My Wedding, My Way: Unique things that I did for my wedding
Unfortunately, I lost most of my original photos when my OnePlus 11R got water damaged during our honeymoon (bittersweet memory in itself). The waves wiped out my camera roll, but not the moments and those still shine in my heart, brighter than any photo ever could. Keeping the sadness aside, I thought of writing about the unique things I personally followed for my wedding. As you know I don't have my own pictures so I tried to put few e.g. from pinterest which I personally followed. If you or someone close to you is planning to get married then I hope these little details may help you with your celebration too. Because honestly, sometimes, it’s not the things you buy but the details you craft with your own hands and efforts you put that leaves the most lasting imprint.
So without wasting time let's dive into magical world of my wedding preparations
Dream destination intimate mountain wedding : From the very beginning, I knew I wanted a destination wedding that also intimate, peaceful and wrapped in the magic of the mountains. Both of us have always been mountain souls and being Himachali made the dream even more personal. We had so many beautiful options around us, but since we started planning a little late, most venues were already booked out for our dates. Still, the universe conspired in our favor and we found a hidden gem in Kullu, nestled in lush greenery, surrounded by a tranquil silence only the hills can offer. The views? Absolutely breathtaking. It was everything we had imagined serene, soulful and filled with the kind of calm you only find when your home is in the mountains.
From 800 to 100..Our Truly Intimate Wedding: I was always interested to have intimate wedding with minimum people and my family respected my this decision..in the beginning we started with 800 names, trimmed it to 100 and then personally reached out to friends to see if they were genuinely excited to attend. While relatives were always mandatory, some friends gracefully stepped aside and our final list became 100 people who were truly happy and eager to celebrate with us.
This process reminded us that an intimate wedding isn’t about numbers, it’s about sharing the day with those who truly cared. Every smile, cheer and hug came from people who genuinely wanted to be there, making our celebration full of love, joy and authenticity.
Outdoor garden wedding : An outdoor garden wedding was most important criteria for my wedding. I never liked idea of jam packed banquet halls with raised platform for bride and groom, for me that is so much formal, suffocating and boring. I always craved for nature, natural light and the kind of setting where you can actually breathe therefore I always wanted outdoor wedding under the open sky, with sunshine warming our faces, surrounded by greenery, huts, fresh flowers, disco balls twinkling and taking pheras under the sky with shining sun where everyone can enjoy our precious moments. No walls, no barrier just nature, sunshine, greenary and raw emotion. For me it was not about grandeur but it was about the vibe. A space that felt open yet personal, calm yet celebratory. And honestly? It was everything I imagined💕
Fairytale rustic garden engagement under the stars: Our engagement felt like it was lifted from a storybook set in a rustic garden under the starry night sky, just the way I had always dreamed. I wanted it to feel intimate and magical, like stepping into our own little enchanted world. So we chose a twisted old tree as our backdrop wrapped in soft, twinkling fairy lights and glimmering disco balls, casting the most beautiful glow all around us. To bring in that ethereal touch, I added flowing gossamer fabrics in color palette of soft pinks and whites, floating gently in the breeze decorated with strings of fairy lights to give magical effect. And there, in that moment surrounded by close ones, under a sky full of stars we exchanged our rings and whispered our promises. Just like I had imagined. Maybe even more magical. It was soft, surreal, and filled with the kind of magic I’ll carry in my heart forever.
A Pinterest-Inspired Dream Under the Twisted Tree: From the start, I dreamed of a Pinterest-inspired engagement setup that felt magical, romantic, and deeply personal. I didn’t want a stage or a typical backdrop. I wanted to stand under something real, something alive. So we chose a twisted old tree, its natural curves and wild branches felt almost enchanted like it was pulled straight from a storybook. We wrapped it in layers of delicate fairy lights, letting them fall like glowing vines, creating a soft golden halo that lit up the entire space. It gave the space a wild, whimsical charm, just like I had imagined. That tree wasn’t just décor it was the heart of our moment. Under its dreamy glow, surrounded by people we love, we exchanged rings and promises. It was simple, organic and everything I had imagined just like fairytale coming to life.
