Kareena Kapoor

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Wedding

Sultan of Brunei's Daughter's Wedding May Cost $20 Million, is Going on for a Week

Possibly the most lavish wedding the world has ever seen happened Friday, in Brunei, where the Sultan's daughter Hajah Hafizah Sururul Bolkiah, 32, married a 29-year-old civil servant. The ongoing week-long celebration is estimated to involve 2,000 guests and will end this Sunday night when the newlyweds are presented at court. The ceremony itself, according to the UK paper The Daily Mail, took place in the Istana Nurul Iman Palace, a 1,700 room palace that's home to the Sultan and his family. The princess's older brother, heir to the throne of Brunei, married in 2004 at a speculated cost of $5 million, reports say, but wedding planner Maya Kalman, founder of Swank Productions in New York City confirmed Yahoo! Shine's suspicion that this wedding might cost much more than that. "The rule of thumb for our average luxury wedding is $1,000 per guest," Kalman says. "I would guesstimate that a no-holds-barred event like this could easily be $15 to $20 million." Those figures include only wedding itself. Additional celebrations throughout the week could be an additional $15 to $20 million, Kalman speculates. --Valerie Isakova

In this photo, Princess Hajah Hafizah Sururul Bolkiah attends a ceremony ahead of the wedding. In Muslim countries like Brunei, "A wedding is a reflection of your family, culture and values," says Saukok Tiampo, founder of the 57Grand line of bridal wear and editor-in-chief of Revel-Blog.com. "It's different from an American wedding, which reflects more on yourselves and your love for each other." The princess is the fifth child of the Sultan and his wife, Queen Saleha.

The cost of clothing for such a series of events is enormous. Here, the groom, Pengiran Haji Muhammad Ruzaini, wears a formal outfit that Tiampo says "cost $10,000, off-the-cuff." The fabric, she says, appears to be pineapple fiber woven with golden thread. "The pineapple fibers are a bit sheer," she says, "and in warmer climates people want to wear something that's cool but formal. With the gold thread it would be in the hundreds of dollars a yard."

The Sultan and his wife look happy. With 12 children from three wives and at least one already married, the Sultan, 66, may be looking forward to a day when he'll be done hosting weddings. This week's affair, despite being by no means budget, did away with a traditional procession through the capital in an open gilded Rolls Royce that was costly in terms of crowd control and security.

The princess's dress in this photo, Tiampo says, could cost around $20,000. Considering that the bride will change outfits around three times a day during the week of ceremonies, that could be up to $420,000 in wardrobe. This dress uses around 20 yards of custom, elaborately beaded lace. The lace alone would cost between $100 and $200 a yard and the fabric appears to be custom dyed. The tulle veil and tiara (presumably property of Brunei) are not traditional, and show a Western, modern influence.

See all those guests? They're "a huge planning challenge to move around," Kalman said. Heads of state do not ride shuttle busses. If you needed only 1 car for every four guests, at a typical rate of $200 a car, it would be $100,000 in cars alone per event. The Sultan also might be sending private planes for important guests, which can cost about $10,000 per person.

Muslim weddings require many different ceremonies throughout the week, event-planner Kalman says. In the one pictured here, Brunei's Queen, Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha, applies ceremonial paste to Princess Hafizah Sururul Bolkiah's hands. Price for additional events? Another $15 to $20 million. 

It's not all expenditures for a wedding in Brunei, however. This picture shows a ceremony in the Throne Hall, where the wedding was held today. Kalman notes that it does not appear to be traditional to use flowers--there aren't any in any of the photos--(a big expense for American weddings) and that "They're going to save a lot of money on alchohol! It's going to be a dry wedding!"

image and article credit: http://shine.yahoo.com/photos/sultan-bruneis-daughters-wedding-might-slideshow/-photo-2509746-185100946.html 

1. hoto by: Wenn.com

   In this photo, Princess Hajah Hafizah Sururul Bolkiah attends a ceremony ahead of the wedding. In Muslim countries like Brunei, "A wedding is a reflection of your family, culture and values," says Saukok Tiampo, founder of the 57Grand line of bridal wear and editor-in-chief of Revel-Blog.com. "It's different from an American wedding, which reflects more on yourselves and your love for each other." The princess is the fifth child of the Sultan and his wife, Queen Saleha.
   less 

2. Photo by: Wenn.com

   The cost of clothing for such a series of events is enormous. Here, the groom, Pengiran Haji Muhammad Ruzaini, wears a formal outfit that Tiampo says "cost $10,000, off-the-cuff." The fabric, she says, appears to be pineapple fiber woven with golden thread. "The pineapple fibers are a bit sheer," she says, "and in warmer climates people want to wear something that's cool but formal. With the gold thread it would be in the hundreds of dollars a yard."
   less 

