bpb Contest: Attending a wedding this season? Post your question/tips in the comments section below and win a super discount from WittyGift. Don’t forget to leave your email address!
bpb’s definitive dictionary to surviving marriage madness in Mumbai.
Bachelor/ Bachelorette Parties
Bonobo and Royal Palm Villas: Best bar for drunken bachelorette party games and sweetest pad for bachelor night-out, respectively. Bonobo, Kenilworth Mall, 2nd Floor, off Linking Road, next to KFC, Bandra (W), call 26055353; Royal Palms India, Aarey Mill Compound, Goregaon (E), call 664570000 / 28795000, villas start at Rs 9,400.
Desiree - The Cake Studio: Naughty parts of anatomy come iced with a whole lot of loving in Desiree’s dirty cakes. Santhal ONGC Colony, shop #19, ground floor, Bandra Reclamation, next to Candies, Bandra (W), call 26458998 / 9820086923, start at Rs 1200 for a kg.
Sex in a bottle by Bottle Up: Great gifts for bachelorette parties, these glass jars contain thongs, condoms, sparklers, handcuffs, bunny outfit and whips. Kim does over 300 other themes as well. To order call 9820481144 or view the Facebook page here, start at Rs 150.
Trio bachelorette supplies: For the most attractive (and cheesiest) equipment - dick of cards, x-rated toothpicks, inflated love dolls - sourced from around the globe. Call Radhika at 9833737095 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , start at Rs 30.
Wanna Party bachelor shindigs: For your last night of freedom, these guys can arrange everything from naughty props and devious decorations to giant cakes and unofficial help with “dancers” who jump out of them. Mansion not! Call Vishal on 9833924717 / 9004646700 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , flexible budget.
***
Baraat
Essential playlist: Sheila ki Jawaani (Tees Maar Khaan), Munni (Dabanng), Ainvayi (Band Baaja Baraat), Emotional Atyachar (DevD), Kajrare (Bunty Aur Babli) – just dance today, you can go back to being cool tomorrow.
Sound Spirit baraat band: A Bollywood-obsessed all-Brit brass band (visiting Mumbai from December 19 to February 28) wants to play at your wedding. Call Jigar on 9820746266 or visit www.soundspirit.in, start at Rs 40,000.
***
Beauty
Heena mehendiwaali: She comes palmed with herbal and zardosi mehendi, as well as the most efficient helpers. Call 9869046500, start at Rs 6,000 for a bride and Rs 101 per guest.
Mehera Kolah hair and make-up expert: She’ll do a complete consultancy with you well before the wedding day, on which she’ll arrive with a magic bag of tricks, including products from MAC, Bobby Brown and Chanel. Ask nicely, and she’ll drape your sari for you as well. Call Mehera at 9821211237, price on request.
YSL Confidential: Top secret program through which YSL’s artists are sent over to your home for a full bridal (or otherwise) make-up session. The Rs 4,500 you pay is fully redeemable against all YSL fragrances, skin and beauty products. Call Supriya Gurbaxani for details at 9324570270, advance notice advised.
***
Booze
Barwings bartenders: In addition to getting your guests sloshed, International Martini Grand Prix winner Ankit Negandhi and his bartenders can also make sure your bar is stocked with interesting liquor, including a thirteen litre champagne bottle. Call 9773133220 or view the Facebook page here, start at Rs 20,000.
Living Liquids alcohol supplier: With less than a day’s notice, these guys can take care of all your bar requirements, including sourcing alcohol at attractive discounts and supplying mixers, bartenders, equipment, ice. They also engrave, and can create customised labels for bottles of Moksh, their recently-launched line of in-house wines. Call Moksh Sani at 9819800620.
Pylones’ whisky flasks: If you’re forced to attend a dry wedding (there is no greater torture), arm yourself with these cute flasks, stamped with pretty prints and large enough to hold your drink. Pylones @ Taabir, Grand Galleria Mall, Phoenix Mills, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel, call 66626704, Rs 1,900.
Sound Spirit waiters: Backed by a scriptwriter, choreographer and director, this theatrical waiter trio breaks into a surprise song and dance routine in between courses. Beau ties! Call Jigar on 9820746266 or visit www.soundspirit.in, start at Rs 40,000.
Wine Society of India’s bulk wine service: If the order is big enough, even non-members can avail of the Wine Society’s collection of hard-to-find, well-priced vino, and at a discount. Cheers! Visit www.thewinesocietyofindia.com.
