The Essential Bridal Beauty Countdown

Your step-by-step guide to bridal pampering

A smooth, radiant complexion that's glowing with health and vitality and flawless make-up are both achievable if you embark on a beauty regime now. Whether you've got months, weeks, or merely days to go until you tie the knot, there's plenty of time to make yourself gorgeous for the big day...

One year until the wedding
The easiest and most effective way to improve your complexion is to drink lots of water. You need to have at least eight glasses a day to hydrate your skin and flush out toxins from your system. Add a slice of lemon if you find plain water too bland, but avoid sparkling water. It contains carbon dioxide, which is a toxin that stops the absorption of calcium and can eventually cause osteoporosis.
Good skincare is a must. Your make-up only looks as good as your skin, so get into the habit of cleansing, toning and moisturizing every morning and evening. Use a gentle exfoliator once a week to slough off complexion-dulling dead skin cells and follow with a moisturizing face mask.

Six months to go
Treat yourself to a facial. Skin cells renew themselves every 28 eight days, so this is a great once-a-month treat. Don't worry if you get a few spots - they're a good sign! This is your skin's way of getting rid of impurities, and better now than on the day. Get skin in peak honeymoon condition by dry brushing all over with a natural bristle brush once a week. Start at your feet and work upwards in long, firm strokes towards your heart. Follow with a moisturising body lotion. Your skin will feel smoother and will tan better too.

Three months to go
Have another facial or use a deep-cleansing face mask to rid your skin of toxins. Don't neglect your feet, especially if you're having a beach wedding or getting married in the summer and wearing strappy sandals or open-toed shoes. Smooth your feet with a scrub or foot file every few days to stop rough skin building up and get into the habit of moisturising them every night.

11 weeks to go
Your hands and nails will be on show on the wedding day. Get them ready for that ring-on-the-finger moment by rubbing sweet almond oil or cuticle cream into your cuticles every night to keep them moisturised and healthy. If your nails are brittle and prone to breaking apply a nail strengthener every couple of weeks. Get into the habit of using hand cream whenever you wash your hands and always wear rubber gloves when you do the dishes.

10 weeks to go
Treat yourself to a professional feel-good spa treatment, such as a seaweed wrap, to detox, distress and relax - you deserve it! Improve the appearance and texture of lips by brushing them with a dry toothbrush and then rubbing in lip balm. Relieve tired eyes by covering them with cooling slices of cucumber or teaspoons that have been chilled in the fridge and lie down for five minutes with your feet higher than your head.

Nine weeks to go
Once a week, smooth feet with a clay face mask, wash off and slather with a rich foot cream. Spritz your face with floral water throughout the day to soothe, refresh and revive tired skin. This is especially important if you work in an air-conditioned office, is very drying for your skin. As a special treat, run a luxurious bubble bath, lock the bathroom door, light a scented candle and enjoy some well-deserved "me" time away from the wedding preparations.

Eight weeks to go
Gloss nails and cuticles with a hot wax conditioner to stimulate blood flow to the nail bed. Get your body silky smooth by exfoliating with a scrub once a week. Massage over damp skin in small, circular motions, shower off and apply body lotion.

Seven weeks to go
After weeks - or possibly months - of traipsing around the shops looking for your wedding dress and checking out suppliers, ease tired feet with a simple massage. Use a mild oil, such as sweet almond oil, and gently squeeze and pull your toes then massage your feet with your fingers underneath while your thumbs move up and down in a gentle rotating motion. If you're really tired, get your fiancé to do it for you.

Six weeks to go
Have your eyebrows professionally shaped at a beauty salon. You'll be amazed what a difference it makes to your appearance and it's easy to keep them tidy afterwards. Soothe and tone your skin by smoothing nutrient-rich honey over your face and neck. Leave on for 15 minutes before rinsing off with warm water.

Five weeks to go
Get rid of rough, dry skin from elbows, knees, heels and ankles with a body exfoliator or make your own by mixing a handful of oatmeal with olive oil. Rub onto wet skin and shower off.

Four weeks to go
Have a wedding make-up practice run, whether you're doing your own make-up or having a professional do it for you. Have a relaxing night in, cover your feet with a rich foot cream, slip on a pair of cotton socks to help the cream penetrate and enjoy a romantic video. Treat yourself to a nerve-calming aromatherapy facial at a beauty salon.

