Welcome to the Resource Toolkit! I’ve created a curated Indian wedding resources toolkit to help plan your wedding. For those planning a fusion wedding, there’s plenty here for you too. The Indian wedding resources toolkit is complete with all of my favorite and most useful finds. Start marking off your planning checklist. Enjoy!
No idea how to start planning your wedding? First steps first – read our guide on getting off to the right start: Get Off To The Right Start With These 3 Planning Steps
SHOPPING FAVORITES
Where can I buy unique items for my wedding events? There are many craft and home stores where you can find really unique items and items to use to make your own really unique items – whether it is for decor or display.
Amazon : Everyone shops on amazon for everyday stuff. What you might not realize is that you can buy so many things for your wedding including jewelry, favors, and more.
- Rhinestone Jewelry: You’ll be surprised what you can find on Amazon for jewelry (One of my jewelry sets from my wedding was from Amazon)
- Organza Bags: Mini bags to put wedding favors in
- Small Zippable Plastic Bags: for nuts at the wedding ceremony, cookies for a welcome basket, Indian dessert goodies)
- Gift Bags: for Welcome Bags, or gifts for family
- Indian Decor : If you don’t want to go to a store, check our your options online
- Mr. & Mrs. Luggage Tags: Fun for the honeymoon!
- Wedding Booth Props: Get some inexpensive props for your photo booth
- Mason Jars: For your DIY projects
Pier 1 imports: – Pier 1 is a great go-to store for small gifts and unique decor items. Another great place to find design and color inspiration. Like World Market, you can find items from all over the world, especially from India. Pier 1 now has a great selection in its online store. Don’t forget to check out their inspiration galleries on their website – they’re not wedding related, but it’s nice to get some inspiration from somewhere other than Pinterest – you never know what ideas might come up!
World Market: Such an awesome store! This home store features unique items from all over the world. When it comes to Indian decor, you’ll find stuff like trays, candle holders, pillows and more. If you’re not looking for Indian decor, no worries. You’ll find items from all over the world (hence the name) – items from Asia, the Middle East, Africa. It’s worth looking around the store to get ideas – even the displays are creative. Prices are reasonable, and if you sign up for their Explorer Rewards Program, you’ll receive coupons online. NOTE: This store isn’t located everywhere in the US, but no sweat, you can shop here online (and google a coupon code while you’re at it).
Michaels: Michaels is everyone’s fallback craft store, even our mom’s love that place – surprisingly it has a great wedding section. Not only that, but it’s a good “go-to” for DIY items, fake flowers, candles, candle holders, vases and more. Really, anything you would want access to (especially if you don’t have other craft stores in your area). Michaels almost always has coupons – check out the RetailMeNot app or your local newspaper for coupons. This place is like Bed Bath Beyond, you can’t go to Michael’s without a coupon! (Or maybe that’s just a Guju thing :0).
Hobby Lobby: If you’re creative (or if you’re set on doing some DIY for your wedding events) then this is the place for you. You can find everything from art supplies to wedding decor supplies and more. It’s helpful to have an idea of what you want before you go there – the place is a bit overwhelming if you show up to look around. But that said, if you need inspiration and ideas, it doesn’t hurt to take a browse around.
Kirklands: This is a recent find for me – a home decor store. They have a lot of seasonal decor, much of which is for the home (door hangers, lamps etc). They have fun items like standing chalkboard signs (and many other signs), pillows, frames and more. Lots of fun seasonal items too (think: Spring / Summer / Fall Themes). If you’re looking for rustic items, check this place out (they also have an online store).
Big Lots: – Ok, Big Lots isn’t the first store you might think of when trying to find items for your wedding. But if you look closely, you’ll find discounted decor like candles, candlesticks, signs, vases, frames, wall decor, statues, and more.
Zazzle.com: Zazzle is a one stop shop for so many wedding items. Customize hundreds of items like wedding party gifts, favors, stationery, accessories (think bridal party gifts), gift packaging and more! The added bonus is that the designs are submitted by designers so if you like one particular artist’s work, you can find more of it.