***
Cake
Tart: This cupcake queen sweetens weddings as well, with gorgeous, multi-tiered cakes covered in ganache or fondant. Also check out adorable bride and groom cookies. Visit www.tart.co.in/weddings.
***
Cards
Ahmed Khattal’s calligraphy: One of the city’s best calligraphy artists, and perfect for your wedding card. 8 Killedar Mansion, Killedar Street, Jacob Circle, Byculla, call 9821499747 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , start at Rs 10 per line.
Entertainment Design Company’s fancy invites: Elaborate party cards for the rich and famous, including Manish Arora’s Paris fashion week pass and Abhishek and Aishwarya’s wedding card. Ask to see the engagement notice rolled up like a wedding ring and the faux champagne case. Turner Road, next to Crossword Bookstores, Bandra (W), call 9833003999 for an appointment or visit http://www.edc.co.in, price on request.
Just Deliveries: Deliver invitation cards and the delicate hampers that often accompany them, all over Mumbai. Call Mansi on 9769557799, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit www.justdeliveries.co.in, start at Rs 50 per delivery.
***
Caterers
Fountain Catering and Banquets: These guys do multi-cuisines, but we love their Asian food most. You can sample their treats at the UpperCrust this weekend. Call Joseph on 9819999892 or visit www.caterindia.com, cater to a minimum of 50 guests, start at Rs 750 per plate.
***
Entertainment
Deepa Prityani, choreographer: She has the Bollywood moves, good looks, and even innovative props that go with them. You’ll never have to worry about the guys attending dance practice again.Call 9820229202, start at Rs 10,000.
Mazher Ramzan, artist manager: He’s the man behind music acts at Aamir Khan and Kiran Rao’s wedding and can source Sufi singers, poets from Benares, qawwali acts, jazz trios, bands that play Pearl Jam covers - but be nice, because he’s picky about his clients. Email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for an appointment, price on request.
M.C Sid, wedding rapper: M.C Sid – he opened for Akon in Mumbai - will rap in-between tracks, spontaneously stringing together witty verses about you, your mom-in-law, your pals, your poodle and anyone else who got a wedding invite. Call Siddharth Sood on 9890532996 or visit www.mcsid.in, price on request.
RT Dance Academy: Dancer to the city’s biggest builders, Rishab Tolani has choreographed the weddings of Ashok Mittal, Timmy Builders and more. He can also hook up audiovisual equipment and travels to destination weddings. Call Rishab Totlani at 9820904816, starts at Rs 3000 for a two minute song sequence.
Silent Noise Parties: Skip the band-baaja this wedding season for a silent noise party, where music is piped through individual wireless headphones rather than booming speakers. But remember, it’ll cost you more than a song. Visit http://www.silentnoise.in/about/ or call 09730935334, price on request.
***
Getaway Car
Vintage Classic Car Club India (VCCCI): Make your wedding getaway in a Rolls Royce, Jaguar or Chrystler rented from the VCCCI. (B)Ride away! Call 22664773 / 9820082637 or log on to http://www.vccci.com, start at Rs 20,000 a day.
***
Gifting
Floral Art trousseau packing: This duo packs a punch (and your saris, jewelry, shoes) using dried and fresh flowers, ribbons and tissue. They can also customise based on your wedding theme. Call Shristi Kapoor or Kavita Kapoor on 9820983674/9324207736.
Orchids Etc: Standard bouquets from your corner florists will wither in comparison to the live plants from this fancy little boutique, dedicated exclusively to live orchids. Think of the reception! 1-B, Prem Sagar, Vishnu CHS, 14th Road, Khar (W), call 26483418, start at Rs 300 per plant, home delivery for Rs 100.
Wishberry Gifting Registry: Brides and grooms to be can pick presents from Wishberry’s expanding catalogue (rafting trips, foosball tables, Blackberry, clothes from Mango and Promod) or start a fund for a dream purchase. Friends can buy individually, or gang up to chip in for a single product. Present perfect! Visit www.wishberry.in, registration free.
WittyGift: Present a box of “experiential presents” to a friend, who can pick any option from a brochure of choices. Categories include adventure, gourmet, culture, dance, wellness and indulgence for two. To order call 67109423/29, or log on to www.wittygift.com, start at Rs 999.
