Stock Wedding: A Cost-Effective Dream Come True

The wedding industry is a lucrative market, with an estimated 10 million weddings taking place in India alone each year, generating over $40 billion in revenue. The pandemic saw a sharp decline in weddings, with restrictions stalling millions of celebrations. However, as limitations are lifted, the wedding industry is expected to boom, with an estimated 40 lakh weddings anticipated in India from mid-April to July 2022. This rebound in weddings is expected to positively impact various sectors, including hospitality, tourism, and consumer discretionary.

With the increase in weddings, demand for wedding-related products and services will rise, benefiting companies in the jewellery, fashion, and hospitality industries. Stocks to watch include Vedant Fashions, Raymond, and Titan, among others. Wedding-focused companies, such as wedding planners, venues, and decor providers, are also expected to benefit.

Overall, the wedding industry's recovery is anticipated to create numerous investment opportunities, making wedding-related stocks a potentially profitable venture in the coming years.

Jewellery

Buy Jewellery Before the Dress

The jewellery you select will likely be more expensive than your clothing, so it's important that your dress highlights your jewellery, rather than diminishing its value. Therefore, it's recommended to buy your jewellery before the dress, so you can ensure it stands out while complementing your outfit.

Choose According to the Occasion

If your wedding has several ceremonies, it's wise to plan your jewellery accordingly. For example, for lighter occasions like the Haldi and Mehendi ceremonies, opt for lighter pieces like small gold chains and earrings. For the engagement ceremony, keep the focus on your ring, with minimal emphasis on other areas. The reception and cocktail hour are when you can bring out the statement pieces, like a diamond necklace.

For the wedding day, consider sticking to a traditional look. For South Indian brides, yellow gold sets with gemstone embellishments are a popular choice, while North Indian brides might opt for Polki sets with an antique look.

Invest in Timeless Pieces

Your wedding jewellery should include some pieces that you can wear long after the big day. Opt for items that will never go out of style, such as heritage gold bangles, nose pins, jhumkas, or chokers. The trend nowadays is also to buy detachable wedding jewellery that can be simplified later.

Comfort is Key

While you want to dazzle on your wedding day, it's important to choose jewellery that makes you feel comfortable and allows you to enjoy the day. Avoid very heavy earrings if you plan on dancing, and opt for pieces that enhance your glow without making you feel constricted.

Take Stock of Existing Gold

If you already have gold jewellery, now is the time to review and utilise it. You can melt or sell existing pieces to create new ones, ensuring you have a tasteful jewellery box with pieces you'll actually wear.

Stagger Your Purchases

Don't buy all your jewellery at once. Stagger your purchases to spread out the cost and give you more cash to spend on each item. This also allows you to mix and match with the jewellery you already have, making your wedding jewellery appear bigger and better.

Don't Shy Away from Non-Gold Pieces

Don't feel pressured to only wear real gold or diamond jewellery. There are many brands offering stunning and affordable pieces that won't break the bank. You can also opt for silver or 14-18K gold if you like a particular design but want to save money.

Focus on Your Neckline

When choosing your jewellery, consider the neckline of your outfit. If you're wearing a high-neck gown, skip the necklace and opt for statement earrings instead. For a strapless dress, a bold statement necklace can be a great choice. If your dress has a halter-style neckline, you may want to skip the necklace altogether.

Mix and Match Heirloom Pieces

Don't be afraid to mix and match old and new pieces. Heirloom jewellery has an old-world charm that adds a classic touch to your overall look.

Choose Jewellery That Suits Your Skin Tone

The metal of your jewellery should complement your skin tone. While yellow gold might be too bright for some, it could be the perfect choice for making you glow. Rose gold is currently trending, but be sure to try it on to see if it suits you.

Opt for Statement Pieces

Statement pieces don't have to be loud or big. Delicate tassel earrings, a classic pearl choker, or a trendy cuff can all be statement pieces that build your collection.