Wedding Paper Divas: If you’re planning to send out save the dates, this site is wonderful! It’s now part of Shutterly but still has great options. I chose save the date magnets but other brides I know have chosen the postcard or card option. Plus, the site offers stationery options like personalized thank you cards. Overall, it’s a really cool site and if you find a coupon code, prices are very reasonable.
eBay: – Like Big Lots, you might not think of eBay either as a place to find items for your wedding. But you’d be surprised! There is some nice costume jewelry here – even some better pricing than in Edison New Jersey & Devon Street in Chicago. There are many sellers from the US, so it doesn’t take as long to receive your order versus selecting a vendor from India. Our recommendation is to restrict your search to North America (or even the US) so you don’t have to deal with long lead times.
Try these filters when searching:
Search Indian Jewelry -> North America–> US Only -> Buy it Now
(Or, you can select US, Canada, UK – where you’re located)
Etsy: – Etsy is great because you can support artisans and their work. Many of these artisans will custom make items for you, which is more than you can do yourself sometimes. Warning – Etsy can get a bit like Pinterest in terms of a time suck! Set time limits and dates for when you want to buy certain items (sounds dumb but it works).. or else you’ll keep looking… and looking… and looking and never make a decision. Another word of caution: If you’re ordering on Etsy, order items in advance….way advance! Whatever the lead time the item’s listing says – add a few weeks on top of that as a buffer. You don’t want to be left hanging when your items don’t arrive on time. Know where the vendor is located. Often, vendors in China and India have amazing items listed, but sometimes take 1-2 months to receive. For my wedding, I ordered a robe (to get ready in) from a vendor in India – she said it would take 3-4 weeks, and it ended up taking over 8 weeks..
Things to find on Etsy:
Favors
Bridemaids robes
Bride Robe
Bridal Party gifts
Gifts for Parents
Customized gift for groom
Gift Bags
Signs (for the yard, the entrance of your venue, and more)
Jewelry
Custom luggage tag (Honeymoon)
Passport Holder (Honeymoon)
BUYING INDIAN CLOTHES AND ACCESSORIES ONLINE
CBazaar: This site is great for Indian wedding guests or guests who’ve never been to an Indian wedding who want to buy an outfit. The outfits are reasonably priced and there’s always a promotion or sale going on. Provide your measurements and they’ll custom make your outfit. Don’t forget to allow at least a few weeks for processing and shipping time!
Borrow It Bindaas: Online boutique to rent Indian outfits and accessories (with the option to buy)- great for wedding guests or anyone that doesn’t own Indian clothes. There’s a special section for bridesmaids sarees rentals too. If you’re not going to India or don’t have time to fuss, this is a great option.
Luxemi: Your guests can rent and buy Indian outfits and accessories here. Shoppers can select their “event date” and options come up for selection. Great accessories selection; You can filter by designer, price, and other criteria. Nice blog for celebrity and designer inspiration.
Guide to Indian Jewelry: Learn about the different types of wedding jewelry, so you can ask about what you’re looking for when you go shopping!
WEDDING PLANNING TOOLS
How to Make a Wedding Organizer Binder: Before you start meeting with vendors, make a wedding organizer binder to keep all of your valuable ideas and information with you. And of course, keep your master document online @ Google Docs. Or Start with a simple notebook or get a personalized binder to make it pretty.
Reception Layout Tool: The site Linen Table Cloth has a free tool you can use to play around with for your reception layout, but I’d leave the actual finagling to your venue team.
HELPFUL KNOWLEDGE BOOSTERS and HOW TO’s
Glossary of Indian Wedding Terms: Indian weddings come with many different cultural and religious words that you may or may not have heard of. Check out this super helpful glossary to help you along your way, so you know what you’re talking about.
How to Drape a Sari: There are so many sari draping tutorials on YouTube but Luxemi’s is my favorite (there are a few videos on their page that show you different styles). Even if someone if helping you get ready (which is likely the case), as a soon-to-be married woman, it’s good to have these skills in your back pocket.
