TOE RINGS....SYMBOL OF MARRIAGE

Feet may be one of the extremely coveted parts on a female body, where women spend so much on pedicures and shoes. Silver toe rings may be in fashion these days but it has been in a lot of cultures symbolizing sexual activity and marital status. These toe rings with a pedicure and slick heel can completely change your look from dull to classy.The trend of toe rings basically started from India, where women were supposed to wear it as a symbol of married status called “bichiya” or in other cultures it symbolizes acceptance in to another tribe. Before the patterns on gold or silver toe rings used to be complex, but now they are available in styles that are more elegant and modern for women of these days. Toe rings can be made of any metal but usually women prefer and like silver toe rings as they can go with any outfit. 

Wearing of toe rings is highly practiced in India. It is worn as a symbol of married state by Hindu women and is called bichiya (pronounced: bee-chee-ya) in Hindi, Mettelu in Telugu, Metti in Tamil & kalungura in Kannada. Toe rings, also known as bichwa, are a must for married Hindu woman. Tradition of wearing toe rings carries tremendous social significance for married Hindu women in India.

They are usually made of silver and worn in pairs on the second toe of both feet. Traditionally they are quite ornate, though more contemporary designs are now being developed to cater to the modern bride. Some 'bichiya sets' may have pairs for four of the five toes, excluding the little pinky. 'Bichiyas' may not be made of gold, as gold holds a 'respected' status and may not be worn below the waist. Hindus believe that gold is the metal of the Gods; it symbolizes Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth, and therefore considers it inappropriate to wear gold below the waist.wear gold below the waist.

TROUSSEAU-a bit of this n that....YET EVERYTHING.....

For weddings!!! There are so many preparations that have to be done before the D-day, like booking the venue, arranging for the decorations, selecting the caterer and, most important of all, doing the shopping. While shopping for a wedding, it is the bridal trousseau that takes most of the time and effort.The word 'trousseau' comes from the French word 'trousse' meaning 'little bundle'.It has to comprise of everything that the bride might need, in the months following her marriage. This is because, in the initial days, she might feel awkward asking her husband or in-laws for something. Thus, her parents make sure that she has each and every item, be it of everyday use or just party use, with her. In case you want to explore the wedding trousseau of an Indian bride, the following options might help.


Jewellery
One of the most important parts of a bridal trousseau comprises of the jewellery. Traditionally, yellow gold jewellery, in the form of necklaces, earrings, chains, rings, bangles, anklets, toe rings, armlet and waistbands, was given to the bride. However, these days, people opt for white gold, platinum and diamond jewellery as well. Those who have a low budget prefer giving silver jewellery to their daughter.

Saree
In terms of bridal clothes, sareess surely top the list. The actual type of sari, like Bandhani, Banarasi, Brocade, Kanjeevaram, Kota Silk, Mysore Silk or Paithani, will depend upon the region to which the bride belongs. However, one thing is for sure, the saris will have heavy work done on them, in the form of thread embroidery, zari work, zardozi work, etc, and will be in bright colors.(I, personally would suggest to have one type each like a paitani and a bandhani and so on in your wardrobe.)

Salwar Kameez
In some of the regions of India, especially in the north, salwar kameez also forms a part of the bridal trousseau. Just like sarees, they also have heavy work done on them, which might include gold/silver thread embroidery, zari work, zardozi work or the use of sequins, crystals, lace, etc. The suits will be in bright colors and even the dupatta/chunni will be adorned with work.For newly married anarkali fahion would suit a alot,however for daily wair you can choose simple salwar kameez wid 2 dupattas one heavy net dupatta with border work and one matching.

Shoes/Sandals
An Indian bride, as a part of her trousseau, will also be carrying lots of shoes and sandals with her. Apart from sandals in the usual colors, like white, black, cream, brown, silver and golden, the ones particularly matching her saris or salwar kameez will also be included. In fact, some of the brides carry a separate suitcase, which consists of just their shoes.Its better to have matching shoes for most of your dresses so as to have that perfect look..

Handbags
One of the most important accessories for a woman, handbags form a part of the Indian bridal trousseau as well. Their number as well as quality will depend upon the budget of the bride's parents or the bride herself. While some of them give bags in the universal color, like white, black, brown, silver and golden, other might buy a separate bag for each of the outfits in the trousseau.I personally would prefer less bags and more of matching clutches, as they are easy to carry and yet chic and fashionable.

Cosmetics
Cosmetics form yet another important part of the bridal trousseau in India, just like other countries of the world. The cosmetic kit will comprise of the usual items, like moisturizers, lipsticks, nail paints, eye-shadows, mascara, eye-liners, lip-pencils, blush-on, foundation, creams, and so on. Along with that, in many of the cases, there will be yet another important item - bindi, and ofcourse-kajal.

Linen
It is believed that a bride will have to set up her new home, after getting married. This is why; linen has always formed a part of the Indian bridal trousseau. It will include items like bed sheets, bed covers, blankets, quilts, curtains, table covers, mats, pillow covers, etc. Apart from that, bath linen (towels) will also form a part of the trousseau.

Other Items

Amongst the other items that are included in an Indian wedding trousseau include toiletries (soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, etc), night wear, lingerie, watch, etc. The basic idea behind including all these items is to make sure that the bride does not have to ask anybody in her new home, for something, at least in the initial days after her marriage, after that of course WHY ARE HUSBANDS FOR?????(just kiddin)