Candid Indian wedding photography is a beautiful way to capture the grand celebration of love, culture, and tradition that defines Indian weddings. Every moment tells a story, from the vibrant colors of the mehndi ceremony to the emotional doli/vidaai. While traditional posed portraits have their place, candid Indian wedding photography has gained immense popularity for its ability to capture raw emotions and unscripted moments.

Why Choose Candid Indian Wedding Photography?

Authentic Emotions

Candid Indian wedding photography preserves the real smiles, tears, and laughter that make Indian weddings unforgettable. Whether it’s the groom’s nervous excitement or the bride’s joyful tears, candid shots capture the true essence of the celebration. A skilled Indian wedding candid photographer ensures that these moments remain timeless.

Natural and Unobtrusive

Unlike posed photography, candid wedding photography in India allows couples and guests to enjoy the festivities without interruptions. Professional photographers blend into the background, capturing genuine interactions and spontaneous expressions without disrupting the flow of events.

Storytelling Through Images

A well-shot candid Indian wedding photography session tells a compelling story. From the moment the bride walks down the aisle to the groom’s reaction, these images create a timeless narrative that posed pictures often lack. Indian wedding candid photography brings out the heartfelt connections and traditions unique to each celebration.

Capturing the Little Details

Indian weddings are full of intricate details — from delicate henna patterns to elaborate floral decorations. Candid Indian wedding photography highlights these small yet significant elements, ensuring that no special moment is overlooked.

Tips for Stunning Candid Wedding Photography

Hire an Experienced Candid Wedding Photographer

Not all photographers specialize in candid Indian wedding photography. Look for a professional who has experience capturing natural wedding moments and understands the cultural nuances of Indian weddings.

Stay Relaxed and Be Yourself

The best Indian wedding candid photography happens when you’re genuinely enjoying the moment. Forget about the camera and immerse yourself in the celebrations.

Use Natural Lighting

Great candid wedding photography in India thrives on natural light. Daytime events, outdoor ceremonies, and soft golden hour lighting enhance the beauty of candid shots.

Trust the Process

Candid Indian wedding photography is unpredictable, and that’s what makes it special. Trust your photographer to capture the best moments without needing to stage them.

Candid Indian wedding photography is more than just a trend — it’s a way to relive your wedding day through authentic and heartfelt moments. If you want your wedding album to be filled with real emotions rather than stiff poses, consider hiring a candid wedding photographer in India who can turn fleeting moments into lifelong memories.

Many of us dream of exchanging our vows outdoors, at one with nature, with the soft glow of the sun on our skin as we gaze lovingly into our significant other’s eyes. However, planning an outdoor wedding requires careful consideration, lest that adoring gaze into your fiancée’s eyes becomes a painful squint as the setting sun blinds you. While you can’t control the elements, these are the things that you can control on your wedding day.

Make Sure You Have a Backup Plan

First and foremost, you absolutely must have a backup plan. Having an outdoor wedding can be extremely stressful, with you and your fiancé obsessively checking the weather forecast in the days leading up to the nuptials. Planning for the worst-case-scenario can help ease some of that worry and give you something to fall back on in the event of rain, wind, or an unexpected hurricane. Keep outdoor tents on hand and, just to be safe, consider having your reception indoors and your ceremony outdoors. That way, if it does rain, you can always quickly move your vows inside.

Plan on Your Guests’ Comfort

Being outdoors can be refreshing and invigorating, but after a couple hours, it can start to take its toll on your guests. If the weather is warm, provide shade and cold drinks to them. If it’s a bit chilly, consider a fire pit or outdoor space heaters to warm them back up. Have your appetizers and drinks match up with the weather. Don’t offer hot drinks if it’s warm out, and conversely, consider serving hot appetizers if you’re planning for an autumn wedding.

Can You Hear Me in the Back?

The acoustics outside can vary greatly, and don’t expect the same quality of sound as you would get from an indoor wedding. The outdoors comes with possible traffic noise, restless wildlife, and wailing babies. Consider renting a sound system with clip-on microphones for you and your future spouse, and set up speakers for those guests in the back. Talk to your DJ, as they may have the equipment that you need and will be happy to help you set it up.