Hindu Wedding Guide: Read this guide if you’re planning a Hindu wedding ceremony. Not Hindu? No worries – this site has other Indian wedding guides that explain the ceremonies and traditions in detail.
WEDDING FAVORS
The best part about ordering online is that you can order these in advance, and have them shipped to your house. That’s one thing off of your To-Do list! And don’t forget to google coupon codes – you’ll usually find at least a free shipping coupon of 10% off.
Oriental Trading Co: In addition to crafts, party supplies and decorations, this site has a wedding sections where you can find trinkets and other items in bulk. It’s also a good place to buy things to a kids area (if you’re having one).
Beau Coup: I love the variety Beau Coup offers. If you’re looking for welcome bag items, you can find customized labels, packaging, cute favors, etc. The site is nicely designed so it’s easy to navigate around to find what you’re looking for.
Bags & Bows: If you’re looking for any kind of gift packaging, including boxes, gift bags and bows, this is the site for you. I like their unique boxes. They’re great for
My Wedding Favors: Great site for favors – they even have a section specifically for Indian Wedding favors
Little Things Favors: Another great site that also has a section for Indian Wedding favors
Personalized M&Ms: A cute idea for favors, a welcome/gift bag, or even to keep around at your events
TIME-SAVING TIPS
We’re all strapped for time, but when you’re wedding planning, it usually feels like you have even less time or no time at all! Check out these time-saving tips to buy yourself some more time to plan your special weekend.
Time Saving Secrets for Busy Brides
The Best Super Simple Time Savings Tricks that you should Learn This Weekend
Since You Can’t Manipulate Time, Try These 13 Time-Saving Tips
10 REVEALING PLACES INDIAN BRIDES FORGET TO LOOK FOR HELP
Check out this post to get relevant Indian wedding resources you probably forget about or didn’t know.
TECHNOLOGY TIPS
How to use technology for your wedding: Whether through a hashtag or with selfie stick, find out how to incorporate technology before, during and throughout your wedding.
Wedding Hashtag Generator: Don’t know what hashtag to use for your wedding? Use this tool to get ideas from your name, interests, and other places.
BACHELORETTE PARTY
Check out my free guide here –> The Ultimate Bachelorette Party Planning Guide
BUDGET TOOLS
Wedding Wire: Useful tool for your basic budget needs.
The Knot: Comprehensive yet easy to use budgeting tool.
WEDDING LAW & ADMIN
Your Wedding Lawyer: A useful blog site that answers many law & contract-related questions
FOOD AND DRINK IDEAS
Roaming Hunger Food Truck Locator: Foods trucks are the new thing at weddings – check this site to see if there are trucks near you that cater to events.
How to Create the Perfect Menu: Indian weddings are different than most – food is at the forefront for your guests. Find out how to create the perfect menu for your wedding.
Create a Unique Signature Cocktail Menu: It’s not just about picking a drink and slapping a name on it. Find out what it takes to make a unique signature cocktail that stands out from the crowd.
WEDDING VENUE DIRECTORIES
Eventective: Find venues near you; search results show everything from nearest hotel to the exact rooms and capacities. Great detailed info to start your venue search.
EventUp: Good site to get a start with searching for venues; Provides more high-level info, including photos of the event spaces
Find Your Perfect Venue – UK: Search for your perfect venue by type of venue – do you want a modern vs city vs hotel venue? Browse by region and map. Profiles give a brief overview of the venue space and allow you to inquire for more information.
ShaadiShop: Find a wedding venue (in California, Arizona, Seattle, and Colorado) to meet your needs. Search for venues based on certain criteria specific to South Asian weddings.
WeddingStore24: Vendor directory focused on the So Cal area, featuring vendors specializing in South Asian weddings
HONEYMOON IDEAS & RESOURCES
The best part of the wedding planning process! Don’t know where to start with honeymoon planning? Check out these sites to start brainstorming.
Top 10 Honeymoon Destinations: Curious where other couple go on their honeymoon? Check out this top 10 list.
Honeymoons.com: Overall guide to planning your honeymoon
Honeymoon Planning 101: Don’t know where to start? This site provides a high-level timeline of when to start planning and what to book when.