Three weeks to go
Turn up the heating, steam up your bathroom and cover your body with a mineral-rich refining mud mask. Warm up the mud first by dunking the tub in hot water. This will increase the mud's ability to draw out toxins from your skin. Have your eyelashes dyed so that all you'll need on honeymoon is clear mascara.

Two weeks to go
Slap on a treatment mask penetrate your skin. Ease tension and cleanse your skin all over by having a sauna.

One week to go
Relax by lighting a destressing aromatherapy candle and place an aromatherapy diffuser in the house. Get your fiancé to massage a calming potion into your shoulders and neck where you are most likely to feel tense. Get your legs and bikini line waxed for the honeymoon. Book yourself in for a manicure and pedicure.

One day to go
Tidy your eyebrows and make sure you've got everything you need for the big day. Get together a wedding day make-up bag in case you need to freshen up on the day and give it to your mum or chief bridesmaid to look after. If you can't sleep because you're too excited burn some calming lavender essential oil in your bedroom to help you relax.

On the day
Relax in a luxuriously fragrant bath. Thoroughly cleanse, tone and moisturize your face. Stick to the make-up routine you've rehearsed. Spur-of-the-moment changes don't work and you won't have time to rectify any mistakes. Wear a front-opening shirt when your make-up is being done so you don't have to pull anything over your head, which could smudge it.

How to Pick a Photographer

 

Photography
Wedding photos provide memories for a lifetime. Choosing a photographer that suits your requirements and budget is very important. In my personal experience, the one thing that couples do not think about is the “time” factor required in achieving those precious photos. Again, this depends on your style.  Some tips that I have gathered over time are:

1. What is your budget? Don’t think you need to spend a fortune for your photographs. Do your research and be surprised at what’s out there.
2. What is the duration of your event? Most photographers have packages starting from 5 to 7 hours or charge by the hourly rate.
3. Do you prefer digital or film photography?
4. How many events do you want photographed?  Such as Sangeet night, wedding and reception.
5. Traditional vs Contemporary settings.
6. Style of photography, journalistic or formal.
7. Interview and view the photographers work.
8. Do you want the photographer to be there while you are getting dressed?
9. Do you want an album or digital photos on a disk?
10. Colour vs Black/White photos?
11. and many more….

Interviewing the photographer is very important. e.

Do you have any similar experiences to share?

The mark of ultimate sensuality: A Bride’s Nose (Nath) Ring

  

 

Well, I married a Rajput and he loves the look...so I thought - let me think about this.  For me it was a harbinger of great pain. I Imagined piercing the soft lobes and membranes of your nose and how painful it could be. But I remember when Kate Perry flaunted a big huge gold nose ring at the Heathrow in London while boarding her flight to India.

No doubt nose rings are a rage this wedding season but they have always been around in form of nose piercings and nose studs for quite some time. But here we are talking about the nose ring that a bride wears on her wedding day. It is also known as ‘Nath’ in India and is called by different names in different regions.
This piece of jewel is traditionally worn in the right nose and is connected with a golden chain that links it to the earrings or ends up being linked in the side hair, clipped with the help of a hook. Diamond studded nose rings look gorgeous and irradiate a brilliant and heavenly shine. The myth says that the nose is representative of a bride’s sexual prowess. In olden times, it was also considered a mark of virginity and that is why it was customary for a groom to remove a bride’s ring on the wedding night. Sounds amusing, eh?

 In diverse states of India this jewel is made differently. The mukhuttis of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka have ornate, traditional lotus and swan designs and are mostly studded with diamonds, or the poor man’s diamond, the topaz. Rajasthani women wear the nathuri and the bhauriya. While the first is a small gold or silver ring with precious stones, the bhauriya has a slightly different design. The conventional clove-shaped nose stud is called the laung, while the small pendant suspended between the nostrils is the latkan, because of its pendulous character.

In UP the nath is adorned with two pearls and a pendulous bead to augur prosperity. The Punjabi damsel has a gold ring strung with as many as 20 to 25 motifs. It is the shikarpuri nath. In Bihar the nose stud is the chhuchhi or the laung. In Maharashtra it is the guchhedar nath, which is known for its radiant beauty with pearl decorations. Pullakku nose ring in South India (bulaag in the North) is the pendant suspended from the partition of the nostrils.

Sometimes the septum rings in rural areas and tribal society are so large that they cover a portion of the mouth and often come in the way while eating.

