2012 Indian Bride

nishabella · October 7, 2011

Hey ladies,

My Hindu-Christian destination wedding is in January at the Majestic Elegance in Punta Cana. Since there seems to be quite a few of us planning Hindu or Sikh weddings, I thought I'd give you a rundown of what I've discovered during the planning process (Warning: this could be a long post!)

Travel Agent

I think this process has been relatively stress-free for me because of our AMAZING travel agent, L'Escape Destination Weddings. They're based in Toronto, but I communicated with them from across the country when I was moving around for work. They've been nothing but professional and worked really hard to get us a great group rate. Jasprit and Raun (the owners) make you feel like family. Because we will have about 75 guests and 3 full days of wedding events, we are taking them with us to the resort to help us coordinate everything. A bonus, Jasprit is Sikh and knows a lot about Indian weddings and can anticipate a lot of your questions and concerns.

Location

Jamaica has a significant Hindu population and we considered having our wedding there. They have a pandit, mendhi artists, and an Indian restaurant as far as I know. We just couldn't find a resort we liked enough, otherwise we would have gone to Jamaica!

Here's some contact info:

Mystic India Restaurant - Kareena @ 876-4224301

Pandit Sharma - 876-928-1517

Mendhi - Pooja and Santoshi 876-927-3731

Indian DJs - Ravi (rgsamtani@yahoo.com) and Alex (alex@casadeoro.com)

Montego Bay Indian Association - mibajamaica@gmail.com

I haven't tried any of these vendors but at least that would get you started.

We ended up choosing the Dominican because of the stunning beaches and the beautiful resort. We will have to fly a few of our vendors in but I'm ok with that - our pandit is one we know well and will make the ceremony really personal. Our TA also found us an Indian restaurant in Punta Cana where we might take our guests. I've also spoken with DJ Mannia - he has some Bollywood music and could incorporate that into his playlist!

Resorts

There are a few resorts that actually have Indian restaurants as their a la carte restaurants, which would be helpful if you have a lot of Indian guests.

Here are the ones I've found:

Grand Palladium Lady Hamilton, Jamaica (Bhogali Restaurant)

Occidental Grand Xcaret, Mexico (D'Oriental Restaurant)

Excellence Playa Mujeres, Mexico (Basmati Restaurant)

Jolly Beach, Antigua (Utsav Restaurant)

Again, I haven't tested these places, just did some research.

Our events

We're doing everything we can to make our ceremonies authentic. On the day before the wedding, we're doing prayers in the morning and my pithi. In the afternoon, we're having a mendhi party (flying the artist in from Canada) and in the evening a Sangeet on the beach. The next morning will be our Hindu ceremony at the gazebo (which is basically a ready-made mandap!) Our pandit has done quite a few DWs and he brings everything you need for all the prayers and setup with him. The ceremony will be followed by a light lunch. My aunties are baking some Indian snacks (nastho) and we'll be serving those as well. In the late afternoon we're having a Christian ceremony followed by the reception!

Fusion elements

Here are some ideas if you don't want to fly in vendors but still want some Indian elements:

Jai malas (flower garlands) - this is a Hindu tradition...you could have the resort make some beautiful ones with fresh flowers

Henna - Bring some pre-made cones and print out patterns from the Internet...then have your most artistic friends go to it!

Wear a sari - even if it's only for a portion of the reception

Wear traditional gold jewelry with your white dress

Bring a CD of Indian music to play at the reception

Decorate your wedding stationary (programs, place cards) with an Indian design...paisley or henna-inspired

I will continue to post as I plan...hope it helps!

shriganesh9999 · December 14, 2011

Hi I can recommand an young indian priest, his name is Vimal Raval

his website is www.indianpriestnj.com

973 778 3117 phone

Thanks

beachdream · January 5, 2012

Hi

Congratulations, I have started a new Indian destination wedding business in Mexico, offering Sikh wedding services.A top rated indian restaurant in Puerto Vallarta with full Indian Cuisine menu included in the wedding all inclusive offer. Not sure if you have booked already but would love to be of service.

Thanks

Pavan

essandpea · April 26, 2012

Hi everyone - I've been lurking for months and can't believe I just stumbled upon this thread now (through a search for "mandap"). Anyone still following??

We are having a traditional Hindu ceremony in Tulum, Mexico in late November this year. After touring the Mayan Riviera with our then-potential coordinators in January (extensive site visit review to come), changing our date once, and changing our venue three times, we have finally just secured our venue: gorgeous Las Ranitas Eco Boutique Hotel, and photographer Jonathan of the esteemed and beloved del Sol Photography. Two essential planning milestones we're relieved to have crossed off the list.

We are flying in the pandit (priest), who is a family friend, but are on the hunt for a mehndi artist. If anyone knows someone local, I would really appreciate an intro! I love Nisha's idea about the DIY, so I'll float that among friends, but if we can find a local pro, that would be fantastic.

I'm also curious where you're all doing your clothing shopping? I'd love to hear/see what you're wearing! We just attended a wedding in Kerala and tried to do wedding shopping there, but we're looking for Gujarati-style wedding party wear and came home empty-handed.

Looking forward to hearing more from all of you!

JillTran · February 28, 2013

Hi Ladies,

Congratulations on your engagements!!!

The Moon Palace in Cancun Mexico is now offering Indian wedding packages! Go here for more information: http://www.palaceresorts.com/weddings/weddingcollection/southasianweddings-en.html

AND there is currently a promotion where the Bride and Groom receive a $1500 Resort credit! Not too bad, and might I add that the wedding packages at the Palace Resorts are all designed by the amazing Colin Cowie? I have photos of the 8 different themes they offer in my photos if you want to take a look.

Good luck and best wishes to all you wonderful Destination Brides!

-Jill Tran

R0914 · October 7, 2013

Hi I'm planning my wedding for 2014! It will also be in an indian wedding and I'm thinking I want it in Mexcio! I know Palace resort offers indian wedding packages, but does anyone know the cost? I'd like to do the traditional hindu ceremony in the am and then a reception at night. Any information would be greatly appreciated!!