Dealing with the Awkwardness of Bathrooms

Nobody wants to have to shimmy out of ten layers of organza in a small, claustrophobic porta-potty. It would be even worse to do the shameful shimmy while a line of guests starts to form outside the bathroom because you failed to plan on having enough restroom accommodations for all of them. If possible, keep a public restroom nearby for more dignity, but if that’s not a possibility, consider renting oversized porta-potties and make sure you have plenty for each of your guests. Plan on at least two potties per every ten guests, and It’s always better to err on the side of more.

Know Where the Sun Is

Even a mild day can quickly become uncomfortable under the glaring sun, so provide plenty of shade for your guests. Planning your vows for sunset would not only be romantic, it can help keep the harsh sunlight out of everyone’s face. Just be certain to know where the sun is in the sky; you don’t want to set up your guests to watch your vows and first kiss as bride and groom with sunlight hitting them right in the eyes.

When your wedding day comes, the weather may be in your favor, with a cool breeze and a warm (but not too hot!) day. Or, on the other hand, it may feel as though you’re being smote by the wedding powers-that-be with torrential rainfall and gusting wind. Regardless of the weather, at the end of the day, you’ll be married and the weather will be a nonissue – and it just may be a story you look back on with a laugh… twenty years later!

This could be the beginning of it all. Yes, you might be that bride who started a wedding planning binder when you were ten, but the planning is never real until he puts a ring on it—the engagement ring, that is.

More than brides, this post is going to help our grooms-to-be, who are starting to hunt for that perfect ring to pop the question with. Unless you know exactly what your lady wants, don’t go down this path of making this investment without her input; after all she’ll be the one wearing it 24/7.

This new post features HCM Diamonds, a family business run by Pankaj Maniar and his daughter-in-law, Harvinder C. Maniar. Be sure to read their story on their website (http://www.hcmdiamonds.com/our-story/) to see how HCM Diamonds came to be. HCM Diamonds operates with a transparent business model that creates tremendous value for their customers. They bring value by eliminating the many middle layers and working directly with the diamond and jewelry manufacturers. The majority of their pieces are handmade with love and the utmost attention to detail.

Buying an engagement ring can be overwhelming. There are so many factors to consider and the options may seem endless with the different qualities, styles and even metal choices! In addition, buying an engagement ring is a very personal and emotional event which makes it even more critical to find a jeweler you can trust for that perfect engagement ring. HCM Diamonds had put together the following questions for finding that perfect jeweler you can trust for your engagement ring purchase.

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What are the 4C’s and how does the jeweler explain and show the 4C’s and any other important diamond characteristics to you?

A good jeweler should be able to educate and guide you through the 4C’s – Color, Clarity, Cut and Carat. They should be able to make you feel comfortable in determining what characteristics are important to you and help you confidently make your diamond purchase accordingly.

How does the jeweler help you define your budget if you are not already set on one?

Chances are this is your first big diamond purchase and you aren’t sure what money can buy you. This goes hand in hand with the 4C’s education. A good jeweler should guide you through the 4C’s while showing how pricing is affected and help you determine a budget based on what you are looking for in your diamond and engagement ring.

At HCM Diamonds, we pride ourselves in educating our clients and giving them transparent quality and cost information thereby helping them make confident buying choices.

How does the jeweler handle diamond certifications and appraisals?

Ask for third party diamond certifications from accredited gem labs like the Gemological Institute of American (GIA) or the International Gemological Institute (IGI). Assess how your jeweler describes the diamond versus the certificate. The certificate provides diamond details and proves the authenticity of the diamond thereby helping build confidence in both the diamond and your jeweler.

At HCM Diamonds, we always encourage our clients to buy certified diamonds.

Is the jeweler able to guide you on your insurance options?

A good jeweler should offer appraisals that you can take to an insurance provider to make sure your priced possession is insured.

How does the jeweler mark the integrity of the metal used for making the ring?

While all the focus tends to be on the diamond itself, the metal that is used to set the diamond is highly important as well. Your jeweler should be able to guide you through your choices of silver, gold, platinum etc. Make sure your jeweler can show the authenticity of the metal with a stamp verifying the metal.

Is the jeweler able to do custom work or do they only sell pre-made settings?

Maybe you have always known your ring style or you saw something on Pinterest that has now become your dream ring design. If the jeweler does not carry the same setting, it will be very important for you to find out if they are able to custom create the ring for you in the metal of your choice.

At HCM Diamonds, we specialize in custom design work and are able to bring your vision to life.

