asian bride 35

SPRING 2013 ISSUE 35 £4.50asianbride.me

Spellbinding Style ideaS for Spring

639TIMELESS TRENDSBreathtaking décor Unusual favoUrsInspirationalflowerscutting-edge INvITesstunning MaNdaPsdream cakes+fabulous fasHIoN

OVER

100

‘We DID

it!’

real brideS SHare tHeir

SeCretS & tipS on

HoW to aVoid

diSaSterS!

Here comes theBRIGHTBridal beauty

takes a bold new direction

you’ll love

SETTING THE PERFECT SCENE

Venues to suit every style & budget

MAGICMAGICBelieve inBelieve inPaGes of

ASIA

NBR

IDE W

WW

.ASIA

NBR

IDE.M

E ISSUE N

o35 • 2013

Catering and Event Management [email protected] 606 0303

IFC Preeti catering.indd 1 21/02/2013 18:18

Phot

ogra

phy:

Jam

es R

udlan

d |

Reto

uchin

g: K

asum

Sha

ffi |

Hair &

Mak

eup:

Fac

es b

y Avin

a Te

am u

sing

Este

e La

uder

Cr

eativ

e Di

rect

ion: S

hiv S

angh

ani |

Loc

ation

: The

Whit

e Ho

use

@ B

eam

ont E

stat

e, W

indso

r | O

utfits

: Cha

rmi C

reat

ions c

harm

icrea

tions

.com

IFC Preeti catering.indd 2 21/02/2013 18:18

Shyamal & Bhumikawww.bibilondon.com

Multi Brand Asian Designer CoutureBy appointment only

07931 999 1110208 133 4666

[email protected]

ab35_fashion - BIBI.indd 1 17/02/2013 18:48

Phot

ogra

phy:

Paul

Wes

t | R

etou

ching

: Kas

um S

haffi

| Ha

ir & M

akeu

p: M

akeu

p: N

ina U

bhi

Styli

ng: M

arni

Kaur

| C

reat

ive D

irect

ion: R

acha

el El

liott

| Lo

catio

n: A

ynho

e Pa

rk

ab35_fashion - BIBI.indd 2 17/02/2013 18:48

ab35_beauty - Avina.indd 1 18/02/2013 11:08

Phot

ogra

phy:

Paul

Wes

t | R

etou

ching

: Kas

um S

haffi

| Cr

eativ

e Di

rect

ion: J

Wim

alO

utfit:

BIB

I Lon

don

| Je

well

ery:

NK C

ollec

tion

nk-c

ollec

tion.

com

ab35_beauty - Avina.indd 2 18/02/2013 11:08

ab35_fashion - Kajal.indd 3 17/02/2013 18:43

M: 07940 500 455W: www.kajals.co.uk

E: [email protected]

Phot

ogra

phy:

Nina

Kad

atko

| R

etou

ching

: Kas

um S

haffi

| Ha

ir & M

akeu

p: R

oshn

i Pat

el |

Loca

tion:

Elth

am P

alace

ab35_fashion - Kajal.indd 4 17/02/2013 18:43

Kiran’sKiran’sKiran’s 231 Soho Road, Handsworth, Birmingham, B21 9RY0121 554 9494 • [email protected]

www.kiranscreations.com • www.facebook.com/kirans.birmingham Stockists of Kyles Collection

Phot

ogra

phy:

Jam

es R

udlan

d |

Reto

uchin

g: K

asum

Sha

ffi |

Hair &

Mak

eup:

Fac

es b

y Avin

a us

ing B

obbi

Brow

n Co

smet

ics

Styli

ng a

nd C

reat

ive D

irect

ion: R

acha

el El

liott

| Lo

catio

n: A

dding

ton

Palac

e

ab35_fashion - kirans.indd 2 17/02/2013 18:44

SPRING 2013 ASIAN BRIDE | 27

contentsISSUE 35 SPRING 2013

150

INSPIRATION49 BRIDE IDEAS Here to make your day

55 BRIDE IDEAS GIFT Presents to buy for

83 CENTRE OF ATTENTION

Eye-catching table décor ideas

85 PETAL ATTRACTION Floral

arrangements to get obsessed with

88 CAKE EXPECTATIONS Demand

nothing but the sweetest

93 ATTENTION STATIONERY Invites

that’ll never go unnoticed

99 FAVOUR THE MOMENT Treats that’ll

live on in your guests’ memories

108 THEMES Ideas for rustic, two-tone,

fairytale & vintage weddings

115 COVER STARS Helping you make

your mandap

PLANNING65 UPGRADE OR DOWNSIZE? Get what

you want, tone down the rest

75 ARE WE ASKING THE RIGHT

QUESTIONS? What would vendors

ask if they were getting married?

95 PRESENT SENSE Know exactly what

you want

121 VENUES NEWS Hold the front stage!

312 THE ART OF MAGIC Picture this...

FASHION51 BRIDE IDEAS FASHION The best

ways to dress the part

131 FASHION TREND Our favourite

catwalk bridalwear

135 TRENDS From ramp to wardrobe

150 LIVING DOLLS Break the mould with

Bibi London’s fairytale range

165 DRESSING THE GROOM Menswear

fit for a King

311 WE LOVE LAADKI Find out why

GROOM159 GROOM CHOICE For the man

of the moment

161 GROOM NEWS Looking after

Mr Right

162 THE GROOMZILLA FILES Confessions

of a man on the edge of the plunge

169 WHAT’S A BOY TO DO? Stag ideas

beyond the pub crawl

171 SPRAY TIME Smell good enough

to bite!

88

93 108

177

contents.indd 19 18/02/2013 20:47

28 | ASIAN BRIDE SPRING 2013

contentscontents

BEAUTY53 BRIDE IDEAS BEAUTY Best ways to

look your best

175 BEAUTY CHOICE Hit the bass notes

177 BEAUTY NOTES Bridal beauty

kit lust-haves

179 ASK NINA Our Beauty Editor

is here to make up your day

180 HERE COMES THE BOTOX BRIDE

Nina faces the controversial treatment

183 BRIDAL PORTFOLIO The best bridal

looks for spring

228 ROYAL ACADEMY Perfect the art

of make up

230 UNITED STATES Drawing inspiration

from the sub-continental bride

DESTINATION57 BRIDE IDEAS HONEYMOON Don’t fly

without these

249 DESTINATION CHOICE Your own

private island

250 FARAWAY ADVENTURES How to tie

the knot abroad

253 MARRIED IN MAURITIUS Heaven at

your feet

254 VIVA BRAZIL Party in Rio

258 WELCOME TO PARADISE Dive into the

Maldives

262 TOP OF THE RANGE

The hills are alive in

Italy

265 MINIMOON First night

and short breaks

ESSENTIALS43 EDITOR’S LETTER

Best trends forever

73 ASK AMIT Expert advice from

the man with the plan

237 CONGRATULATIONs Celebrating

the greatest day of your life

269 DIRECTORY The best wedding

suppliers in town

308 STOCKISTS Where to get

what you’re after

284 CHECK PLEASE Have you

forgotten anything?

286 SAVE FOR THE DATE Keep your

budget in check

317 SUBSCRIBE TO ASIAN BRIDE

The only planner you’ll need!

Photography: Paul WestOutfit: Haré @ Bibi London

Hair & Make up: Avina ShahJewellery: NK Collection

Styling: J WimalRetouching: Kasum Shaffi

On the cover

121

253

99

237

264

183

contents.indd 20 18/02/2013 21:13



Phot

ogra

phy:

Jam

es R

udlan

d |

Reto

uchin

g: K

asum

Sha

ffi |

Hair &

Mak

eup:

Fac

es b

y Avin

a us

ing B

obbi

Brow

n Co

smet

ics

Styli

ng a

nd C

reat

ive D

irect

ion: R

acha

el El

liott

| Lo

catio

n: A

dding

ton

Palac

e


ab35_main run - Newsstand.indd 1 17/02/2013 16:30

ab35_main run - Newsstand.indd 2 17/02/2013 16:30

ab35_main run - ABL.indd 1 17/02/2013 16:29

Editor’s Letter

MAKING YOUR DIAMOND UP: ‘Goddess bless the in-house goldsmiths at Baroque in Brighton for creating my lady’s engagement ring exactly how she dreamed it. Bet she’s wondering whether it’d be as cheap to get me remade from scratch...’ baroquejewellery.comSHIHAB SALIM, Guest Editor

PARTY TIME: ‘I’m loving the fairground ride feel – this range my designer friend Lisa Brown made instantly let guests know they were in for a day of fun’Nipa Patel, HR & Finance Controller

TRENDSLet’s be Since the new year began, and as always new

trends took hold, we in the Asian Bride team have come down with an acute case of the girly. From showstopping centrepieces to sparkly brooch bouquets we’ve gone blooming mad for pretty things. It’s hard not to.

