Crafting Wedding Parcels: An Indian Tradition

Indian weddings are a grand affair, with multiple events, rituals, and traditions. Packing for an Indian wedding can be a daunting task, especially when you have to consider different outfits, accessories, and toiletries for each event. The key to successful packing lies in careful planning and organisation. This involves making labels for each event, laying out all the options, and packing clothes and accessories accordingly. It is also important to distribute the weight evenly in your suitcase, placing bulkier items at the bottom and working your way up. By following these tips, you can ensure that you have everything you need for each event and make your Indian wedding a memorable and stress-free experience.

Organise items by event and pack separately

Packing for an Indian wedding can be a complex task, especially when you have multiple events to prepare for and pack for. The key to staying organised is to pack by event, keeping each event separate and distinct. This will ensure that you don't forget anything and that you can easily locate specific items when needed. Here are some detailed instructions on how to organise items by event and pack them separately:

Begin by making labels for each event. Common events in an Indian wedding include the Sangeet, Mehendi, Haldi, ceremony, and reception. Create clear and distinct labels for each of these events.

Next, lay out all your clothing options on a flat surface, such as the floor. This will help you visualise your outfits and accessories and ensure you are not duplicating colours or styles. It's a good idea to plan and lay out everything, including clothing, jewellery, shoes, and other accessories, to get a comprehensive view of your options.

Once you have decided on your outfits and accessories for each event, it's time to start packing. Use large plastic bags, such as Ziplock or Hefty 2.5-gallon bags, to pack the items for each event separately. Remove excess air from the bags to flatten them and maximise space in your suitcase. Place the bags at the bottom of your suitcase, with the items you'll need last packed first and the items for the first event on top.

Don't forget to include smaller items such as hair accessories, bangles, bindis, and jewellery. You may also want to pack your shoes separately, especially if they are bulky. Be sure to label each bag clearly to avoid confusion when you reach your destination.

Finally, after each event, repack your items into their respective bags (without the labels) to keep your space organised and to make unpacking easier when you return home.

By following these steps and organising your items by event, you can ensure that you have everything you need for each part of the wedding celebrations and that you remain calm and stress-free during this special time.

Label everything

When preparing for an Indian wedding, it's essential to label everything to stay organized, especially if you're staying in a hotel or travelling abroad. Here are some detailed tips to ensure a stress-free experience:

Label Each Event:

Begin by creating labels for each wedding event. Common events in an Indian wedding include the Sangeet, Mehendi, Haldi, ceremony, and reception. By allocating labels for each occasion, you can systematically plan and pack accordingly. This helps to ensure that you have everything you need for each specific event.

Label Clothing and Accessories:

Indian weddings often involve multiple outfits and accessories, so it's crucial to label and organize them effectively. Place the labels on the floor and lay out all your clothing options. This helps you visualize the different combinations and ensure you're not duplicating colours or styles. Then, start packing the clothes according to each event. Use Ziplock or Hefty 2.5-gallon bags to separate the outfits. Don't forget to include hair accessories, bangles, bindis, jewellery, shoes, and any other necessary items in the corresponding bags. Label each bag clearly to avoid confusion when you reach your destination.

Label and Pack by Event:

Place all the items needed for a particular event into its labelled bag. For example, if you have a "Sangeet" bag, pack your Sangeet outfit, jewellery, and any other specific accessories required for that event. This approach ensures that you don't have to rummage through multiple bags when searching for something specific. It also makes unpacking and repacking a breeze, as you can easily identify which items belong to which event.

Label for Easy Access:

Once you arrive at your destination, you can take the labelled bags out and place them on the side or leave them in your suitcase. The labels will help you quickly identify the contents of each bag, ensuring you can find what you need without creating chaos.

Label for Repacking:

As each event concludes, remember to put things back into their respective labelled bags. This way, when you return home, unpacking becomes effortless. You can simply put the bags away, or if you prefer, transfer the items back into your wardrobe, knowing everything is already sorted.

By diligently labelling everything, you'll stay organized throughout the wedding festivities, allowing you to focus on enjoying the celebrations without the stress of misplacing items or frantically searching through suitcases.

Pack jewellery and accessories

Packing jewellery and accessories for an Indian wedding requires careful planning. Here are some detailed tips to help you with the task:

Make a List

Firstly, it is essential to make a list of all the jewellery and accessories you plan to wear for the various events during an Indian wedding. This could include items like necklaces, earrings, bangles, nose rings, anklets, toe rings, headpieces, belts, and so on. Making a list ensures you don't forget anything and helps you stay organised.

