Pre - Wedding Arrangements

Video

The videographer will be recording a once-in-a-lifetime event of a person’s life therefore great care must be taken in selecting one. The selection of events should be based on his experience, reliability, the length of raw footage to be taped and the amount of time allowed for editing. Always make sure that the person has adequate experience in the profession before finalizing. The job is a very difficult one since he has to record it live and especially shooting amidst the chaos, the noise and the crowd will make it even more difficult.

How to handle the videographer?

Find out the terms and conditions of the videographer before signing him on. Confirm on areas like quality and price where you would not compromise. First discuss with your client as to what are the important events that have to be video taped and then discuss this with the videographer. Make a list of these events and hand them to the videographer. If your client wants special effects like adding music or graphics then inform the videographer in advance.

Photographs

The most obvious choice in selecting a photographer would obviously be the one who specializes in wedding photography. A detailed interview is a must before you finalize them. It is always advisable to fix up at least two photographers. What would you do if the person you fix up falls sick or cannot make it due to unavoidable circumstances? Also find out the costs in advance. Don’t be fooled by the ‘wedding packages’ some photographers offer at a low price. Find out about quantity discounts and who would keep the proofs? Can the negatives be bought? Decide on the size. Normally the size of a wedding photograph is 5" X 7". The total costs would include the time spent on shooting, the film roll, developing, proofs and prints.

Normally a small booking has to be done in advance. You will receive the photographs and negatives only after you make the full payment. It is best to check and clear all terms and conditions beforehand especially the cancellation policies to avoid last minute hassles.

A Checklist of Wedding Shots

For the Bride

1. Bride in bridal dress.
2. Bride with make-up and ornaments
3. Bride’s hands with henna(mehndi)
4. Bride’s feet with mehndi
5. Bride with her parents(together and separate)
6. Bride with her brothers and sisters(with their husbands and wives)
7. Bride with grandparents
8. Bride with her friends
9. Bride with her relatives
10. Bride with children

For the Groom

1. Receiving the groom’s parents
2. Receiving the groom
3. Receiving the groom’s siblings with their spouses.
4. Groom being escorted inside.
5. Groom’s tilak ceremony
6. Groom leaving the house
7. The baraat
8. The groom on the ghodi (horse) or in the limousine
9. The dancing procession

General

1. Guests outside the venue
2. Guests inside the venue.

The Ceremony

1. Bride being escorted to groom’s proximity.
2. The bride garlanding the groom.
3. The groom garlanding the bride.
4. Bride and groom being greeted by people
5. The mandap or the altar
6. The bride and the groom feeding each other/having food.
7. The pandit performing the puja.
8. Bride and grooms exchanging vows.
9. Bride and groom performing rites.
10. Groom tying the mangalsutra around the bride’s neck
11. The groom applying sindoor (vermilion) on the bride’s forehead.
12. The seven holy circles (pheras)
13. People showering flowers on the couple
14. Elders blessing the newly weds.

The Vidai (Going away Ceremony)

1. Bride hugging mother
2. Bride hugging father
3. Bride embracing sisters, brothers, friends, cousins
4. Bride escorted by the uncle upto the vehicle
5. Bride throwing rice
6. Guests waving goodbye
7. Groom wishing in-laws
8. Groom wishing elders
9. Bride and groom getting into the vehicle
10. Bride and groom sitting at the back seat

The Reception

1. Bride and groom arriving
2. Bride and groom getting out of the car
3. Their reception
4. Groom’s parents receiving bride’s parents
5. Receiving bride’s sisters/brother/others.
6. Buffet table
7. Bride/groom toasting (only in some weddings)
8. Cake cutting (only in some weddings)
9. Guests greeting newly weds
10. Introducing friends, relatives and well wishers to each other.

Travel and Transportation

Arrange for cars/vans/mini buses for the groom’s family and guests who will be coming for the wedding. Also book return tickets. If there are important people coming for the occasion, book rooms in hotels. Always keep two to three cars ready on the day of the ceremony. Also book tickets for the newly-weds’s honeymoon and their travel, boarding, lodging and accommodation. This must be done four to five months in advance.

Some travel and tour agents in India

www.indianholiday.com

www.indiatraveltours.com

www.adventuretraveltime.com

www.akshayaindia.com

www.allindiatravelsinfo.com

www.vacationsindia.com

www.jaytravelindia.com

www.indiatourism.com/travel-tours-india.html

www.india-tourism.net

Emergency Management

One should always be well equipped to tackle an emergency. Keep important numbers like fire, police and ambulance with you. Make alternative arrangements for electricity like arranging a generator and emergency lights. Also keep a first aid box with you. Have security arrangements both inside and outside the venue. If needed contact the nearest police station and traffic police. You never know when you would need them.