30 DAYS TO A BEAUTIFUL BRIDE...

It's the most important day of your life. There are a hundred things that need to be done. But most important of all, you have to look beautiful! So calm down, drop the stress and get into this four-week beauty routine. Your mother too, can join in on the fun and brush up on her grooming as well...

WEEEK 4
FOR THE BRIDE
The jitters have set in, there's just a month left to D-Day. Take deep breaths, relax and spend a day sitting back and reviewing your beauty routine. Remember to follow the basics: Eat healthy meals, drink eight glasses of water every day, get enough beauty sleep and stick to your fitness routine...

• Get a dermatologist to examine your skin and hair. Clinical problems need to be tackled now.
• Re-visit your hair spas and salon treatments, get into intensive gear to tackle chronic problems such as dryness, undereye circles and cracked heels. Write down a glaundry list of beauty goals and make sure you follow your salon expert's advice.
• This is the right time to buy your colour cosmetics. Try them on to test them. Even if something does give you an allergy, there's plenty of time for your skin to get back its glow. Also, this way all your shades will be just right . remember to buy the best quality, reduce the number of lipsticks if your budget is tight.
• Grow your nails. Stubby nails will not add to bridal allure. Regular manicures and pedicures will keep your hands and feet soft, and nails glowing. Rub in moisturiser on your hands and feet before going to bed. Soak your feet in warm water with bath salts when you feel tired or stressed. This is also a good time to get started on a good dayand-night regime. Use day and night creams after cleansing and toning.
• Decide your look for the ceremonies and the actual wedding right down to the last detail... Go through the Internet and magazines to check out the looks you really like. Just keep in mind that all the latest styles may not suit you. It's a good idea to consult a stylist (good salons will be able to help you with this).
• Now is also the time to shed those extra kilos. Fix an appointment with a reputed dietician: You should be able to drop about 5-6kg.
• A regular morning walk and a good night's sleep are a must for your daily routine. Ask her to recommend some home toning exercises. Yoga is always a good option, but do aerobic exercise as well.
• Get a full-body wax trial to check whether your skin is suited for this. If you have sensitive skin, you may have to opt for a good bleach (try Oxy Bleach) or try using an emollient hair-removing cream such as Veet or Anne French.

FOR THE MOTHER

• Get your anti-ageing treatments in place . you have an important role to play as the bride's mother. Hands and feet reveal age the most. Take time out to visit a reputed salon and get a manicure and pedicure. Follow through with daily care, softly scrub feet during your bath and moisturise well.
• Get your appointments fixed at the salon for all the ceremonies. Check with your daughter whether she wants you there at her salon or book a different one. Remember, she's the priority, you are the support!
• Finish your clothes' trials now, get them in order and keep them aside. The last few weeks are always about the bride, you may be running out on umpteen shopping trips to buy something that the bride has forgotten.
• Get sleep. If the nights get late, take a power nap in the day. A beautiful bride with a drooping family doesn't make for a pretty picture!

WEEK 3
FOR THE BRIDE
By now, the only shopping you should be doing are the trials for your wedding costume.

• Keep your skin glowing by continuing the facials, body massages and body wraps at your salon. Do not try any new treatments or cosmetics at this stage. Stick to tried-and-tested products or services. Use face packs from VLCC, Aromamagic or any other cosmetic brand you trust. Do a quick home facial by cleansing, massaging moisturiser on your face and finishing up with a face pack.
• Plan a practice hairstyling session with the stylist. Try 3-4 hairdos, keeping in mind the various functions and outfits. Most salons give you a complete dress rehearsal with full make-up to showcase the complete feel of the
• 'D-Day'. It's always better to try a few looks and products rather than ending up in chaos. Don't forget to take along a trusted friend/relative to give an objective opinion.
• No more junk food and colas. Drop the alcohol; instead, fill up on vegetable juices and water.
• You can't avoid going out, so when stepping out in the sun, wear shades, carry an umbrella and use a sunscreen with a high SPF level. Cleopatra bathed in milk for a reason- Take a mugful of milk with you in the bathroom and rub it all over your skin after your bath, massage for 10-15 minutes. Shower through and pat skin dry for a brighter complexion and softer skin.
• Reconfirm salon appointments to ensure no mistakes have occurred.

