One of the most important aspects of hosting the perfect Indian Matrimony event is the decor. Besides impressing the guests that you have invited for the big event, the decoration of your events have a lot to do with the ceremonies and rituals as well. For example, the ‘Mandap’ is among the most important areas of a wedding venue, because it is here that all rituals are performed.

Creating a Gorgeous Environment

Making use of the some elegant elements in the decor of your Indian Matrimony function can help create the perfect and most romantic environment for the bride and the groom. A well decorated ‘mandap’ is ideal for the bride and groom to take their vows against the scared fire and unite for life. Not only does this enhance the wedding celebrations but it helps the guests, relatives and friends to get into the mood for a beautiful evening filled with love and celebration!

Thematic Decorations

Many brides and grooms are choosing to go for different themes when it comes to selecting wedding decorations. For those who aren’t able to actually have a destination wedding at one of the palaces in Rajasthan, your decorators can easily replicate the feel of being in the Umaid Bhavan, Jodhpur by helping create the perfect backdrop of royalty and class.

You can also integrate some decorative artefacts around the venue to add to the mood.

Popular Colour Schemes and Themes for Indian Matrimony decorations in 2012

1. Many brides and grooms are going for a colour scheme which resembles the shades of a peacock feather.

2. Flowers like orchids, lilies, baby roses are also very popular this season. They make for a very pretty addition to the entire look of the ‘mandap’ and the venue in general.

3. This season, you will notice that instead of electrical bulb garlands, more and more brides and grooms are looking at making use of traditional lanterns and candles to give a much more ethereal look to the wedding venue.

Sit down with your decorators to get advice on all the great things you can do with your venue.

Considering the values and traditions of an Indian Matrimonial system, it is most likely that as a newly wedded bride you will now be moving in to live with not only your husband but even your in-laws and probably other members belonging to his family. It is a common saying in the Indian matrimonial setting, that when two people get married, it is actually the families that are being wedded. The Indian system beacons the bride and the groom to play much larger role in joining these two families harmoniously and even make sure that they lead a happy and pleasant life together under one roof.

Getting Along with your In-Laws

In spite of what the Indian television shows tell you, you as a new bride can do much to make sure that you and your in-laws have a healthy and loving relationship.
1. It is understandable that after having brought up in a different environment, you may not feel the exact same affection towards your new set of parents, but you could work towards building love over a period of time which is based on respect and also love for the parents of your husband.

2. A very common mistake most new brides tend to make is that they compare their life prior to the marriage and after and choose to stay away from opening doors to any for affection with the new family.

3. It is important for you to accept and embrace the situation and try to blend in as much and as fast as possible. Do not compare your partner’s parents with your own and treat them as an independent identity that love and respect you as much as your parents did.

4. The Indian matrimonial system is also evolving with times. It is no longer such that the mother-in-law is the dominant character of the household. They are known to care for and love for their daughter in law’s as much as they care of their sons, and as a bride it is your duty to make the effort to build a long lasting friendship with other woman figure of your household.

All in all, the more progressive and open minded you are about this transition, the easier it will be for you to adjust with your new family.

Here are few latest fashion trends to keep you stylish in this monsoon.

Tops
Avoid wearing white in the monsoon. Tops should preferably in dark shades, since the lighter shades tend to get transparent. You can wear dark colored tee shirts, strap tops and halters. Kurtis can also be a great option in monsoon as they are available in various colors, fabric and style.

Capris
Capris and shorts are the best option for bottoms. You can team them with tee shirts, strappy tops and halters. You can also opt for shirt or fitted kurtis over your Capri. To make a style statement, choose a long tee and a wide belt to go with your capris.

Short skirts
In the rains, it’s best to select skirts, go for a knee-length straight fit, or an A-line fit. Short skirts are a big hit in rainy season. For office goers, they can pick knee length skirt or tunics. The denim skirt is a great option for college wear.

Footwares
Rainy season is a time when footwear takes a beating. Boots and heels are avoided. It’s time for you to go pick up a pair of rubber chappals or transparent and strappy flip flops which are available in striking colors and designs. It is preferable to keep the new and favorite foot wears at home and wear the older ones during the rainy season.

Handbag
While choosing a handbag, pick that one which is waterproof like the transparent plastic purses. They look chic and keep your belongings secured. These are available in various shapes and sizes. You can opt for one according to your need and style.

Fashion is all about being comfortable in what you wear and still look gorgeous.

