Indian Weddings Trends Part I

With Houston’s large, prominent, diverse Indian population, it’s no surprise that Houston’s Indian weddings are at the forefront of style and sophistication. On April 15, top wedding pros gathered in the Foundation Room at House of Blues downtown to show off the best and brightest (and I do mean brightest—the color palette is absolutely spectacular) in Indian wedding trends for the coming season. The event was the annual wedding trends luncheon, hosted by the Houston chapter of the National Association of Catering Executives, and it was a stunner. Of course, the talent lineup was top-notch—Darryl & Co., Events in Bloom, River Oaks Flower House, Susie’s Cakes & Confections, Who Made the Cake, Edible Designs by Jessie, Sari Sapne, A&A Video and many more—with Weddings in Houston publisher Radhika Day taking the stage as keynote speaker. wih-blogpost-3-pic-invite2

C0-chairs Summer Hutchens Colgin of For Your Memories and Jim Gray of The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa, along with Juliana Wathen of Cosmo Cool Concepts, Jessica Choate of the Student Chapter of NACE and our very own Vik Da,y all helped make the event shine. Attendees included 215 of Houston’s finest wedding and event experts and the charming David Jones of D. Jones Photography and Mitch Daniels of MDI Video captured all the excitement for posterity.

So what did our wedding gurus reveal? I’ll get to the goodies in a second, but first I want to point out a couple of things. First, there’s no such thing as an Indian wedding, per se. India is a large country divided into numerous states and multiple faiths, each with its own specific customs, rituals and tastes. Here in the U.S., these are often simplified and blended, as brides and grooms from different Indian (and non-Indian) backgrounds meet, fall in love and tie the knot.

Second, you don’t have to be an Indian bride to admire—and participate in—these fabulous Indian wedding trends. Indian color schemes, flowers, cake designs, food and cocktail recipes—there’s so much to love, you can’t help but be inspired. If you find something that captures your fancy, non-Indian bride, go for it. Your wedding planner can help you incorporate just about any of these wonderful elements into your special day.

Ready to pull back the curtain? Check out Indian Weddings Trends Part II for the fun stuff!

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Priscilla of Boston’s Jewel Collection

It’s named for the object of many a girl’s affection, and rightly so. Priscilla of Boston’s brand-new Jewel collection is one to love, especially in today’s tight economic times. Designed by Kelly Faetanini, the spectacularly talented prodigy of Priscilla of Boston star designer Tracy Uomoleale, Jewel gowns have a fresh, youthful, yet still undeniably glamorous feel—all in the remarkably reasonable $1,650 – $2,950 price range. Affordability aside, these gowns have got it going on, big time. Silhouettes range from classic ball gowns to full A-lines, with exquisitely elegant details including beading, embroidery and lace. Faetanini takes much of her inspiration from her lifelong love of ballet, and that passion shows in touches like criss-crossed fabric (borrowed from ballet- slipper ribbons) and sparkling waistline embellishments. And it’s no surprise that these gowns have a custom feel, seeing as Faetanini got her start as a sales and design rep in a New York City bridal boutique, where she offered to redesign dresses to fit brides’ needs when standard fare just wasn’t up to snuff. One style has a crystal-encrusted and embroidered belt detail at ribcage height, and the delightful surprise of hidden pockets—so handy for hankies, lipstick and whatnot. Another features a gorgeous pleated bodice and embroidered flowers adorned by hand with rhinestones and crystals. Budget gown? Ha! What I like best about Jewel gowns is their balance of structure and softness. While all the gowns in the collection are unquestionably elegant, they have an ease of movement and earthy romanticism that sets my heart aflutter. Models have been sporting Jewel gowns with hair worn down, loose and a little tousled, and simple but striking makeup—perfection. To check out these gems for yourself, pop into Priscilla of Boston, where the very knowledgeable and helpful Victoria, Sandie and salon manager Veronica await your visit with bells—and jewels–on. Buy your Jewel gown during the week of May 21 – 25 and you’ll get 10% off the already affordable price.

(Photos courtesy Priscilla of Boston)

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Welcome to the Houston Wedding Blog

As contributing editor for Weddings in Houston, Houston’s #1 wedding resource, it is my pleasure to welcome you to the Houston Wedding Blog. This blog is where I will share with you the very latest trends, tips, news, ideas and inspiration to make your Houston wedding the occasion of a lifetime. A brilliant new floral genius in town? I’ll let you know about it. Tangerine and turquoise the must-have palette of the season? You’ll hear about it here. Leaning toward letterpress invitations but worried about budget? I’ll help you decide if they’re worth the price. I will also be drawing back the veil, as it were, on gorgeous Real Weddings in and around Houston, and directing you to where you can get one of those Swarovski-crystal-encrusted orchid chandeliers, or daisy-bedecked buttercream-frosted-cupcake towers, or alluring tulle birdcage veils (like the one pictured on our beautiful blue bride, above) of your very own. From time to time, I’ll be asking you for your feedback and opinions, and incorporating your thoughts into the Houston Weddings Blog, so get ready to speak up. Of course, any time is a good time to share. I invite you to comment on any post that piques your interest—and if you have a discovery you think your sister brides-to-be might go gaga for, send me an e-mail. I may be the one doing the blogging on behalf of Weddings in Houston, but this blog belongs to you, Houston brides.

Read it, use it, share it, love it. Congratulations on your engagement…and let the blog begin!

©WeddingsinHouston
©WeddingsinHouston
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