Ask the Experts at Sapna South Asian Wedding Planning

Engagement Questions

  1. How far apart should the engagement party and wedding be?
Ideally 8-12 months b/c you then need to time to plan your wedding! You will learn a lot from the mistakes you make for the engagement party that will help you make the right decisions for your wedding
  1. What kind of gift is appropriate to take to an engagement party?
If someone is registered, then you can pick up something from their registry. If they are not registered then the best way to not make a mistake is to give cash
  1. When should it happen?
There is no real timeline here, but the best thing to do would be as soon as you can pull it together after your official engagement. Again, giving you more time to plan your wedding
  1. Who’s invited?
An engagement party is usually quite a bit smaller than the wedding reception. Try to keep it to close friends and family, leaving the extended friend group for the reception. This is also the most cost-effective way to do it
  1. Who supposed to host?
Typically the engagement party is thrown by the families – either both sides or just one as a gift to the bride and groom to be
  1. Should I tell my ex?
Sure, but don’t invite him/her to the party!
  1. Who chooses the ring?
It’s nice for the bride to be surprised, so if the groom isn’t sure what to get he should get advice from her close friends or sister to make sure he’s on track
  1. Who do we tell first?
Your parents! It’s a big deal for you and it’s a really big deal for your family so why not take them out for dinner and share the good news with them first?
  1. What are engagement photos for?
An engagement shoot, as referred to by photographers, is actually a photo shoot that is done about one month before your wedding. It’s for the bride and groom only and is usually done in a casual setting with either landscape or urban backgrounds or both. The pics can then be used for a guest book or a portrait to be keep in the lobby of the reception
  1. How heavy should my outfit be for the engagement party?
Something that stands out but that won’t outshine your wedding outfits. Dress as if you were hosting a really fancy party, consider a really nice langha or saree

Planning Questions:

  1. Benefits of a Wedding planner?
Having an expert by your side to help you make all of the right decisions. They can also handle difficult situations and creatively problem solve on your wedding day. Sapna Weddings will give you access to insider vendor information and unbelievable pricing to save you time and money.
  1. Destination Weddings are they cheaper?
It depends. If you chose to work with vendors at your destination then you can save some money. However, if you decide to bring some of your vendors to the destination location then it can get expensive. Remember though, if your guests are paying for their own flight and accommodation then you shouldn’t expect a wedding gift as well.
  1. How to budget for a Bridal Party?
Some couples consider buying or renting the outfits and accessories for their bridal party and maybe even a small gift in addition to that. You should budget about $300 per person. If this is too pricey or if you have a large wedding party, then consider paying for only their accessories and maybe their hair & makeup for the big day
  1. What’s the first thing to do?
Book your venue. You can’t get started until your date is secure. This will help you check the availability for your other vendors.
  1. What to look for in a venue?
Your venue must meet your requirements with regards to capacity, cuisine and of course availability. It’s also helpful to have a flexible venue that has extras like coloured linens or centerpieces. Finally, if you are considering a bar, find out the options you have BYOB, premium liquor, martini bar, etc
  1. Can we marry in a foreign country?
  2. How to make sure bugs aren’t invited to an outdoor wedding?
Outdoor weddings are gorgeous. When the sun sets however, the bugs are drawn to the heat and light of your event. Be sure to have bug zappers, and plenty of citronella candles to ward them away. Citronella candles also help create a very intimate atmosphere, so they serve a two in one purpose
  1. Can we apply for a marriage license by mail?
No, have to go in person to your town hall with photo id. Look for your town website online they will have all of the info you need
  1. How to distribute duties?
Delegate what you can and what doesn’t need your personal involvement like gathering address and putting together guest favours. Typically the Groom takes care of the DJ and limo. Lean on family and friends for pre-wedding events, let them organize these events so you can focus on the wedding day
  1. Can we get married on Diwali, Eid or any holidays?
Yes, but you may be inconveniencing your guests and putting them in an awkward position. Try to stay away from religious holidays and since this is common to so many people, it’s important to book your venue quickly.
  1. How are weekday weddings?
Cheaper but again, hard on your guests, expect lower attendance or an early end to the night
  1. Is a Limo a must?
You don’t need a limo but you can’t drive! Get a friend to drive you or family but you should feel like royalty on your big day
  1. Can we see each other pre ceremony?
There is no time! And nothing can replace the look on each other’s face when you see one another for the first time. Let the photographer capture that and don’t mess with the element of surprise
  1. Do parents get gifts?
It’s nice. They have done so much for you, this token of your appreciation will mean a lot to them and they will cherish it forever
 
  1. Wedding colors?
Ceremony is usually traditional, depending on the religion it could be red/gold/crème or white or green. For your reception, the hot colour for 2010 is coral but make sure it compliments or contrasts with your outfit so you don’t blend in
 
  1. Options for an intimate wedding?
Sometimes you don’t have a say in this so help create intimacy with using candles for décor and dim lighting. If you are lucky enough to have a small wedding then it’s always nice to make the wedding as personal as possible for your guests. Try homemade guest favours, fun table labels and pictures with all your guests.

 

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