Great wedding Shopping Destinations in India: PART 2

Continuing from my previous article, I take you on to the next great wedding shopping destination in India. Other than Delhi, the next city that comes to my mind that’s great for wedding shopping is- JAIPUR- The capital city of Rajasthan.

JAIPUR - One of my favorite cities in India. Favorite, not because I live here or because it is famed to be the land of forts and Palaces, the land of riches, color and unparalleled heritage. Favorite because, this city offers so much that money can and cannot buy! Favorite because of the hospitality and the kind of treatment you will receive from the people during your shopping excursions and otherwise. Favorite because this is the city where you can find India at its colourful best!

Let’s start with what all you need to shop for that you can find in JAIPUR? Considering that, we get married once and want the best for ourselves, our life and the people in it. There is a lot to shop and find. Some of them are:
o Invitation cards
o Bags
o Home furnishing
o Home décor stuff
o Silverware
o Trousseau packing
o Gifts
o Authentic arts
o Handicrafts
o Exquisite gems
o Jewellery (Silver/ Gold/ Color stones)
o Designer marble products
o Traditional print, block Print garments and textiles
o Blue pottery
o Rajais (blankets/ quilts)
o Trinkets
o Lak ki chudi (ethnic bangles)
o Mojdis (special Rajashtani footware)
o Bandhani work (Traditional Rajasthani Tie & Dye)
o Miniature paintings
o Kundan jewellery
o Marble figures
o Gold filigree and inlay work...

Phew, the list seemed endless

The Jaipur bazaars are a treat for those who love to explore and discover. They are located in and around the famous Hawa Mahal, which is part of the walled city (The OLD JAIPUR City). Johari Bazaar, Bapu Bazaar, Nehru Bazaar, Chaura Rasta, (also called the Sawai Man Singh Highway), Tripolia Bazaar and the Mirza Ismail Road (Popularly known as M.I. ROAD) are some of the main shopping areas. Johari Bazaar is the one stop for jewellery and tie dye sarees, fabrics, suits, lehengas and textiles. Gopalji ka Rasta, and Haldiyon ka Rasta houses numerous establishments selling jewellery, gems, sweets, silverware etc. The Old city markets remain closed on Sunday. For handicrafts like puppets, bandahwars, wall hangings, white metal artifacts go to linking road next to saraogi mansion- Bapu Bazar. For wonderful trousseau packing visit Ratan textile and a few tiny shops next to Ratan. When in bapu Bazar do not miss the golgappas and kulfi faluda.



Bapu Bazaar and Nehru Bazaar, are also a must visit place for textiles, local perfumes, shoes made of camel skin (jutties/ mojaries), Rajasthani trinkets and bandhani work. Bapu Bazaar also Houses the famous SARAOGI MANSION Market- that has many famous stores, known for Indian bridal trousseau.

If at Saraogi Mansion, you must see the collection at Nikhaar fashions, Utsav Sarees, Pratapsons and for great banarasi handloom fabrics visit Banaraswala. These markets are completely closed on Sundays.



Tripolia Bazaar and Chaura Rasta too have textile outlets in addition to shops selling utensils, ironware and trinkets. It is also closed on Sunday.


If you are interested in carvings in marble and sandstone then head for Khazanawale Raasta. Close to this is the popular M.I. Road which houses a large number of emporia with a variety of goods ranging from jewellery, brass work, textiles, antiques, handicrafts, print fabric, vegetable dye fabric, block printing fabric, famouse lassiwala (Awesome must try drink), Suryamahal veg restaurant, Natraj, Handi & Copper chimney to grab a bite post your shopping sessions etc. The MI Road shops stock a large variety of articles to satisfy the tourists’ need like souvenirs, curios, gifts, handicrafts etc.


For block printed specialities, Kilol, Soma Shop, cottons, chhipa, Cotton curio, Gulabchand, Suruchi and Anokhi are great places to visit. Rajasthali, the official store of Rajasthan tourism, is a must try to find a galore of products under one roof. But if you are flying out, then the Sanganer village area, which is close to the airport, is worth going to for blue pottery and other specialities.


For wonderful and cheap home furnishings do take out some time and visit Seekar House. Bedspreads, bedsheets, Table mats, Table runners, Tablecloth, curtains, Quilts, name it and you got it all squeezed in the small seeker house market. You must bargain a lot to strike a great deal.
For more details on what all you can buy from Jaipur read another article on this BLOG: http://theroyalshaadi.blogspot.com/2008/08/mementoes-for-wedding-guests.html


For more details or shopping assistance in Rajasthan, feel free to write to us at dreams@theroyalshaadi.com

Great wedding Shopping Destinations in India: PART I

Engaged and all set to tie the knot??? Have the money & the time to go across country to shop for you trousseau? Then this article and many more in this blog is going to be an interesting read.

