Indian wedding is world famous because it holds the essence of togetherness. You will find all your extended family under one roof. The long lost friends, the persons to whom you have never talked for so long will happily become the part of your wedding functions. The whole wedding is divided into mainly three parts, pre-wedding, wedding, and post-wedding ceremony. Each has its own value and color. Your ‘door ki tai’ and ‘paas ki chachi’ can add flavor with their witty jokes, you have never imagined.
Flowers and fragrances are the striking features of any South Indian wedding.
Pre-wedding functions
The pre-wedding function includes ‘Janna Vasam’, a social function that takes place a day before the wedding in South India. The evening before the wedding, the bridegroom is brought in a flower decorated vehicle from the temple. Later, escorted and welcomed by the bride’s parents at the ‘mandap’. After reaching the marriage hall, there is a bethoral ceremony suggestive of the agreement between both the families.
The Day Of The Wedding
Ganapathi Puja is done to ensure the remover of obstacles is invoked to waive away all impediments for such a favorable function. Navagraha puja is performed to encourage and plead the nine astral planets that rule over man’s destinies. The bride and the groom separately perform Vratham ritual. For the bride, it means the tying of the kappu – the holy thread on her wrists, which is meant to ward off all evil sprits and it symbolizes a kind of protective shield for the bride. For the groom vratham begins with invocations to the Gods Indra, Soma, Chandra and Agni.
Malai Mathal is the ritual where, the bride and groom are lifted to the shoulders of their respective maternal uncles. This ritual signifies the continual sibling support to their mothers. And in that position the couple garland each other thrice for a complete union. In the shastras, the exchange of garlands signifies their unification, as one soul in two bodies. In Oonchal, couple is seated on a swing and rocked forth and back, as the gathered women sing songs to praise the couple. The bride and groom are given a sweet mixture of milk, sugar and bananas to eat. Water and lighted lamps are kept around the swing in order to guard the couple against demons and ghosts.
Pallikai Seeds Sowing is a fertility rite. Pallikais are earthern pots made a day earlier. Pots spread at the base with hariali grass and Bael leaves (vilvam). Nine kinds of presoaked cereals are royally sown in these pots by sumangalis. After the marriage, the sprouted seedlings are unconfined in a river or pool. This ritual signifies the blessing of the eight direction quartered guardian angels (Ashtadikh Paalaks) for a healthy life and children of the couple.
The Main Wedding
Vara Puja is performed when the feet of the bridegroom are washed in milk and wiped off with silk by the bride’s father. The groom is represented as the male principle of Godhead or the brahmachari. The Design of the Mangal Sutra varies from family to family according to the tradition. In Shivite families the design of the tulasi madam is decorated where as others could have the shiva lingam or Goddess Meenakshi represented. As the Mangalsutra is placed on the middle of the bride’s chest, it symbolizes that her man has occupied the whole of her being through her heart. The bride in all ceremonies is represented as the female principle of Godhead or the Shakti.
Kanya Danam is the ritual where the bride is made to sit on her father’s lap and is given away as a gift by him to the bridegroom. A ring made of Darbha of Kusa grass is placed on her head. They hold the Mangalsutra and chant the mantra meaning – “Let this gold multiply your wealth, Let this water purify your married life, And may your prosperity increase. Offer yourself to your husband.”
The bride is then given a propitious ablution. A new sari, exclusive for the occasion, called the red koorai is chosen. She drapes around the sari by the sister of the bridegroom, thus signifying her welcome to the bride. A belt made of reed grass is then tied around the bride’s waist. Thanksgiving vedic hymns are said to the celestial caretakers of her childhood, the deities of Soma, Gandharva and Agni. Having attained nobility, the girl is now free to be given over to her man.
The vedic concept underlying this ritual is metaphorically that in her childhood Soma givers her the coolness of the moon. In the next stage of life the Gandharvas gave her playfulness and beauty. And when she becomes a maiden Agni gave her passions of life. After the father chants some prayers, the bridegroom returns his assurance to the father in law saying three times that he shall remain for ever her companion in joy and sorrow, in this life and life after.
Kankana Dhaarana is when the bride ties a string fastened to a piece of turmeric around the wrist of the bridegroom to bind himself by a religious vow. It is only after tying the kankanam that the groom gets the right to touch the bride.