FOR THE MOTHER
Continue with regular home care for the skin. Moisturise after every bath, use day and night creams and do use SPF every time you step out (which is likely to be a lot!).
Decide on your looks; give your salon expert a call and get the hair and make-up for each occasion fixed and decided. No last-minute experimentation; it can go very wrong!
Tackle problem areas now - hands, feet and dark joints have enough time to heal and glow with proper home care. You should go to a dermatologist for any serious issues.
Do keep a check on your diet. Celebrations may lead to weight gain.WEEK 2
FOR THE BRIDE
A fortnight to go 

• By now most brides are told to stay home as much as possible. Catch up on indoor exercise and get enough rest and sleep.
• Avoid meeting friends for long lunches and dinners; even calls from your soon-to-be husband late into 
• the night may be eating into your beauty sleep!
• 
  Plan your pre-wedding hair trim, colouring and highlighting if you want. Don't get tempted to do anything that's completely radical. You have already decided on your look.
• If you have dry hair, try a hot-oil massage every third day. You can use sesame seed, almond or olive oil. Follow it by wrapping your hair in a towel dipped in hot water for five minutes. Talk to your stylist on how to treat your hair for the next seven days to keep it fit for styling on the big day; stick to trusted brands...
• Add exfoliation treatments to your regular skincare regimen. At home, simply mix one-part sugar to twoparts fruit pulp for a good body and face scrub. Remember not to ignore your hands and feet.
• Use only tried-and-tested facials and mask applications. No more than one facial a week lest you irritate and redden your skin.

FOR THE MOTHER
• Another phase of facials, manicures, pedicures and maybe a body massage will more or less complete your skincare routine.
• Concentrate on home care and be regular with cleansing, toning and moisturising . the basic three-step skincare routine.
• Get your waxing and bleaching over and done with now.

WEEK 1
FOR THE BRIDE
Now the countdown has truly begun. Do your last-minute trials, but the key is to get as much rest as you possibly can. Ceremonies will keep you tired as it is, do not aggravate with last-minute shopping jaunts.

• Pack the bag you are taking to the stylist carefully. Make sure it contains a gloss, cotton swabs, make-up remover, bobby pins, hair spray, translucent powder, breath mints and anything else you want...
• Make sure you get a manicure and pedicure done. We recommend you try the paraffin pedicure and manicure done at VLCC. You should get your brows shaped to get perfect arches.
• Use a body wash with a loofah to exfoliate and polish your skin, particularly for your decolletage and arms. You can pick up one from Palmolive, Lush or The Body Shop.
• Drink two extra glasses of water daily to keep your skin soft and supple.
• Maintain your mental calm by taking short naps from time to time whenever you get the chance. And keep up your 10-minute meditation routine.
• Do go for your regular waxing and bleaching sessions . they're important!

FOR THE MOTHER
• This week is likely to get really hectic for you. Ask a massage lady to come home and give you a relaxing head massage . it's sure to help ease the stress.
• Remember to thoroughly clean face of make-up after every ceremony lest your skin gets dull because of the blocked pores.
• Have a three-minute lukewarm shower followed by a three-minute cold shower to refresh your skin. Moisturise afterwards.
• Use an anti-ageing face mask from Olay or Neutrogena to help you look your best, twice a week.

Time's up! It's D-DAY
FOR THE BRIDE
Now the clock's really ticking. Everything should be in place, since you've already packed your kit for the salon and got your dress ready. Relax, and enjoy the day!

• Stop involving yourself in every little detail. There are people to handle crises.
• Before the chaos of the ceremonies begins, take 10 minutes for yourself in the morning to recharge (listen to music or go for a walk).
• Have a healthy breakfast. Try to have fruits, milk or curd through the day.
• If you feel tense, just breathe in and out to a count of 10.
• During weddings, people will comment and complain. Don't take that to heart.

FOR THE MOTHER
• Reach your salon appointments on time. Get ready quickly to be around for the bride. Keep your make-up light and classy. Pancakes look awful.
• Remember to eat a decent lunch and carry some snacks for the bride too.
• Most important of all, look happy and smile.

BRIDAL MAKE-UP
• Reach on time. There will be other brides there too. Don't delay if you want the best service.
• You've already discussed your look with the make-up artist. So on this day, don't bother her at every step. Sit back and relax.
• The salon may be crowded, so to take care of belongings.
• Keep your phone on silent mode. Avoid taking calls when the make-up is being done.
• Remember to wear any heavy necklaces and earrings before your hair-do is done.
• Ask your escort to wait at the reception. Crowding around the make-up artist and commenting on her work will put her off.
• Use a long-lasting lipstick. Apply the colour once at the beginning of the ceremony, and re-moisturise a couple of times to keep your lips luscious and picture-perfect.
• Employ a spot-checker. Your sister or best friend will do. Ask them to keep an eye on you and let you know if you need a touch-up. They might also do you the favour of carrying the lipstick you're wearing in their purse for easy access.
• Stash back-ups. Stake out the bathrooms or changing facility at the venue. Place an emergency kit, including powder to beat down shiny noses, a hairbrush, hairspray, lipstick, a small perfume and safety pins... Do carry a good deodorant or perfume with you.

