Something old, new and blue

Theme weddings continue to be in demand and vintage weddings remain a popular choice. Exploring the idea of a vintage-themed wedding, the first thing that comes to the mind is tradition, and lots of lace. Candice Pereira, a wedding planner, says, “Vintage is a very broad theme. It could be anything —  vintage Bollywood or an era, like the 1920’s. To keep it chic and stylish but simple, you can raid your grandmother’s closet for something unique.” Renee Malik, a hairstylist adds how hairstyles like the bouffant, finger waves and accessories like brooches and buns are gaining popularity. “The only difference is that it comes with a twist of modernity,” she says.

Ajay Modgil, a wedding planner from F5 Entertainment, however, says the groom arriving in a vintage car, is just too passé. He adds, “Vintage is what was happening four years back”. He recounts a wedding he planned a few years back which took place in Udaipur at the Jag Mandir. “Everything you do there or can do is grand and vintage. But while Udaipur has a lot of vintage cars, the groom arriving in it is a cliché. Even Mumbai’s five-star hotel weddings have that. What’s so different about it?” he asks. “Today weddings are very cross-cultural,” says Ajay, giving credit to the fact that the bride and groom have more say in their big day.
   
Candice suggests that even if you want to stick to the vintage theme, going entirely vintage may not be the way. “It’s always nice to mix the old with the new — vintage, yet with a modern twist. You could mix and match and use interestingly shaped vases and containers with structured florals,” she says. Ajay adds, “Usually at weddings you’re trying to figure who’s on which side. In North Indian weddings, there is a rasam called milni, where both the uncles exchange garlands. So we took this to the sangeet and turned it into a full eight-and-a-half minute gig!” he says. “So the uncles and aunts from both sides came on stage one by one and shook a leg while we officially introduced them to everyone!” exclaims Ajay.