This is the first article in this series. First because, my country is so full of splendor and great things across the length and breadth of its boundaries; that there cant be just one destination to mention.

We start with my favourite shopping destination and heart of India- DELHI. The Capital of the country definitely has a lot to offer- whatever your budget maybe. Delhi is definitely shoppers' paradise.

Home to many of India's leading and most talented fashion designers such as Tarun Tahillani, Manish Malhotra, Rohit Bal, Ashima & Leena, Aki Narula, Suneet Verma, Ranna Gill, JJ Valaya etc as well as has a lot of wholesale places across city.


Delhi is also home to some of the most well established clothes shops and jewelers in India, which have reinvented themselves over generations and are nationally if not internationally renowned. In recent years a great range of affordable but none the less, fashionable boutiques have comeup all over Delhi, catering to a variety of tastes and budgets. These are most prevalent in the Karol Bagh, South Extension and Greater Kailash areas.


For those with less in their pockets, Delhi has Chandni Chowk- where you can start from your wedding invite, go on to jewellery, then to cosmetics, shoes and finally the wedding day attire. Lajpat nagar, rajendar nagar and Karol bagh are also great for A to Z budget wedding shopping. from clothes to jewellery. Shoes to hand bags. Cosmetics to luggage you can buy everything in the shops/ markets of these areas, and that too within a great budget!


Certain areas of Delhi, notably GK, South Extension, Hauz Khas Village, Khan Market showcase some of Delhi's finest boutiques, but remember they will burn a hole in your pocket! Since you wont get married everyday, so its well worth it! If you are shopping in this section (South Delhi) do visit the designers mentioned above as well as don’t forget ushnakmal, meena bazaar, Nalli, Regal shoes, Da Milano, OOgaan, CTC Plaza, Design Vault etc.


However, if you are a more budget conscious shopper, do visit a few shops in these areas to get an idea of the latest styles and designs and then try and find similar items (which certainly are available) in the more affordable, but none the less chic shops located in Karol Bagh, Connaught Place, Lajpat Nagar, Kamla Nagar, Chandni Chowk etc.


MUST DO:

You must research before your trip, to get an idea of the colors, styles and designs of outfits that are in and goes with your taste and budgets. Browse through wedding magazines, surf the web and ask your friends and family for their input.
Whilst shopping in India, it is very easy to get overwhelmed and confused by the amazing variety of items that are available. Make a list of what you like in each shop so that you can make an overall comparison and shortlist what you finally want to buy.

Indian Bridal Jewellery-symbolism & connotations

Jewellery plays a Vital role in Indian Weddings. Wedding and jewellery go hand in hand thus no Indian wedding can be complete without jewellery.


Indian Bridal jewellery is usually heavy and made of gold & precious gems. Each piece of jewellery has a religious and aesthetic connotation. Gold is the symbol of wealth and prosperity. Precious stones/ gems symbolizes color and beauty.

The jewellery worn by the bride from each region in the country is different. Every state has its own style and form, glimpses of which are seen in the jewellery worn. There are some pieces of jewellery that are worn by brides almost everywhere in the country. These include the Mangalsutra, Bangles, Necklace, Maangtika, Earrings, Nose Ring, Anklets, Haath phool, Armlet, Rings and Toe Rings.

In western weddings, the ring symbolises the marriage similarly in the Indian wedding the Mangalsutra meaning ‘auspicious thread’ (a small gold pendant worn on a black and gold beaded chain) is the main symbol of marriage. The groom ties the Mangalsutra around the bride’s neck and this is one of the most important parts of the Indian (Hindu) wedding ceremony.

It is believed that a married woman should always have here arms adorned and never should she keep them empty. Thereby bangles play a vital role in Indian bridal Jewellery. Green and red glass bangles along with gold, silver, lac and other colorful bangles are a must for Indian brides

Maangtika - is a designer bridal jewelry, which glorifies the center parting. It comes in different styles and colors using various gemstones primarily diamonds or kundan/polki (rosecut, uncut etc) coloured gems and pearls. It usually consists of a string hooked at the top with some elegantly designed centerpiece resting on the other end. It can also be in the form of a crown. The trend of Mangtika will never fade.
Earrings - Well, the choice of earrings depends on your trousseau style and color too. If your bridal attire is very gaudy in shades of reddish maroon or copper brown, you should go in for gold jewelry. If your wardrobe is in pastel color is done you can opt for the delicate pearls, diamonds and other studs. Danglers give you a chic look. In case you want to maintain sobriety, then you can go in for studs and small hoops.