Mangalya Dharanam is the rite of tying the Mangalsutra or Thali takes place at exactly the pre-determined propitious hour. The bride is seated on a sheaf of grain-layden hay looking eastward while the bridegroom faces westward.
The bridegroom ties the gold Mangalsutra around the neck of the bride. The Nadaswaram is played loud and fast so as to soften any inauspicious sounds at the critical hour. This is called Getti Melam. Sumangali ladies sing fortunate songs. At the same time as the Mangalsutra a turmeric thread is also put around the bride’s neck. To this thread three knots are tied. The bridegroom ties the first one and the groom’s sister to make the bride a part of their family ties the other two knots.
Paani Graharam means holding hands and promises not part from each other even when they grow old. Saptha Padhi holds the bride’s hand the bridegroom walks seven steps around the holy fire with her. This is the most important part of the marriage ceremony. And only when they walk these seven steps together is the marriage complete. With each step they take a new vow. Pala Dhanam is the ritual, where gifts are exchanged between the families of the bride and groom. Pala Dhanam as ordained by the scriptures is thus an action signifying the mutual arrangements between the families, to be based on the principle of equality and respect for each other irrespective of the individual’s economic stature in life.
Pradhana Homam is a vital part of the wedding is the respect paid by the couple to Agni, the God of Fire. The couple goes around the fire, and feed it with ghee and twigs of nine types of holy trees as the sacrificial fuel. The fumes that rise are medicinal, curative and cleansing effects on the bodies of the couple. Agni, the mightiest power in the universe, the sacred purifier, the all-round benefactor is deemed as a witness to the sacred marriage. Treading on the Grindstone is the ritual where, the bridegroom holding the bride’s left toe helps her to tread on a grindstone kept on the right side of a fire. This ritual is emblematic of the solid rock foundation for the union.
Arundhati and Dhruva Star is the rite symbolic of the fact that important virtues are to be emulated throughout marital life. Next the groom shows the bride the star Arundhati as also Dhruva or the pole star. Arundhati is the wife of the Vashishta Maharishi and thus thought to be the ideal wife. Laaja Homam ritual comprises the bride’s own offering into the sacrificial fire. Reflecting the sibling support to her marriage her brother helps her. He gives her a handful of puffed rice grains, which she hands over to the bridegroom, who on her behalf, feeds it to the fire. Through this food offering, the bride seeks a long life for her husband and for circulation of her family. Participation of the bride’s brother indicates the continuation of links between the two families even after marriage. The couple moves around the fire three times. The feeding of puffed rice to the fire is repeated thrice.
Invitees shower saffron on the couple as benediction, this is the ritual of Akshadai i.e. rice grains colored with turmeric. Akshadai Graha Pravesham enters the new home of her in-laws.
The Evening Functions
Nalangu is performed in the evening of the marriage day is the time to relax and play. The newly wed wife calls her husband for play, inviting him by singing a song. Much to the merriment of all the guests and then follows a series of playful games. The bride smearing the groom’s feet with color paste, fanning him, showing him a mirror, breaking papads over each other’s head are few of the games.
These events bring out the qualities of the bride and the groom’s sporting spirit, kindness, co-operative nature thus surfacing the hidden traits for the other to note, thus bringing about better understanding and compatibility. The Night Time Homams are the functions performed on the evening of the wedding. Jayaathi Homam is performed to please and satisfy the Gandharvas and all other deities they believe in. The Gandharvas and other deities are the soft natured celestial beings generally associated with the finer sentiments of life, that are so necessary for a fulfilling married life.
Pravesa Homam is done to sanctify the bride’s entry into the husband’s home. The bride signifying that through her, new lives would be brought forth into this world brings along the sacrificial fire; same as the fact that fire brings forth new fires. Sesha Homam is the ritual of fire oblation with the residual ghee, a little of which is sprinkled on the bride’s head four times. The leftover ghee is considered as the sacred, the whole of which was offered to Agni. ‘Sesha’ means leftover. The idea of sprinkling this residual ghee on the bride’s head denotes strength to be drawn from the four vedas; which is left over from one yuga or era to another.