Not only has the signature ostentatiousness of our kind dropped so far off the trendometer we can barely see the bling, but on the other hand shabby chic, however practical for the ‘climate’ over the past years was never destined to suit us. En vogue weddings are elegant, they’re tasteful, and above all else proudly, flagrantly and fragrantly feminine. That’s a real thing by the way - having your wedding scented with your favourite aroma from coconut to clean cotton sheets, and then gifting a little atomiser of it for your guests to take away and remember the day - is one of the hundreds of new and fashionable ways to make your wedding unique and memorable. If you want more, you’re in the right place.

Whether you want to match your cupcakes to your couture lengha or you want your photography to make you look like a film star we have all the inspiration and expert advice you need. We’ve even beefed up our groom section in honour of the impending nuptials of our very own Guest Editor and in-house groomzilla Shihab Salim.

That said, this issue is still dedicated to you in all your girly glory, so ladies embrace the change, throw your arms around your feminity like it’s going out of fashion, (even though it isn’t) and be the trend that will make your wedding the truly wonderful and unforgettable day that you deserve.

J WimalEditor-in-Chief

BEND IT LIKE BEGUM: ‘It’s not easy finding shoes that go with Asian outfits. I find every single one atarunaseth.com works wondersZENAIRA KHAN, Fashion Intern

BALL OF LOVE: ‘Bouquets are a bit like poems for me – I can

never tell straight away whether they’re great or average. No

such problem with pomander balls. I love this one by f lower

bydesign.net – more so since I found out they’re also known

as kissing balls’JASPREET KUNDI,

Customer Services

FIND THAT SPARKLE: ‘As a beauty artist I know making up a bride isn’t just about the make up. Jewellery is as important as the outfit, and whenever brides ask me to recommend a place, I always point them towards chohanfashions.comNINA UBHI, Beauty Editor

RECORD MAKER: ‘I got my friend this Fair Trade Sari Journal by Fairwind. She takes it with her everywhere!’LUCY WHITE, Intern

TOP TREAT: ‘I love this cake topper because it’s unusual, kitsch and shows a sense of humour’ weddinginateacup.co.ukSHAMMY KALKAT, Marketing Manager

SARI FIRE WINNER: ‘I’ve been on the lookout for a sari to wear at a friend’s

wedding that stayed with the traditional theme but still looked glamorous enough

to wear to parties. I found mine at Delhi Fashion Week, thanks to varunbahl.com

RACHAEL ELLIOTT, Features & Fashion Co-ordinator

BITE SIZE: ‘If your guests’ appetite for shiny things is as

voracious as their sweet tooth, why not serve up some gold leaf coated

macarons. For me Ladurée have a delicious taste that lingers

long after the box is empty.J WIMAL, Editor-in-Chief


p043 EDITORS LETTER ab35.indd 19 18/02/2013 13:51

Editor-in-ChiefJ WIMALGuest Editor

SHIHAB SALIM

EDITORIAL

Features & Fashion Co-ordinatorRACHAEL ELLIOTT

Beauty EditorNINA UBHI

Photographer/ Digital Art ManagerKASUM SHAFFI

Editorial AssistantsLUCY WHITE, ZENAIRA KHAN

JAS SEKHON

ADVERTISING & PROMOTION

Sales ManagersSHIV SANGHANI

TREVOR JAYAKODY RICKY CHERA

Business DeveloperVIKRAM KAKARIA

Marketing ManagerSHAMMY KALKAT

Events ManagerWALEED JAHANGIR

ASIANBRIDE.ME

Chief Technical OfficerRAJAN KARWAL

Graphic DesignersAJAY KARWAL

PETER GOEBEL

PUBLISHER

CEO PALI BANWAIT

Chief Finance OfficerSUJAN SHAH

Operations ManagerALEX KELBERMAN

HR & Finance ControllerNIPA PATEL

Customer Services Team LeaderJASPREET KUNDI

AsianBride.meAll rights reserved. Reproduction of pictures, articles or artwork in whole or in

part without written permission is strictly prohibited, Copyright © Chilli Mag 2013

Chilli Mag, Park House, 111 Uxbridge Road, Ealing, London W5 5TL email [email protected] contact 0871 855 3069


p044 stafflist ab35.indd 19 18/02/2013 10:55

ab35_main run - Wedgwood.indd 1 17/02/2013 16:32

Phot

ogra

phy:

Nina

Kad

atko

| R

etou

ching

: Kas

um S

haffi

| Ha

ir & M

akeu

p: N

ina U

bhi

Styli

ng a

nd C

reat

ive D

irect

ion: R

acha

el El

liott

| Lo

catio

n: E

ltham

Pala

ce |

Jew

eller

y: NK

Coll

ectio

n nk

-coll

ectio

n.co

m

189 ilford lane essex ig1 2ru

phulkarilondon.com

020 3538 3066facebook/phulkarilondon

ab35_fashion - Phulkari.indd 21 18/02/2013 17:42

ideas

BRIDEideas


ALL THINGS BRIDE & BEAUTIFUL

Placing floral centrepieces on every table can be expensive (and many guests often

complain of allergies, especially in hayfever season, not to mention their

tendency to attract insects). That said, if you simply can’t imagine a décor minus florals, you’ll love the trend of bespoke handmade origami flowers. Tailored to suit your theme

and colour scheme, this centrepiece by f lorecer.co.uk (£50) looks like the real thing, only you get to keep it (or gift it to

your chosen few as a keepsake).

Centrepiece of paper

If you’re in two minds over the cupcake tower and a traditional

cake - have both. These cute little beauties are a handy way to

ward off the munchies well into the evening. £34 for a box of 12

bouf.com

Cup winner

After all the silliness of donning fake ’taches and posing with ridiculous props in photobooths, brides are on the hunt for alternative ways for guests to take snaps, while having just as much fun. Videobooths are an option (albeit a daunting one), but we love the idea of having a booth and a guestbook in one (photomingle.com), and the easy and fun-to-navigate Flipbook studio (funf lip.co.uk).

SNAP HAPPY

© In

digo

(ind

igos

.co.

uk)

Ready, steady, cook Just when you’ve fine tuned the four-course banquet, up pops the trend for the midnight feast! Then there’s the trend for replacing canapés with street food stalls indoors and the food truck outside. Solve the problem by asking your caterer to offer a cuisine counter, offering all varieties of light dishes round the clock.

Willow Tree Table Plan, £80juliaswedding-f lowers.co.uk ONE FOR THE

BRIDESMAIDS: ‘Thank You’ Heart Sterling Silver Necklace, £30weddinginateacup.co.uk

Silk hydrangea petals, £8.99 per pack

confetti.co.uk

Let your guests know to navigate their way round large venues by hanging cute chalk board signs from the trees (careful not to leave chalk around in case the drunk one gets any infantile ideas!) £8 theweddingofmydreams.co.uk

Lead the way

Freeze dried delphinium petals pack, £7.99

confetti.co.uk

p049 bride ideas title AB35 .indd 19 17/02/2013 16:31

[email protected]

01923 519 545

Phot

ogra

phy:

Jam

es R

udlan

d |

Reto

uchin

g: N

ina U

bhi |

Hair

& M

akeu

p: F

aces

by A

vina

Team

usin

g Es

tee

Laud

er

Crea

tive

Dire

ction

: Shiv

San

ghan

i | L

ocat

ion: T

he W

hite

Hous

e @

Bea

mon

t Est

ate,

Wind

sor

ab35_fashion - Charmi.indd 1 17/02/2013 18:51

ideas

Last season saw peacocks and feathers make their mark on the Asian bridal scene in a big way, adorning everything from cakes to centrepieces. This spring, we’re carrying them closer to our hearts as must-have fashion accessories. We love the baroque trend Feather Bridal Bouquet by callacollections.com (£195) and the art deco theme essential – the Ethel Deco Peacock Feather Wedding Fan (£250) from notonthehighstreet.com

FAIR FEATHER TRENDS

BRIDEideasWAYS TO LOOK PRINCESS PERFECT

There’s a quiet revolution going on under the sari. Our readership survey last year revealed many Asian brides

are spoiling their man with a treat of a lifetime on their first night by donning garters. As well as be-ing sexy, they’re a pretty handy way to conceal a touch-up lipstick. We love the feminine yet oh

so sexy range at shopbleugarters.com

Put spring in your hair with this stunning Veiled Butterfly

Jardin fascinator, £160 byharriet.co.uk

garter GetClassic silk satin peonie

garter with sequin f lower embellishment, £38

Pink double faced silk Charleston garter with white ribbon rose, £63

This season’s hottest trend, the Great Gatsby inspired roaring 20s fashion is a goddess-send for hen-party dress-up ideas, but for those daring enough to incorporate the antique flapper dress look into their bridalwear, you’ll love thevintageweddingdresscompany.com Prices start from £659