15 bridal hairstyles for Indian Bride

With the wedding season around the corner, many of you must be running all over the place to get your last minute work completed. By now you should have finalized your makeup artist & hair stylist. In case if you haven’t been able to think of hairstyle ideas, the below slideshow will help you decide the look you want.

 

Quick Tips when getting the Bridal hairstyle done

• On the day of the function, wash your hair well with the usual shampoo but skip the conditioner as conditioner makes the hair slippery and difficult to work with. Also, if you have very soft hair, the hairstyle might not stay in place for too long.
• Check with the hairstylist if they will be bringing any hair accessories or real flowers. If not, you should arrange for them.
• Hairstylists generally don’t give hair style trials. The ones who do, may charge a minimal amount to do it which they will deduct from the final amount in case if you choose to book them.
• Experiment if you have to! If you are someone who likes to try new things out, say it. Ask the hairstylist if they will be able to pull it off.
• In case if you are used to a particular hairstylist (the one you’d usually get your hair cut from), request them if they could do your bridal hairstyle (they are used to your hair texture and you are used to their touch).There’s absolutely no harm in getting your hair done else where. There’s no rule that says that the person who’s doing your makeup has to do your hairstyle as well.
• Finally, at any point, if you are not happy or uncomfortable about the style, feel free to voice it! At the end of it, YOU need to be happy with the outcome. And you only marry once! So what the hell 

CONTEMPORARY BRIDAL LEHENGA COLLECTION

Bollywood Brides

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan

It was during the promotion of Mani Ratnam's Guru when Abhishek Bachchan proposed to Aishwarya Rai in the balcony of a New York City hotel.

Immediately after the duo got engaged at the Bachchan residence, Jalsa followed by an extensively-covered wedding, right from the invitation card featuring Harivansh Rai Bachchan's poem, Aishwarya's carefully accumulated trousseau to the various mithais, star-studded programs at the sangeet, to Abhishek climbing the customary ghodiin an off-white sherwani with accessorised with polki and emerald jewels, a Bollywood-filled baraat to his exchange of vows with Ash, clad in a glorious gold sari and tons of kundan-themed jewelry.

Considering the curiosity about the celebrity couple and controversy over who got invited while who was left out, this grand affair continued to make headlines for several days after the marriage.

After years of reigning as Bollywood's undisputed queen, the actress flashed her million-dollar once again to throw a party. Only this wasn't a birthday bash but a lavish reception at The Club to celebrate her arranged marriage with Colorado-based doctor, Shriram Nene in a hush-hush ceremony in US. 

The star of blockbusters like Tezaab, Hum Aapke Hain Kounand Dil To Pagal Hai glowed in a copper and peach lehengadesigned by Reza Shariffi and introduced her non-filmi hubby to Mumbai's glitterati like Dilip Kumar, Amitabh Bachchan and Anil Kapoor

After her high-profile engagement to Abhishek Bachchan was called off, Karisma opted for an arranged marriage to her family friend's businessman son, Sunjay Kapur.

Expectedly, the bride sparkled in a Manish Malhotra designed rose pink lehenga with zardozi and diamond-encrusted embroidery and an elaborate diamond necklace while her significant other opted for a pale white sherwani.

The ceremony took place in Sikh-tradition, at Karisma's grand dad, Raj Kapoor's Chembur home, RK Cottage, which was elegantly dressed up in flowers and was a well-attended celebration with delicacies ranging from seafood specialties to rustic delights on its menu.

Right from her family (Randhir Kapoor, Babita and Kareena), relatives (Rishi Kapoor, Rajiv Kapoor, Shammi Kapoor, Shashi Kapoor) to her co-stars (Salman Khan, Govinda, Akshaye Khanna), everyone joined in to bless the happy couple. 

Karisma's co-star of films like Aatish and Andaz Apna Apna, Raveena Tandon was next to hit the altar. After a bitter break up with Akshay Kumar, the ravishing beauty found love in distributor Anil Thadani. The two promptly decided to marry. And how.

There was tons of opulence, for starters. Raveena's wedding was nothing short of a royal affair, right from its regal venue, Shiv Niwas Palace of Udaipur for the pheras or City Palace to host the sangeet festivities.

The sentimental actress requested designer Manav Gangwani to rework her mom's wedding sari for the D-day hoping to enjoy the same marital bliss as her. 

