We live in a time when trends, fashion, and technology are constantly evolving. In the ever-changing hustle &
bustle of this age, one can likely become overwhelmed by what to spend on and what can be compromised when it
comes to your wedding festivities.

For starters, set aside some time with your partner to discuss the most crucial parts of your wedding. Is it the
location or the wedding date? Do you want to book a certain wedding photographer to capture all the fun and
emotions? Set your priorities and be willing to compromise on the rest. This will help you stick to your vision and
concentrate your efforts on the most important things that truly contribute to making the occasion as special as it
can be.

After all, if you have the money to spend, then why not spend it where it’s valued the most?

As someone who has been working in the wedding industry for more than 7 years, I’ve been fortunate enough to
come across couples who have truly shown me how to plan and execute a wedding in the most picturesque and
wholesome way possible. Be it an intimate event in the comfort of their own homes, or a grand spectacle, brimming
with love and laughter, on the beaches of Istanbul. I suppose I would like to take this opportunity to address the
exasperation I feel every time I meet a client that simply refuses to process the story-telling aspect that forms the
core of our ideology – a wedding cannot be documented rather, it is captured as glimpses into the most delightful
and heart touching moments two families have shared.

Now, I understand brown weddings are more often than not, treated as conventions for showing off all the wealth
and success everyone has accumulated since they last met at your aunt’s cousin’s sister’s wedding. It’s a hotspot for
prying aunties and alcoholic uncles all getting together and wishing you a happily ever after. As if their wishes are
what determines the outcome of your marriage. It’s a shame when clients tell me that they have little to no control
over how their wedding is being planned. I can see the pain and frustration as they laugh it off as their parent’s
wishes or the traditions in their family. Then, there are those with all the freedom in the world to do whatever they
wish to at their weddings and yet, have zero clue where to begin.

That is perhaps where I come in handy. Over the years, I would like to believe that I’ve gathered valuable insight
into the world of weddings and can quite tactfully guide my clients and help them truly have the most memorable
wedding ever.

If you’re interested in having the perfect luxury bridal experience, then start by making a list of your preferred
looks, colors, and the number of events. See what looks best on you rather than what’s appropriate for the occasion
or what’s trending nowadays. The idea is not that you are wearing a piece from someone’s collection rather, the
dress should hug your body with a precision that screams ‘it was MADE for you, and no one could rock this better
than you.’Always take multiple consultations and dive deep into the customization you require to have your
princess moment. Try to experiment with what components can be used to add more value to your masterpiece and
make it timeless. Maybe include your name, an illustration of yourselves, or an important date and a quote you
adore. It can be anything close to your heart.

For those of you who have no clue where to begin your dress hunting, consider paying a visit to the Instagrams of
Dina Rehman, Elan, Rana Nouman, Rano’s Heirlooms, Mohsin Naveed Ranjha, Bunto Kazmi, Abida Dada, The
Pink Tree Company, and Saniya Maskatiya to begin with. For my liking, I find their experimental styles compelling
and exclusive to the individual wearing them.

Another important aspect that guarantees an extravagant affair and a truly immersive atmosphere for the wedding is
the décor. This does not just mean going on Pinterest and saving a few posts to your newly formed board of
‘Wedding Décor Ideas. Of course, doing so helps inspire you and put together ideas in your head but, the key to
achieving a larger-than-life décor is focusing on a breakdown of colors, florals, and themes that interest you. Doing
so then helps narrow down your search for the right event decorator who promises to execute your vision right
down to every last detail. The wedding industry is saturated with hardworking individuals and companies that truly
put in the effort in ensuring their clients always walk away happy. Qasim Yar Tiwana (QYT Events), Ayra events,
Arj Innovation, Daisy Dot Events, RAKA Events, Dawat. pk, and Ayesha Minoo are some that I believe just take
your breath away with their grandeur and flawless execution.

If the typical desi wedding is not your cup of tea, then maybe broaden your horizons and opt for a destination
wedding. The biggest misconception people have about destination weddings is that they are too ‘High-end’ and
impractical, which is extremely untrue because it can be easily done if planned properly and with good research.
The uncountable heaps of cash that go into executing an average desi wedding can be, very smartly, invested in
achieving a destination wedding.

Destination weddings don’t always mean traveling to another country. Why not explore your own country and pick
a location that is unconventional but adds tremendous value to your wedding? Luckily, we are blessed with a
country that happens to have some of the most breathtaking views from the glistening mountain tops of Kashmir to
the Lucious grasslands of Gilgit, Baltistan. The weather and the hospitality offered in these regions are most
suitable for starting your journey together.

Some of the places I wish couples would explore more while planning their weddings are Kashmir, Hunza, Chitral,
Fairy Meadows, and Nathia Gali.

In the end, my most sincere piece of advice to you would be to spend every penny only on things that reflect your
happiness, and taste, and resonate deeply with your relationship with one another. Don’t listen to the nay-sayers and
be selfish with your wedding plans. It’s your day and the day that marks the beginning of a very important and
beautiful chapter of your life. Hold your heart and your loved ones close to you. Spend on what makes a difference
to you, be it a designer Jora, extravagant décor, exquisite catering, or an out-of-the-box venue/location.

After doing all of the above, it is very important to have a photography and videography team that understands your
vision and compliments your taste so that all that you’ve wished with your heart is translated with the same
enthusiasm and passion in the camera. You will be surprised at how easy it is to have a good time when you start
focusing on what makes you happy rather than what looks good on the gram.