Whimsical Carnival tent: It was my personal choice to have a carnival-style tent playful yet elegant, with drapes cascading from a central point like a dreamy canopy. The tent was the heart of our decor draped in soft peach and ivory fabrics, flowing like a dream in the night breeze. Fairy lights wove through the fabric, creating a warm, magical glow that made everything feel intimate yet enchanting..It wasn’t just a tent but it was a soft, glowing cocoon where memories were made under the stars. A setup I had dreamed of for so long, and living it felt like dream come true of my own fairytale wedding.
Sparkles archway entry: For our engagement entry, I had one vision in mind, a dreamy sparkler walkway, just like I’d seen on Pinterest. We specially procured sparklers all the way from Udaipur…only to realize at the last minute they were red, not the usual golden ones! But honestly? That unexpected twist added even more uniqueness to the moment. With friends and cousins lining up on both sides, holding those red sparklers high to form a glowing archway, and us walking down the red carpet that instantly elevated the whole vibe. The photographs turned out magical, the moment felt surreal, and the entry? Simply unforgettable. It wasn’t just a grand walk but it was our own little Pinterest dream come true.
Melodies of Himachali folk music instead of noisy band:- Instead of the usual loud band and dhol, which always felt too noisy and overwhelming to me, I wanted something soulful for my wedding. That’s why we chose "Bajantri" traditional folk musicians from Himachal who play instruments like, shehnai, nagada, narsi, and dholki. Their music added a serene, devotional aura and brought a cultural rhythm that perfectly matched our intimate celebrations. The soulful tunes gave our wedding a unique Himachali touch, festive yet graceful, traditional yet deeply personal. This pahari touch was what I always wanted to add in my wedding celebrations
Baarat with Heart, Not Hooves: We made a conscious decision not to use any animals in our wedding procession. No ghodi, no baggi..because for us, celebrations should never come at the cost of an animal’s comfort. Instead, my groom chose to walk to the venue on foot, surrounded by pahadi music, love and blessings. It was simple, heartfelt, and a small stand against animal cruelty, proving that traditions can evolve beautifully without losing their essence.
Boho earthy decor for entry: I always dreamed of a wedding that felt rooted in nature, so for the décor, I kept everything raw, earthy and true to my heart. Instead of carpet, I chose to walk on the soft green grass, to keep it simple and real. The aisle was lined with pampas, delicate flowers, and glowing little lamps, creating a warm boho vibe that looked like it had been lifted straight from Pinterest. Under the shade of green trees, dressed up with twinkling disco balls, stood our dreamy archway of pampas and lush greens, framing us in the most magical way as we exchanged varmalas. Minimal yet ethereal, it was a setting that spoke of love, nature and simplicity. With our loved ones seated on elegant white chairs on either side of the aisle, the whole moment felt like stepping into a whimsical fairytale.
Guest book: Personally I loved the idea of everyone showering their wishes that can stay forever with me..that's why I planned personal guest book and yes it went well..my many relatives being old school didn't showed interest but still I managed to get handfull of wishes that I can read again and again.
Added extra Punjabi laces and crystal laces to my blouse and dupatta according to latest trend: Instead of opting for costly add ons by boutique..I told them to keep it simple so that I can add laces, beads and accessories to my bridal outfit according to trend and needs. Thanks to my personal designer, my mumma, it went the same way as I wanted it to be..