Nose Ring - nose ring should be chosen according to earring color and style. The traditionally worn nose ring called "Nath" consists of studded ring with a long chain hooked up in the hair. Lot of innovations are taking place in its designing. It has become a fashion statement today with more and more women getting their nose pierced.


Necklace - necklace is the most eye catchy jewelry. It should blend with your earring and nose ring design and color and should also match with your wardrobe neck cut. The style and pattern of the necklace is chosen based on the neckline of the dress. A choker style necklace is worn with a smaller neckline and a longer necklace with a deeper neckline. People with short necks should wear attire with plunging necklines and accordingly choose necklace.



Anklets And Toe rings - Anklets and toe rings give you a chic look. These bridal foot jewels flaunt your feet in the most elegant manner. Intricate designs in works of meenakari, kundan and beads do wonders. In some regions like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, it is compulsory for married women to wear the toe ring all the time.


Traditionally all jewellery is made of gold or silver. But today you see different types of metals being used. Gemstones are in vogue and apt for summer season to match with your cool fabric and light shades. In winter season you can go in for heavy gold work to complement your bright colored heavy warm fabric.


You can find some stunning bridal jewellery on the following blog: http://thevoguejewels.blogspot.com/ or checkout the facebook group: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/group.php?gid=68992567598

For queries and guidance on buying bridal jewellery mail us on: dreams@theroyalshaadi.com

Summer Wedding Cosnsiderations

If you are planning to get married this summer and you are planning a summer wedding in Rajasthan, then there are a few considerations you must make.

Today's blog is about the current temparature scenario, venue availability and other must take into account situations for those planning a wedding in rajasthan between june-september time frame.

First and foremost, this year has been hotter than average for all of us in Rajasthan. We have already faced 36 Degrees to 48 Degrees and above heat this year. To add to that, rains seem more than far off.

So for your wedding, closed venues would be best suited. you can consider air conditioned banquets as well as heritage properties that have Durbar Halls. If you still insist on open venues, look for pool side properties or lawns/ gardens with lots of fountains. For example, one can consider the jai niwas lawns at the City Palace of Jaipur, sisodia Rani Ka bagh- Jaipur, lawns of mandawa castle- Mandawa, Bal samand lake resort etc. to name a few.

Day entertainment / activities for your guest is another area you need to plan for, well in advance. Owing to the scorching heat sight-seeing, polo tournaments or elephant safari are not great options. Instead, we recommend SPA sessions, private cultural performances, henna tattoo artistesu with classical singers to entertain while your guests enjoy ornating themselves with henna tattooes and shopping tours.

June till August 2009 is busy wedding season. So if you havent booked your venue and hotel already, then you are too late for a great Indian wedding.

Transportation is another factor you need to consider for summer weddings. Pre planning is a key to ensure you get good vehicles with well functional air-conditioners.

Pre-Planning your beauty and styling is another consideration you must make for a summer wedding. There are plenty of Spa & beauty salons across Rajasthan, however it will be sensible to pre-discuss your make up and styling preferences with your wedding planner and smart to book a salon in advance. Your planner will be more than glad to help and guide.

Be very sensible while choosing your Indian trousseau. Lighter shades and lighter fabrics are most recommended. Go for pastel shades and fabrics like chiffon/ Georgette, Silk Nets etc. Raw silk, crepe, velvet and heavy brocades are an absolute Noooo!

Picking up sensible footwear and jewellery is a must. Heavy Jewellery and closed footwear are an absolute no. Diamonds and light weight traditional jewellery in polki/ kundan is a good option. one can also consider the pachhikari jewellery made of colored and precious and semi precious stones.


These are few must make considerations. Once you have made these,carried loads of sunscreen lotion, an appetite for all the wonderful spicy delicacies and a spirit warmer than the Indian summer, a summer wedding in Rajasthan is a cake walk!

Happy weddings!

Traditional Rajasthani jewelry with a Modern Twist

Are you looking for jewelry that is traditional yet very wearable with modern day outfits? Are you looking for exotic rajasthani jewelery, which is light on pocket? Are you looking for colored gems and classy designs? Are you looking for High-Fashion Jewelry? Are you looking for costume jewelry?

Well, if you are looking for all the above & more then Vermeil Jewelry is just the right thing for you.

Hand crafted with precision and purity vermeil jewelry is extremely attractive and pocket friendly! Made of Silver (92.4% Pure- Certification can be provided), 2 to 4 Microns of 18 Karat Gold and precious &/ or semi-precious stones like Ruby, Emerald, Carnelian, Onyx, Garnet, Turquoise, Chinese Pearls etc-vermeil jewelry is every woman’s fantasy. Excellent for gifting, extremely wearable and classy rajastani vermeil is truly exotic.