Unlike her colleagues, Kajol opted for a decidedly cozy, private celebration to wed longtime beau, Ajay Devgn. With the exception of Bachchans, Karan Johar and Rahul Rawail, only family and close friends from both the sides were included at the do.  

Both Kajol and Devgn, known to be fiercely individualistic, didn't impose their traditions on the other. And so while Kajol wore a typical green Maharashtrian nine-yard sari with a studded nath (nose-ring) to go, Devgn slipped into a sherwaniand jasmine sehra. Earthy and classy, that's them for you. 

Amrita Arora's wedding was a three-day festival with several functions like a church wedding, sangeet and nikaah lined-up.

After exchanging vows with industrialist Shakeel Ladakh at the church, guests enjoyed a scrumptious brunch at Olive, a upscale restaurant in Suburban Mumbai with elder sister Malaika Arora playing the perfect hostess to a bevy of stars like Saif Ali Khan, Karisma and Kareena Kapoor, Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif.

Her star friends ensured they were part of all the festivities while Amrita beamed like a perfectly happy bride in an Ashley Rebello gown as well as Manish Malhotra designs.

Ayesha Takia had to postpone her wedding, by a few months, to sweetheart of many years, restaurateur Farhan Azmi after the unfortunate 26/11 terror attacks on Mumbai.

Eventually, the duo got hitched with a lot of fanfare at Azmi's restaurant, Cafe Basilico followed by a extravagant reception at Cricket Club of India lawns, Brabourne Stadium in Churchgate.

The spontaneous star of the recent hit Wanted looked glorious and pleased holding on to her shy other half, in a shimmering gold-silver outfit adorned with glittering diamonds to go.

The function was attended by Sanjay Dutt, Riteish Deshmukh, Suniel Shetty, Dino Morea, Abhishek Bachchan, accompanied by his mom, Jaya as well her Dor director, Nagesh Kukunoor

Solah Shringar – 16 adornments of a Hindu Bride

Today we are going to talk about the ‘Solah Shringar’ of the Indian Hindu Bride. This bridal tradition has its roots in ancient times, and when embraced, it dictates the sixteen adornments that complete a Hindu bride’s look on her wedding day. We say sixteen adornments as it is the most literal translation of the word Solah (sixteen) Shringar (adornments).

Why sixteen? According to the Hindu mythology, there is a coherent link between a woman’s menstrual cycle and the lunar cycle. While this theory has been ousted by scientists in the 20th century, its influence on Indian culture still remains. The tradition of using sixteen adornments in the Solah Shringar was crafted to nullify the effect of the sixteen phases of the moon, which in turn was believed to be connected to a women’s menstrual cycle.

There is no defined list of the sixteen ornaments and accessories used, but the most prominent ones are covered in this article.

The Ceremonial Bath

The bride is given an elaborate bath on her wedding day, which itself is a ritual followed traditionally. Her hair is first oiled with aromatic oils and a paste of milk, haldi (turmeric), sandal powder, and gram flour is applied on her face, hands, and legs. After this, she is bathed and her hair is washed with a paste made from medicinal plants like Brahmi, Shikakai, Aloe Vera, Bhringraj and Amla.  There is no denying the glow radiated by a bride who goes through with this ceremonial bath.

Shaadi ka Joda (Wedding Dress)

The Shringar starts with the wedding dress. For Hindu brides, the dress is usually a sari of bright color, heavily embroidered in golden thread. Wedding dresses may vary from sari, lehenga, salwar suit etc; depending on which part of India the bride’s family hails from.

Keshapasharachana (Hairstyle)

Kesh means hair, pash means flock, and rachna means arrangement. A braid, according to ancient mythology, symbolizes India’s three rivers (three plaits) – Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati. It also symbolizes the trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. There is also another theory: One strand represents the bride’s father’s house, the second stands for her in-laws’ house, and the third represents the bride herself who unities both these families.

Gajra (Flowers)

Bride’s hair is adorned with flowers and accessories. The flower usually used is Jasmine.

Mangtika

Mangtika is an accessory worn on the central parting of the hair up to the forehead. The centre part of the forehead is believed to house the ajnachakra and it stands for preservation. This symbolizes the status of women as the preservation of the order of human race. Today, there are different variations of Mangtika. A Mangtika with chains tied along the hairline is one kind, which highlights the brides face.

Sindoor

Sindoor or Vermillion is symbol that indicates a woman is married. It is applied on the central parting of the hair. The powder is red in color which symbolizes fertility and regenerative power of women. It is also called Suhaag and is considered a sacred symbol. Sindoor is put for the first time by the groom during the wedding rituals. In some Hindu cultures, Sindoor should be adorned by a married woman at all times.