Thamboola Charvanam is the ritual where, the bride’s brother gives the ceremonial first betel to the couple to chew. Betel leaf is usually posses several aphrodisiacal properties and to be eaten only after marriage. Other gifts are also given to bless the couple with long lives and children. Mangala Arathi is a solution of lime and turmeric powder that is prepared on a plate, circled around before the couple and thrown away to drive away evils. This is also done a number of times during the wedding ceremony. Shanthi is the ritual followed to the consummation of the marriage during the night fixed for an auspicious time for a happy, ever lasting married life that is full of understanding and affection. Two souls are united in a sacred act of fulfillment, to bring forth children as nature’s best creation.
Thus the south Indian marriage rituals are vast and expansive, although each of them has special significance and importance.
Your mother-in-law is saying so many things to you but probably with some hidden meaning. 😉 What to do? How to understand her secret words and thoughts? Handling your mother-in-law is equal to handling the most difficult woman in your life. How can you ignore your whole life seen through the prism of the mother-in-law? Better awake and understand ‘What are the secret thoughts of your mother-in-law’?
PC: Axis
As a daughter-in-law, you want to make your own place in the new house and also in the heart of the family members. If these relations are additions in your life that make it happen for good. In this situation even when the women love each other, they don’t like the interference of each other in their specific zone. Mothers-in-law don’t want to feel excluded of house chores. So in order to avoid the stress of the house shares your part. Talk to each other and manage the things in a better way. As a daughter-in-law, you should address the issue peacefully.
So, what are the secret thoughts of your mother-in-law?
1. You can do it the way you like!
Why are you doing it that way? It definitely means why you are not doing it her way. But how come you can get the nature of that house in just one day. No one understands that trauma of a girl and simply put down the things on the shoulder of the newly-wed daughter-in-law and keep hoping for the excellent from her from the very first day of her wedding life.We agree that you have to take care of certain things but why to behave in a certain way imposed by them? You should adopt what can be adopted but not all the things which will make you unhappy later. This thing can be applied in both ways, one should adopt or ignore certain things to make a better future and relationship.
2.You are the part of our family now!
It is no secret that daughters-in-law have a complicated relationship with their in-laws, especially her mother-in-law. But believe us that both of you are in the same court of fear. One has the fear of new adjustments in her life and other have the fear of losing her best son.
3.Your opinion is important.
Your mother-in-law might have asked you this but what she actually means is you have to balance the things and it’s not only about your solo opinion.
4.Everyone has to make adjustments
If your mother-in-law is saying so, it directly means anyhow you have to adjust with their family. There is no other way out. Actually, this is true, but what we believe is an adjustment is okay if that brings the positive changes otherwise this should not happen.
5.She is never at fault.
Many wives blame their mothers-in-law for their hubbies’ shortcomings. Your mother-in-law will get defensive. This all will get messy and at the end, you and your husband have to deal with your issues.
What things you should avoid when you become a mother-in-law!
1. Ask my son to put me before his wife.Once my son is married, his wife comes first. I am already emotionally preparing myself for this inevitability. I demand to be punched in the face if I dare throw a hissy fit over the fact that my son is putting his wife ahead of me or loves her more than me. He damn well better love her best, as she will be the mother of his children. This is the way of things.
2. Fold my daughter-in-law’s laundry without her permission. I understand there is something sweet and generous about helping without being asked.
3. Mediate my son’s marital disputes. Mothers-in-law don’t get to have the inside scoop on the young marriage. Ew! If you catch me trying to involve myself in my son’s arguments with his wife, give me a stiff uppercut to the jaw.
4. Rearrange my daughter-in-law’s house. Clearly, the coffee mugs should be stored in the cabinet over the coffee maker. Any idiot can see that. But it’s not my kitchen, so I don’t get to decide where the coffee mugs go. If you see me reorganizing my daughter-in-law’s kitchen, or any other room in her house, for the love of all things holy, punch me. Hard.
5. Ask my grandchildren to keep secrets from my son and daughter-in-law. Parents rule. There is no such thing as “grandma privileges,” other than the ones stipulated by the parents, who are in charge. Always. There is no wavering on this rule whatsoever. Please don’t let me piss off my daughter-in-law and lose babysitting rights over a stupid forbidden bag of candy. Stab me with a hot poker first.
6. Buy my daughter-in-law clothes only I would wear. Clothes that are clearly not my daughter-in-law’s style, but I obviously have some creepy secret desire to turn her into me, because if my son loves his wife when she dresses like me, then that must mean he also still loves me. No. Waterboard me if I ever try to pull a crazy stunt like this.