Wore party pink ball lehenga: I am big fan of red color but I hated the trend of rajwadi lehenga that was going on at 2023 and still going on so I wanted something that made heads turn, something that felt soft, royal, yet refreshingly different and I stumbled upon my pastel colored ball lehanga that looked straight out of a modern fairytale. It had the perfect volume, dreamy layers, and delicate embroidery that shimmered just right under the daylight. The moment I tried it on, it felt like the lehenga chose me. Even my husband and sis totally loved the look of lehanga at first sight only..so I went with the same colour and same style. It was soft, unique, and elegant…exactly how I wanted to feel on my big day
Ditched double dupatta: It’s the most common trend at weddings lately, but personally, I felt second dupatta, especially those heavy velvet ones always takes away attention from the lehenga and blouse. I wanted my outfit to shine the way it was meant to, so I chose to keep it minimal yet elegant. No layering, no distractions just a clean, graceful look that truly worked for me. Sometimes, less really is more
Velvet shawl as reeda: so I used my second velvet dupatta as reeda, Instead of buying new heavy embellished dupatta I opted my velvet maroon dupatta as reeda and it looked so cool and amazing 😍 Now I must tell you what is "Reeda". In a Hindu wedding, reeda refers to the auspicious dupatta (scarf or veil) given to the bride by her in-laws during engagement or during sat pheras. It symbolizes the bride's new status as a newlywed and is considered sacred. So that was win win situation and it looked cool as well
Peacock cage look kaleeras: I'm always been fan of traditional Punjabi kaleeras, the long, beautiful ones that speak of heritage and grace. For my special day, I dreamt of pairing them with delicate charm kaleeras. But I was not able to find charm kaleeras, as they were just fresh trend and I had no time for customisation as I started preparing late...I must’ve searched through 60+ shops, only to find the usual ones, shell and pearl chain designs, dolis pattern and the types everyone was wearing. Nothing felt me. They all looked too common, too done, so I thought of buying those Punjabi kaleeras only but the shopkeeper casually said, "Kuch mehenga dikhau? Latest aya hai, 2500 tak ka?" And I thought, why not? That's when I laid my eyes on them--peacock cage kaleeras. Regal, offbeat and so me. A little bargaining later, they were mine...Even two years after my wedding, I haven’t seen anyone wearing kaleeras like mine. I still find myself scrolling and searching just to see if they show up somewhere but no. And maybe that’s what makes them so special and this is the uniqueness I wanted for my special day.
Trail dupatta with my groom's name on back: ok this idea we all know is of Parineeti Chopra and I wanted to add the same charm to my wedding from the day I watched her wedding..So I got my groom's name written in English with sippi work and opted for pink color dupatta with silver jhalkar lace, inspired but with my own twist. Not sure about the behind-the-trail drama (it honestly didn’t turn out great), but the front of the veil looked so stunning and sometimes, that’s all that matters..A total win-win moment for me..
Mirror dancing shoes: in desire to stand out and to escape the heels after back to back long tiring wedding festivities, I decided to choose sneakers over heel. As you know me, normal sneakers were big NO from my side and designer bridal sneakers felt too pricey for just a day, so I dropped that idea and turned to the best person I know my talented sister. She customized a pair of mirror sneakers for me and the bling of those mirrors added dash of bridal vibes..Comfort? ✅ Style? Double✅✅Now this felt like my kinda bridal moment!
Shoot it and tag it banner: We added a cute “Shoot it & Tag it” frame at our wedding with our Instagram IDs and wedding hashtag. So, anyone who clicked pictures could easily tag us,the simplest way to collect memories from everyone's lens and share the joy
Paper lantern with good wishes: After our engagement, under a sky full of stars and wrapped in the cold mountain breeze, we released paper lanterns each carrying a wish, a prayer, a little piece of our hearts. With laughter echoing softly around us and hands held tight, we watched them drift into the night sky. It felt magical, peaceful. It was indeed a quiet celebration glowing in the dark sky marking the beginning of forever. Our own private but beautiful moment
Handmade wooden engagement platter
with rings locked by keys: For our engagement, we didn’t want just normal ring platter, we wanted a story. My sister designed the most enchanting pine wood platter, personalized with our names, date, and adorned with pearls, subtle crystals and shimmer. But what truly made it magical? Our rings were locked in tiny brass locks, and only she held the keys🔐
That beautiful moment of unlocking them felt symbolic like love, trust and a little secret only family could hold. It wasn’t just décor; it was handmade emotion. A one-of-a-kind keepsake that wasn’t store bought, but heart-built. Proud that this dreamy DIY wasn’t just part of our celebration it became one of its most cherished highlights
No booze, no non-veg, only vegetarian menu :- At our wedding, the food was kept purely vegetarian and the celebration completely non-alcoholic. We both share the belief that love and joy should never come at the cost of another life or be clouded by intoxication. That’s why we didn’t want to add any killed animal or alcohol to our happiness. For us, true celebration means compassion, clarity, and togetherness and our wedding feast reflected exactly that.
