Designing a destination wedding seem to be royal on first thought, but from the prospective of groom and bride it is more challenging to manage a place which is a beauty in itself, and need to be altered according to your style. When we design a destination wedding, as an event planner, we request the immediate family members to keep an itinerary for 3 days. In this series of blog, we will unveil the most popular destination wedding places and how to allocate functions accordingly.
From the moment, that the families arrive in city of lakes, surrounding the palace hotel, the sounds stop. The rush stops. Time slows down. Suddenly, the couple realizes the day they always dreamt for is happening, in great grand manner. So the first location in our kitty is “Udaipur-the city of lakes”, and here is the 3-day itinerary for a perfect 3 day wedding ceremony.
DAY 1 – Arrival, Appreciation and Apprehension
Day 1 is when the families reach at their booked hotel or resort. The first morning is all about exploration. Guests coming out of their cars to immediately hear the sounds of folk music. A dancer group in mirror work lehenga welcomes them at the door. Rose petals are floating in the air. The smell of jasmine rises on the breeze. A perfect mood is set for the next three days. The guest can start with the following on Day 1 :
- You can explore the surrounding and have a look at the preparations done.
- Can set up Bachelor’s or Siren Parties at night
- Can arrange pre-bridal wedding shoot, couple shoot.
Remember, People are there to enjoy, hence you need to be on toes right from Day 1, so that they remember the preparations and management forever.
Day 2, Schedule the Mystical Mehndi & Ladies’ Sangeet
Day 2 is the day the wedding emotion hits the hardest. The Mehndi event typically starts at around noon, in the light of day. The decor with pastel drapes, fresh marigold and mogra rings, colorful cushions and a cozy seating area where the bride gets henna on her hands and feet traditionally. Most of hotels in Udaipur prefer this ceremony in auditorium types or open area around the pool as preferred. There are cool drinks for the guests, mehndi artists working their magic on everyone, and the families of the bride and groom are finally beginning to get comfortable with the celebrations. Lunch is served in mid of event. Laughter, teasing, music, and candid photos all help make the Mehndi a memorable event.
As the evening sets up, the magic of ladies sangeet takes over. An emotional experience packed with tradition. Rather than a lavish, concert-like sangeet, this is an evening of stories narrated through songs and small acts. The mothers and aunts and cousins sing and dance their heart out with blessing and love being showered on couple. It’s a bonding moment between families, full of genuine emotion and nostalgic smiles. Day 2 closes with warm talk as tired feet and happy heart lead all to make their way back to their rooms.
DAY 3, All goes down for Wedding Ceremony, Reception & Closing Ceremonies
The expectations and butterflies are high the moment on the wedding day. As the groom gets ready to make his way for the baraat, the bride sits in silence in her suite, preparing to take off towards a new life, with makeup and hairs being done. An elegant mandap decor is used – including soft pastel colors, fresh flowers and a lake view or palace backdrop.
And, right when the dusk makes way, the bride enters under the blanket of flowers, accompanied by her cousins and aunts. The family moments during all of these start becoming emotional, blessings and happiness in form of tears roll out during the pheras. They finally get hitched, and the photographer snaps every moment that will later turn into precious memories.
In the evening, the reception of Baraat is definitely the grand finale. Guests are filling out a lavish dinner, music is playing at its best in the background and the newlyweds are smiling at everyone with visible relief and joy.
Post wedding the guest start to exit and as the host, the parents of bride and groom do the honors by offering return gifts.
The only drawback of this big celebration is that it passes too soon leaving behind memories to be cherished. For planners and families alike, it’s the culmination of months of dreaming and planning and a gorgeous ending to a regal celebration.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- How many functions should be catered for during a 3-day destination wedding at Udaipur?
Usually, you could have 5-6 functions which are, Welcome evening, Mehndi, Ladies’ Sangeet, Wedding ceremony and Reception.
- When is best time for Mehndi in Udaipur?
Afternoon Mehndi is preferred, as there is enough light to take good photographs and there is sufficient time for the evening Sangeet.
- When should wedding ceremony Day 3 guests arrive?
At least 1 day in advance of the wedding so that they are rested and relaxed the day of the event.
- Do we need to arrange pick up and drop off for guests from within Udaipur?
Yes. If not everything is on one property, having a schedule and transport makes for an organized event.
- How do we make guest exit memorable?
Personalized thank-you notes, small takeaway favors (like candles or local sweets), and a planned farewell help wrap up the wedding warmly.