What are the jeweler’s policies for returns, repairs and any warranties?

Make sure you understand and can comply with the jewelers polices with returns and warranties. It is also important to know if you could return to the same jeweler for any repairs of re-sizing.

What is the usual lead time for any custom work or repairs?

Make sure you have enough time to make the ring before you plan on proposing to the love of your life. It is always good to have the ring in hand with plenty time before the proposal.

What forms of payments does the jeweler accept? Do you need to pay any deposits or pay the cost upfront? Do they allow financing?

Jewelers can vary in their available payment options. Make sure you ask and are comfortable with the payment method and understand any upfront deposits or fees.

Are you able to speak with any previous buyers for references?

If something is still not adding up for you, it is always a good idea to speak with some of the jewelers past clients for reference on their experience with the jeweler. You would know it’s not the right jeweler for you if they hesitate in providing you references.

Can you trust the jeweler?

This is perhaps the most important. You may already have a jeweler that your family has been going to for years and you have already established that trust and relationship. If not, these questions, along with your own instincts, should help you find the right jeweler to create your own lifelong relationship.

Planning a wedding is no easy task as there is a lot to consider and decide. Mangalsutra is a very important piece of a wedding ceremony. The importance extends beyond the wedding as the piece holds emotional value long after the wedding is over.

Think of the mangalsutra like an engagement ring, you have to love it and the jewel should enhance your personality.

In this article, I’ll share the most useful questions you need to ask your jeweler when buying a perfect mangalsutra.

The questions are divided into three categories – design, quality and pricing. They are the most essential aspects you need to consider while looking for a perfect mangalsutra.

Generally, a mangalsutra is bought by the groom’s family. But these days, it’s not uncommon for the groom or his family to include the bride in the mangalsutra selection process. It can be very helpful if the bride gets to decide her mangalsutra as she will be the one wearing it.

DESIGN

Let’s admit it: If it’s not a great design, you’ll not wear it after the wedding day. So, brides and grooms, make sure you ask the questions below so that you get the most beautiful mangalsutra that suits your personality.

Do you make custom mangalsutra or do I have to pick from your collection?

Many possibilities open up for you in terms of design, so even if there is a minor tweak you need for your mangalsutra it may be possible by just asking.

For custom design, what is your design process, timeline and design fee?

You’ll understand the process for getting a custom mangalsutra and learn if you have sufficient time and desire for something very personal to you.

Will my custom mangalsutra be more expensive than an ready-made piece?

Some designer and jewellers charge more if they have to make a custom piece as they have to go through many unique steps that need more time. This ultimately impacts the final price.

But if the jeweler is makes custom mangalsutras all the time there may not be a price difference.

What style of mangalsutra is appropriate for my culture?

It is very important to understand your cultural requirements. The jeweler can educate you on the available mangalsutra options that meet those requirements.

Mangalsutra designs in different Indian cultures is an interesting read on this topic.

What are the different types of chains available?

This answer to this question will give you an idea on chains available (for example, with blacks and without black beads). So if you have to pick a different chain you have that option as well.

What are the common chain length options and what do you recommend?

Typically brides go with 16” chain length, but it depends on the individual. You can have a chain length of 18”, 22” 24” or even 36”.

Does the chain need to have beads for it to be a mangalsutra?

Although mangalsutra is known for its black beads, some brides don’t prefer a black beaded chain as it doesn’t match with their everyday outfits. Instead they prefer a simple, plain chain.

Do we need a pendant?

No, pendant is not mandatory but it is the element that makes the mangalsutra design unique. You can totally just buy a chain and add a pendant of your choice.

What pendants styles do you recommend?

This question allows you to get the jeweler views and will also prompt him/her to show you some of the best pieces in their store.

What are the different metals we can consider?

This will give you an idea of the precious metal options available. Keep in mind dual tone option (white and yellow gold combination) is more versatile and unique.

Do you support a social cause or mission?

Many of us want to support social causes through our purchases. Initiatives such as Diamonds Do Good™ by the Diamond Empowerment Fund develop and empower people in diamond communities worldwide.

Diamonds are mined from the earth with great effort, the rough diamonds are then cut and polished and painstakingly set into fine jewelry. This is a lot of hard and laborious work.