***
Logistics
Big Help assistants: Starting first week of January 2011, BigHelp will provide personal assistants (they work remotely) that can solve your biggest logistical nightmares, from airport pick-ups to wedding rehearsals. Call Suresh on 09892314043, start at Rs 5,000 a month.
Mumbai Magic’s customised tours: Keep guests from out of town busy with Mumbai Magic’s “a la carte” city tours, or better yet, get Deepa to customise a trail with spots significant to the married couple. Call Deepa on 9867707414 or log on to www.mumbaimagic.com, start at Rs 800 per person for group tours.
Menswear
Hemant’s safas: Head bored? Get Hemant to tie the saafas for your wedding boys. Traditional head gear from every Indian state available on demand. Call 9821818366, Rs 4,000 for 50 people (saafas included).
Phanava dhoti shop: Bespoke ready made dhotis – a gift from above for the drape averse. Khadi Bazaar, call 23893882.
Samidha Wangnoo’s bespoke suits: This celebrity stylist puts together sharp bespoke suits that fit like a dream. Call 9920117773, start at Rs 18,000.
***
Photographer
Studiored: From candid shots to design books and Facebook photo reels, these guys go way beyond your regular photowallah. Visit www.studiored.in.
***
Sari
Bombay Electric brooches: In a store where a hair band can cost you a cool 10K, these cool-ugly, traditional brooches are surprisingly well-priced, and the perfect way to pin your pallu. 1 Reay House, Colaba, call 22876276, start at Rs 600.
Manish Jolly blouse tailor: Take your own sample or choose from the many designs at this blouse-only tailor shop, which will yield a perfectly fitting blouse in one week. If you ask nicely, Mr Manish might make you a body-hugging petticoat as well. Opposite Shalimar Hotel, in the lane next to Millionaire, Kemps Corner, call 23892144 or 9820840987, start at Rs 1,100 for a blouse.
Prateeksha sari draper: Prateeksha is the Don Draper of weddings. A freelance pleater on films like Dabangg and Saawariya, she has many ways baling you out. Call 9324873090, book a slot at least four days in advance, starts at Rs 500 per drape.
Smriti Murarka’s Banarasi saris: Sourced directly from weavers, her collection of silk and zari traditional saris is arguably the best in Mumbai. Murarka House, Carmichael Road, opposite Jaslok Hospital, call 9820298952, start at Rs 7,000 for cotton saris, by appointment only.
***
Venue
Fort Jadhavgadh: Less than four hours out of Mumbai, this majestic fort and heritage hotel, with its ramparts and dungeons, pool and terrace bar, is a super destination wedding location for those who don’t want to travel too far. Visit www.fortjadhavgadh.com or call 02115 - 305 200 / 202 780, price on request.
The Machan: Marry nuptials and nature at the gorgeous tree houses at The Machan, about 20 km from Lonavla. They start offering wedding packets in March 2011. On top of the world! Visit www.themachan.com or call +91 8080877420, price on request.
***
Wedding Planners
Aradhana Nagpal: Few know that the owner of craft store Dhoop also plans cool concept weddings. Aradhana works with karigars all over India to provide interesting solutions for décor, back presents and retro photo booths. Call 9820302195 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , price on request.
Dreamzcraft: Having styled the sets for Rock On and Delhi Belly, these designers and event planners can create the most outlandish weddings, invoking anything from Moulin Rouge to Venice. Call Dreamz Kraft on 9820287040, price on request.
***
Wedding night
Condom King online store: This online Indian condom bazaar plays it safe with regular protection and a few interesting glow-in-the-dark condoms. Hopefully they’ll sex it up soon.Log on to www.condomking.in, home delivery in four days, Rs 240 for a pack of 3 glowing ones.
Four Seasons’ Shantaram Suite: Named after author Gregory David Roberts’ novel on Mumbai, this 31st floor suite is furnished with books and other knick knacks picked by the writer himself. Hopefully, you won’t be doing any reading. Four Seasons Hotel, 114 Dr E Moses Road, Rs 1,50,000 per night.
Straps and Strings online lingerie store: Cute and easy to use, this new website is the perfect place to get your panties in a bunch, as well as other nuptial garments. Yes, we’re trying to get you into wed. Visit www.strapsandstrings.com, Rs 5,000 for a swimsuit.
***
Good luck, and best wishes from the bpb office!
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
