They Say “ Marriages are made in heaven but so is thunder and
lightning” – Clint Eastwood.
Marriages have been such extravagant affairs that it has been a prestige issue . This sometimes puts a lot of burden on parents who have to take hefty loans just to make it a grand affair. I have notice during Covid times so many people suffered losing their jobs even some working on ships and abroad, making it difficult to pay even their loans. It is always wise to plan your budget .
First of all never rush into a marriage unless you are sure that the person is right for you. Understanding , caring & mainly adjusting to each other’s needs is very important in a happy married life.
But that does not mean you have to face domestic violence or marital rape. Self respect and giving space to each other, sharing your worries, household responsibities if possible is utmost important.
Marriages have started to be such costly affairs. People normally go to wedding planners who get hefty commission on each and everything , be it car to hall decorations. Giving you packages in lakhs of rupees and who sometimes normally distribute their work to others.
Gone are the days when a wedding or party was planned, all our friends, neighbors used to come to help in cooking . Such a festive mood . Today even a simple sandwich is ordered outside. When you can always order some sandwich bread and apply chutney or beef as per requirement. Croquettes can always be made at home. Forminhas cups and chicken bread, pattis, wedding cake can be ordered from some reputed bakers.
Majority of the caterers don’t have permanent cooks or assistants. They are usually paid per day. Even waiters are not permanent, they are called and paid per day. They are very professional and can set up your buffet table as per your wish.
Buffet tables, cooking utensil(Handi), Cutlery, Crockery etc. can always be hired from persons hiring these type of things.
Avoid wasting fruits by carving on them. Instead you can display them on the buffet tables and using fresh or artificial flowers on tables. Ice carving can also be done by professional ice carvers.
Some dishes taste good if made one or two days in advance for example sorpatel, Chicken Xacuti etc. Desserts can also be prepared in advance and stored in proper freezing condition.
But proper hygiene is very important so food does not get spoiled.
Pullao, Fried Rice, Chow Chow must always be done on the same day by keeping all ingredients ready the previous day.
Always follow the cooks’ advice. Our old people specially grand mothers , mothers are such fantastic cooks , get them also involved. Proper transport is utmost important. It is a team work. Time management and a responsible manpower. Keep a family supervisor who can supervise the happenings in the cooking place.
Keeping a patient and cool mind is important. Never loose your patience with the workers as this creates a bad environment during the wedding. Always give your opinion in a polite way and ask their views. Remember we are not always right. It takes a team work . Even our Space mission Chandrayan 3 could not have been successful without teamwork.
We cook such fantastic food at home but when it comes to cooking in bulk ,we don’t have the confidence. Getting the right people, even giving a chance to some budding cooks from catering colleges can make a lot of difference. You can always give 2 or 3 items to be cooked in a restaurant if you want to save some time.
Also print your wedding cards as per requirement. Do the planning with the couple sitting together and then discuss with family whom to invite. Just printing 700 cards and cooking for 500 people may cause lots of embarrassment if every body drops in.
Remember also to start the buffet or dinner plate at an appropriate good time as there are kids and some people have to have their food a bit early due to health issues.
If you have the space and find right persons to cook, you’ll be really surprised how much money is saved.
By Domnic Cardozo(Ward 7)