Bangalore: Earlier, brides-to-be and their families usually had to scramble to get the trousseau, the gifts, the decorations, the food and the music together to make wedding memorable. They were simply too busy (and too tired) to enjoy the big day. Enter the wedding planners a growing tribe of high earners who have more than just a say in the affairs of the heart.

From lavish dos to theme weddings and simple ceremonies, they promise to fulfill the bride's every whim and fancy. They put together theme weddings, be it Rajasthani, Gujarati or Japani. Here's a low-down on services that some of them offer in Bangalore.

Bride's best friend

Prarthna Vohra, who got married to Rohan Nabar on Tuesday night, says she has been planning her wedding together with her husband the last six months. "The results made us glad that we planned so much, since everything went according to schedule. I roped in Nikhil Tipnis, an event manager who is also a friend, to help out with the food and décor as I wanted a traditional Maharashtrian wedding. He organised a fabulous spread for us – varan bath, pista sreekhand, masala bath, stuffed brinjals, cashew and green peas usal and traditional sweets. I am glad I had a professional at the helm."

'One key to all locks'

Ashok Chugani, a wedding planner, says, "I take care of everything guest lists, invitations, accommodation for friends and relatives of the family, menu suggestions, transport, flowers, DJs, photography, live concerts, and so on."

Describing his services as 'one key to all locks', Ashok believes that marriages are made in heaven, but performed by on earth by wedding planners.

Has the recession meant a slow down in business?

"Recession has hit a little. Budgets have come down a little bit, but people are still spending, especially when it comes to a wedding. Instead of three or four parties, they are having only one or two parties, but those one or two parties are extravagant ones. I've just planned and executed a wedding for the Embassy Group at the Lalit Ashok Hotel, and I'm busy with an NRI wedding at the Chancery Pavilion," he adds.

Urge to splurge

Wedding planners Jamila and Seema Malhotra, who've been in the business for over a decade, have put together special ensembles for actresses like Raveena Tandon, Suchitra Krishnamurthy and Manisha Koirala.

"Recession or not, people are still splurging on weddings. In fact, a bride recently ordered a lehenga for Rs 1 lakh," reveals Seema. 
 
Sanjay Kapoor of Samsaara, which stocks collections of designers like Satya Paul, Rohit Bal, Rocky S, J J Valaya, Tarun Tahiliani, Shobhaa De, Suneet Verma, Shantanu & Nikhil, says, "Bangalore is a growing market for lavish weddings. Trend-wise, ensembles that fly off the rack in Delhi and Mumbai are a rage here too."

Success is in the details

Beauty expert and socialite Manjul Gupta is busy planning son Saahil's wedding. "We have chosen a wedding planner. But I have made suggestions for the flowers and the decor. The pre-wedding functions will be held at Lalit Ashok Hotel and the Leela Palace, so the hotels will take care of the food and drink. Cooks and a khansama will take care of the food preferences of houseguests. While Paresh Lamba and Vidya Sagar are designing outfits for Saahil, my son, and Sushil, my husband, designer Vikramaditya and Pammi are in-charge of Swati's outfits and mine for the mehendi, wedding and reception," she explains. 

The demand for expensive imported fabrics like Chantilly lace and tulle are a new trend. Brides want zardosi, pure silver beads, precious and semi-precious stones, on lace and tulle for their dream outfit and price is not something they worry about
Sadia Sayeed, designer

One-stop shop

Bridal concept stores like Shimmer and Rumour have in-house designers, who design everything from the bride's trousseau to the invitations to the flower arrangements on the tables. The bride can also decide if she wants to be pampered with exclusive jewellery, designer shoes and bags and cocktail dresses, which they will pick for her for a price. 

The big fat Indian wedding inspired American Stacy Kerzner to set up a website connectedweddings.com. Members get to build a free personal wedding website and participate in wedding discussion/planning forums. Stacy's website also offers skin care tips for the bride and the bridegroom and spa ideas. It also lists wedding planners in Bangalore, Delhi and Mumbai.