So next time you are ready to purchase mangalsutra, ask your jeweler if they support any social cause. It will make you feel good knowing that some of the profits from your purchase will improve the lives of those in need.

QUALITY

What is the recommended gold carat weight?

The best quality chains are made of 22K (Karat) gold. Softer gold sits properly on your neck. You don’t want your gold chain to be very rigid and look shabby.

Pendants can be made up of 18K or 14K gold if they have diamonds and gemstones in it. You can also have a plain 22K gold pendant.

Tell me more about your diamond quality, namely the 4C’s – Cut, Carat, Clarity and Color

The jewelers response will give you an idea of quality of diamonds they carry.

This isn’t rocket science, so don’t be afraid of the 4C’s.

Look at diamond in a holistic sense.I would recommend natural diamonds with Color: G-H, Clarity: VS and Cut: Excellent with 56-57 facets.

What does the hook of the chain look like?

This is an important question as this is what differentiates between a good mangalsutra and a great mangalsutra.

A hook is something you will touch and feel every time you put on your mangalsutra. So make sure it’s sturdy and well-made.

Do I get extra hooks, so that I can adjust the chain length if needed?

In future you may want a slightly smaller and longer chain length based on your outfit. So don’t want to miss on this feature!

Do the black beads come in different qualities?

There are many types of black beads. The beads vary by size, weight, and how they are made.

Do you have a warranty with the mangalsutra? What if the diamonds come out or it breaks?

If it’s not a well-made mangalsutra, chances are the diamonds may come out or a prong is broken. Also the chain may break if not made carefully or mishandled. So make sure you ask about the warranty on piece you buy.

Do you provide diamond certification?

This may be a very important question for you. But I would like to elaborate further on this one.

Generally speaking, diamond certifications are worth having for diamonds greater than 0.5 carat. Otherwise it might not be worth your money.

Why?

Because a mangalsutra made up of several smaller diamond that are 0.5 carat each. So if there are 10 diamonds, you’re looking to spend $1000+ on just certification. For this reason it doesn’t make sense to have each and every diamond certified.

Typically jeweler will give a detailed invoice that has the specifics of every diamond and gold. That should be a good assurance of the quality of stones.

PRICING

I have a certain budget in mind for mangalsutra. Can I get something within my budget without compromising on the “look and feel”?

Your jeweler should be able to make recommendations that fit your budget needs. There is no need to feel uncomfortable when asking this question or go beyond your allocated budget for your diamond jewelry. For example, a colorless diamond such as D,E or F colors can cost twice as must as G or H colored diamonds. To the naked eye, there is virtually no difference. So if you are looking for best value, opt for G or H colored diamonds.

In what price range do your mangalsutra fall in?

Typically a well-made mangalsutra will be start from $1500. But it’s important to know what price point to expect and if it fits within your budget.

Do you guys offer installment payment options?

If you are planning to spread out your wedding expenses, this may be an important question to know before hand.

Do we get a cash or check discount?

Most jewelers realize that fine jewelry can be expensive and when you add sales tax, the cost adds up quickly. If you pay by credit card, the jeweler has to pay fees to the credit card company. To help offset sales tax and credit card fees, jewelers may offer 1% – 2% cash or check discount and pass the savings onto you.

What is your return policy?

Jewelers don’t want you to wear the diamond jewelry for a special occasion and then simply return it. However a good jeweler understands that people want to try out the jewelry and get a feel for it before committing to purchase. Knowing the return policy in advance of your purchase is important because you don’t want to buy something that you are not going to enjoy for the rest of your life. Also in many states such as California, return policies are required per state law.

In Summary

Buying fine jewelry requires you work with a trusted jeweller. Your goal should be to start working with someone you trust or are able to trust.

Now you’re equipped with 23 amazing questions to ask when buying your perfect mangalsutra. Ask clarifying questions if the jewellers response doesn’t make sense to you.

I hope you found these questions helpful as your prepare to talk your jeweler or in the process of buying a mangalsutra online.

But before you leave, I have a great educational (and entertaining) video on How to Choose A Perfect Mangalsutra.

Jinal Sampat
Designer at Sampat Jewellers

Candid Indian Wedding Photography: Capturing Moments, Not Just Poses

Real-World Advice for Couples Planning an Outdoor Wedding

Tips on How To Buy An Engagement Ring

23 Questions To Ask When Buying Your Perfect Mangalsutra