3. Photo by: Wenn.com

   The Sultan and his wife look happy. With 12 children from three wives and at least one already married, the Sultan, 66, may be looking forward to a day when he'll be done hosting weddings. This week's affair, despite being by no means budget, did away with a traditional procession through the capital in an open gilded Rolls Royce that was costly in terms of crowd control and security.
   less 

4. Photo by: Wenn.com

   The princess's dress in this photo, Tiampo says, could cost around $20,000. Considering that the bride will change outfits around three times a day during the week of ceremonies, that could be up to $420,000 in wardrobe. This dress uses around 20 yards of custom, elaborately beaded lace. The lace alone would cost between $100 and $200 a yard and the fabric appears to be custom dyed. The tulle veil and tiara (presumably property of Brunei) are not traditional, and show a Western, modern influence.
   less 

5. Photo by: Wenn.com

   See all those guests? They're "a huge planning challenge to move around," Kalman said. Heads of state do not ride shuttle busses. If you needed only 1 car for every four guests, at a typical rate of $200 a car, it would be $100,000 in cars alone per event. The Sultan also might be sending private planes for important guests, which can cost about $10,000 per person.
   less 

6. Photo by: Getty

   Muslim weddings require many different ceremonies throughout the week, event-planner Kalman says. In the one pictured here, Brunei's Queen, Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha, applies ceremonial paste to Princess Hafizah Sururul Bolkiah's hands. Price for additional events? Another $15 to $20 million.
   less 

7. Photo by: Wenn.com

   It's not all expenditures for a wedding in Brunei, however. This picture shows a ceremony in the Throne Hall, where the wedding was held today. Kalman notes that it does not appear to be traditional to use flowers--there aren't any in any of the photos--(a big expense for American weddings) and that "They're going to save a lot of money on alchohol! It's going to be a dry wedding!" 

Royal Wedding

Royal Wedding Venue: Inside Buckingham Palace

The wedding reception, and an after-party, to celebrate Prince William and Kate Middleton's Royal Wedding, will be held at Buckingham Palace. If you're wondering at what royal treatment they'll get, peek into Buckingham Palace's opulent West Wing staterooms.

The State Dining Room: The opulent dining room, decorated red silk damask and portraits of past royals, will be one of 19 rooms thrown open to the 600 high profile guests invited for the champagne breakfast reception hosted by Queen Elizabeth II.

The Blue Drawing Room: The blue drawing room, the venue for the first state ball held at Buckingham Palace in 1838, which has a table specially made for Napoleon, will be used as the Banquet Room for the royal lunch reception hosted by the Queen.

The Picture Gallery: The main focus of the reception, the long picture gallery, with gold-painted ceiling, will boast masterpieces by artists like Canaletto, Rembrant and Rubens for the occasion. The multi-tiered wedding cake will be the centre-piece of the gallery.

The White Drawing Room: Overlooking the palace's gardens is the White Dining Room, which is dominated by a picture of Queen Alexandra, the current queen's grandmother. Prince Charles will host a smaller reception for the couple at Buckingham palace later in the evening.

The Music Room: While it will be used for the morning reception, the Music Room, could also serve as a venue for the ‘intimate after party’ the Daily Mail says William and Kate have planned for friends. Guests to this party could include the likes of Guy Ritchie and Rowan Atkinson.

Image and News Credit: 

www.luxpresso.com

Bridal Sarees with Dupatta

Image Source: bharatplaza.com

Wedding Sherwanis

Image Source: bharatplaza.com

Decoration

All excited to move into your new house with your better half? iDiva gives you some cues to make your home brighter, trendier and in sync with your personality

The basics
There are no proven essentials to look for while planning to decorate your new house. However, location, size, proximity, design, and style are few of the basics. According to Kaizad Dinshaw, interior designer, Nitido Design, “Size should be chosen very carefully so as to make your home future proof. Considering your needs might change over a period of time, select a home that will not only suit your needs today, but will also cater to your future needs. Also, choose a location that suits your lifestyle.”

Theme of your choice
Like you decide on your attire depending on the mood, weather and occasion; a preferred house/room theme talks about your personality and interests. Kaizad adds, “Select a theme that conveys a message to an audience while giving you that ‘at home’ feel. Choose a style that is timeless in your eyes. Try and imagine how it would be to live with the style you have chosen over a substantial period of time.”

Design it right
While shopping for furniture, artefacts or other elements for the new house, know what you and your partner’s preferences are: whether it’s modern, conservative, or a bit of both. “It is never incorrect to mix styles and one you surely have a contemporary home with a fusion of classic elements,” Kaizad adds.

