Gearing up for a huge wedding shopping spree? Now is the time to get updated with the latest trends. Renowned designer Rehane, who has dressed over 1,000 brides in her career spanning 18 years, says the Hyderabadi Khada dupatta is creeping in as the hottest trend among brides. “Move over Tamil Nadu, it is time for Telangana,” said the designer, with a laugh, at a recent press meet organised by Marriage Colours, a marriage market place, to announce the launch of Premium Wedding Week between June 12 and 14.
Rehane, who is one of the jury members to select the best wedding brands, at the event, says, “The Khada dupatta is very exotic. Here, the pleats are tucked at the back into the churidhar and draped on your left shoulder. It looks stunning!” she exclaims. “While half-saris were a trend for functions like mehendi and sangeet in recent times, Hyderabadi saris are now catching on,” she points out.
Even as she endorses the clothing, she stresses the need to stay rooted to one’s tradition. “A Kancheepuram sari is a must in every wedding. While one can get creative with the blouses for these saris, I think they should leave the traditional sari as it is. I had a client who wanted me to encrust rubies and emeralds in her blouse. I did it for her, but I wouldn’t appreciate layering embroidery over Kancheepuram saris. Traditional should be left as it is,” emphasises the designer, who gets clients from across India and abroad during the wedding season.
Weddings have evolved in terms of catering services too, adds chef Damu, who is also one of the jury members this year. He recalls, “Back in the day, we used to serve just sambar, rasam, poriyal and podi for a wedding lunch. But now, weddings have evolved to comprise all kinds of cuisines. People ask for Chinese, continental and Indian varieties among other unique buffet ideas,” he says.
According to Pradhyumma T Venkat, founder, Marriage Colours, the Premium Week is an initiative to provide a platform to capture the changing trends in all services connected with a wedding, and bring in the best in the trade to the fore. “While in the past kalyana mandapams were in demand, now, banquet halls are in vogue. Also, many opt for open lawns and beach resorts for a grand reception,” he points out. “Concept weddings are also catching up. One family wanted a Tirupati concept, so we erected a huge set of the shrine, that weighed 30 tonnes. And for another couple from the US, we designed a venue depicting historical sites in America!” adds Pradeep Chandar, the producer of the event.
Kalyanam on a Budget
Venkat says that Marriage Colours offer suggestions for services and brands based on the family’s budget. The three-day festival will include programmes like Wedding Icons 2015 to identify the best venues and services, and a platform to interact with industry experts, who are otherwise, are hard to reach. The event will be held at the Music Academy and ITC Grand Chola. Of course, none of this would be complete without a fashion show.