Wedding Wire – Honeymoons Section: Honeymoon destination ideas, tips, and more
Hotels.com: Although there are a ton of hotel aggregator sites out there, Hotels.com offers 1 free night after a 10 nights stay. Perfect for your honeymoon! If you’re taking a shorter honeymoon, no problem, continue to get points and use it another time.
NON-OBVIOUS WEBSITES/BLOGS FOR INSPIRATION
South Asian Bride Magazine (Indian – USA): Inspiration from other couples’ engagement and wedding photos; Browse the fashion section for outfit and color inspiration, or if you want to get distracted, watch other couples’ wedding video reels.
Maharani Weddings (Indian – USA): California-based site that’s focused on showcasing wedding photos; Nice site to get inspiration and see how other couples are celebrating all over the US and Canada.
The Big Fat Indian Wedding (Indian – USA): Site features real-life wedding photos from some interesting weddings across the US and Canada; Helpful glossaries that decipher Indian traditions and wedding-specific terminology that might be foreign to you. Site also veers in other directions with food & recipes, and shopping tips (not wedding focused).
Shaadi Bazaar: If you live in the northeast, Shaadi Bazaar hosts wedding events throughout the year. The site also features dress ideas from the latest fashions in India.
Wed Me Good (India): India-based site featuring photos from real-life Indian weddings and inspiration (some for over-the-top Indian weddings!)
Style me Pretty (USA): Pinterest-like inspiration from American weddings, including DIY projects you can translate to an Indian wedding
Loverly (USA): Fun blog articles, color inspiration, and real-wedding photos (some South Asian) from all over the world
A Practical Wedding (USA): APW provides more down to earth planning advice for the masses with their blog articles; DIY project section is more practical than other sites; Site also features an advice and relationships section
DIY Bride (USA): DIY overload, some fun for yourself (not for your wedding), but some ideas could play out well with an Indian wedding
Wedding Chicks (USA): Site features free printables; how-to’s and lots of other wedding related articlesA
MyShaadi (UK): An easy-to-use app that features a UK Asian Wedding Directory for all your planning needs.
PRINTING STATIONERY
There are many ways you can tie together a theme or your wedding colors. You can easily create stationery to add that special personalized touch – menu cards, name cards, food labels, cocktail menus, welcome bag tags, programs, the list goes on. The added bonus is that it’s pretty simple to create logos/monograms whether you get someone to (inexpensively) make it or DIY it. Once you’ve done that, all you need to do it print!
Staples / Office Depot: You can find great paper here for the stationery that you want printed out on thicker stock type paper. Usually they’ll give you a quote and they can even pre-fold paper (think: programs) and staple if needed.
UPS Store: Each UPS store is a little different in terms of services, but most of them offer pretty inexpensive printing services. Since more stores are franchises, the service tends to be pretty good too. The good thing is that these stores are in most areas and easily accessible, which makes your ‘planning’ life easier!
Minted: If you prefer an online option, minted has a nice selection of wedding stationery. Designs are created by artists, and then you can customize it to your liking. Indian designs are mixed in, and lots of modern designs to choose from.
MUSIC & DANCE
Shaadi Shop Song Finder: Don’t know where to start with finding the right songs throughout your wedding. Use this song finder search through decades of Bollywood songs.
Top 10 YouTube Wedding Dance Videos: Get some inspiration from other weddings!
List of 100 Best Bollywood Wedding Songs: Need some song ideas? Use this list to find songs for every part of the wedding.
OTHER / FUN LINKS
Top 12 Tips For Being a Good Indian Daughter-in-Law: Funny take on being a part of an Indian family and what it means to be an Indian daughter-in-law.
Save the Date Podcast: Are you wasting time on facebook during your commute when you should be thinking about wedding planning? Listen to the Save the Date Podcast instead. It’s a fun, light show where the Australian host Aleisha interviews different guests about wedding planning.
Jord Watches: Looking for the perfect bride or groom gift? Check out this unique brand of wood watches with trendy styles. Exclusive 15% off for our readers!
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