In a flapper

fashion

Shoe storyAsk any bride what her big-gest headache was on the day and she’ll tell you it was the pain in her foot that caused her the greatest discomfort. There are plenty of stunning bridal footwear out there, but few that you can wear all day or slip off without fuss. Brides in pastel will love the Anais Ivory silk lace shoe overlaid on duck egg satin £175 rachelsimpsonshoes.co.uk

Blue and white topaz earrings with pave diamond border and post, set in rhodium 14k yellow gold, £2,710jhadleyjewelry.com

Miniaudiere with large coloured f loral diamantes, £69olgaberg.com


p051 bride ideas fashion AB35 .indd 19 17/02/2013 16:31

ab35_fashion - wof.indd 1 17/02/2013 19:11

133-135 LADYPOOL ROAD, SPARKBROOK, BIRMINGHAM, B12 8LHTEL: 0121 4400890

Phot

ogra

phy:

Jam

es R

udlan

d |

Reto

uchin

g: K

asum

Sha

ffi |

Hair &

Mak

eup:

Nina

Ubh

iSt

yling

and

Cre

ative

Dire

ction

: Rac

hael

Ellio

tt |

Loca

tion:

Eali

ng To

wn

Hall

ab35_fashion - wof.indd 2 17/02/2013 19:11

ab35_main run - CRUK.indd 1 17/02/2013 16:31


Every season, wedding specialists introduce updated packages boasting exciting new features. Will adding a new option mean having to let go of an old favourite? Learn to modify your plan, and you can still have it all

ast time you pictured your

perfect wedding, you

imagined calligraphy

on parchment scrolls

wrapped in organza

ribbons, cupcake towers and the giant Martini

glass centrepiece. But weddings can be as fick-

le as technology. Just like the Blackberry and

the Android 2.2 tablet, one blink of the eye,

and the finger of trend flicks what was once so

hot into the domain of so very last year.

Everyone wants the next best thing, wow

all around with little touches they’ve never

seen before. And, as with upgrading any

new gadget, your service provider will offer

you many functions that are more style than

content, seemingly must-have extras that

overshadow the elements you really need.

To ensure you’ve got the right package, you

already have the most important gadget every

wedding planner needs – the calculator.

For every new idea the wedding experts

throw your way, balance your budget to

ensure you can go big on the things you’re

sure will be talking points; downsize the

parts that won’t need as much attention. The

science of planning: for everything that goes

up, something else has to go down.

The art lies in working with what you can

afford to make yours the big deal everyone

wants to sign up for…

planning

downplay?OR

THE WEDDING PRICE PLAN

Lupgrade

weddingplanner-NEW.indd 19 18/02/2013 17:04


Worth the paper?THE PLAN: To make a sophisticated first and lasting impression.

WHY UPGRADE? You want the word-on-the-street to be how lavish your ceremony is going to be. The best way to stamp your mark of sophistication is by sending out bespoke invitations that scream luxury. Naturally, you’ll have to continue the theme throughout your stationery, from the seating plan to the thank you notes. Popular choices in the Asian wedding industry come adorned with rhine-stone buckles or floral accents, but if you want to be bang on-trend, laser cut is the way to go.• Pictured above is a bespoke laser-cut invite featuring crystal initials, £30. To get yours made to specification, log onto intricatecreations.co.uk

WHY DOWNPLAY? The keyword for 2013 is ‘interactive’. With ‘eco-friendly’ working as another buzzword in your favour, sending out e-invitations and save the date cards is both a cost-effective and a personalised way to make your loved ones feel part of your celebrations. Designing or handmaking your own stationery on the day, be they placecards or programmes, is also a great way to let your imagination run riot. • From chalkboard seating plans to painted pebble placecards, you’ll find a wealth of ideas to borrow (or buy at a reasonable cost if you’re not up to the creative challenge) from etsy.com

Theme too much?THE PLAN: To host the fairytale wedding of your fantasies.

WHY UPGRADE? Theming is still a relative-ly new concept in Asian weddings, meaning it’s quite likely many of your elder guests will be impressed by the attention to detail that goes into making a theme work. The hot favourites in the Asian bridal scene include Midsum-mer’s Nights Dream, Arabian Nights, Indian Village, Moulin Rouge, Fire & Ice, James Bond and, of course, the Bollywood Party.

WHY DOWNPLAY? Beach, garden, winter wonderland, vintage, rustic... the list of pos-sibilities are endless. For a theme to be effec-tive, you have to splash out on every aspect, from the canapes and carriage to the favours and flowers, to ensure they complement the concept. But the thing is, your wedding al-ready has a perfectly good theme – your love story. All you have to do is personalise it: the colours you like, a décor that works. Job done.• Beach theme is in, so host yours on an actual beach! Licensed for marriages and civil ceremonies, you can hire Brighton bandstand for £500. brighton-hove.gov.uk

THE WEDDING PRICE PLAN

SAVE ON DÉCORUPSIDE: 2012 was the year when

the stu� of fantasies was literally made up of stu�. Diyas in �oral rangolis, �oating candles in Keralan urlis, Chinese lanterns, British bunting, neon paper pom poms, mason jars, apothecary jars, vases �lled with ice, marbles and shells – every conceivable nook and cranny came chock-a-block with details, details, details. 2013 says goodbye to the old curiousity shop look with couples adopting a ‘less is more’ mentality, with the attention on minimalist table decor, clean lines, simple rustic elements and unfussy ideas. DOWNSIDE: Asian elders will always equate stripped down with cheap.

£

CASH INUPSIDE: Money is back in fashion,

thanks to the revival of the roaring 20s. With a string of �lms like The Great Gatsby and Once Upon a Time in Mumbai 2 set to make the roll of the dice glamourous this spring, we’ll be seeing wedding venues transformed into mini casinos with gambling tables, beaded curtains, speak-easy signs and live jazz bands. As well as being a lot of fun, an excuse to doll up and generating lively photographs, it’s also a perfect excuse to dish out simple �nger food – everyone will be too drunk to notice! DOWNSIDE: There’s a �ne line between classy art deco and seedy bordellos!

£

“If your wedding is more important than the

reception, does it make sense to skimp on the

mandap just to afford a candy bar buffet?”

PRIORITY CHECK

UPMARKET HEN PLAN: The roaring 20s is a perfect theme for a fun crowd. Think flappers, feather boas, vintage hairpieces, bodies spraypainted in glitter and gold. unique-vintage.com

A CUT ABOVE: Laser cut designs are the hottest trend in stationery this year

© c

harl

iebr

ear.c

om



AFTER PARTYUPSIDE: The modern bride and

groom know they have all the time for two on their honeymoon. Why leave early from this party they’ve gone to so much e�ort to arrange? The trend-conscious upgrade bride will hire out a private area and even provide transport for the dedicated party animals to keep things in swing.DOWNSIDE: It can dampen the magic. All day, your guests will have treated you like an ethereal being. Now, you’re just another person to ramble drunkenly to.

THE PLAN: To follow the trend of bringing the outdoors indoors for your spring/summer festivities.

WHY UPGRADE? Want to have a marquee wedding and a ceremony in the great indoors? The image above shows a wedding at Hagley Hall for 1200 seated guests seated. The spacious marquee com-plete with round tables and chessboard dancefloor, comes with clear roofs so the guests could still admire the impressive hall, with food stations dotted around for when guests are in the mood for a bite under the sun. •Around £40,000. fewsmarquees.co.uk

WHY DOWNPLAY? At the end of the day, all you need is space. Hosting a glam barn wedding doesn’t always work out much cheaper than hiring a luxe venue, but there’s always the opportunity to turn a family backyard into a magical rustic affair. And for those of you partial to the festival trail, you can create your very own bespoke rave by hosting a weekend-long camp fest in a field, or go the whole hog and take to the woods! • Enjoy the starlit woodland experience, complete with campfire and log circle (non-campers can stay at the Shephard’s Huts), with a marquee to keep the indoor types entertained. From £4150weddingsinthewood.co.uk

Still hungry?THE PLAN: To make sure your guests don’t go hungry.

WHY UPGRADE? Once, Asian weddings were just bout the curry and rasmalai. Then came the canapés and wedding cake, now it’s time for street food stalls, candy counters and the midnight feast. But the trendiest thing to do this year is to invest in a food truck. Most couples hire trucks that serve fried food, but for the upgrade bride, nothing short of oysters will do!•The oyster bar provided by oystermeister.com comes complete with staff happy to mingle among guests, imparting their wisdom, um, shellfishly.

WHY DOWNPLAY? Welcome drinks, sit-down dinner with wine costs, on average, around £70 per head. That’s more than most people spend at restaurants, and therefore good enough (and certainly more than the gifts you’ll receive, which average at £20 per person). So don’t feel bad about it. Even if you opt for having a buffet, as long as the food tastes delicious, and there’s enough to go round, no one will complain. • For a wide range of exquisite buffet ideas tailored to suit your budget, log onto induscatering.co.uk

In or outside?

