enchanted kingdom.
Outfits:	Sport a trendy, non-traditional wedding outfit. The groom should ideally adorn a tuxedo.
Guests:	Persuade your guests to arrive in costumes. Request key people in your wedding party to go all out in displaying their garb!

2. The Fort Wedding Get married at one of the most famous forts in India - Neemrana fort or Nalagarh in Rajasthan or the Raj Vilas Palace in Jaipur. The experience of having your wedding solemnized in regal and medieval splendour could give you an ultimate 'high'.
Food:	A medieval style feast with unusual but traditional dishes.
Decor:	Arrange a Rajasthani mela complete with mehndi walas, astrologers, jugglers, puppet show etc. Set torches aflame and hire a traditional band.
Outfits:	Dress up like a Rajasthani prince and princess complete with the crown and tiara.
Guests:	Persuade your guests to get into the spirit of the moment by wearing clothes with mirror work, silver jewellery and brightly colored Rajasthani turbans!

3. Candlelight Romance

A plethora of candles can make all the difference. Organising a candle light event could be an elegant yet cost effective way to create an ambience of serenity and romance.

4. Say It With Flowers

Pretty, colourful flowers could transform the atmosphere at the venue. Preferably, select one particular flower and try to create all the decorations with the same. Alternatively, you could consider combining different flowers of a similar colour. The flowers could be used to decorate the mandap, reception area, the home, the cars and even the food display area. The same flower(s) can be used in the bouquets too. As a token of rememberence, the guests could be presented the same.

TIPS

It is pertinent to state that organising a Theme Wedding necessitates elaborate planning, feedback from close friends and a fine assessment of the interests of the guests. Do keep the following points in mind while implementing the plan:

Food: While selecting a menu that suits your theme, be sensitive to the needs of ALL your guests. There may be considerable differences in tastes across age groups and communities. Try to assess the number of vegetarians and non vegetarians in order to plan a suitable combination for both of them.

Location: Try your best to calculate the approximate number of guests before booking an outdoor or indoor site. Factors such as geographical proximity to the guests' place of work or their residence are equally important.

Decoration: Try and have a brainstorming session with some of your friends who just might come out with some very creative ideas.

Outfits: Inform your designer of the theme and request him/her to recommend some designs/ colors which blend with the theme. Most brides often forget the 'comfort' factor before zeroing on their final choice. It is very important that you choose an outfit in which you can move around with considerable ease.

Guests: Choose a theme which the majority of your guests will be comfortable with. If your theme involves participation by the guests give them some kind of hint about the same by mentioning it in the invitation cards. Alternatively, you can decide to give them a pleasant surprise.

We will soon be back with details on more theme weddings and a comprehensive guide on how you can implement the 'Wedding of your dreams'.. More ideas, resource listing, cost factors et al.

Watch this space for more !!!