Furniture with low maintenance
While designing the new house, keep in mind the ongoing maintenance costs as well. Materials chosen should be easier to clean. According to the experts, use laminated furniture in areas of high traffic and moisture such as kitchen. Stainless steel is easy to clean and yet gives an elite look. 
Quick tips:

• Add darker colours to draw attention to certain areas.
• Silks used against bright sunlight fade away faster.
• Choose leather over fabric for sofas. It’s easier to clean.
• Use wallpapers and mix with shades on other walls.
• Use colourful bed linens.
• Preferably opt for a pastel shade for bedroom; and white/grey/ivory for the living room.

Trend watch
Experts Kaizad Dinshaw and Achilles Jim R. Pantaleon, consultant, @home talk about the latest trends to keep in mind while designing your new couples’ abode:

• Drawing/living area – The drawing room truly is about style and comfort, so select a comfortable yet stylish seating arrangement. Elements such as bookshelves, rugs, and lamps add texture and warmth to this space.
• Master bedroom – Decorating the bedroom according to Vastu is an option. This space should look and feel like a place to retire. Choose a bed and mattress carefully for maximum comfort. Select accessories that convey a sense of calm and solitude. Select prints that add colour without being too loud. Choose fabrics comfortable to touch and healthy to sleep on.
• Kitchen – Selection of a good kitchen vendor makes your task a lot easier. Make sure oven, chimney, washing space are not openly displayed.
• Study – Preferably choose a quiet corner of the house to have a study. Select a large table with ample of storage and leg space along with a comfortable armchair.

Image and Article Sources: Idiva

Bridal Style

Wondering what your bridal trousseau should look like? Fret not, as we have all the answers. Fashion designer FALGUNI SHANE PEACOCK gives a lowdown on this season’s bridal trends, emphasising to stay away from the conventional

The bridal hues
As opposed to the clichéd reds and maroons, shades of peach, coral, mauve and pink are really picking up. A bride these days is ready to nix the obvious and predictable crimson. Other classy and sophisticated colours like beige, white and off-white with embellishments and work in a brighter colour like red, maroon and green look really different and bridal at the same time. 

Also, people now have an evolved sense of fashion and aesthetics. It’s no longer just about what the bride and the groom wear at the wedding. The ensembles often complement the décor, ambience and season as well. It’s also important to underplay the groom’s ensemble, if the bride is wearing statement couture.

The bridal trends
Access to world fashion has enabled the Indian bride to have a developed sense of fashion. Instead of sticking to the regular silhouettes and cuts, the bride does not mind experimenting with different styles. Sari blouses are becoming more detailed and bold, the combination of fabrics in one garment has become more experimental and influence of western silhouettes on Indian styles is also accepted. For example, the fish-cut lehenga opted for the reception or a cocktail is a fine influence from elaborate red-carpet gowns.

The bridal dress
Most brides worry about buying something very expensive for the main wedding function and then locking the garment in the attic because it is too heavy to wear otherwise. However, she also wants to look and feel special at the same time. The key lies in striking a balance. For me, it is okay to splurge on the wedding garment because it is once-in-a-lifetime occasion and you have to feel special about it. If you want to reuse the garment, you can team the choli with a lighter sari or a lehenga; or wear the lehenga with a simple blouse. 

Also, discerning taste and fashion conscious brides know how to choose garments for different functions. A sexy number for the cocktail, a fuss-free anarkali for the mehendi and something very chic for the reception is the mantra they go by.  

The bridal trousseau 
When you’re going trousseau shopping, it’s pertinent to be practical. More often than not, a lot of brides-to-be end up buying a lot of heavy, traditional outfits and you hardly end up wearing them. Having a few key pieces which can be worn to special occasions is enough to carry in the trousseau. Buy simple dresses and saris which can be played up with jewellery and toned down if worn as is. Also, it’s a good idea to have some scarves in silk and chiffon which can add a spin to your regular kurta. A few heirloom saris, fabrics and jewellery is always welcome!


Image and Article from: Idiva 

Bridal Make-up Tips

Being a pretty bride is no easy task, especially if you fall prey to beauty bloopers. Make-up expert Kapil Bhalla tell you how to get that make-up right and look beautiful without any hiccups on your D-day.

Starting with the base:

• Keep the foundation minimal, concentrating just under the eyes to look fresh and radiant.
• Powder the face well with loose powder to set the foundation.
• It is a myth to apply foundation all over the face. It just adds a redundant layer of makeup.
• Apply foundation only on certain areas with fine lines, like under and outer corners of the eye, corners of the lips and maybe on the forehead.