Cake it on?THE PLAN: To have the sweetest centrepiece in town!

WHY UPGRADE? For many brides, the cake is the focal point of the venue – it encapsulates the theme of the ceremony, the tone of the event, down to the per-sonality of the couple. And all that before the requirement for it to taste heavenly. The cake-cutting ceremony has become a key moment in Asian weddings, and it’s the one thing that’s bound to feature time and time again in photographs. It simply has to look fabulous.•Truly Victorian cake by Nicola Hall, £5000. hallofcakes.co.uk

WHY DOWNPLAY? Here’s a little secret. Most Asians don’t actually like cakes. And the ones that do, are too cur-ried up and ready to drink to be fussed. The trend to get a loved one to make a cake is as personal as it is affordable. And whatever anyone says, the rasmalai is never going out of fashion!• The nation’s favourite confectioner Ambala now provide a wedding service @ambalafoods.com

THE SLICE IS RIGHT: Elegant cakes are the most striking feature of the wedding decor

planning

COVER UP: Marquee weddings are trending in a big way on the Asian wedding scene



Avinash RupareliaOwner, LaadkiAvinash Ruparelia? fashion retailer

What’s the best way to select an outfit? Weddings aren’t about being dressed up like a Christmas tree or wearing something that you feel slightly strange and self-conscious in. We suggest booking an appointment where you can enjoy the ‘bridal experience’ in a relaxed fashion. Maybe go with a friend or family member and keep an open mind and see what’s out there. You’ve shopped enough to know there’s always one more worth going into. But give yourself a list of favourites and a cut-off point, otherwise you’ll be shopping forever!

What are the key services you expect a fashion retailer to offer?They should make it abundantly clear that they respect the fact that while selling clothes

Few of us have ever hired a marquee before. How do we go about it? Firstly decide where you would like to locate the marquee so that the company have ground measurements to work with. It can be useful to make a

mood board with different ideas to help the company relate to your vision. Also, arrange to see their work first-hand – sometimes photos can be deceiving.

What’s the level of service you’d insist upon? You should receive a quotation and plan within two days of initial contact. Your provider should aid you from here all the way through the process. The finish of the marquee is really important, a good company will steam all the interior linings and vacuum the carpet before they leave site. I’d also feel comfortable knowing a team member will be present in case any problems arise.

is an everyday occurrence for them, for you it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Even with readymade pieces, they should be able to offer adjustments and alterations. Which is why I don’t recommend buying outfits from India. You should be able to go back to the store and have modifications made as often as you need.

How many outfits should you try on?The key thing to remember is that the more you see the more confused you will get! Select a store that you’re comfortable with and be open with what you want instead of seeing what the store wants you to see.

What do you ask before you buy?Definitely ask about the possibility of tailoring, seeing as you don’t want to be running around at the last minute looking for someone to adjust

your outfit. Also check about the possibility of having a matching outfit made for the groom.

What about any extras?I think when it comes to outfits, one definite extra is the dupatta, seeing as it really helps to liven up your look in photos.

Can I still look good if budget was an issue?You should spend around seven percent of your total budget on your outfit or outfits, and just over two percent of it on the groom’s outfit. Let your retailer know your limit to start with. There’s no point depressing yourself see-ing all the things you can’t afford. Good news is – there’s plenty out there that will be well within your reach... www.laadki.com

“Have they considered the behind-the-scenes issues? Electrics, power, heating and adequate lighting are crucial”

How many providers should we look at?It’s sensible to get at least two quotes. When comparing make sure they are like for like – and remember you get what you pay for. It’s not just the cost, but also the level of customer service and peace of mind. Visiting their websites and warehouses is a great way to get an idea of their organisational skills.

Key things you’d check?Ask about their insurance and what it covers and also their health and safety documents – a reputable company should have all of there up to date and in place. Awards help. Fews Marquees won the national award for The Best Wedding Marquee Provider 2013 in The Wedding Industry Awards, so I know how hard you have to work to get that kind of recognition!

If money was no issue... I’d go for a marquee with different levels in it. Plus instead of trailer units, have a plush Alvac toilet system. If money was an issue, I’d forego black starlight over the dance floor area and instead use strings of fairy lights – you can save over £500 that way. fewsmarquees.co.uk

at the last minute looking for someone to adjust

? marquee providerIan FewDirector, Fews Marquees

p075-079 Expert Way AB35.indd 22 18/02/2013 02:29


Shikha SharmaDirector,Poonams

Shikha Sharma? caterer

“Am I picking a caterer because their reputation means they’re bound to impress – or do I want

someone no one might’ve heard of but whose

food I love ?”

ASK YOURSELF THIS

With so many Asian catering services around, how can you differentiate?I have narrowed it down to three key factors.

Recommendation – there’s nothing more reassuring than a positive first-hand experience – it will speak volumes about their reliability and quality of service.

Pricing and budget – I’d be keen to establish cost at the outset. I want to know I’m being offered the best possible deal to match my budget, and not get the feeling I’m getting an inferior option because I’m not spending as much as they’d like me to.

Rapport – this is nearly as important as the food itself. You’ll need constant reassurance from the person taking on my wedding.

What key services should they offer?Supply of cutlery, crockery, glassware, linen, staffing (unless the venue insists on using theirs), event management and, of course, the food!

How many catering services do you see? Enough to understand the general services available and the pricing structure. Then I would narrow it down to approximately four caterers based on how happy I was with the information initially supplied. Too much choice can lead to a harder decision.

What are the main questions you ask before signing on the dotted line?As with any agreement always read the small print. The most obvious points to discuss are payment terms, cancellation terms and deadlines for final details including the final number of guests to be catered for.

Is it okay to haggle? Haggling is an ancient art! Like they say, if you don’t ask... However, if a price is negotiated be sure to ask if that will in any way affect the quality of the food or service. A little saving is great, but in the grand scheme of things you are still spending a lot of money and in my opinion spending a bit more to get the promised service is better than saving a relatively small amount and compromising the end product.

Do I have to keep an eagle eye on them? I recommend going through all final plans with your caterer at least six weeks prior to your event to avoid any miscommunication. This gives you ample time to review your decisions and make any necessary changes.

Amongst many things you should discuss, be

clear on your itinerary so that service times can be established. Appointing a point of contact from your side is essential so that any changes on the day can be authorised by someone you trust to make decisions on your part.

What extras would you happily pay for?Small touches like tea and coffee at the end of an event and appetizers at the beginning are always worth the extra spend. These are things that can be enjoyed by all of your guests – plus you’ll be feeling relaxed enough to join them.

If money was no issue, what kind of extravagant things would you like included? Assuming space also wasn’t an issue, I would opt to have live food counters serving different cuisines throughout the course of the night allowing my guests to choose what they wanted to eat and when. What a way to spoil them!

And if the budget was tight?I would look to change my service style and then look into the menu options. For example you could remove appetizers from your menu, have your starters served as canapés during the drinks reception and serve the remaining courses from a buffet. This would be significantly less expensive than serving appetizers and having a three course menu served to the table. A good caterer will help you serve your guests in a way that still makes everyone feel well-fed, watered and special.poonams.com

planning

p075-079 Expert Way AB35.indd 23 18/02/2013 02:30


DELICIOUS IDEAS WE’RE LOVING SINKING OUR TEETH INTO

tuck intothe sari1

The wedding cake is still viewed as a foreign addition in the eyes of many Asian elders – this should appease them, while matching your bridal outfit to perfection.• From the bespoke collection by Asian Wedding Cakes. 5-tier cake with bridal cloth draping from top to bottom, £850asianweddingcakes.co.uk

No traditional Asian wedding is complete without red roses. Luckily, all the best cake designers are as in love with them as we are.• Hand-painted and hand crafted flowers adorn the Covent Garden wedding cake by Jane Asher, £945janeasher.com

Let them eat cake, cried Marie An-toinette, and we’re only too happy to oblige. Especially seeing as the decadence of her era inspires lav-ish creations featuring sugarpaste swags and pearls, with intricate fin-ishes in edible gold and blush-pink lustre dust. L’eau à la bouche!

CakeExpectations

•Passionfruit and pomegranate

passion wonky cake, £631

couture-cakes.co.uk

•Dark chocolate curls floating

on a bed of roses, £440

wedding-cakes.co.uk

2 viva la revolution

red rose cake decorations are still all the rage3

Marie Antoinette, £POArosalindmillercakes.com

Rock Chick Marie Antoinette, £1800

olofsondesign.com 15

cakes AB35-NEW.indd 19 18/02/2013 17:08

Bright colours inspire more photographs – both

in albums and in magazines. There’s a good reason why the chocolate

fountain went out of fashion!