Prioritize Personal Style Over Trends

While it's fun to embrace trends, don't choose jewellery that doesn't feel like you. Your wedding photos will be with you forever, so select pieces that reflect your personal style and that you'll want to wear again.

Don't Over-Accessorize

Keep your wedding day look chic, simple, and timeless. Avoid too many trendy pieces that may look dated in a few years. Opt for simple and classic jewellery that will never go out of style.

Mimic Your Dress Details

If your dress has a particular detail, like lace or pearl embellishments, choose jewellery that incorporates similar touches. For example, if your dress has a floral lace pattern, select jewellery with a delicate floral motif.

Consider Your Hairstyle

Your hairstyle will influence your jewellery choices. If you plan on wearing your hair up, opt for statement earrings. If you're wearing a veil or hair accessories, you may want to keep your jewellery simpler to avoid overdoing it.

Keep Formality in Mind

Consider the formality of your wedding venue when choosing your jewellery. If your wedding is in a lavish ballroom, opt for more elegant and glamorous pieces. For a more casual or laid-back wedding, too much bling may not be the best choice.

Splurge on Timeless Pieces

If you're choosing simple and classic jewellery, you may want to splurge a bit more on pieces that you can wear again. This reduces the cost-per-wear and makes a bigger price tag more justifiable.

Clothing

When it comes to wedding attire, there are many factors to consider, from the venue and season to the level of formality. Here are some tips and suggestions for wedding clothing, with a focus on the bridal gown:

The Bridal Gown

The bridal gown is a central element of the wedding and can vary greatly depending on the bride's style, the wedding theme, and the level of formality. The average cost of a wedding dress in the US is around $1,631, but prices can range from less than $100 to tens of thousands of dollars. When choosing a bridal gown, it's important to consider the silhouette, fabric, and any desired details or accessories.

Some popular silhouettes include the A-line, sheath, ball gown, and trumpet styles. The A-line dress is particularly flattering, with a nipped-in waist and gently flared skirt. When it comes to fabric, options range from silky satin and charmeuse to airy chiffon or tulle. Embellishments like lace, beads, and sequins can add a touch of glamour.

If you're looking for a unique or budget-friendly option, consider shopping at boutiques that offer made-to-order or ready-to-ship designer gowns at discounted prices. You can also rent a wedding dress or create a custom gown to ensure it aligns with your vision.

Wedding Guest Attire

For wedding guests, the dress code is typically dictated by the couple and can range from black-tie to casual. It's important to consider the venue and season when choosing an outfit. For example, cocktail attire dress code calls for a balance between formal and casual, with men typically wearing suits and ties, and women opting for knee-length or tea-length dresses.

For women, a little black dress is always a safe option, but you can also experiment with different colours, silhouettes, and fabrics to suit the occasion. Jumpsuits and dressy suits are also appropriate alternatives. As for men, a suit and tie are standard, with the option to go for lighter colours during warmer months or more casual venues.

Wedding Party Attire

The wedding party attire should complement the bridal party and the overall theme of the wedding. The level of formality and colour scheme are important considerations for the bridesmaids and groomsmen's outfits. It's common for the bridal party to have some input on their attire, especially if they are expected to purchase their own outfits.

In conclusion, wedding clothing encompasses a wide range of styles, from the bridal gown to guest and wedding party attire. By considering the venue, season, and level of formality, you can choose outfits that align with the wedding's theme and your personal style.

Venues

The Manor, constructed in 1786, exudes old-world charm with its limestone exterior and meticulously designed interior. The indoor reception area features floor-to-ceiling windows, providing guests with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. For couples dreaming of an outdoor ceremony, the acres of lush land offer multiple options, including the original stone walls and open fields, enhanced by mature trees that add a touch of natural beauty to the celebration.

Stocks Manor is also renowned for its exceptional cuisine and attentive service. The in-house catering team collaborates closely with couples to create a menu that aligns with their palate and event theme, ensuring a delectable experience for both cocktail hour and reception. The venue also offers two guest rooms in the main house, providing a cozy and modern space for the wedding party or guests to relax and unwind.

