Sikh & Sindhi wedding Traditions
Lavin, from Hong Kong, and Roma, from Canada, celebrated their wedding in Pune, where their extended families reside. The event was a unique fusion of two cultures-Sikh and Sindhi-and included a series of vibrant functions, such as the Engagement & Welcome Dinner, Mehndi & Sangeet, Pool Party, and the Wedding & Reception. Roma, a Punjabi raised in Brampton, Canada, met Lavin in Hong Kong while she was studying International Business. Lavin, who grew up in Hong Kong, later pursued his studies in Australia. After their civil wedding in Hong Kong, the couple hosted the traditional celebrations in Pune.
Source: WeddingSutra
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The Themes
Engagement - The theme was dreamy, with a crescent moon as the central decor element. The lighting was bathed in blue hues, complemented by heavenly white flowers. The couple's 'LM' logo stood out, and they made a grand entrance in a beautifully decorated carriage, accompanied by a grand Disney musical. Roma wore an English pink feather gown, while Lavin was dressed in a tuxedo.
Source: WeddingSutra
Sangeet - The theme was inspired by ancient Mughal traditions, though the decor colors reflected a Moroccan influence-turquoise, magenta, and vibrant greens. The bride and groom sat on a royal peacock throne, and there was a photo booth where guests could snap pictures and receive printed souvenirs with the wedding's background and date.
Source: WeddingSutra
Wedding - A Gurudwara-like ambiance was recreated on the ground floor of the hotel, with white and gold tones dominating the decor.
Source: WeddingSutra
Source: WeddingSutra
Reception - The reception featured framed childhood photos of the bride and groom, as well as pictures of their families, with the theme ‘Walk Down Memory Lane.’
Source: WeddingSutraOn the final day, the bride’s heartfelt wish was to organize a lavish dinner for underprivileged children from an orphanage. A group of guests visited the home and spent time with 300 children, organizing a fun-filled celebration with plenty of food.
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Bride’s Diary
The pool party was the most enjoyable part of the entire celebration. It provided a relaxing afternoon after the late-night festivities, and it was a chance for everyone to dress casually and unwind.
Many of our guests were impressed that I managed to plan a long-distance wedding without the help of a wedding planner. They were also thrilled with our pre-wedding video, ‘Jab We Met,’ which was shot over three days by our talented videographers. The result was nothing short of amazing. Before traveling to India, I did extensive research online-especially on websites like Wedifys. I made a detailed note of everything, which made decision-making much easier when I was discussing ideas with vendors and designers in person. That earlier research really helped me figure out budgeting as well.
Source: WeddingSutra
My experience with Neeta Lulla was fantastic, but I had one disappointing experience with another designer. I received the outfit much later than promised-just before the wedding. My advice to other brides: always seek feedback from a Real Bride before making an advance payment.
Wedding Venues and Vendors
Engagement, Pool Party, and Puja - Le Meridien, Pune
Makeup & Hair - Mehera Kolah
Catering - The Venues and Pune-based Delhi Caterers
DJ - DJ Sunny and DJ Yusuf (mix of house, Bollywood, and Bhangra)
Choreography - Anjali Kukreja
Bridal Outfits - Neeta Lulla, Vikram Phadnis, and Arti Gupta; Groom’s wear by Manyavar
Bridal Mehndi - Mehak and group from Mumbai
Photography & Videography - Picture Perfect and team from Mumbai
Bar Entertainment - Bar Solutions, Mumbai
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the best way to plan a destination wedding?
Planning a destination wedding involves several key steps: choosing the right location, setting a budget, hiring a local wedding planner or managing vendors remotely, and considering the travel logistics for guests. It’s important to research the local culture, weather conditions, and legal requirements. Be sure to visit the location beforehand if possible, and make decisions based on your and your partner’s preferences for the event.
2. How far in advance should I start planning my wedding?
It’s recommended to start planning your wedding at least 12-18 months in advance. This gives you ample time to secure your preferred venue, select vendors, and finalize the details. If you're planning a destination wedding or need specific vendors, starting early will ensure availability and allow for any necessary adjustments to the plans.
3. What should be included in a wedding day timeline?
A typical wedding day timeline should include the ceremony, cocktail hour, reception, and key events such as speeches, dances, cake cutting, and special performances. You should also factor in the arrival times of guests, the arrival and departure of the bride and groom, and time for photos. A detailed timeline helps ensure smooth coordination and that no important moments are missed.
4. How can I make my wedding eco-friendly?
To make your wedding eco-friendly, consider using sustainable and recyclable materials for invitations and decorations. Opt for local and seasonal flowers, choose an eco-conscious venue, and use minimalistic decor to reduce waste. You can also encourage guests to carpool or use public transport and offer eco-friendly wedding favors, like reusable items or plantable gifts.