Handmade mehandi platter: Our Mehendi ceremony had a sprinkle of DIY magic all thanks to gorgeous platter handcrafted by my talented little sister. She made it with love by adding golden net, strings of pearls, tiny decorative fans and those beautifully wrapped cone-shaped mehendi tubes, this platter wasn’t just a functional piece it was a show-stealer! The way she arranged every detail with care made it look straight out of a Pinterest board.
It added the perfect personal touch to the ceremony thoughtful, vibrant and one of a kind. It was all dreamy and pinteresty adding green vibes to mehandi function.
Pinteresty, raw and earthy mehandi decor: I wanted to style my mehandi decor in earthy pinteresty vibes. Our Mehendi decor was straight from the heart handcrafted and styled by me and my sis. I wanted something that felt close to nature yet vibrant and full of warmth, so I used fresh banana leaves to create a lush, earthy backdrop. With fairy lights, bright cushions, heart-shaped details, and a soft drape canopy, the setup felt dreamy and intimate. The “मेहंदी” banner and little handmade touches brought the whole look together. It was not just decor but it was my vision, my effort and my love poured into every corner. A cozy celebration space that felt truly us.
Fingerprint tree: One of my favourite little details from our wedding was the handmade fingerprint tree crafted by my talented little sister. Every guest left their fingerprint on it as a tiny mark of their presence, their love, and their blessing. It wasn’t just a creative corner; it was a personal touch that made everyone feel included in our story. Now, it stands as a cherished keepsake, a tree full of memories, love and the people who made our day so special.
Handmade phoolon ki chadder: My phoolon ki chadar wasn’t made of flower but it was made of love. I wanted my phoolon ki chadar very unique for that I chose maroon shimmer dupatta which was turned into a dreamy canopy by my mom. She added gota patti work and handpicked golden playful latkans but what made it truly magical were the tiny, colorful star sequins scattered all over, catching the sunlight and sparkling like the sky had come down to bless me and with every step I took soft jingle of the latkans echoed like gentle temple bells, as if the universe was ringing in my arrival. For me it was not just a chadar but piece of my mother's heart and hand held above me🌸
Minimal makeup:- I never really did makeup in my life, so honestly I was little afraid of going heavy on my wedding day. That’s why I wanted to keep it minimal soft, raw, and true to myself. Even my makeup artist insisted that I don't need layers or filters to hide my beauty. Just little glow, blush-pink dewy touch and loads of confidence were all that I carried down the aisle and the result? glowing, effortless look that felt like me...radiant, confident and blushing in love..
Matched and minimal nail extensions: I had never done nail extensions in my life ever. But for my big day I gave it a try as it was something new concept. I kept my bridal nails soft and minimal with blush-pink base to match my lehanga. We also added tiny shimmer stones and bows for sparkle and unique bridal touch. Shine of nails not only catched every eyes but also made me feel regal. Unforgettable and absolutely just the way I imagined it
No pre or post bridal facials or skincare dates, just raw me: I didn’t book a single facial or bridal skincare session. No derma plans, no glow-ups in a salon chair. No post-wedding skincare treatments either.
Not even a homemade face mask or a fancy night cream. I was so busy with work, uninterested in the skincare fuss, and honestly terrified of putting random products on my face. I didn’t drink gallons of water. I had zero routine. No glow kits, no serum hype. On my big day I showed up with no filters, just raw, real and natural skin..with real confidence, and a heart full of excitement. And guess what?
Still, I shined like a star. I believe that sometimes, confidence is the best filter. And glowing skin? It comes from within.
Personalised neon wedding hashtag: To make our wedding extra memorable, we created a personalized neon wedding hashtag #FairytaleSaGaBegins. It wasn’t just a decoration but became a fun way for guests to share their photos and memories on social media. Every time we see it glowing, it reminds us of the joy, love and laughter that filled our special day.