The dedicated event coordinators at Stocks Manor are committed to making each wedding day memorable. They work closely with couples to personalize every detail, from wedding colors to decor, ensuring that each celebration is unique and reflects the couple's vision. The venue also prioritizes exclusivity, hosting only one wedding per day to guarantee an unforgettable experience.

With its combination of historic elegance, stunning natural surroundings, and impeccable service, Stocks Manor provides the perfect backdrop for a fairy-tale wedding, catering to the dreams of brides and grooms alike.

Gifts

While giving gifts at weddings is not mandatory, it is a thoughtful way to celebrate the couple on their big day. There are many options to choose from when it comes to wedding gifts, and you can decide based on your budget and your relationship with the couple. Here are some ideas for gifts that you can give:

Cash Gifts

Cash gifts are becoming increasingly common and are no longer considered taboo. They are a convenient option, especially if you are unsure about what the couple might need or want. Here are some ways you can give cash gifts:

• Pair your monetary gift with a heartfelt card. Adding a personal note will make your gift more meaningful and show that you care about the couple.
• Send money virtually through digital payment methods such as Zelle, Venmo, or PayPal. This is a convenient option, especially if you plan to give a larger sum of money.
• Give gift cards that the couple can use for specific stores or experiences. This allows them to choose exactly what they want and can be helpful for smaller purchases.
• Distribute funds over time by attaching cash to gifts that the couple can open at different milestones, such as anniversaries.
• Contribute to a specific fund, such as a honeymoon fund, pet fund, or house fund. This way, you can help the couple save up for their dream vacation or a down payment on a new home.

Physical Gifts

If you prefer to give a physical gift, here are some options:

• Use the couple's wedding registry as a guide. This ensures that you get them something they truly want or need, and it saves you the stress of deciding on your own.
• Check their wedding website for clues about their interests and preferences. You can also find out more about their love story, which might spark some unique gift ideas.
• Personalised wall art or a gift card to a local restaurant can be a good option if you want to give something more personal but are unsure what the couple might need.
• Stock shares can be a thoughtful gift that keeps on giving, especially for children, as it can help them get interested in finance and build wealth for the future.

Remember, it is best to send your wedding gift promptly, ideally within three months of the wedding or even before the big day. If you are giving a physical gift, avoid bringing it to the wedding unless there is a table set up for gifts. Instead, have it shipped directly to the couple to avoid causing them any inconvenience.

Photography

Wedding photography is a demanding job that requires photographers to be versatile and play multiple roles. While the main focus is on capturing the happy couple and their guests, photographers also need to document the story, ambiance, and decor of the wedding. This includes taking photos of venues, food, tables, decorations, and other details that complement the event. These detail shots are not only valuable to the couple but can also be sold as stock images to others looking for similar pictures.

Selling stock photos is a great way for wedding photographers to earn passive income. These extra photos, which would otherwise be stored away, can be turned into pieces of art with real monetary value. Online platforms such as Adobe Stock, Shutterstock, and 500px provide opportunities for photographers to upload and sell their work. Adobe Stock, for example, has a convenient plugin that allows users to drag and drop images from Lightroom, making the publishing process simple and efficient.

When selling stock photos, it is important to consider the legality of using images featuring recognisable people or property. Model and property release forms may be required, and it is always best to request permissions beforehand. Additionally, some stock companies might require a signed model release for publication or sale.

Another platform for selling wedding photos online is Etsy, a popular marketplace for crafty and handmade items. Photographers can sell prints and presets on Etsy, reaching millions of active buyers. However, it is important to note that selling on Etsy may require extra marketing and branding efforts to stand out among the high competition.

Overall, selling stock photography can not only provide a financial benefit for wedding photographers but can also help improve their skills by paying more attention to the smaller details and improving their eye for scenes.

Frequently asked questions