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MothersMandapMusings: Part2

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As a follow-up to my previous blog, I’d love to share our journey in selecting the perfect outfits for the bride, groom, bridesmaids, and all of us—the main characters in her wedding. It was implied that she picks her look first, and the rest of us coordinate or contrast to complement her style. First, decide where to shop My daughter had been browsing Instagram for inspiration, so she had a rough idea of the types of outfits she wanted for the reception. With limited time, she debated whether to shop locally or in India. She visited Indian wedding boutiques in the Bay Area, sometimes with me. There were factory-produced options in Fremont and Sunnyvale, but they didn’t appeal to her. The boutique stores, like Frontier RaaS and Swati Couture, offered more designer pieces, though their selection was limited. So, she decided to explore the LA scene for more options. In parallel, we researched wedding outfit shopping in India—browsing the internet for information and consulting friends wh...

MothersMandapMusings: Part1

As the mother of the bride in America, I envisioned something grand and vibrant for my daughter filled with tradition, joy, and unforgettable memories. It’s a dream that is now becoming a beautiful reality. I want this blog to be a helpful guide for families planning an Indian wedding in USA, making the process hopefully stress-free.  My knowledge comes from insights shared by fellow travelers before me—passed down through word of mouth. While websites like Knot.com and WeddingWire.com outline the basic wedding planning steps, they miss the nuances of an Indian wedding. Part 1: The beginning Once my daughter announced her engagement, my mind was spinning with questions and emotions. When is the wedding?  How much do weddings cost?  Should we host the wedding in our hometown, San Francisco Bay Area or, plan a destination wedding? Do we need a wedding planner? Where do we shop for wedding outfits for the best value, India or the U.S? Is there a Hindu priest who knows...