My minimum wedding trousseau: When it came to post-wedding shopping, I chose practicality over the traditionaI..I just bought 10 suits and sarees, all light, wearable and thoughtfully chosen so they could easily transition into everyday life. No heavily embroidered sets that would sit untouched in my wardrobe. As a professional woman, I knew I wouldn’t get time to dress up in heavy wedding outfits often. So instead of investing in bridalwear for show, I picked up more work appropriate and versatile clothes which also lessen the load on my parents pocket. This is something my future self is truly thankful and proud of that instead of pilling I choose power dressing.
Capturing wedding memories from every angle: One month before our wedding, I shared a digital disposable camera QR code with my closed ones, allowing them to upload their favorite 25 photos from the celebration. The idea was to capture our wedding from different perspectives and it worked beautifully. Later, my phone got water damaged, and I lost all of my memories, but I would highly recommend it to anyone who wants their special day remembered from every angle.
Beautiful Gathbandan Frame: The Gathbandan symbolizes the sacred union of the bride and groom. I decided to preserve this special moment forever by having it framed. It became not only a piece of artful décor but also beautifully captures the essence of our union. We later placed it in our home, decorating with memories of that beautiful day and keeping our special bond alive and visible every day
Daylight Wedding: I chose to get our wedding ceremonies during daylight hours because main wedding requires lot of lighting to create magical effect, which not only increases electricity use but also adds significantly to the overall cost. By scheduling events during the day, we saved on electricity and reduced unnecessary expenses, all while enjoying natural light that made every moment feel warm and magical. The sunlight gave our photos a soft, vibrant glow and created an atmosphere that artificial lights often can’t replicate. Small decisions like this reminded us that weddings don’t have to be extravagant to be beautiful. Choosing sustainability and simplicity allowed us to focus on what truly matters, celebrating love with our closest people.
Roses, pearls & promises, our love wrapped in a varmala: I always knew I didn’t want a fresh flower varmala (my vendor even insisted me that fresh flower varmala is auspicious) but they wilt too soon and somehow don’t feel as personal. So instead, I chose something that would last longer and feel truly mine. My varmalas were made of maroon roses so real that fooled everyone, paired beautifully with delicate white baby wreaths. Each strand was carefully strung with pearls, adding a graceful, regal charm. What made it even more special? The soft contrast of deep maroon and ivory white matched my lehenga and bridal jewellery effortlessly. It wasn’t just a garland, it felt like a wearable piece of art, as timeless as the promises we made.
Breaking the Norm, Wearing the Nath My Way:- In pahadi traditions, a bride is often expected to wear a nath, a nose ring that signifies beauty, culture, and marital grace. And while I deeply respect these customs, I’ve personally never liked the idea of getting my nose pierced. So I did what felt right for me, I wore a beautiful kundan clip-on nath, that complemented my look without compromising my comfort or choice. A tiny act of rebellion at a same time powerful reminder that you can honour tradition while staying true to yourself.
Dreamy Rose Shower Varmal: I’ve always felt that roses make every moment more romantic so for my varmala, I knew I wanted a rose shower. And honestly, it was magical. As we exchanged garlands, soft rose petals started falling on us, making the moment feel dreamy, pinteresty and straight out of a fairytale. It was simple, elegant, and exactly what I imagined. Roses really do make everything feel more special.
Seperate post wedding celebration as Dham: We wanted our wedding to be intimate, so we kept the main ceremony small with just close family and very less friends. But it was my parents heartfelt wish to celebrate with everyone they knows. So, they hosted a post-wedding lunch (Dham) for extended family, colleagues, and loved ones. It was our way of blending personal moments with shared joy, making space for love from all directions
Little pops of magic: For our wedding, I personally bought a bunch of rose party poppers, confetti, glitter poppers and color bombs and honestly they created pure magic without burning our pocket. The color bomb during our varmala was the star moment. It added that dreamy, Pinteresty vibe I always imagined.