• The first step would be to cleanse your face and neck with a cleansing milk or foam. Do not rub the skin dry.
• Rubbing ice on the skin would help even out the pores and prevent clogging. It also helps control oil while locking in the moisture.
• Use a moisturizer depending on your skin type to make your skin soft and pliant. In case of very oily skin a toner would be beneficial.
• Foundation must be applied over the face, neck, eyes, ears and even on the lips. The foundation helps to provide a texture to the skin. This helps for application of the blusher and the eye shadow later.
• Use a translucent face powder – lighter than the skin tone to give a matt effect. Dust it lightly with a powder applicator brush.
• Use an eye shadow base; apply on the eyelid with your finger or a soft shadow brush. This will prevent the shadow from creasing.
• Use the eyeliner after you have made up the face. Apply the liner as close to the lashes as possible.
• Apply blush in the end after applying the foundation and the eye shadow. Use the blush in the same color tone as your lipstick.
• Use lip balm before applying the lip stick.
• Use a lip liner to define your lips.
• Depending on the shape of your lips, use the liner to give you a desired effect. Always try to follow the natural line of the lips.
• Hairstyle is usually chosen, after completing the makeup to suit the looks of the bride.

Looking good is not just about make-up. Let your make-up make a statement of who you are. Let it be a reflection of your personality.

There are some general tips which you can follow to make your relationship better.

Accept your partner as they are
Your partner is very special human being. Truly love them. Don’t try to change them. Remember, your partner is prepared to spend their whole life with you after knowing all your shortcomings.

Get clear with what you want from your relationship
Get clear on what you want from your relationship. Focus on your short term and long term needs in your relationship. Create and share an idea of your dream life with your partner.

Create a good atmosphere
Choose a moment when you and your partner have time, then invite him/her to sit with you and talk to you. These types of moments create a good atmosphere in a relationship and makes relationship better.

Be prepared to accept a ‘no’ from your partner
If you are asking something from your partner then be prepared to listen a no from your partner. If you can’t accept no as an answer, it means you are making a demand, not a request

Solve your problems as soon as possible
Do not blame your partner always. Accept your mistakes for your part of the issue and say sorry to your partner. Sooner you stop blaming and start talking, the better you will feel. Never go to sleep with an unsolved issue, it creates more differences.

A better relationship can be just as easy as being kind, respectful, loving and being your partner’s best friend. If you follow these steps, you will help your relationship most of the time.

Deep Breathing

Have an important meeting in a few minutes? Heading out for a first date with a guy you really like? The best way to kill the butterflies in your stomach is to take a few deep breaths. Taking deep breaths increases supply of oxygen to our brain and helps reduce stress levels. Regular practice of breathing exercises or pranayam can help you stay lean too!

Happy Thought

Bothered by the colleague who cribs always or a friend who constantly nags you? Try to block them out with happy thoughts. Think of the time you will spend with your spouse when you get home or plan the dinner. Or think about watching a re-run of your favourite sitcom or movie. Thinking about happy thoughts blocks the negative energy of unpleasant emotions. Try it for a less hassled you.

Vitamin C

Feel like you cannot complete the given task within the deadline? Give yourself a lime break. Cut up a sweet lime or just squeeze some lime water. Anything with vitamin C will help you calm frayed nerves as they are rich in antioxidants. Vitamin C also helps produce anti stress hormones.

Distract Yourself

Find your mind cluttered with thoughts every time you need to be thinking clearly? Listen to your favorite peppy number or pick up your phone and call a friend. Small breaks or distractions clear your mind and help you get back on track quickly.

It’s All about Attitude

Going to a party where you will probably meet you ex? Don’t expect the meeting to be awkward. Instead, put on a stylish outfit and top it with a smile. It will make you confident in minutes. You can pass off any awkward/odd moment just with a change in attitude.
Dropped some curry on yourself at a party? Laugh with your friends, if you are not at a formal do. People who can laugh at their own clumsiness are viewed as satisfied, self-assured individuals.

Do a Review

Does your to-do list look like a winding, messed up list of tasks? Review them, one at a time. Be it a household chore or sending an email, ask yourself, does it have to be done immediately? Tackle those that need to be done urgently first- like picking up kids from the school or sending out that important e-mail. You can do the rest like picking up laundry and preparing for dinner later.
Keep these tips in mind and don’t let any situation get the better of you. Do you have any happy living tips to share? Leave us a comment and let us know.