Bindi

Bindi is put on the centre of the bride’s forehead. Bindi has huge religious implications. The centre of the forehead is believed to be where the mystical third eye is, and it represents fire. Our eyes are capable of seeing the present, whereas the third eye helps in seeing the future. According to certain Hindu traditions, Bindi also indicates that a woman is married.

Kohl (Kajal)

Kajal is a black product drawn on the inner and outer rim of the bride’s eyelids, accentuating and highlighting her eyes. It is often homemade, and if the words of Wikipedia can be taken into account, this is how it’s done: “Preparation of homemade kajal begins with dipping a clean, white, thin muslin cloth, about four by four inches square, in sandalwood paste or the juice of Alstonia scholaris (Manjal karisilanganni), which is then dried in the shade. This dip and dry process is done all day long. After sunset, a wick is made out of the cloth, which is used to light a mud lamp filled with castor oil. A brass vessel is kept over the lamp, leaving a little gap, just enough for the oxygen to aid the burning of the lamp. This is left burning overnight. In the morning, one or two drops of pure ghee (clarified cow’s butter) or castor oil is added to the soot which now lines the brass vessel. It is then stored in a clean dry box. All the ingredients used in this preparation (sandalwood/Manjal karsilanganni, castor oil, ghee) are believed to have medicinal properties.”

Nath (Nose Ring)

Nath is one of the most traditional and ethnic accessories. In some traditions, nose rings are a symbol of a married woman and hence are expected to be worn by married women all the time.

Karn Phool (Ear Rings)

Earrings beautify the ears of an Indian bride. Karn Phool is a Sanskrit word meaning flower of the ear.

Haar (Necklaces) & Mangal Sutra

Necklaces adorned by a Hindu bride are usually made of gold, and embellished with precious gems and stones. They are usually heavy, with beautiful, elaborate designs, adding to the beauty of the bride. A particular necklace, usually made of black beads and gold, is put by the groom on the bride during the wedding ceremony, and is called the Mangal Sutra. This symbolizes their marriage and is worn by the bride until her death.

Baajuband (Armbands)

Armbands are a symbol of beauty and are worn on the arm of the bride, mostly placed over the blouse. It is usually made of gold with beautiful, precious stones on it. It is believed that armbands keep evil away.

Mehendi

Mehendi stands for love and signifies the strength of the marriage. The bride’s hands and feet are decorated with intricate designs and patterns using the mehendi paste, and is normally applied on the day before the wedding. Once the mehendi is dried and washed off, it leaves behind an orange-red color. This color imparted has several implications, like fertility, strength, emotional bond, sexual connection between the bride and groom, and is considered auspicious. Popular belief is that darker the color of Mehendi, deeper she’ll be adored. Mehendi is also believed to protect one from evil spirits, diseases, misery, and death.

Choodiyan (Bangles)

Bangles adorn the hands of the bride and are another sign of a married woman. Depending on the custom, the bangles are made of either gold, glass of green or red color, or any other metal. In certain traditions, like Sikh and Punjabi, Kaleras are also worn along with the bangles and they should be worn even after the marriage. The new bride is not allowed to do any house chores till she removes these bangles.

Aarsi (Thumb Rings)

Brides wear thumb rings along with the other rings. Most brides have her duppatta or pallu covering her face during the wedding ceremony, obstructing her from seeing her partner. These thumb rings are usually embedded with small mirrors, which help her to see herself and her partner.

Kamarband

Kamarband is an ornament tied around the waist. It is beautiful belt, usually made of gold with precious gems, which accentuate the waist of the bride. It also helps in holding the sari in place.

Payal (Anklets) and Bichuas (Toe rings)

Payal is a thick chain consisting of tiny bells which makes a beautiful, musical sound when the bride walks. Toe rings are usually worn on the second toe of the feet and it is also a symbol of a married woman. The bride is expected to wear the toe rings until her husband’s death. Certain cultures also have something called ‘Mahur’ where a thick red line is drawn around the border of bride’s feet. This is another indication of a married woman.

Ittr (Fragnance)

Ittr is applied on the bride to keep her smelling nice. It also helps her stay fresh through the lengthy wedding rituals.

We hope you enjoyed reading this article, as much as we had fun preparing this. The truth is that every tradition followed in Indian marriages today was crafted for a reason and has serious implications. It is good to be aware of these facts, and the reasons why we do the things we do. Also, this can provide inspiration to modern brides who are lovers of all things Indian, to inculcate these customs (perhaps with a modern twist) to their own beautiful weddings.