I absolutely love get questions from our readers.  I picked a few out to post today, because I knew that other brides would have the same things on their minds.  Feel free to email me at readers@maharaniweddings.com and I will get back to you as soon as I can.


Dear Shawna, 


I just got engaged and I am a little overwhelmed about where to start the planning process.  Do you have any suggestions for me on where to start? 


Thanks, Arya  Washington D.C.


Hi Arya,


Congratulations on your engagement!  The first thing that you should do is take a deep breath and reflect on the moment.  Marriage is one of the most exciting experiences of your life, so take a moment to reflect as you embark on this journey.  In order to plan your big day, I would recommend start with a few different things.  Think about what type your personal style is and how you envision your celebration.  Then outline a very rough guest count and then go to look at some venues with your fiancée, mom, MOH or all three!  I also high recommend Mindy Weiss’ The Wedding Book: The Big Book for Your Big Day.  It will give you the step by step instructions to help keep the planning process painless and fun. 


Congrats again!
Shawna


Dear Shawna,


I am looking for an inexpensive wedding present for my groom.  Any ideas? 


Keep up the great work!  Nimisha Los Angeles, CA


Hi Nimisha,


An inexpensive, yet meaningful wedding gift for your groom is simple.  Just make four signs that say “Can’t Wait to Marry You” and then go to an old fashioned photo booth that takes four pictures and hold up the signs one at a time.  Place the photos in a simple frame and you have a vintage style gift that is priceless.


Best,
Shawna


Dear Shawna, 


I am having some trouble with the colors for my wedding.  My late mother got married in a deep eggplant sari and I want to honor this unique tradition throughout my wedding color palette. I have my heart set on using purple, but our wedding is in June and I don’t know how to make it more summery and less fall/winter.


Any ideas? Shalini Riverside, CA


Hi Shalini,


What a thoughtful and special way to have your mother infused throughout your wedding!  I love pairing purple with coral.  This makes a great twist on the pink and orange color palette that is very popular, but still keeps your palette summery and special. Just have your florist layer a few different shades of purple so there is a consistent theme throughout and add some corals and oranges for some flare.  Sounds like the making of a spectacular wedding….make sure you send us some pictures!


Best,
Shawna