7. Think my son is perfect. Also known as: “Daughter-in-law is always wrong.” This is delusional behavior, so might as well tie me up in a straightjacket.
8. Think my daughter-in-law is perfect. This might be even worse than thinking my son is perfect because it sets the stage for bitter disappointment once the poor daughter-in-law slips up and reveals her humanity. The straightjacket will do fine for this as well.
9. Enter my daughter-in-law’s bedroom without knocking. Lots of mothers-in-law think a light knock on the door is all that is necessary before barging into a bedroom or a bathroom. WRONG.
10. Offer unsolicited advice. Please, please push me down a flight of stairs if I give my daughter-in-law unsolicited advice.
11. Show up unannounced at my daughter-in-law place.
12. Criticize my daughter-in-law’s cooking. This includes surreptitiously dribbling hot sauce on things that don’t ordinarily require hot sauce, like spaghetti, or slyly adding salt and pepper to the soup my daughter-in-law has been slaving over all day. She cooked it how she likes it. She thinks it tastes good. She worked hard on it, and even if she doesn’t admit it, she wants to impress me. If I don’t gag that shit down with a sincere-looking grin on my face, make me walk barefoot across a pile of my grandchild’s Legos.
13. Expect my son to mediate a dispute between my daughter-in-law and myself. Just. No.
14. Behave passive aggressively.
15. Compare me to my daughter-in-law’s parents. Perhaps I believe my son and daughter-in-law prefer spending time with her parents. Maybe they have a higher social status, more money, better education, a bigger house, or healthier family relationships. I should never ever mention these things in front of my children.
PC: Sourav
They are a hundred times more things which can simplify the complicated mother-in-law/daughter-in-law relationship.
- 1. I want the best for both of you.
- 2. You are like my daughter.
- 3. I am so thankful to you.
- 4. Why you are not having breakfast?
- 5. Why are you so late today, any issues?
- 6. Are you not feeling good?
Feel happy from inside, stop expecting much, this tip can work in favor of both of you.
PC: Rajib
A great family combines a wife, husband, kids and grandparents. Your family tree is incomplete without your loving parents. Love them because they have loved you unconditionally. A bit of adjustment is ok, let them understand you and let yourself understand them. Chance should be fair for both of you. Stay together. Share yor thoughts with us below. Keep in touch for more on relationships and marriage.
Article Cover PC: Axis
It started with a casual meeting over a cup of coffee and now both are engaged in a lifetime romance. Exciting na! When you meet someone for the first time that’s not the whole story. That’s just the beginning of your story. What happens next when the “It started with a cup of coffee!” 🙂
PC: Pixonova
It started with a cup of coffee!
From friendship to love to marriage, a relationship takes time to evolve but once you understand its meaning and importance in your life, all other things take a back seat.
Most of us are too busy feeling butterflies or planning outfits or composing text messages in the early days of relationships to consider much else. But there are certain things you should do at the start of every new relationship — things that will help to ensure that the vibe between you and your partner starts on the right foot, and continues in an orderly and fabulous fashion.
A strong, healthy, and long term relationships don’t just happen. They take diligence, awareness and a definite sense of being present in the moment. When all else fails a smart dose of honesty and open-mindedness takes the couple to a long way. When you are getting to know someone for the first time you need to work on it. In a new relationship, a nice pinch of vulnerability does wonders too.
PC:Pixonova
But in the end, whether you take an expert advice or an elder support nothing matter so much. Just follow what your heart wants, that is exactly what will work for you. Just find a suggestion from inside and give it a try. It certainly can’t hurt and it might make your new love life a little more smooth-sailing. Flatpebble wishes you a happy and beautiful journey. Please do write your comments and suggestions in our comment box. We would love to hear from you. All the best!
PC:Pixonova
Article PC: Septive
Why an airbrush makeup is relevant to Weddings?
Blame it on these awesome professional wedding photographers, I tell you! Airbrush makeup technology is the makeup industry’s way of keeping up with the photography technology that’s now available. HD (High Definition) video and photography can now capture details like no other. While earlier, Airbrush makeup was a movie / TV celebrity favorite for shooting, as wedding photographers shoot with such high-quality gear, they are likely to catch little flaws. 
PC: Sourav
Why an airbrush makeup is awesome?
- It looks very even and gives a very natural look in comparison to foundation applied otherwise. You’ll look ‘naturally radiant’ even in your HD photos and videos.
- It looks far from the typical dramatic look. Normally applied makeup usually settles and can appear in pores and wrinkles but not the same with it.
- You get that ‘almost nothing’ light feeling. It’s super light!
- It’s great if you already have good, clear skin and want that added flawlessness in your bridal or party look.
- If you have oily skin, it’s a great option because it’s unlikely to melt away like normal makeup that is applied otherwise. It stays but is not sticky. 🙂
- It’s long lasting makeup idea. It tends to stay put for 12-24 hours in a day.
- It’s more hygienic for your skin because there’s no direct contact with brushes, hands etc.
Why an airbrush makeup is not so awesome?
- If you have more pimples or acne, don’t choose this makeup type. It’s so sheer that it’s not suited for those with acne on their face. Those who would need high coverage foundation to hide their scars, an airbrush makeup is not a good choice for them.
- An airbrush makeup is more expensive than a regular makeup. It’s better to watch on your budget too. Don’t be coaxed into opting for this if it’s out of your budget or if it’s not correct for your skin type.
- It’s important to make sure that it’s actually being done by an airbrush makeup artist or a makeup artist who specializes in an airbrush makeup. Different makeup artists have a different style of work so be careful while you choose or it can go horribly wrong.
- If you have a lot of facial hair or baby hairs, they may still be visible in an airbrush makeup.
- Don’t be taken in by the trend in the city ever. Apply what suits you and your skin.
PC: Sourav
You need to pick what is right for you. If your budget/skin type doesn’t call for airbrush makeup, don’t go for it; You can look just as flawless with regular makeup as well. At the same time, if you are investing in very expensive HD photography and cinematography and have a high budget for your makeup and you have oily, non-acne scarred skin, then it’s worth investing in airbrush makeup.
Looking for some good ones? Check out our curated lot of makeup artists on flatpebble.com. Find your dream makeup artist.
All PC: Chocolate Box Photography
As a girl, it is not even surprising anymore when you open your social media world to find a splatter of gaudy and amazing wedding photographs all over your news feeds. For your wedding, you also want the same! Well, you know it’s a hot trend and everyone from the hip-hop crowd of well-known celebrities to the simple girl-next-door dreams wants to have their entire wedding captured in a cool candid style. But it is not difficult to see the appeal. A candid photography brings out and beautifully encapsulate the rainbow of emotions and feelings that are seen at a wedding. Then, why not break the age-long rules by giving your wedding a ‘candid twist’? Candid photography at a wedding will help you to feel alive with your wedding memories.
Candid photography at a wedding, why?
Breaking the monotony!
See, wedding is a once in a lifetime event for most of us folks here in India and therefore you should store it like any physical memoirs of this occasion of your lifetime, then it should be a thing that you are proud to show off, not embarrassed to look at yourself in future.
Do you want to be left making an excuse when you get old when someone says, “Hey! Let’s get some dust out of those old wedding photographs huh?” You know within a year or so I will walk down the aisle and down the bitter-sweet pill of marriage too, but you should make yourself a few notes when it comes to the kind of photography that will go on at your wedding. You should be able to recognize the quintessential the photos that we are talking about here are the ones without which any Indian wedding album is incomplete.
These photos have evolved over time and are subject to change according to the new fancy poster of a hit romantic Bollywood movie for the season. The photographers go like, “Bhabhiji, bhaiya ke saath woh DDLJ waala pose kijiye na??” and now it might be “Mehndi laga ke rakhna waala pose kijiye na??” Sometimes the couple gets the reference and is quick to obey, but god forbid if they don’t. The photographer will take this as an open invitation to come and manhandle you and your spouse into the required position for their ideal click.
Apart from being made to feel like a mannequin, there are these other typical photos where the photographer unceremoniously captures everyone eating at the delectable buffet line up. Or the ones where the photographer clicks a land space of a morose seated audience, who look like they are paid to be seated.
Paying a close attention to these photography clichés will help you to make mental notes of what not to do at your wedding! There is only one collective solution that you will be able to figure out – Candid Photography at a wedding.
Candid photography at a wedding carries the potential to make your wedding look as good as a fairy tale. Stolen glances among the couple, excitement among the peers on the both bride and groom sides, satisfactory happiness among the elders and pure unadulterated chaos among the troupe of children. These are the perks that don’t end here. The crazy dance numbers by your besties add more to it. 😉
There are much more perks of opting for candid photography than the obvious advantage of having a bunch of photos that will make me look effortlessly royalty (Forever).
Don’t research through millions of ideal poses and stances through the google for your wedding or pre-wedding photo shoots instead jump for a candid photography. There are high chances that most of these you will forget by at the time of the event because come on, let’s face it, as a bride you will have enough on your plate already. Moreover, some of these stances might not actually look as good as you had thought they would.
Candid photography at a wedding saves you of all this distress – all you have to do is be your natural happy-self and enjoy getting hitched to the love of your dreams. Concluding it, we would like to say that there is a reason why candid photography at a wedding is must – Happiness is best captured, not forced out in any case. Loads of love and wishes. Stay connected to us.
Photographing infant is a rewarding yet demanding job especially for amateur photographers. You will feel good after having a possibility to do something spectacular and still you might encounter some challenges which need you to be flexible. You’ve to be ready before the baby photo shoot to make it successful. Allow me to share some fundamental infant portrait photography hints that beginner photographers should know before the baby photo shoot.
If you’re looking forward to successful day of child photo shoot, try to make sure that your subject is in deep sleep before the baby photo shoot. Most children are of course unforeseen and can be pretty irritable sometimes, particularly when around strangers. Getting toddlers familiarized with you is a very challenging that that is subjective to each toddler’s behaviour. Sometimes you just do not have that much of time in your hands. Therefore, placing the infant into sleep is a large benefit to you the photographer before the baby photo shoot.
When it is time for the shoot, the child will most probably get tired and is more than likely get into a bout of deep slumber. Advise parents to make certain the baby is completely fed and has eaten a couple hours before the baby photo shoot. A completely fed infant will most obviously be in a great mood when compared to a hungry infant, who will be very easily irritable. Remind breastfeeding moms to avoid hot or chili dishes. Eating spicy food may affect the quality of milk made by the mother and might even upset the baby’s stomach before the baby photo shoot.
This may impact the sleep and mood of the infant so which causes it to be almost impossible to attain excellent photos since the infant might be irritable and crying all through the session. There’s one thing that most photographers like professional wedding photographers, love to do when doing a child’s photo shoot – that is using different props. It simply enhances the baby’s adorable image and makes him/ her look more adorable. You might have the infant wear perhaps a hat or perhaps a headband or place perhaps a stuffed toy nearby. Make sure that all props to be utilized by the infant are freshly laundered and free of dirt or pointed objects or any other allergens before the baby photo shoot.
Check the cameras to know if all are working well before the baby photo shoot. Have a look also at your components and ensure everything is just working and if not fix them prior to the scheduled shoot. To maintain the child safe all through the photo session, you should get an associate or possess a parent to take the baby. The assistant may catch the infant just in case it rolls over or about to fall. If you are planning for your new born baby’s photo shoot soon than make sure you hire well-experienced professional baby photographers, like those in FlatPebble, to make sure all the above mentioned requirements are met properly.
A baby’s first few days in this world are full of amazement and wonder. For the first few days, the baby is slowly getting acclimatized to its environment. It is in the process of getting used to this new surrounding that it has been pushed out into. The first thing that a baby recognizes and get attached to is the mother.
The baby then slowly begins to comprehend and comes to terms with other things. This phase is a precious one. It lasts only for a few days and it is best advised to capture it in the form of beautiful pictures.
Moreover, as adorable as baby’s are on themselves, their cuteness gets exponentially magnified when they are paired up with interesting photo props. Below is a list of beautiful photo props that can be used to highlight the innocence of the baby in its first picture:
1. Blanket Burrito –
Newly born babies are extremely susceptible to the environmental factors like temperature and humidity. Quits and blankets are used to protect them. However, given how cute babies look when they are cuddled up inside a soft fluffy blanket – I’d say that they make a perfect (not to mention safe) photo prop to opt for when it is your baby’s first picture.
2. Milk Bottle –
Among many of a new born baby’s firsts is learning to drink milk. Apart from breast feeding (which comes to a baby naturally), one of the first skills that a baby acquires is to learn to drink from a milk bottle. Initially they struggle to hold the bottle, trying to adjust it so that it doesn’t wobble. The whole process just redefines the limits if cuteness that you can take in, making it an ideal photo prop.
3. Pet Privilege –
If you have a pet at home who is was as eagerly awaiting the arrival of the baby as you were than this is the perfect gift you can give them. Not to mention it will make for a great picture to go up on your mantle-piece. You just have to take precautions for allergies that new born babies might have due to this choice of a photo prop. Hence make sure the poses are such that the animal is a little distanced from the baby.
4. Sea Creature –
Babies are essentially just out of an environment where they were submerged in water. So the photo props you can use in this picture can be innovative while depicting your baby like a sea animal. You can use a giant sea shell shaped cushion to support your baby or place your baby among rubber sea animals and other ocean related articles (keep in mind to sanitize these).
5. Hammock Joy –
New born babies are asleep 80 percent of the time. There are few things that are cuter than a sleeping new born baby. And babies love to be cradle and rocked to sleep. Build a cozy little hammock in your house with fluffy and colourful sheets to make a beautiful photo prop. Place your baby in it and click away with this photo prop!
All PC: Click Baby
Take photos of your baby that you’ll cherish forever. With these creative baby photo ideas from Flatpebble, you’ll want to get your camera or the photographer into action.
Baby photography can go two ways usually:
One
Where the baby you are photographing is in an extremely amazing mood. Everything you plan turns out to be a success and all photographs you take are in a perfect angle.
Some creative baby photo ideas for you
Two
Where the baby you are photographing is in an extremely irritable mood. Everything you had initially planned to do is not working out due to the frustrated parents who have been continuously trying to calm the baby and every angle you try the baby looks like it is upset with everything.
If you are a professional photographer who has organized numerous baby photo shoots in your career, you will probably be familiar with the harsh reality of how things can go bad when photographing babies. Therefore, to avoid such mishaps the only way to go is to pre-plan the shoot with the parents with loads of new creative baby photo ideas.
Given that the infant’s first portrait session is planned with baby photo ideas and prepared to go, it’s time to think about integrating several props to bump up the cute factor. These photography props for babies range in style out of your essential pleasant and innocent look, to the more sensational future child model pose. We hope that they’ll provide a springboard, if you’ll, to help further and hone your very own artistic vision. 
Angel Wings are among the best props for creative baby photo ideas because everybody knows that babies are nothing but small packages of joy were sent directly from paradise. Accentuate your small cherub’s innocence with some of the feathery angel wings. Experiment with different wing sizes and colors! Attempt creative baby photo ideas with the baby sleeping, sitting up or supported by several soft pillows to make a Sitting among the clouds look.
Sure your baby can be a small little stink weed at times, but he/she really is a small rosebud who is slowly blossoming right before your very eyes. Show off his/her ever increasing beauty with the employment of a sweet out sized flower headpiece. Throw in a grass green carpeting or blanket or transplant infant into his/her very own vessel to a cherished, one of a type shot that’s ideal for any garden loving family. 
From elaborate to typically built, a bench provides the ideal alternative to the age old prop dilemma. For infants, look for a bench those supplies ample supports as it’s likely they’ll be sitting, crawling – even resting – through the session. Keep a watch out for beautiful patterns and materials which will enhance your photo as opposed to overpower it. Baby in the Box is an idea that will never get old. It could look a bit plain in the beginning, but just a simple sturdy box or wooden crate could make for a spectacular new born baby portrait prop.
While coming up with brilliant ideas like this though, make sure you have hired the right photographer will a good background, for example like those in FlatPebble. Make sure that as you are coming up with lovely ideas you are constantly taking advice from your photographer and improvizing accordingly.
All PC:Golden
Throwing a perfect Birthday party for their little ones is every parent’s dream. Right from getting the right paper cups, to hosting a big bunch of kids, with utmost safety and precautions is a task. You also have to ensure that everything is top notch and everyone is having fun. To be honest, it’s a big responsibility, with a lot to handle at once. Let’s start with the things that you need to go through, for throwing a birthday party that leaves happy memories for your child, until the next one of course.
Here are a few things you can look into:
Try understanding the latest fad your kid is into off late. It can be a particular video game, a book’s character, a movie that’s recently hit the market.
- Once you are done determining the theme and budget you’d want for your perfect birthday party, you can start collecting crafts that reflect your theme. This will prevent you from spending too much.
- Kids get to picture themselves as a part of that magical world they fancy so much. For example, you can keep the theme around Harry Potter if your child enjoys it.
- You can later use these as ornamentation for your kid’s room, to keep up the spirit going.
- Among the main things for a car, a racing theme is tires. You can integrate a lot of tires in your seating arrangement. For a Bob the Builder theme, you can get black and gray construction paper and make cool cutouts with them.
- Since kid’s parties are generally daytime affairs, try using colorful graffiti and balloons and cutouts that uplift the mood.
- Preparing a guest list with your child and ensuring that everyone important to them is available is important. You don’t want your kid to feel bummed out for not having their best friend around to celebrate.
- Do ensure you make it clear if the parents of your little guests are invited to stay, especially for the toddlers.
- Next, plan up to the menu thoroughly and smartly. Keep it simple with finger foods they can eat while moving around like fries or nachos or pizzas. This way, you won’t have to worry about sitting them down every time you serve.
- Prepare whatever you can, in advance and deep freeze to avoid keeping the thing for the last minute.
- In case you plan to order food from outside, ensure that you book it well in advance. The cake can be ordered/baked suiting the theme of your party.
- Don’t forget to play around with the decorative candles.
- Keep games and music as per the taste of child. Prepare your playlist at least a week before the party, for being one of the most important things, it can also be neglected pretty easily, during the last minute chaos, and no party likes bad music.
- Games and craft sessions will eep the little ones hyper and happy. They get to showcase their abilities to throw the ball in the bucket or just dance around. It will keep up their enthusiasm.
- Do ensure you get good thoughtful return gifts for the party, for those are the things kids really look forward to.
- While you plan the perfect birthday party, ensure to keep the cameras charged up so that you can capture your child’s fond memories with their friends.
A birthday party sounds fun and all exciting but parents surely find it a little hectic. Arranging for all the decorations, food and on top, all comes the tiny return gifts that kids remain excited about until the end of the party. And wait! It cannot be chocolates. Long gone is the time when using pencil bags and chocolates were considered to be the best return gifts. Return gifts should not only be for the sake of it. The best return gift ideas are always the ones which arouse some amount of curiosity within the kids. Here are some the of the best return gift ideas for your kiddo guests at the birthday party.
- Fun Magnets
As kids, remember how we were fascinated with magnets and irons? Don’t think that kids nowadays will not be thrilled by magnets. If the magnets are fun and quirky, they will not only be excited about it but also will be too eager to put them on their fridges and cupboards.
- Wallets
Colourful and cute wallets will surely interest children. Isn’t it cute when kids take out a ten rupee not or a coin from their pocket? Imagine how happy they would be to finally find a place to store them!
- Coin Banks
Now many of you may think that it is a weird idea to give children piggy banks as return gifts. Childhood is a prime time when kids pick up on things for the rest of their lives. Giving cute piggy banks will not only interest them as an item. It will also give them a push towards understanding what saving feels like.
- Kaleidoscope
Kaleidoscopes can be fun to just laze around with. Thought trains of kids go haywire and this return gift idea will do exactly that. The reflections and patterns in a kaleidoscope are surely going to cheer up the kids after the end of the birthday party!
- Encyclopaedias
Go for this return gift idea if your kid’s friend bunch is mostly bookworms. Encyclopaedias are going to interest them even more than the birthday cake.
- Personalised items
Personalisation makes every other product fun. Children will love products with their names on it, be it a keychain, towel or t-shirt. You can also go for gender specific gifts like pink headgears for girls and blue bowties for boys!
- Drawstring backpacks
Children are generally way too excited about any new thing they receive. If you do not want the return gifts to go to waste the next day itself, go for things that are useful. Now, normal backpacks are not great return gift ideas per se but drawstrings are different.
- Kid Umbrellas
This will make for a crazy gift if your kid’s birthday is during the monsoon season. Bright colours or their favourite cartoon prints on umbrellas can make for a great return gift idea.
- Sippers
No, I’m not talking about the normal black, pink or blue sippers. With new sippers out in the market, the old ones have become boring. Look for the animal ones where the horns or the trumpets shape out in the form of the straw. You can also go for the cartoons themed ones!
- Glow in the dark stars
Glow in the dark will never be out of fashion as one of the best return gift ideas ever. Those little glowing stars and moons in their dark rooms get their imaginations all stirred up. It will definitely be a counted as a cool return gift within the kids.