Wedding Inspiration Board | Indian Boudoir

As much as I am a fan of bollywood cinema and “culture”, with flicks like “Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam”, “Mard”, “Devdas” or “Khabi Kushi Khabi Gham” (Can I get a woot woot, if you know what I’m talking about:-), I find that most indian-inspired weddings stick to the colorful sexy bollywood model.  All about glamour, sophisticated saris and explosively-lit dance numbers and decor.

What about the more intimate Indian affair? Less Bollywood, and more off the beaten path.  To find inspiration, I allowed the folk dancers of Rajasthan to be my guide.  The art of Bhawai dance is historic folklore dance from the western region of India.   Those who considered themselves higher class or elite were not only the subject of ridicule and satire by these touring performance troupes, the focus was on showcasing a wide variety of character types and social roles, as well as dance.  Bhawai folk dance involves the perfection of immense skill and mastery of balance.  Women, draped in beautiful, local fabric and adorned in custom jewelry, perform choreographed folk dances while balancing many items on their heads or standing on a bed of nails.    Yes, nails!  You can read more about this beautiful artform here.

For our purposes, today, the goal was to shed another eye on Indian-Inspired weddings.   The absolute opposite of a Bollywood affair: Intimate, dimly lit, and a little risque.

Inspiration – Bhawai Folk Dance of Rajasthan, India.

(Above: Bhawai Dancer from © Thatzme)

Dream Palette #29 – INDIAN BOUDOIR

Colors: Paprika, Sunset Yellow & Midnight Blue

(All Images ©: Orange Decor from Rang-Decor; Bride top view by Kevin Weinstein Photography; Parasol; Boudoir Shoe photo by Merge Wedddings; Bridal Gown by Pepe Botella [Photo by Josep Lago]; Dark lit Lamp by Corey Ann Photography via here; Bride in Hallway by Andrena Photography; Round Flower Bouquet by Oh How Charming [Photo by Elizabeth Messina]; Boudoir Bedding & Fireplace from Riad Samsara; Teal Lights by Graham and Green; Blue/Brown Invitation from Atelier Isabey; Blue Bangles by Kevin Weinstein Photography; Woman in blue mesh and Sitting Man by Suresh Natarajan Photography [Jewelry by Tanishq]; Tent photo from An Indian Summer; Copper Pots by  Margret Maria Cordts; Tabla Drum via here; Eyeshadow via Makeup4Brides)

Challenge: How do you create an classy indian-inspired wedding that’s the opposite of Bollywood?

How you can do it: 1) Pick more contrasting colors on the color wheel as opposed to complementary. 2) Use more natural elements such as stones, wood, copper, rope and  tent fabric.  3) For the Boudoir element, incorporate more natural ambient candle light, as opposed to LED lighting. 4) Let risque elements of your gown or Lehenga speak for itself, such as open backs, atypical fabrics such as chiffon or mesh.  5) Use live music, as opposed to a DJ. 6) Incorporate secrets such as your sexiest pair of pumps underneath your traditional gown, or a discreetly placed henna design that only the groom will see. 7) Pearls, Beads and feathers will always enhance the intimacy and femininity of the space. 8) A Boudoir is supposed to be your personal chamber.  Enhance that idea by mixing lounge chairs, pillows, rugs, and mini day beds in your reception decor.