The rose poppers and glitter poppers did the same for our other rituals soft, fun, romantic, and perfect for photos. Sometimes it’s the smallest, budget-friendly touches that make the biggest difference. And for us, these little pops of color and petals turned every moment into something unforgettable
Subtle Kundan jewellery for my special day: I was never drawn to those heavy, overwhelming bridal sets. That is why for my special day I wanted to keep my look elegant, minimal and subtle something that reflected me. So rather than getting weighed down with layers of jewellery, I chose a minimal regal kundan set adorned with pearls elegant, rich, yet light enough to carry with ease. The intricate craftsmanship of kundan, where uncut stones were set in layers of gold foil, gave my look a timeless touch. Paired with a statement nose ring and traditional jhumkas, it made me feel like a royal minimal modern day Indian bride, graceful, powerful and deeply rooted in heritage.
Breaking stereotypes by proposing my husband: Why should only girls get all the love and privilege of a proposal? On our pre-wedding, I decided to bend traditions a little. Dressed in our beautiful traditional Pahadi attire called Rejta, I kneeled down with a ring and asked my husband to marry me. That moment wasn’t just about the proposal, it was about celebrating love as equal, fearless, and magical.
Forever bouquet of our love story: Fresh flowers are beautiful, but they fade too quickly. I wanted something that would last, something as timeless as the love we were celebrating. Instead of real roses, I chose an artificial bouquet of pastel pink blooms, delicate and lifelike, perfectly blending with our soft pastel wedding theme. To make it even more enchanting, my sister adorned it with a grand golden bow, turning it into a keepsake of elegance and charm, but the most magical part was that I carried this bouquet down the aisle and handed this to my husband, because love has no rules, why should only brides get the flowers? This bouquet became symbol of our bond, a reminder that some moments deserve to be preserved forever, just like these flowers that will never wither like our love.
Minimalist engagement ring with diamond sparkle: I was neither drawn to big, flashy stones nor attracted to those gold engagement rings. I'm type who preferred jewellery which are elegant, subtle and describes me. So for my engagement, I chose a diamond-studded band, minimal in design but full of sparkle. As a doctor, I wanted something that felt practical, professional but still carried that soft bridal charm. My engagement ring had the perfect balance of timeless, graceful and powerful, just like the love we shared.
Groom's golden timeless band: Just like me, he preferred to keep things elegant and understated. Rather than opting for the conventional heavy gold rings (uncle types), he chose a sleek golden band which was minimal, refined, and ideal for daily wear. It aligned perfectly with his professional lifestyle and personal taste.
Ring had timeless design and meaningful essence. Together, our rings symbolized how deeply we prefer elegance over excess and intention over tradition.
Simple Arrival, No Show Offs: We chose not to decorate our car with flowers or anything flashy. Arriving at our in-laws house we kept it private and personal like normal people, no wedding kafila, no fanfare just us, enjoying the moment authentically
According to me you don’t need the heaviest lehenga, loudest jewellery or endless salon visits to look like a bride. You just need something that feels like you. I kept every one of my bridal looks simple minimal makeup, delicate jewellery, soft hair and outfits that felt comfortable and true to my personality. And honestly? I felt the most beautiful I’ve ever felt, because I felt like myself, exactly like my visionary pinterest board.
Somewhere along the way, weddings became a competition heavier outfits, bolder colours, dramatic makeup and trends that change every season. But your wedding isn’t a fashion show. It’s a memory. And you deserve to feel calm, confident, and real in every moment of it.
I chose to not run behind trends. I chose comfort over chaos, softness over show, and authenticity over approval. I didn’t want to look like “every bride.” I wanted to look like me just a softer, happier versioN. Minimal doesn’t mean boring. Simple doesn’t mean underdressed. Understated doesn’t mean unnoticed. It means effortless. It means timeless. It means real.
This was just the elaborated version of what my groom and I did to make our wedding truly memorable. Even though some family members and relatives didn’t like certain choices we made, we stayed true to our style and our vision. It was our day, and we wanted it to reflect who we are as a couple filled with love, laughter, and moments that were authentically ours.
And in the end, we were able to bring that vision to life exactly the way we had always dreamed of.
This is just for now I still feel like I’ve missed so many little stories and details. I’ll keep coming back to this and adding more as I remember them, because some memories are too beautiful to fit in just one post.
For now, I’ll end this with one simple thought: Your wedding doesn’t need to be perfect. It just needs to be yours. And that will always be enough.
Till then
Bye
Lots of XOXO
Your friendly Vet
©Dreamingvet
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