The Ayurveda (ancient Indian system of medicine) has it that piercing the nose makes it easy for a woman to bear the pain during child birth as the veins in the nose are directly connected with a female’s reproductive system. There is virtually no end to these theories and the bottom line remains the same: it is customary for an Indian bride to wear a nose ring.

Though the élan with which today’s celebrities sport a nose ring is contagious. The media went gaga over how Perry got a piercing in her right nose before leaving London itself, something that shows how excited she is about her nuptial with Russell in the typical Hindu style. The nose ring looked a little flashy over her jacket and pants but then, she is the bride and it’s her wedding 

 

Just a tip:   

 

Nose Piercing Aftercare
Never wear sterling silver in your freshly pierced nose, as the metal will leave a permanent stain on your skin. A black mark develops around the piercing that will never be erased. Always opt for stainless steel, niobium, titanium or 14k gold. The nose piercing takes around three months to heal fully. Therefore, avoid fidgeting with your nose and changing your jewelry. When jewelry is changed too soon, it causes a re-tear, lengthening the healing process and causing a new nose piercing infection.

Rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide on your tissue will increase the irritation and burning sensation. It may even slow down the healing process and cause a scar. You can apply powdered aspirin to provide relief from the nose piercing infection. Do not use swimming pools, hot tubs or go swimming in the ocean, as there are chances of bacterial infection and pollutant contaminant infection. Always maintain proper hygiene to reduce chances of bacterial infection. 

 

 

Selecting Indian Wedding Garlands

One of the most significant moments during a traditional Hindu wedding ceremony lies in the exchange of Indian Wedding Garlands.

During this exchange the wedding garlands become the centrepiece.
Australian Indian Weddings provides a quick guide to selecting your type of wedding garland.

Selection of Flower 1. Select the flowers of your choice. It could include one colour (red roses) or a combination of colours (eg. red and white roses)

Availability 2. Enquire if the flowers will be available based on the season when your wedding ceremony takes place.

Suitability 3. Be creative and explain to the person who will prepare your Indian Wedding garlands, the theme and colour of your wedding so that the colour of the flowers stands out against your bridal and groom wear.

Quantity of Flowers 4. The costs of the wedding garlands are based on the flowers selected and the quantity of flowers used.

Delivery 5. When ordering wedding garlands try ordering them so that they are ready for you on the day or atleast the day before the actual wedding ceremony.

Storage 6. Store the wedding garlands in a cooler or cold storage as the summer heat can ruin the flowers They usually last 2-3 days in a cool room

Contact the Temple 7. Contact the local Hindu temple in your state. They should be able to provide you with a local contact that prepares fresh wedding garlands throughout the year.

Contact a local business provider 8. Contact a local business provider specialising in Indian wedding garlands in your state.

Contact a local Indian Wedding Planner 9. Alternatively contact a local wedding planner who can arrange the wedding garlands.

The Mystery and Grace of the Sari

 

The quintessential eastern fashion statement, the sari seems to be the most misunderstood garment, in the history of apparels.

Though a number of European designers are increasingly vouching for its comfort and beauty, it is still an enigma for western cultures, mysteriously draped and staying in place without any help from pins or buttons!
A charming folktale goes The Sari, it is said, was born on the loom of a fanciful weaver. He dreamt of Woman. The shimmer of her tears. The drape of her tumbling hair. The colors of her many moods. The softness of her touch. All these he wove together. He couldn’t stop. He wove for many yards. And when he was done, the story goes, he sat back and smiled and smiled and smiled.
The long length of garment in rich hues weaves and warps, is just another few yards of textile, till it is draped on a womans body. And that is the beginning of the transformation, both for the garment and the woman.

The world's oldest surviving fashion statement, the sari first finds mention in the Vedas, the ancient wisdom of the Asian sub-continent. More than 5000 years ago it existed in a similar form and was called cheera, meaning covering cloth. Some people think that Indian sari is influenced by Greek or Roman toga, which can be seen on ancient Roman statues. This is not correct.

Saree is essentially Indian in nature and was best suited to local climatic conditions. Cotton was cultivated in India centuries before Alexander the Great landed on the borders of India and Indian cloth was a wonder to the Greeks. In fact, Herodotus and other ancient western historians thought there were trees in India which grew cloth!

Times changed and its patterns changed too, and after many changes, evolution and styles later, it is today the primary wear of the Indian woman, and still the only wear for the rural Indian woman. More than 75% of the population of the Indian subcontinent wears the sari, in one form or the other.