Here are a few designs, especially handmade by artisans. The collection is massively diverse with a great attention to detail. With only a sample of the total releases seen here, many designs possess multiple finishes including sandblasted matte black, gloss black, sandblasted matte gold, gloss yellow gold and oxidized silver.

For more information on vermeil Jewellery or buying, the same mail us at dreams@theroyalshaadi.com & visit our page on Facebook- http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=68992567598

You can also visit http://www.thevoguejewels.blogspot.com/ AND http://abgsvermeil.blogspot.com/ for some stunning Rajasthani briadal, everyday and party wear jewellery.

Wedding Jewelry at times of Recession

The buzzword of 2009 is RECESSION! Cutting costs, minimizing needs, doing away with elaborate- is the focus. The Topic I picked up today for my reader is keeping the ongoing recession in mind.

Jewelry is an integral part of any wedding and is an element we cannot completely do away with, while planning a wedding. With ‘The Recession’ tugging at our sleeve we need to look for alternates and options that not only makes for the perfect accessories but also is light on our wallets!

I am writing today about one such great alternate- Vermeil jewellery.

Vermeil: Pronounced "vair-may", is sterling silver, which has been plated or rolled with gold. A thin layer of gold, usually 18kt or 22kt, is overlaid onto the silver surface. The Rajasthani vermeil jewelry has .003 inch or more of 18Kt /22Kt gold overlaid in different textures and finishes and is extremely popular form of jewelry in these times when saving our resources are primary.

The vermeil jewelry prince range starts at $40 i.e. INR 2000 and goes up to $200 i.e. INR 10000 approx. Vermeil is available in a variety of designs and a lot of precious and semi precious stones/ gems are used to ornate and enhance the pieces. Stones like ruby, emerald, pearl, coral, onyx, carnelian, fluoride, tanzanite and sapphires are used in almost all vermeil pieces. Vermeil jewellery has been used by brides to create a complete set of accessories to match trousseau for the D-day! Too many options can be done in vermeil. One can create sets containing- Earrings, bracelets, necklace, hair pins, brooches, hand bag buttons, shoe / slipper enhancements, anklets, armlets, tiaras, rings etc.

For buying Vermeil Jewelery from internationally certified jewelers, mail us on dreams@theroyalshaadi.com.

For any other wedding shopping assistance from Rajasthan feel free to visit us at www.theroyalshaadi.com.

Bridal Trends 2008

As the wedding season opens with a bang in India, would be Brides and their friends & family are going berserk putting together the best trousseau/ wardrobe and other essential items together. In this Blog, I bring forward a few tips and trends for putting together your wardrobe and other essentials for the upcoming season as well as life ahead.

Let’s start with the trends in-terms of your wardrobe. For all you Fashionistas wondering what colors to choose from, here are a few tips. The Hot colors this season are jewel tones and metallic colors like Gold, Silver, Copper, Bronze, Emerald Green, Tanzanite Blue etc. Pastel shades continue to be popular as well. Apart from these, people are opting for unusual combinations like honey brown with onion pink, coffee with copper sulphate blue, grape green with wine / burgundy, carrot pink with chocolate brown, purple with parrot green etc. Brocades, hand woven Benarasi georgettes, georgettes, chiffons, soft nets and textured or plain velvet are the most demanded fabrics this season.

When it comes to jewelry, fusion of the traditional with modernity is ‘The-in-Thing’. For example, the age-old bagdi is been given a new look by use of diamonds; Baaju also is coming in some very modern designs. Polki- meena, Thewa and Jaddau continue to be popular. Sleek diamond jewelry is very much in demand and hyderabadi jadaai polki sets are very popular this season.

For home furnishing and accessories, silverware and silver artifacts are really in. You must also consider buying a few laakh/Laac items like mirrors, laakh photo frames, laakh table pieces etc.

This season, ‘The minimalist look’ is completely out and ‘The Opulent look’ is ‘The Look’ for interiors. If you have the affordability, then having a piece from around the globe is a must. So, you can put that Persian rug and use that Burmese Buddha statue as a corner piece and add the Indian silver artifacts, Pakistani onyx table pieces, the glass items from Florence and those beautiful cut glass chandeliers from Belgium all at the same time in your living room. Jute furnishings are very hot! Silks as usual still stay popular for drapes and bedspreads, colors like Gold, white, beige are very in.

When it comes to crockery, silverware and bone china still rules-the-roost. The terracotta earthenware is also becoming very popular for serving Indian cuisine. Steel with matt finish and cast iron utensils remain popular for daily usage. Melamine is not recommended. Use steel or porcelain instead.

I hope, with all the above details shopping will be a easier and less cumbersome experience! Congratulations on the upcoming wedding and happy shopping!!!