SWEET TRUTH

turn up thevolume

turn up theturn up the5For the couple who like to make a statement, a cen-trepiece should do precisely that – scream ‘look at me!’ This is definitely a style where your cake designer needs to be au fait with the décor and outfits – get it wrong and it’s one step away from flash to clash! • Few cake companies are as loud and proud as Choccywoccydoodah. All You Need is Love, £2265choccywoccydoodah.com


Cupcakes that look like they were made for a kid’s party are a no-no. But that doesn’t mean they can’t be colourful or fun. The art lies in majestic presentation.• Jubilee themed cupcakes,(left) Peacock bird cage, £POAcouture-cakes.co.uk

4 elegantcupcakes

tune into the black & white trend6

Expectations

•Dark chocolate curls floating

on a bed of roses, £440

wedding-cakes.co.uk

7 get ready to croque Our French fancy continues to tower with the glorious cro-quembouche, the high-piled cones of chocolate, cream-filled profiteroles, often covered in gra-nache, and bound together with silky threads of caramel. Inciden-tally, the world’s biggest cro-quembouche was made in India. Isn’t it time an Asian cake maker created one using laddoos? • Handmade cone-free croquembouche, made on the day of your wedding, £500dumouchel.co.uk

inspiration

Stripes, ribbon & petals, £600cakesbykrishanthi.co.uk

Black & white fairytale, £xxxrosalindmillercakes.com

Neon lights mini iced cake, £5 eachcakesweetcake.co.uk

Rainbow cake,£900

rachelles.co.uk

Penguin croquembouche topper, £25wedding-cakes.co.uk

cakes AB35-NEW.indd 20 18/02/2013 17:08



Phot

ogra

phy:

Jam

es R

udlan

d |

Reto

uchin

g: K

asum

Sha

ffi |

Hair &

Mak

eup:

Fac

es b

y Avin

a us

ing B

obbi

Br

own

Cosm

etics

| S

tyling

and

Cre

ative

Dire

ction

: Rac

hael

Ellio

tt |

Loca

tion:

Add

ingto

n Pa

lace


planning


et’s get one thing cleared

up. All those guests who

you’re worried will be of-

fended that you’ve added a

gift list with your invitation

are not only out of touch,

but actually rather arrogant. To imagine

they can give you something the other two

hundred guests won’t think of getting you –

especially if everyone is left to guess what

you might want – is ridiculous.

Yes, traditionalists may mutter that their

presence should be more important that their

presents (after all, you want your guests to

give you gifts as a gesture rather than as an

admission ticket), but once you put sense over

sensitivity, the fact is: you’re forking out an

average of £100 per head, you do not want

another set of stainless steel forks to add to

the frankly useless array of religious clocks,

mismatched coasters and, god forbid, toasters.

It makes sense to spell out your wish list.

Give them options and the opportunity to

buy according to their budget. You get what

you’re after; they feel happy knowing they

haven’t lumbered you with an unwanted pre-

sent. It’s a win-win arrangement. Make a gift

list. There’s absolutely no need to apologise.

Once you pick your store, it’s as simple

as your guests logging online to pick the

item they like the look (and price tag) of. If

there are friends who are likely to balk at the

prices, the way round it is to have two lists –

so if you have a high-end list from, say, Har-

rods, have another from a more affordable

range, such as Notonthehighstreet.com. And

even if it turns out there’s nothing left on the

list that a particular guest can afford, or he or

she insists on getting you something personal,

SensePresent

LIf you don’t ask, you get a toaster. The only logical option is to have a gift list

at least they will have a clear idea of the kind

of things you’re after (and what others have

already got you).

All this, however, doesn’t make it any

easier to choose which gift list to pick. If

you happen to be moving into a brand new

unfurnished home, then you’re in for a joyous

experience, but if you’re one of the many

Asian couples who have already set up home,

suddenly even the most desirable gift sets

from John Lewis will leave you worrying

about storage space.

“It’s a win-win arrangement – you get what“It’s a win-win arrangement – you get whatyou’re after; your guests feel happy knowing they you’re after; your guests feel happy knowing they haven’t lumbered you with an unwanted present”

Giftlist AB35.indd 20 18/02/2013 07:52

All the

thingsPRETTYSIT BACK AND ENJOY YOUR SPECIAL DAY AND LET PREETI CATERING TAKE CARE OF THE FINER DETAILS

p100 Preeti spread ab35.indd 1 18/02/2013 01:57

PRETTY

p100 Preeti spread ab35.indd 2 18/02/2013 01:57

Victorian Royal Exchange cake, from £1500 philippacraddock.com


THEMEvintagevintagevintagevintagevintagevintagevintagevintagevintagevintagevintagevintageRoar with the 20s Great Gatsby style

Art Deco décor @Grosvenor House, £POA

jayandievents.com

Batur Muhammad@baturbaturs

Diamong Goblet, £7 for small; £55 for largesupernovaevents.co.uk

Gatsby Suite RSVP cards with envelopes, £275 for 100lucky-luxe.com

Joanie Deco Heel, £995

harrietwilde.com

Glass Pearls & Swarovski Elements Crystal Hairpin, £190tiadorojewelry.com

Great Gatsby Bouquet, £POA supernovaevents.co.uk

Butterf ly Inspired Pieces, £4.50

thelastdetail.co.uk

Bird wooden pegs, £4.99

caesarsweddingfavours.co.uk

Poured Soya Wax Vintage Teacup

Candle, from £7kookiecandles.co.uk

trends-rustic-great gatsby AB35.indd 19 18/02/2013 13:43


THEMErusticinspiration

Silver birch bark table centre with roses, berries, sedums & alliums, £130 philippacraddock.com

Birdcage with miniature, £800 cakesbykrishanthi.co.uk

Gaurang Shah

Flower Garden clutch, £450 onitaa.co.uk

Wedding Guest Book Plank, £187 notonthehighstreet.com

Rustic cork & pheasant feather Invitation Suite, £18 cecinewyork.com

Farfalla in ivory, gold & chocolate, £540 arunaseth.com

Silver Birch Bark Ring, £45 Kelly [email protected]

Birch & burlap vases, from £10 Red Lily

[email protected]

Woven Sassafras with golden feathers, £285cherylkingcouture.com

rusticInject some woodland spirit into your day

THEMEvintage

trends-rustic-great gatsby AB35.indd 20 18/02/2013 13:44

READ THE FULL ISSUE

OUT NOW


ARE YOU READY FOR THE BIG STEP?

Are large weddings still in fashion?

How will you make your grand entrance?

Are large Are large How will

What’s Akshay Kumar’s favourite

UK venue?

What’s Akshay

Celebchoice

FIND OUT ON PG 123

enuesHEADLINE

Spring 2013

THE BEST HOTSPOTS TO TIE THE KNOT!

Hail the catering superchefVENUES insisting on in-house catering has long been a bone of conten-tion among Asian brides.

But with the likes of Marco Pierre White and Cyrus Todiwala OBE now turning their hands to wedding catering, don’t be surprised if you find yourself booking a venue BECAUSE of the in-house chef ! mrtodiwalaskitchen.com

by AMI VIYAMINIMALISM may be the big trend of 2013, but that isn’t stopping Asian brides planning to do what they do best – supersize it!

Our survey found that while many brides are indeed opting for the intimate ceremony, the 400+ grand wedding is still very much in vogue. Where will you host yours?

FIND OUT INSIDE

V

•CYRUS BUSINESS Mr Todiwala

WIN!

Food tasting at Laguna

Restaurant DETAILS INSIDE

Sing when you’re

winning!SOAK UP THE

LIMELIGHT AT THE ROYAL

OPERA HOUSESEE PAGE 128

A DATE WITH HISTORYBe the first in your group to host a wedding at the Natural History Museum SEE PAGE 123

venues-NEW.indd 19 18/02/2013 18:14

0203 632 4303 | [email protected] | www.avaricouture.com149 Ealing Road, Wembley, HA0 4BY

Phot

ogra

phy,

reto

uchin

g an

d cr

eativ

e dir

ectio

n: K

asum

Sha

ffi

p087 AVARI ab35.indd 1 18/02/2013 22:07

FocusTrendTHE BRIDAL GOWNS WE’RE OBSESSING OVER THIS SEASON What could be more exciting than the hunt

for that perfect wedding outfit that will truly make you feel like a princess on your big day? And where better to look than to the catwalks for stimulation and inspiration. Bold, bright and intricate is certainly the way forward, as showcased by the likes of Rani Emaan and Bhairavi Jaikishan at Pantene Bridal Couture Week.

Embellished is the key word in each of the outfits shown, but what kind of embellished ensemble do you want to go for? Dusky pink gowns, adorned with gold embroidery and topped with a statement headpiece as seen by Rana Noman were the highlight at London Pakistan Fashion Week whereas a bright pink and gold sari creation looked truly fabulous by Bhairavi Jaikishan at Lakme Fashion Week. fabulous by Bhairavi Jaikishan Bhairavi Jaikishan, LFW

Fahad Hussayn, PBCW

Rabs by Namrah, LPFW

Rana Noman, LPFWRana Noman, LPFW

Rani Emaan, PBCWRani Emaan, PBCW

Zainab Chottani, LPFW

Rana Noman, LPFW

Rabs by Namrah, LPFWRabs by Namrah, LPFW

fashion

TRADITIONAL

Trend focus AB35.indd 19 18/02/2013 19:32

feature

000| ASIAN BRIDE AUTUMN 2012

Break the mould aNd BrING Your VIsIoNs to lIFe wIth bibi london BrIdalwear

Left: red lengha with gold embroidery Right: red shalwar kameez with gold paisley embroidery Both by Payal Singhal

LIVINGDOLLS

Photographs Paul WestStyling Marni Kaur

Fashion shoot BIBI AB35.indd 19 18/02/2013 22:10

inspiration

Break the mould aNd BrING Your VIsIoNs to lIFe wIth bibi london BrIdalwear

Photographs Paul WestStyling Marni Kaur


feature

000| ASIAN BRIDE AUTUMN 2012


fashion

Opposite page: maroon lengha with yellow duppatta by

Shyamal and bhumika

This page: orange lengha with lace overlay by Hare

sPrING 2013 ASIAN BRIDE | 153


275 Soho RoadHandsworth, Birmingham, B21 9SA

0121 551 1771 / 07800 527 [email protected] Ph

otog

raph

y: Ja

mes

Rud

land

| Re

touc

hing:

Kas

um S

haffi

| Ha

ir & M

akeu

p: F

aces

by A

vina

using

Bob

bi Br

own

Cosm

etics

Styli

ng a

nd C

reat

ive D

irect

ion: R

acha

el El

liott

| Lo

catio

n: A

dding

ton

Palac

e

ab35_fashion - ahsans.indd 1 17/02/2013 18:51

groom

roomgMAKING YOUR MOST ESSENTIAL ACCESSORY LOOK THE PART!

Regal spenderThe average cost of a wedding has gone up, but not necessarily because vendors have hiked up their prices. Studies reveal the main reason we’re spending more on our big day is because the modern groom has taken on a more vested role in the proceedings – and is more than happy to stump up for it. As well as splashing out on acces-sories extravagant enough to match his better half, the big expenditures include the groom cake (a smaller additional cake that reflects his hobbies and interests), salon treatments (teeth whitening is big this year), paying for dance lessons, with some grooms-to-be bypassing the gym membership to opt for liposuction. But the biggest expenses go towards hiring the perfect entertainment, the dream honeymoon and forking out for both a bespoke sherwani and a tailored suit to make sure he looks like the king of both worlds... • Outfit by Shyamal & Bhumika @bibilondon.com

Groom title AB35 .indd 19 18/02/2013 11:24

“Bespoke Sherwanis and Kurtas”www.geetaarts.com271 Green Street,

London E7 8LJ

Phot

ogra

phy:

Jam

es R

udlan

d |

Reto

uchin

g: K

asum

Sha

ffi |

Hair &

Mak

eup:

Mak

eup:

Fac

es b

y Avin

a us

ing B

obbi

Brow

n Co

smet

ics

|Styl

ing a

nd C

reat

ive D

irect

ion: R

acha

el El

liott

| Lo

catio

n: A

dding

ton

Palac

e

ab35_fashion - Geeta Arts.indd 1 17/02/2013 18:45


groom

“Photo booths are so last year. Anyone who thinks pulling poses with props is funny wouldn’t know funny

if it hit them with a fake, silly moustache. The sophisticated alternative this year is the mini flipbook,” I say, offering up my broad-est, most knowing smile, awaiting a reaction mixed with admiration and gratitude.

“As for vintage, this year that doesn’t mean retro,” I add to give her time to pre-pare the right words to show her apprecia-tion for my dazzling on-trend know-how, “it just means outdated!”

She bursts into tears. “Are you crying because you’re happy?” I

wonder aloud, although I’m quite sure happy tears wouldn’t normally involve the tearing up of a piece of paper once lovingly head-lined ‘Our Wedding’.

“You hate all my ideas,” she wails. The piece of paper now lying between us looking as crumpled and small as the bride-to-be.

I decide against elucidating on the wrongs of having At Last by Etta James as her first dance choice.

I don’t get it. People buy the magazines I’ve worked for to get insight into what’s all the rage and what’s not, and here I am, offering invaluable hot-off-the-press industry info free of charge, and this is the thanks I get? And then I remember. I’m an idiot.

A wedding has never been about the man. When we were little boys (in some cases, still are), we dreamed of battling monsters in space rather than fantasising about how we’d look in chiffon and lace. For years I’ve been interviewing newlyweds to receive a thesis stretching several volumes about their Big Day from the bride, while the contribution from her lesser half amounted to little more than a sad, defeated nod while muttering, “it all cost so very, very much”.

I apologise. I vow to cast aside all my years of experience, I shall no longer pretend I

AFTER EDITING BRIDAL MAGS FOR OVER A DOZEN YEARS, SHIHAB SALIM REALLY SHOULD KNOW BETTER…

GROOMZILLAGROOMZILLTHE

FILES

Lesson 1 # It’s not about me

know anything about weddings, for you my dear, I am not an editor, but a mere accesso-ry, only there by your side to help you shine.

“Don’t do that!” she shrieks. “You need to use your contacts to help us get discounts.”

Oh.Now I can blag anything. I’ve stayed in

more five-star resorts than any non-million-aire can ever dream of, dined for free at top restaurants, got red carpet access to the best parties in town, and been pampered at the world’s finest spas, all because of my maga-zine connections, but this… this feels wrong.

It’s easy to tell a PR that I’ll accept an all-expenses paid trip to the Bahamas in exchange for writing a four-page editorial in a respected wedding publication, but to try to blag a cake so I can eat it? That seems incredibly cheap. Not to mention tacky. And embarrassing.

I won’t do it.I have to word this very carefully, especially

given that the tears shed from the last few words to come out of my mouth are still fresh around her eyes.

Weddings aren’t about freebies. As the un-dearly departed boxed gift trend of yester-year stands testament to – no one other than a loved one gives you anything for free that you actually want. And even if my most loyal contacts were to let me have something for nothing, to expect them to tailor-make it to match the theme is insane. This is our day; we should do it our way.

I add a wink that leaves no doubt that when I say ‘our’ what I actually mean is ‘your’.

She sheds another tear, but this time I know it’s a happy one. I’ve just masked what is in fact cowardice at having to ask valued contacts for hand-outs as a display of chivalry and romance.

I reassure her. Whatever she wants. I’m all for it. I encourage her to make a new list of ideas. I use my magazine expertise to lay it out in InDesign to make it look prettier than its crumpled predecessor. We move onto the budget. I use my magazine expertise to lay it out on an Excel spreadsheet. I quietly have a heart attack.

NO NONSENSE: These photo booth props may look silly to you, but they’re a deathly serious matter for my bride-to-be.

The next day, after a ruthless re-editing of my conscience following a close encounter with my bank balance, I call a wedding cake maker I’ve dealt with for many years, enquir-ing what sort of cake he might throw my way for free.

He tells me he’s been commissioned to make a number of Taj Mahal cakes for a corporation around the time of my wedding and it probably won’t be too much bother knocking one up for me.

Later that day, I casually ask my intended: “So what do you say to a Taj Mahal cake?”

She gives me that look normally reserved for when gazing upon the insane.

“It’s quite vintage, don’t you think? I mean it’ll look great next to the photo booth.”

There are question marks in her eyes. I’m guessing the most pertinent question being “why am I marrying this man?”

“Only joking!” I laugh nervously, fooling no one into thinking I am indeed joking, and shuffle away whistling At Last by Etta James.

Next time anyone asks me anything to do with our wedding, expect me to react with a sad, defeated nod while muttering, “it all cost so very, very much.”

While pulling poses behind a fake, silly moustache…

groomcolumnAB35.indd 19 18/02/2013 11:00

Beauty Editor & Official Hair & Make Up Artist of

ASIAN BRIDE MAGAZINE

BRIDAL | FASHION | MEDIA

By appointment only

Professional training available atTHE ASIAN WOMAN ACADEMY

[email protected]

[email protected]

+44 7704 536847

NINA UBHICELEBRITY MAKE UP ARTIST

ab35_beauty - Nina Ubhi.indd 19 18/02/2013 17:02

ab35_beauty - Nina Ubhi.indd 20 18/02/2013 17:03

READ THE FULL ISSUE

OUT NOW


NewS, tReNdS, tIPS & MuSt-haveS by nina ubhiBeauty

FIRST BASEFind the right foundation: For normal skin, go for a moisturising foundation, but avoid the shiny t-zone problem by giving oily products a miss. If you have greasy skin, go for an oil-free foundation with long-lasting coverage so your skin doesn’t soak up the make up. those with dry skin should go for creamy formulas – look for soothing ingredients. and don’t forget your daily moisturising routine!

Apply foundation properly: If you’re using a thick foundation, apply with your fingers to really get into the skin. For the liquid variety, invest in a good foundation brush – spread outwards towards the edge of the face. Remember to blot or you’ll have a cake on your hands!

Get the f lawless finish: always moisturise before you apply your base. Golden rule: prep and prime! Set with powder and it’s ready, steady, flawless…Ph

otog

raph

y: Ja

mes

Rud

land

| Re

touc

hing:

Kas

um S

haffi

| Ha

ir & M

akeu

p: N

ina U

bhi

Loca

tion:

Eali

ng To

wn H

all |

Out

fit: O

meg

a |

Jewe

llery

: Jaz

zy B

indi

Beauty title AB35.indd 19 18/02/2013 19:37


Make up artist? Check. Wedding gown? Check.

Groom? Check. Botox appointment? Why the

heck not? Botox brides are on the increase

(heard about the botox hen party trend?) and

even the scare rags that used to scream about

its side-effects have quietened down of late.

Now, it’s touted as a luxury reserved for the

fabulous and it’s easy to see why.

A good make up artist can do wonders, yes.

But if the canvas is already smooth before she

goes to work on it – you don’t need to be an art

connoisseur to know the results will turn out

better. Plus it’s undeniable that the modern

woman loves a quick fix. Doubly so when it

promises to be painless. Read ‘lose two stones

in two weeks and still eat what you want’, or

‘give up smoking in six easy steps’, and we’re

sold. And when someone comes along and says

they can zap away those wrinkles around the

BOTOXHere comes the

BrideONE INJECTION AND YOU LOOK LIKE AN AIRBRUSHED MODEL IN A MAGAZINE. CAN BOTOX REALLY BE THE ANSWER? NiNa UBhi PUTS IT TO THE TEST

beauty feature AB35.indd 19 18/02/2013 11:20


eye in a matter of a few blinks, let’s face it –

we’re intrigued.

As a bridal make up artist, the number of

brides-to-be coming to me and casually

admitting they’d turned to Botox and Fillers

was too large for me to ignore. After all, I make

my living keeping an eye on trends, an eye, I

should admit, that has been looking back at me

of late with creases that look suspiciously like

they were left there by crows...

But surely I’m not old enough? World re-

nowned anti-ageing and hormone specialist, Dr

Daniel Sister of beautyworkswest.com assures

me: “Age is not really of importance (as long as

they are not underage!) but it is more a

question of ‘when’ the lines and wrinkles

become obvious and, in certain, cases

permanent. Again, how often also depends on

the patient’s metabolism, as some will fight the

Botox sooner than others, but it should never

be more than three to four times a year.”

The more I researched, the more I found

out this trend has now become quite the norm

among all ages. One of my brides, Priya from

Brighton, told me: “I went to my friend’s

Botox Bridal Shower and only decided I’d give

it a shot when I realised her mum and much

younger sister were keen to try it out. It’s

actually a great day out. You get in a limo, go

to a salon where you get pampered all day and

everybody comes out looking like they’ve just

stepped out of a magazine shoot.”

So what iS Botox?Botox is the abbreviated term for Botulinum

Toxin A, a purified protein injectable used to

treat lines between the eyebrows, on the

forehead and around the sides of the eyes.

Botox reduces the cause of facial lines, the

contractions of the underlying facial muscles

by blocking the signal from the brain to the

muscle. The effect can last between three and

eight months. However, Botox treatments can

be cumulative. Treating dynamic lines with a

series of Botox injections over time may help

retrain the muscles used in facial expression,

therefore the result can be both corrective

and preventative. To put it simply, the inactive

beauty

muscles that are paralysed by Botox become

weakened, so are less able to act. Subsequently,

the lines produced by these muscular actions

become less obvious. A topical anaesthetic

cream is used on the targeted area pre-

treatment which makes the procedure virtually

pain free, although mild bruising may occur in

some patients.

MY Botox DiaRYI decided to treat myself to Botox around

the eyes. I’ve always believed in looking as

immaculately presented as possible, so I’m all

for non-invasive surgery, to a certain degree. I

didn’t think I was in desperate need of the jab,

but reducing a few baby lines couldn’t hurt. In

fact, it better not hurt!

I booked myself into the Harley Medical

Group for a consultation and started to get

cold feet the moment I walked into their plush

clinic. My concerns: “Will it hurt?”, “What

if the results are disastrous?”, and “Should I

leave now before it’s too late?” It was too late.

I was sitting in a white room for my consulta-

tion opposite the nurse in her big white leather

chair. “This consultation is for me to assess

if this is the right treatment for you,” she

explains. A part of me hoped she would simply

say: “You’re beautiful as you are. Now get out

of here.” But instead she said: “Your forehead

could do with a treatment.”

Great. That’s the one place I didn’t think

I had a problem. So we decided I would get

Botox on my forehead, or so I thought. Ten

minutes later I was seated in an even bigger

white room waiting for my doctor to perform

the treatment. An expert in putting people at

ease (I had no reason to doubt her when she

revealed she was an avid reader of my articles),

I was still surprised to find she agreed with me

when I told her I sort of liked my forehead how

it was. “It’s your eyes that could do with some

work,” she smiled sweetly, zapping away my

fresh forehead complex, and I was sold.

She assured me the treatment that was to

follow would be virtually painless and that it

would be over before I knew it. I made myself

comfortable and waited for the treatment to

begin. She disinfected the area around the eyes

and explained that she was about to start. All

I felt was the tiniest prick three times around

each eye. I could not believe how swiftly the

treatment was performed and how painless

it was. I was told I would see the full effect of

Botox within two to three days and the results

could last up to six months. I had no reaction to

the Botox and made my way back to the Asian

Bride office wondering if the team would notice

any difference this early on, which they didn’t.

Two days later I finally noticed the vast

improvement in the smoothness around my

eyes – when I smiled there were no visible

crease marks or lines. I loved the results and

people generally noticed I looked different but

better yet they couldn’t figure out what it was.

People who commented on how I looked

assumed it was down to my make up. Which is

a perfect result for any girl who’s just walked

out of Harley Street. The only way I can

explain how the results wear off is that I woke

up one morning and I looked exactly like I did

three months ago pre-treatment.

But then I live and breathe make up. And

that’s designed to make us look good for a day.

Waking up every morning for three months

feeling like you’ve already had a perfect base

applied doesn’t sound so bad. Especially for a

bride who wants to look the part for her

wedding day and honeymoon.

Would I recommend Botox? Yes. Would I

have it done again? Already booked.

• For more information, or to book a

consultation, log onto harleymedical.co.uk

For Botox Parties, visit lifestyleclinic.co.uk

“People who commented on how much better I looked naturally assumed it was down to my make up. Which is a

perfect result for any girl who has just walked out of Harley Street”

beauty feature AB35.indd 20 18/02/2013 11:20


TrendCOLOURMake Up artist AArti P shows Us how to theMe yoUr bridal Make Up

ViOLEt

Purple is the new red, which means

that fashion pundits all over the world

have touted it as the most on trend

colour for 2013. Moreover, purple is

believed to be the colour of royalty

and elegance - a colour formed by

mixing red with dark blue. Thus, if you

choose purple, you would technically

still be wearing red on your wedding

day. If you are still in doubt, try mixing

hues of red in your purple wedding

dress. This will help to convince your

traditional family and friends that you

are indeed wearing the colour red on

your wedding day while allowing you

your purple indulgence sans guilt. Not

forgetting the complete look with a

hint of gold to your make up!

ab35_beauty - Arti advertorial.indd 19 18/02/2013 11:20


beauty

COrAL

Coral shades always look stunning

in an Indian wedding. The colour

naturally lends itself to bring joy and

casts a beautiful glow on the bride.

Sweet and romantic, coral is the sort

of colour that comes along with the

right amount of elegance, but it’s also

carefree and fun! A very versatile

colour for brides and bridesmaids.

It’s beautiful on all skin tones too.

My favourite combination is to have

gold embroidery on your coral outfit

and then flattering the outfit with

make up colours from a similar

palette to give a fresh and youthful

look, perfect for Spring and Summer

weddings!

Phot

ogra

phy &

reto

uchin

g: K

asum

Sha

ffi |

Crea

tive

Dire

ction

: Nina

Ubh

i | O

utfits

: Laa

dki

t: 07545 539 519

w: www.aarti-p.come: [email protected]

f: facebook.com/aartipmua

Professional Hair & Makeup ArtistAarti P -

ab35_beauty - Arti advertorial.indd 20 18/02/2013 11:21


AcademyRoyal

Jewel tonesJewel colours are not only on trend, but they always add a regal spin to a modern look. A flawless finish is imperative, and defining the face with perfect brows keeps the make up looking proportionate. The intensity of a colourful smokey eye can be further brought to life with a pop of colour underneath the eye. Be sure to choose colours that complement each other to ensure they blend together well. A light pink lip keeps the features soft at the same time as not drowning out that all-important glow.

Dramatic eyesAdding a golden shimmer to the inner corners of the eyes and blending it into the dark-er, more intense shades can not only ensure your make up is blended to perfection but also keeps the look glamorous and feminine. A glossy nude lip balances out the intensity and keeps the look youth-ful. Flutter a pair of dramatic lashes and you’ve perfected the intense smokey eye that still keeps your features soft enough to look sultry yet coy.

Gatsby glamFeather clip-ins are always a great way to add a bit of 1920’s glamour to your look. When opting for such a dramatic accessory, keeping hair up and out of the face adds to the allure but also keeps the focus on your standout features – particularly when going for a dramatic eye. The look is kept feminine with a dab of golden shimmer in the inner corners of the eyes, and a soft peachy blush for a beautiful flush of colour.

Celebrity Make Up artist NINA UBHI of the AsIAN WomAN AcADemy showCases the latest bridal trends

beauty academy feature AB35.indd 19 18/02/2013 11:14


beauty

Nina Ubhi offers intense training for aspiring hair & make up artists by guiding and mentoring them through-out and after training to transform them into renowned artists. One of the bridal industry’s leading make up art-ists and Beauty Editor of Asian Bride Magazine, Nina understands the needs of both the consumer and the pro-vider, meaning her expertise on what’s wanted and what sells is unparalleled. The Asian Woman Academy has a va-riety of intense courses and short mas-terclasses created exclusively by Nina Ubhi to cater to every woman on every level. Which course is right for you?

INTeNse mAKe UP ARTIsTRy AND HAIR DesIGN IN BRIDAL & FAsHIoN DURATIoN: Five daysWHo Is IT FoR? The artist aspiring for a professional career as a leading hair & make up artist.

HAIR sTyLING mAsTeRcLAssDURATIoN: One dayWHo Is IT FoR? For professionals wish-ing to refresh or upgrade their hair skills learning so many techniques and styles. A fun yet very intense day!

sHAPe’N’sHADe eyeBRoW mAsTeR-cLAssDURATIoN: Two hoursWHo Is IT FoR? For the Eyebrow junkie! Learn to shape and shade eyebrows from the master artist of eyebrows.

BoLLyWooD IcoNsDURATIoN: Four hoursWHo Is IT FoR? For the Bollywood diva! Katrina Kaif, Priyanka Chopra, Aishwariya Rai Bachan are just a few of the Bol-lywood beauties that inspire this masterclass.

TImeLess BeAUTyDURATIoN: Three hoursWHo Is IT FoR? Especially designed to help embrace your maturing beauty this is perfect for the older sophisticated lady.

DAy To NIGHTDURATIoN: Three hoursWHo Is IT FoR? Hit the town straight from work with this class!

• For further info, log onto theasianwomanacademy.com

course you can

Take it as redA red lip still ranks high as the most graceful and glamorous way to look like you’re ready for both the red carpet and the wedding aisle. One skillfully applied stroke and it can change the way you look completely. Adding a subtle bronze underneath the cheekbones contours the face to give you that perfect flawless finish, so that you can wow your guests from all angles. The right amount of blending can be what moves you from looking completely made up to having a naturally beautiful bone structure, the trick is to simply enhance your features and create a flawless finish.

Brow girlFor the adventurous bride, a bright red lip with defined eyebrows is sure to make you stand out. Set your-self apart by keeping eyes incredibly light but defining the face with flawless, prominent brows that can be taught on our five day course – one of my signa-ture techniques. The bright red lip keeps the look time-less and will complement your white dress as well as brighten the skin. Timeless, dramatic and deserved of admirers’ full attention.

“Nothing makes a more dramatic change to a look than a skillful stroke of red”

beauty academy feature AB35.indd 20 18/02/2013 11:14

ab35_main run - Chilli Stars.indd 1 17/02/2013 16:32

congratulations


CongratulationsYOUR MAGICAL DAY. OUR PLEASURE

CongratulationsCongratulationsCongratulationsReal weddings - cover AB35.indd 19 18/02/2013 11:29

ab35_main run - O2.indd 1 17/02/2013 16:28


WE GIVE YOU THE WORLD

PRIVATE MATTERSTo honeymoon on your own private island is the stuff of fantasies, but thanks to the lovely folk at the hip and cheerful Black Tomato bespoke travel site, that dream is no longer out of reach for mere mortals. Take the island of Kura Kura, please. It’s yours.Located on in the unspoilt Karimunjawa archipelago, in between Java and Borneo, Kura Kura is in the heart of this tropical paradise – with postcard perfect views in every direction you look. Explore historic wrecks on a deep sea dive, paddle out into the lagoon on a kayak, feast on the finest sea food on earth and finish off your day with a romantic sunset cruise. And never have to worry about leaving a towel to secure your lounger…• For the best tailor-made honeymoon rates, contact the team at blacktomato.com

Destination

p249 honeymoon title ab35.indd 19 18/02/2013 21:24


The art ofMAGICchance. Our top photographers reveal how it’s done

Melgiovanni PhotographyPhilosophy: Photography is the art of storytelling...Famed for his unique, innovative and contemporary photography style, Dan Melgiovanni has that natural ability to make people completely at ease when they are in front of the camera.

He reveals: “I specialise in capturing the moment with a candid, non-intrusive and natural approach to wedding photography. My motto is:

‘You do your wedding and I capture it’. The result is a wedding album that will be exclusive and as individual as you.”

He adds: “I like to take a mixture of formal style wedding portraits and the more natural and artistic shots that add an emotional dimension to your day.”

Internationally acclaimed, his work has featured in numerous publications. He admits: “My wide-ranging portfolio shows my natural ability and versatility. I treat each wedding individually with imagination and pure creativity.”

chance. Our top photographers reveal how it’s doneCapturing perfect moments doesn’t happen by

t: 07711 502 454e: [email protected] w: melgiovanni.com

Photographers AB35.indd 19 18/02/2013 19:39

planning

Gurvir Johal PhotographyPhilosophy: True love and great photography are united by the same thing – passion...Based in the Midlands, Gurvir Johal came from a background of graphic design and art – he loves producing art and images that stir emotions and thought.

He admits: “I adore the reaction people give when beholding my artwork. Why should photography be any different?”

Gurvir’s passion and love for photography allows him to use his heart and im-agination to produce powerful, lasting images. He believes his presence should be unobtrusive, so the subjects of the images are left unaware of the presence of a camera. “That is when magical moments happen,” he says.

Describing his style as fairytale meets contemporary fashion, he reveals: “To capture the true essence of a love story, you need to be a romantic yourself!”

t: +44 7782 384 368e: [email protected]

w: gurvirjohal.com

Upendo ImagesPhilosophy: Photography can’t simply be your living – it needs to be your way of life... “Preserving all the wonderful moments, mile-stones and memories of a couple’s most important day is what I do best. I love all the laughter, the tears, the romance, the dancing, the drama, the fashion and the food that comes with weddings”, says Bhavna Pandya-Barratt.

Using a combination of documentary style and more traditional based photography, Bhavna’s unobtrusive yet candid approach means she captures all the little mo-ments that could sometimes be missed.

“My vision is to provide a high-end photography

product that couples will treasure. Photography is all in the eye – you need to be able to spot a moment almost before it even happens!”

If you’re looking for a photographer with personality, who will join in with the balle balle, the giddha and the garba, who will probably shed a tear when you walk down the aisle, who loves masala chai, gulab jamuns and all things Bollywood... let Bhavna document your big day.

Upendo Images are available for pre-wedding shoots, engagements or weddings of all faiths, anywhere in the world.

“Photography is all in the eye – you need to be able to spot a

moment worth capturing before it even happens”


t: 07873 877 824e: [email protected] w: upendoimages.com

Photographers AB35.indd 20 18/02/2013 19:40

ab35_main - viplounge.indd 3 17/02/2013 16:29

47 High StreetEdgware, Middlesex HA8 7DD

T: 020 8951 4441 F: 020 8952 [email protected]

Phot

ogra

phy:

Jay P

ankh

ania

| Ha

ir & M

akeu

p: F

aces

by A

vina

using

MAC

Cos

met

icsSt

yling

and

Cre

ative

Dire

ction

: Shiv

San

ghan

i | O

utfits

: Var

iety S

ilk H

ouse

ab35_main - viplounge.indd 4 17/02/2013 16:29

OBC ab35_fashion - O2.indd 1 17/02/2013 16:32

asian bride 35

Documents

fashion bibi

kasum shaffi hair makeup

fashion51 bride ideas

fashion kajal

fashion trend

fashion kirans

beauty avina

mespellbinding style