For the eyes:

• Extended eyeliners and kohl pencils look great on the ceremony days. Keep the eyes glittering in soft shimmer powders in golds and soft pink.
• Make sure to use water proof mascara to avoid any glitches.
• Avoid using cream-based eye shadows in dark colours. It will make the makeup look too heavy.
• Most people believe that they can use lipstick to smear the eyelids. Avoid!
• For a fresh and clean look, avoid lining the lower lid with kohl or liner.

For the lips:

• Use soft pastels like peach, coral or pinks for the lips.
• Break away from the conventional deep reds and maroons that make you look years older than you are.
• Wear transfer resistance lipstick so that it stays for a longer time and does not wear off.

For the cheeks:

• Keep cheeks softly blushed in a medium pink shimmery blusher. 
• Remember that you need to look beautiful in real life and not in reel life. Don't get conned by makeup artists who claim to do makeup with photography in mind and cake you up.
• Matching your makeup with your clothes is passé. Stick to tones in makeup that suit you otherwise as well.
• The key is to keep it simple.

For the hair:

• Don't make hairstyles that make you look older unless you want to look from the 60s!
• Softly done put-ups with textured hair look great under dupattas.
• Avoid too much back combing and stick to simple middle parted hair, adorned with fresh flowers at the back or on one side.

Article Source: Idiva 

Wedding

lourful visuals of weddings from across the world

When compared to each other, the costumes and rituals of most of these weddings are as different from one another as chalk and cheese.

Nepali
 

A Nepali bride sits during her wedding ceremony in the town of Dang in western Nepal.

Bulgarian Muslim

Bulgarian Muslim Moussa Babechki (L) speaks to his bride Fikrie Sabrieva during their wedding ceremony in the village of Ribnovo, in the Rhodope Mountains, some 210km (130miles) south of Sofia. The remote village of Ribnovo, set on a snowy mountainside in southwest Bulgaria, has kept its traditional winter marriage ceremony alive despite decades of Communist persecution, followed by poverty that forced many men to seek work abroad.

Macedonian

 

A bride looks on during her wedding ceremony in the village of Galicnik, some 150 km (93 miles) west of Macedonia's capital Skopje. The Galicnik Wedding, a three-day traditional Macedonian wedding celebration held each "Petrovden" or St. Peter's Day, involves traditional customs, costumes, and rituals and dances that have been passed down over the centuries.

Iraqi Mandean

An Iraqi Mandean couple laugh together after their marriage on the Tigris river in Baghdad. Iraqi devotees of an obscure religion who take John the Baptist as their central figure perform virginity tests on their brides and take a dip in the murky Tigris river every Sunday to purify the soul. Most of the world's 20,000 or so Mandeans live in southern Iraq and southwestern Iran.

Maasai

Maasai bride Namunyak Baiera wears traditional bead necklaces during her wedding in Olepolos village, 120 km (74 miles) southeast Nairobi. In the Maasai tradition, the groom has to pay for his bride in cows and sheep, which have to be brought to her family on the wedding day.

South African - Zulu

South African President Jacob Zuma takes part in a dance during his traditional wedding to Tobeka Madiba, his fifth wife, at the village of Nkandla in northern KwaZulu-Natal. The ceremony took place at Zuma's traditional home in Nkandla, KwaZulu-Natal province, where the 68-year-old president, in Zulu tribal dress, married Tobeka Madiba, 37, according to clan custom. Multiple marriages are allowed in South Africa and form part of Zulu culture but the practice has drawn criticism from HIV/AIDS activists in a country with one of the highest infection rates in the world.

Palestinian

Palestinian groom Mohammed al-Zanen sits with his bride Kholod in a tent near his destroyed house during their wedding ceremony in Beit Hanoun town in the northern Gaza Strip.

Bulagarian Muslim

 

Bulgarian Muslims Feim Mekerozov, 22, and his bride Kadrie Chumova, 20, pose during their wedding ceremony in the village of Ribnovo, in the Rhodope Mountains, some 250km (155 miles) south from the Bulgarian capital Sofia. Every winter season the residents of the alpine village participate in unique wedding ceremonies. The ancient tradition includes special colourful make-up for the bride called 'ghelina'.

Iraqi

 

An Iraqi bride-to-be tries on a wedding dress at a fashion design shop in Baghdad.

Indonesian Muslim

Roni Gustiawan dressed in traditional Indonesian red and gold finery and his bride Evi Susanti pose for a picture during their traditional wedding ceremony in Pariaman, Indonesia's West Sumatra province. The period immediately after the fasting month of Ramadan is considered an auspicious time for many Indonesian Muslims to marry.

Source: Reuters

Image credits: Reuters