He has asked that one important question that every girl dreams about, to which the reply was ‘YES’. The moment was perfect, you have taken your selfies and posted them on Social Media (I’m guilty of it too). Now reality has hit…….You’re getting married!!!!! Where to begin????
So firstly Congratulations, this is such an exciting time for you and your family but also can be overwhelming. As I have just had my big day, I know exactly how you feel!
A million thoughts and ideas run through your mind, Pinterest becomes your best friend, you’ve purchased your wedding planning book and you’re ready to start getting organised.
When I first started my wedding planning I researched for timelines and planning tools to help with each step and I found a few different variations but never found one that would be relevant to an Asian wedding, so I have put together a step by step guide to planning a Punjabi Sikh Wedding which I ticked off every time I had achieved that goal.
I would like to share this with you all and may it help you plan your dream wedding as it did for me.
Venue
Before you choose a venue or begin looking at other suppliers, it’s imperative you discuss the wedding guest list with both families and have an estimate number in mind as this will filter which venue you choose. Then the process can begin….would you like a hotel, Stately Home or a sports stadium and so forth.
For further information and help picking your perfect location, our venue finder maybe able to help http://www.mahirs.com/venues/ . (Also don’t forgot the ceremony venue, they become booked up very quickly.)
I picked the beautiful National Motorcycle Museum for my wedding reception. I have always loved this venue as it has everything that I required, the interior was beautiful and elegant, the location was perfect and it was big enough for my guest numbers and of course Mahirs Experience is a preferred caterer there.
I was lucky enough that the venue and the temple were both available on the date that my now husband (Still feels strange saying that) and I wanted.
Catering
You now have a venue and a date secured, the next important part in my eyes is the catering. When guests attend a wedding one of the main things they remember is the food and with it being such an important factor of your wedding, you need a caterer with innovative ideas whom will help you put together your perfect menu.
This is where we come in, we at Mahirs Experience pride ourselves on the quality of our food and service. We will hold a consultation with you and your families to discuss what’s important to you and suggest ideas to make your Big Day unique.
This maybe anything from the presentation, type of cuisine served at your event or including your favourite dishes in the menu…even if that’s a mixed grill platter or crumble and custard.
Then the fun part, the food tasting…. Make sure you come to this on an empty stomach!
Working for such a prestigious company, I of course was going to have Mahirs catering for my wedding and the pre wedding.
I wanted something different and that’s exactly what I had!
Beginning with the pre wedding event, I wanted it to be informal as it was very close family and friends so I decided to have a buffet service which we served on street food style carts. Guest began the afternoon with Gol Guppahs and Mango Lassi served in glass bottles then followed by a delicious 3 course meal which included dishes that my guests loved such as Chilli Chips, Samosa Chaat, Vegetable Hakka Noodles served in noodle boxes and with chopsticks, Achari Chicken, Palak Paneer, and Fresh waffles station served with a selection of delicious toppings to name a few.
Fast forwarding to the wedding day and I wanted to include items in the menu that my family and I enjoy eating and also menu items that would be unique.
So at the Gurdwara (Sikh Temple) I decided to go with one Indian breakfast of parothe as everyone loves a good paratha and then for something quirky we thought long and hard and came up with an vegetarian English breakfast bap which included vegetarian sausages, hash browns and turka beans all served in a delicious soft bread bap (batch or roll – which ever you call it) and condiments of ketchup and brown sauce.
This went down a treat with all ages even my Grandparents, they had never seen anything like it and it tasted amazing.
The reception followed suite with tantalising canapes and a delicious 3 course meal served to the tables which included Mutter Keema Lamb Chops, Mushroom and Paneer Manchurian ,Hariyali Chicken, the unique selection of different sabji’s beautifully displayed on a Tawa and then followed by a range of Indian and Western desserts served on a cake stand per table. (I have to say the Banoffee pie was my favourite closely followed by the Ras Malai)
Event Design
There are so many aspects to designing your event ranging from décor, lighting, photo booths, cocktail bars to wedding favours and many more. This can be such an exciting part of your wedding and where you can let your creativity shine through. The most important factor is that your suppliers understands your vision and share your ideas. Be prepared and go visit suppliers with mood boards and images that you have in mind. It’s always beneficial to carry a colour swatch with you so you can show your various suppliers and then your colours will also be an identical match e.g. cake, décor, wedding favours, logo and any other signs you may have.
I love my bright colours and with purple being my favourite colour, I of course was going to incorporate this into my event design. We decided on a vibrant tropical theme and carried out this theme throughout the wedding all the way from the wedding cards, to the logo which was also designed on the dancefloor, the waterfall head table, the images on the DJ’s screens, the personalised wedding favours, the tropical trees and the floating wedding cake.
When it comes to designing your event, the list is endless. There is musical entertainment, childrens entertainment, photobooths, magicians, bars, sweet carts and the list goes on.
I have always been a fan of a cocktail or two so I definitely wanted to incorporate a cocktail bar at our wedding. We also had a piano player creating the perfect ambience during the drinks reception with a selection of English and Indian music, a children’s entertainer which kept the children occupied and their parents even happier, dhol players who helped create the impact we wanted for our entrance and a live band and singer who helped entertain all our guests along with the DJ.
If I can share any wisdom from my experience of wedding planning is that all tasks can be broken down and delegated so you don’t have to do everything yourself. Sometimes if it all gets too stressful then just take a break away, maybe a night out with friends, a spa weekend or a trip to the movies and then come back to it and remember it will all be worth it.
As Willian Lyon Phelps once said “The highest happiness on earth is the happiness of marriage” so as I say to all my Brides & Grooms relax, smile and enjoy every single moment of your Big Day, I certainly did.
If anyone has any help or tips on wedding planning they would like to share please message us on our social media platforms @mahirsexperience
Happy Planning!!!
My lovely suppliers:
