On January 28th, 2012 we did some decorations for a 21st surprise party in Lilac, Purple and white. Who knew Lilac could be spruced up, to look very elegant, classy, and glamorous. The birthday girl was left breathless. We will let you be the judge of that. Check out the pictures on our facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Queenohearts-Planners-Ltd/192720110750605
Weddings are a lot of fun and filled with many rituals which can be overwhelming if you are not familiar with them and their meanings. So today, I am going to simplify it for you and give you a quick overview on Ismaili Traditions for the main day:
Chandlo
The bride and groom are greeted by the groom’s mother and symbolically purified and blessed by placing a yellow mark on the bride’s and groom’s foreheads. Which initiates them into matrimony under a sign of good fortune. Followed by a showering of rice and rose petals, traditional symbols of prosperity and love.
Punkwa
This ceremony rids evil spirits that may interfere with the couple’s happiness. The groom’s mother will place a betel nut in her hand and make circular motions around the couple to summon protective spirits and repeated 4 times. Watch out for betel nuts flying from all directions north, east, south, and west.
Dukhna
“Dukh” in Sanskrit is “suffering or misfortune.” The groom’s mother will place her knuckles on either side of the couples’ foreheads and symbolically removes any future dukh from the couples’ lives. She then places her hands on either side of her own forehead and cracks her knuckles to vanquish all the unfavourable forces. The louder the crack, the more happiness.
Ghadhi (ghuri)
The groom’s mother purifies the couple by placing holy water onto the feet of the newlyweds from a vessel known as ghadhi.
Sapatia
Two sets of clay plates known as sapatia are placed in-front of the bride and groom. Each set contains lentils, symbolizing nature’s bounty; a quarter symbolizing material wealth; sugar for sweetness and harmony; and turmeric for good health. The couple must step onto the sapatia and break it in order to release the gifts they contain. Get ready to cheer your respective side as it traditionally believed that whomever breaks the sapatia first will rule the house!
Bandhani
The groom’s mother wraps a protective shawl known as a bandhani over the couple and symbolically leads them over the threshold of the family home.
Page(pug-aye) Lagamni
The newlyweds make a respectful gesture of bowing down and touching the groom’s parents feet. The groom’s parents blesses the couple so they may begin their new life in peace.
Khobo
The groom’s father formally welcomes the bride by presenting her with a tray of silver coins. The bride is invited to cup her hands and take as many coins as she can from the tray. The father then blesses the couple.
Chero
Two relatives, one from each side, attempt to detain the coouple’s departure by holding onto the bride’s sari or dress and groom’s tie. The couple is ransomed to the satisfaction of the relatives before being allowed to depart.
As many of you are aware, traditional Ismaili weddings take place over a period of 3-4 days and each having its own excitement and some having their own rituals along with some repeated rituals. Stay tuned for the traditional celebrations pre-wedding and post wedding ceremony.
The Bridesmaid’s Official Duties:
~Bridesmaids are the ladies who help make sure the wedding goes off without a hitch.
The best part is that you don’t have to be etiquette expert or a super sophisticated hostess to play this role.
~You must be your fun, funny, and fabulous self and take charge with the basic tasks.
~A bride can steer clear of choppy waters in the months before the wedding if her bridesmaids and made of honour have their duties down.
The essential for every bridesmaid to complete to rock their roles:
By Sona Charaipotra
Bridesmaid Blunders
Are your leading ladies turning into drama queens? How to deal when they lose it.
The women you chose to be your bridesmaids are your best pals and therefore the perfect posse to help you plan your wedding — theoretically. But in the months leading up to your big day, there are bound to be a few bratty moments, like a meltdown over the dress (not yours — hers) or a week where she doesn’t call or email you back. The upside: Bridesmaid mishaps don’t have to ruin your wedding day — as long as you’re prepared for them.
Bridesmaid Horror #1: She wants to be your MOH
The Drama: You’ve always imagined your sister as your maid of honor, but your college roomie wants the title. She’s even been dropping hints since your engagement about how great she is at dress shopping — and licking envelopes.
The Deal: Sit down with your friend and explain how happy you are to have her as a part of your wedding day, but also that you only have one sister. If she’s still grumpy, ask her to help with the wedding by doing something she enjoys.
The Dish: “It took several months of awkward conversations with one bridesmaid before I was able to get through to her that it wasn’t an option. The funny thing is, after one wedding-related outing with my sister, she understood why she couldn’t have that title.” — Queenie
Also see:
Bridesmaid Horror #2: She’s a cheapskate when it comes to your wedding
The Drama: She complains about the price of the bridesmaid dress and is stingy with the singles at your bachelorette party. She even has the nerve to say you don’t “need” a shower since you already own a vacuum. Um, right.
The Deal: Delicately ask your bridesmaid if the wedding is becoming a drain on her budget. For all you know, she’s struggling to pay off debt or has had hours cut at work. If you really want her by your side, offer to cover some of the dress cost and arrange for her to carpool.
The Dish: “I had been a bridesmaid for a close friend and spent $400 on the dress. So I got beyond frustrated when I asked her to spend $150 for mine and she threw a fit. It turned out that her husband had just been laid off. I bought the dress for her as a gift.” — Nathalie
Bridesmaid Horror #3: She’s suddenly MIA
The Drama: Your uber-connected maid’s got a BlackBerry and a pager and is always strapped to her laptop — but you haven’t heard from her in weeks. The weirdest part: You know she’s updated her Facebook page. So what gives?
The Deal: Schedule some face time — even if that means posting on her wall or leaving her voicemails (and not scary ones where you threaten to make her walk down the aisle in her prom dress). Remember that she has a life outside of your wedding, and maybe a recent breakup or other sudden change has thrown her off. If that’s the case, offer your help. She’s your friend first — then your bridesmaid.
The Dish: “I completely lashed out at one of my closest friends because she wasn’t answering my phone calls about going dress shopping with me. Of course I felt like a complete idiot when she got back from a two-week vacation inItaly with her parents — where she didn’t have cell phone reception.” — Kristen
Bridesmaid Horror #4: She’s on the prowl
The Drama: You want your bridal party to get along — just not that well. So the fact that she constantly flirts with the best man — and you swear you just overheard her telling him her hotel room number — is so not cool.
The Deal: Wedding party hookups can cause tension, but it’s not your place to lay down the law. Instead, casually ask your ladies to save the flirting for after the ceremony.
The Dish: “We ended up being so busy the day before and the day of the wedding that there was barely any time for my flirty friend to get to know the guys. Of course, she did get her groove on with one of the groomsmen at the reception, but by then I didn’t care!” — Erika
Bridesmaid Horror #5: She’s a control freak
The Drama: Your bridesmaid’s taking her bossiness to a whole new level by dictating every aspect of your big day. She’s pressuring you to order a cake you don’t love and already bought a bridesmaid dress in a different cut than the one you chose because it makes her waist look smaller.
The Deal: Delegate duties to your bossy maid, but know where to draw the line. Give her one or two wedding tasks to handle, with the caveat that you still get final say. If she gets cranky, kindly remind her that it’s your wedding — and while she may be excited to help, you’ve been planning it in your head since you were five.
The Dish: “My type-A friend would say, ‘The dresses have to be champagne!’ ‘Wear your hair up!’ It was nuts! I finally told her that I wanted to do things my way, but she didn’t take it well. It showed me that our friendship wasn’t all I had cracked it up to be.” — Kathy
Bridesmaid Horror #6: She just got engaged — and is obviously way more into being a bride than a maid
The Drama: Okay, so she practically burst your eardrum screaming, “Of course I’ll be your bridesmaid!” when you called to ask, but that was before the diamond. Now she’s in her own world, even though her wedding is in a year.
The Deal: You might be tempted, but resist the urge to blurt out, “So will you still have time for my wedding?” If she’s still into being your bridesmaid, ask her to focus in the weeks just before your big day. But also be understanding if she’d rather just be a guest.
The Dish: “When my friend got engaged, I was worried she wouldn’t be there for my wedding. But it ended up being a win-win. We went on errands together — and it was even more fun because we were both the bride!” — Anamika
Bridesmaid Horror #7: You want a PG-13 shower — and she’s planning an R-rated event
The Drama: By now, you know that these events can get kind of, uh, racy. If your family is more conservative, it’s understandable that you’d rather not have penis straws at your party.
The Deal: Schedule a more family-friendly affair for your in-laws and aunts, and then opt for a lingerie shower with your friends. Hey, you’ll get twice the loot! Remember, they may be planning the party — but you’re the guest of honor, so don’t be afraid to set the tone. Other options: a spa day, an old-school slumber party or even going to see your favorite band play.
The Dish: “I was sure there’d be no lingerie at my bridal shower. Was I wrong! Two of my bridesmaids got me lace teddies. My mom just giggled about it, but I was mortified.” — Sandra
Bridesmaid Horror #8: Her baby bump is stealing your thunder
The Drama: The girls just put down their deposits on strapless gowns with a cinched waist, when one of them announces she’s got a baby on board.
The Deal: Let her know it’s okay for her to bow out but that you’d love for her to be a part of your wedding. If she’s still game, let her choose a belly-friendly dress and supportive shoes.
The Dish: “At first I couldn’t help but think, You really couldn’t wait? But then I realized that was selfish, and I was excited for her.” — Brie
Photo: Maggie Heinzel-Neel Photography
© 2009 The Knot Inc. All rights reserved.
I love bridal fairs as they are fresh and innovative. They are a great way to meet vendors like Queenohearts Planners Ltd. and mingle with other brides. They also make your dream more of a reality and bring your special day closer to you. Don’t forget the memories you are creating along the way. Enjoy every minute as you only get married once.
WEDDING FAIR ($20 + HST) January 7 & 8, 2012 10:00 am -6:00 pm / 10:00 – 6:00 pm Westin Bayshore & Resort – 1601 Bayshore Drive, Vancouver 604 251-1217 www.weddingfair.ca
CINDERELLA BRIDAL SHOW (Free) January 8, 2012 11:00 am to 5:00 pm Pacific Inn – 1160 King George Hwy, Surrey 604 533-5569 www.cinderellabridalshow.ca
IT’S MY WEDDING SHOW $15 ($17 door) January 14 & 15th, 2012 Sat 10 am – 6:00 pm; Sun 10 am – 5:30 pm TRADEX Trade and Convention Centre 1190 Cornell Street, Abbotsford (adjacent to Abbotsford Airport) (604) 807-1553 www.itsmywedding.ca
ENGAGE AT THE VANCOUVER CLUB $25 ($35 door) January 15th, 2012 11 am – 4 pm Vancouver Club – 915 W Hastings St, Vancouver 604-331-7019 http://vancouverclub.ca/weddings/engage/
STYLE & STRUT (must pre-register) January 22nd, 2012 11:00 am – 7:00 pm Sutton Place Hotel – 845 Burrard St., Vancouver, BC 604-537-3575 www.styleandstrut.ca
MORGAN CREEK’S WEDDING GALA (Donation) Thursday January 26, 2012 3500 Morgan Creek Way, Surrey, BC banquets@morgancreekgolf.com www.morgancreekgolf.com
INDIE I DO – Alternative Wedding Show ($15/$20) Saturday, January 28, 2012 11:00 am – 5:00 pm Heritage Hall – 3102 Main Street, Vancouver, BC 604 605 1272 www.indieido.com
WELCOME WAGON – Coquitlam Bridal Showcase (Free/Register) January 30, 2012 6:00 pm Westwood Plateau Golf & Country – 3251 Plateau Blvd, Coquitlamwww.welcomewagon.ca
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Formal Ceremony:
Think a prom or particular style. Formal Weddings are usually black tie affair and feature numerous wedding attendees just like a heavily populated prom. Also, they include at least 6 bridesmaids and groomsmen, a flower girl, and a ring bearer.
Semi-formal Ceremony:
“Black tie optional,” and include less than 6 bridesmaids and groomsmen. The flower girl and ring bearer still make their debut.
Informal Ceremony:
An informal ceremony will have an unspecified dress code and involve just a maid of honor and the best man. Dim lights, slow dancing, and public kissing likely at all of the above. Very simple, not to many attendees and also can be a destination wedding.