The dress has survived the test of time, cultural invasions and even colonization. It is to its credit that the Muslim invasions, Europe colonization and even the recent globalization of styles, fashions and cultural ethos, have not managed to dent the authenticity, utility or the fan following of the sari. It still is considered the best dress for occasions like marriages, festivals and gifting to women, across the length and breadth of the country. Another interesting thing that is now seen is the adaptation of the sari for noveau fashion styles, even by some European fashion houses. One can understand the interest that the classically oriented French culture can have for a classically beautiful garment like the sari.

The sari, in its original form, was a single length of cloth with designs, worn pleated on the lower half of the body and draped across the upper part. It is worn in at least 10 to 15 styles throughout the India, though the ways of wearing above used to be common. In Maharashtra and North Karnataka region, wearing a nine-yard saree (without a petticoat – long underskirt -which was superfluous) was in vogue till 20th century. In many tribal cultures of India it is still worn like that. But after the entry of Muslim and Middle Eastern influences in India, the petticoat or the undergarment covering the lower half of the body, started. The sari was fastened on this base layer, pleated to allow free movement of the legs, then the remaining garment thrown over the shoulder to drape the top.

The style of draping the sari differs between regions in India. The rural women wear it with the topmost pleat tucked into their backs, going from between the legs, and this seems to be the most comfortable style as far as hard workingwomen are concerned. The warrior queens who went to battle on horseback would wear their saris this way, so do the women who work in the fields, as hard a their men themselves, planting, hoeing and transplanting. The garment is convenient because it leaves the arms and legs free, covers the essential parts and gives a good drape too.

In other areas, styles differ, in the cities, it is worn with more style, even as a glamorous party outfit. The sari can be made to resemble shorts, trousers, flowing gown-like or convenient skirt-wise-all without a single stitch!

The textile used to make this ethereal garment boasts of real variety. From the diaphanous cottons, soft and delicate, the muslin from Dhaka, to the sturdy silks of South India, the weaves and wafts hold sway. Each region has its own special texture and design, depending on the regional crafts and the climate of that particular area. Woven silks, gauzy muslins and textured silk cottons hold sway over millions of female hearts.
The areas which are hot and humid around the year have a unique style where the upper part of the body is not restricted to any more clothing, hence the traditional mundu of South India-Kerala is comfortable for women in those sticky, long months of tropical monsoon.

The garment has undergone functional changes even if its original style has stayed. For instance, the warrior races of Northwest India, the Rajputs developed the odhni, a slightly shorter garment worn over a flowing skirt and upper garment. The flowing skirt is called ghaghra and owes its origins to the gandharan garment that was wore in these regions in ancient times. The upper garment in the form of a small jacket or blouse is a Victorian addition, because when European cultures came into India, they were in the Victorian era, so even a naked ankle was scandal. For the far more open culture of India, this was difficult, but a mean had to be struck. So the sari adopted the blouse to please the colonial masters. Traditionally, Indian women wore what was called a kanchuki ( a single cloth tied across the breasts, much like a strapless bikini top), and there are many paintings and other evidences to prove this. But those were the times of the Kama Sutra, and for a culture that can come up with a treatise on sex, a revealing female garment was nothing extraordinary. In fact, prudery came to India only after the tenth century, first in the form of the Purdah with Muslim invaders, then Victorian values with the colonizers.

This odhni should be diaphanous, soft and billowing, conceal and yet give away the curves and beauty of its wearer. In fact, that is what the sari is supposed to do, and it does its job quite well.

The Sari is perhaps the only garment in the world that can make its wearer look modest and demure while baring the midriff, outlining the hips and draping sensuously around the curve of the waist, What is revealed is much more than what is concealed, the modesty is retained and the sensuousness is effectively conveyed. What better statement of fashion does one need?

A model presents a Satya Paul creation co-designed by Indian designers Puneet Nanda and Chiara Nath during Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week in New Delhi, India, on April 9, 2006

Wedding Makeup for your Lips and Cheeks - that Look

Bridal Makeup Tips for Applying Lip Color and Enhancing Cheeks

Put the "blush" in "blushing bride" by choosing the right blush color and placement, and complete your wedding look with a perfect pout by following these tips.