Pack Items Separately for Each Event

Indian weddings often involve multiple events, such as the Sangeet, Ceremony, and Reception. Packing your jewellery and accessories separately for each event can save you time and stress when getting ready. Label each box or bag clearly to avoid any last-minute confusion.

Pack in Advance

It is advisable to pack your jewellery and accessories at least a week in advance. This gives you ample time to purchase or borrow any missing pieces and avoids the panic of last-minute packing.

Care for Your Comfort

Indian weddings often involve energetic dancing and celebrations. Ensure your comfort by packing items like earlobe stickers, extra earring stoppers, and numbing cream to prevent ear pain from heavy earrings. Satin scarves can also be useful for smoothly putting on tight jewellery without damaging your outfit.

Choose Versatile Pieces

Consider packing jewellery sets or individual pieces that can be mixed and matched with multiple outfits. This way, you can create different looks without needing to pack excessive amounts of jewellery. Classic Indian jewellery, such as oxidized jewellery, chandbalis, and golden pieces without specific colour requirements, tend to be versatile and can complement various Indian outfits.

Don't Forget the Essentials

In addition to your jewellery, remember to pack essential accessories like bindis, hair accessories, footwear, clutches or potli bags, safety pins, and hair pins. These items are crucial for completing your look and ensuring your comfort throughout the wedding festivities.

Pack toiletries and cosmetics

Packing toiletries and cosmetics for an Indian wedding can be a daunting task, but with careful planning, you can ensure you have everything you need while also adhering to travel restrictions. Here are some detailed instructions to help you pack like a pro:

Make a List of Essentials

Think about your daily skincare, hair care, and makeup routine, and make a list of the products you use regularly. This will help you ensure you don't forget any necessities. Include items such as:

• Skincare products (moisturizer, serum, toner, etc.)
• Hair care products (shampoo, conditioner, hairspray, etc.)
• Makeup and makeup tools (foundation, concealer, blush, lipstick, eyeliner, brushes, etc.)
• Personal hygiene items (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, etc.)
• Feminine hygiene products
• Medications and first aid supplies

Streamline and Downsize

To save space and avoid overpacking, go through your list and eliminate any items that are not essential for the trip. You can also opt for travel-sized or sample-sized versions of your favourite products, which take up less room and are more likely to comply with airline liquid restrictions. Transfer products to small, travel-sized containers if needed.

Choose Multi-Purpose Products

Look for products that can serve multiple functions. For example, some shampoos can also be used as body wash, and some sunscreens can double as moisturisers. This will help you save space and reduce the number of items you need to pack.

Consider Your Destination

Think about the climate and activities at your destination. For example, if you're attending a wedding in a tropical location, don't forget to pack bug spray, sunscreen, and after-bite solutions. If it's a cold and windy climate, bring extra moisturiser and lip balm. Adapt your skincare and hair care routine to suit the local environment.

Organise and Protect

Invest in a good-quality toiletry bag with compartments to keep your items organised and secure. Place liquid items in plastic bags to contain any spills or leaks. Tape the caps of bottles shut to prevent them from coming loose during transit. If you're bringing fragile items, cushion them with cotton balls or pads to prevent breakage.

Final Tips

• If travelling with companions, consider sharing certain items to save space.
• Avoid placing your toiletries in outer compartments of your luggage, as they are more vulnerable to damage.
• Keep medications and essential items with you in your carry-on bag.
• Remember to pack any tools you may need, such as cotton buds or swabs.

Prepare in advance

Preparing in advance is key to a stress-free wedding experience. Here are some detailed steps to ensure you are ready for your Indian wedding:

First, make labels for each event. This will help you stay organised and ensure you don't forget any important items. Place these labels on the floor and start laying out all your clothing options. This is also a good time to check that you aren't duplicating colours or styles with anyone else in your wedding party.

Next, use large plastic bags to pack your clothes according to the event. You can use Ziplock or Hefty 2/2.5-gallon bags, removing excess air to flatten them and save space. Pack all the items you need for each event, including hair accessories, jewellery, shoes, and any other essentials. Label each bag clearly, so you can easily find what you need when you arrive at your destination.

Distribute the weight evenly in your suitcase by placing the bulkiest items at the bottom. Start with the items you will need last and work your way up. This way, once you arrive, you can easily take out the bags and have everything organised for each event.

Remember to pack any toiletries and personal care items you may need, such as toothpaste, makeup remover, a razor, shaving cream, and any medication. It is also a good idea to pack an umbrella, just in case!

Finally, don't forget about the day after the wedding. Pack an outfit to wear as guests tend to gather in the lobby as they check out. You'll want to look presentable and feel fresh, so pack something comfortable and wrinkle-free.

Frequently asked questions