As a Kashmiri bride, you’re likely surrounded by excitement and anticipation as your special day approaches. Amidst the whirlwind of wedding preparations, to ensure you’re fully prepared for the new chapter of your life, I’m shedding light on the untold secrets and practical tips that every Kashmiri bride needs to know.
Get ready to uncover the 14 things no one will tell you, but will make your journey as a Kashmiri bride smoother, more joyful, and truly unforgettable.
I have divided the article into two sections:
- Before the wedding
- On the day of the wedding
Before the Wedding
1. Label All Your Suitcases
As you pack your trousseau, take the time to label each suitcase. For instance, sweaters, shawls, summer suits, winter suits, pherans, footwear, bags, etc. This will help you quickly identify what you need and avoid the chaos of searching through a pile of bags.
I suggest keeping two additional bags with you- one having the items that you would need on your wedding day (like pins, makeup, etc,) and one that will have essential items that you would need once you reach your new home. Both these bags should go with you at the time of your rukhsati. This way, you can settle in comfortably without digging through everything.
Additional Tips:
- Consider asking your partner to keep some of your suitcases in your room before your arrival, based on your labels.
- Use physical locks instead of digital locks as digital locks often get locked during wedding ceremonies. Alternatively, either lock the bags yourself or assign one person to do it.
2. Get Organized with Bags
Invest in organizing bags to segregate your items based on when you’ll need them—like makeup, skincare, haircare, and tissues. This will help you navigate the day more smoothly and reduce stress as you won’t be frantically searching for essentials.
3. Be Wary of Bridal Treatments (facials, products, etc.)
Don’t buy into the hype surrounding extravagant “bridal treatments” or pre-bridal facials just before your wedding. If your skin isn’t accustomed to drastic procedures, give it at least 3-6 months to adjust. Stick to your tried-and-true routines, or experiment with new products well in advance to avoid any last-minute surprises on your big day.
4. Shop Smart for Your Trousseau
Choose products you will actually use—trust your own sense of style and color preferences rather than simply following trends or recommendations from others. Keep an eye out for online sales while shopping for your trousseau. You can score great deals.
5. Tailoring Tip: Don’t Forget Extra Room for Alterations
When getting your outfits made, be sure to ask for enough room for alterations. Weddings can be stressful, and it’s common for brides to lose or gain weight in the lead-up to the big day. Ensuring that your outfits have enough leeway for adjustments will save you from potential wardrobe malfunctions and will even help you in using the dresses in the future.
6. Keep Your Bills Organized
It’s wise to keep all your bills in one place (tilla pheran, suits, copper item bill, jewelry bills, etc) until the wedding. You never know when you might need them for reference, so staying organized can save you from potential headaches later.
7. Communicate with Your Vendors (Photographer, Mehndi, Makeup, etc)
Ensure that your vendors are aware of your preferences regarding social media. If you have specific requests about what can be shared online, communicate this clearly to avoid any surprises after the event.
8. Iron Your Own and Your family’s Clothes in Advance
Make sure all your outfits are ironed ahead of time and stored properly for the big day. This will help you avoid any last-minute wardrobe malfunctions and ensure you look your best. Similarly, do the same for your family members at least 10 days before the actual Kashmiri wedding because otherwise, one doesn’t get time. And we all know about the electricity problems of Kashmir.
9. Gift Wrap the Rukhsati Items
If you want to wrap/decorate the traditional rukhsati items of a Kashmiri bride, do that before the actual wedding date.
On the Wedding Day
10. Keep Backup Items (A dress, footwear, and a bag)
Always keep an extra pair of footwear, a bag, and a bridal dress at your home. You never know when a strap might break or a heel could cause trouble, so being prepared will help you navigate any unexpected fashion crises.
11. Limit the Number of People in Your Room
Restrict the number of people around you to keep anxiety at bay as everyone will have a different opinion. A smaller group will create a more calming environment. But be careful in doing as someone might take offend.
12. Provide Alternate Contact Numbers
Ensure your photographer, henna artist, and makeup artist have alternate contact numbers in case you can’t be reached on your phone. This will help them coordinate better without adding to your stress.
13. Know Your Escorts
Be clear about who will escort you from your family members into the venue. Communicate with this person in advance to ensure they know when and where they need to show up. This will help make your entrance smooth and enjoyable. Again, be very careful in doing so. Malal factor is quite high during weddings.
14. Assign Point Persons for Specific Tasks
Ask your family members to designate specific individuals for various tasks such as managing the store (having masalas, juice, bakery, etc), looking after the butcher (meat calculation), looking and managing after disposable items, someone looking after the waza, someone to coordinate with the photographer, etc. Trust me, it will make things quite smooth.
By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll be better prepared to embrace your wedding day with confidence and joy.
Author: AQ