Adding a soft lipstick and contouring the cheeks are a great way to add color and life into your wedding day makeup look. The following makeup tips will help you choose the right products for your bridal makeup.
Lips

When choosing a lipstick color, consult your eye makeup first. Generally speaking, you should choose either your eyes or your lips as the focus of your face, not both. If you choose to do something more dramatic with your eyes, choose a neutral lip shade that closely resembles your natural lip color. If you'd like to play up your lips, opt for something a little more bold, but without being too trendy.

When choosing a lipstick, the formula is as important as the color. Sheer formulas will need to be reapplied more often than matte, cream, or semi-matte lipsticks. Longlasting lipsticks feel dry, and will show off any dry or flaky spots on your lips. To appear fresh, they require reapplication of the clear coat, anyhow, so only choose them if you absolutely love the color or don't mind the feel of dry lips.

You'll likely be doing a lot of kissing on your wedding day, and that means that you'll need your lipstick to last. Remember that lip glosses are beautiful, but they make your lipstick come off more readily. You can read more about making your choice of lipstick last longer here.
Blush

Choosing a blush color requires a look at your natural coloring first. Do you tend to get red easily? Do your cheeks flush if you drink a glass of wine? When deciding on which blush color to use, keep in mind the activities of the day.

Brides who have a naturally pink or red appearance, may want to opt for a hint of a peach or bronze color to balance out their natural redness. Brides who tend to look pale all day can combine both blush and bronzer for an even, contoured tone. If being in front of a crowd makes you red all over, forgo blush entirely.

Remember, when contouring cheeks, apply the blush or bronzer just below the cheekbone. Apply the blush by moving the brush along the underside of the cheekbone as if you are drawing a "Nike Swoosh" symbol or a checkmark. Start with the bare minimum of color and add as needed.

When the focus is just on adding color, sweep a light dusting directly onto the apple of the cheek and upward toward your hairline. Start with only a touch of color, and add more, keeping in mind that you may produce natural color throughout the day. If you feel you've added too much, do not rub off. Rather, apply a dusting of loose or pressed powder to neutralize the color.

Body Tips For the Bride

Wedding dresses are getting more and more revealing so bare as much as you dare with our body-enhancing tips

Brush strokes
Don't neglect your body just because your wedding is months away. Supple, glowing skin - all over - is easy. A few minutes a week added to your beauty regime will quickly pay dividends and ensure you slip confidently into that revealing dress.

The quickest and easiest way to great looking skin that's glowing with health is regular exfoliation. Try dry-brushing your skin with a natural bristle brush every morning before you bathe or shower. This draws out waste products from your skin tissue and boost circulation and lymphatic drainage. Start at your feet and work upwards with long, firm strokes in the direction of your heart.

Don't forget your back. It's probably the most neglected part of your body and sexy shoulders are a must if you're planning to wear a halter-neck or strapless dress. Elemis, Opal and The Body Shop all make good body brushes.

Scrub away
Once a week, use a body scrub to slough off dead skin cells and dry, flaky skin and give your circulation a good kick-start. Exfoliated skin also absorbs moisturiser and cellulite creams better.
Make sure you give your back a good scrub when you're in the bath - or get someone else to do it - to exfoliate all those hard-to-reach places, and if your back is prone to spots, tie your hair up in a bun when you sleep so the oils from your hair don't touch your shoulders.  L'Occitane, Molton Brown and L'Oreal all make good exfoliating body scrubs.

Clever cleavages
It's easy to neglect your cleavage too, especially when it doesn't see the light of day throughout the winter months. Hidden away under tight clothes, your chest area can be a breeding ground for spots. If you do get an untimely zit, dab it with tea tree oil and resist the temptation to squeeze.

A daily slathering of body lotion after your bath or shower will keep skin hydrated and do wonders for its tone and texture. Your body will feel much smoother and softer, plus well-conditioned skin will also tan better on honeymoon.

Heaven scent
No doubt you'll be wearing your favourite perfume on your wedding day, so treat yourself to the body products from the same range so you can 'layer' your fragrance. This means using bath and body products and fragrance in combination to ensure your scent lasts all day long.

Cleanse using fragranced bath or shower gel, moisturise with fragranced body lotion to seal in the scent and then spray with eau de parfum or eau de toilette. If you're wearing pure perfume, make sure you apply it only to your pulse points. It's more concentrated than eau de parfum or eau de toilette and won't evaporate as quickly so you don't need to use nearly so much.