Reader query: Rukhwat ideas for a Maharashtrian Wedding

Anybody who has attended a Maharashtrian wedding must have seen a table full of decorative items and some food items near the stage. It is commonly known as "Rukhwat". The bride's family (mostly ladies), put in a lot of effort to make that small table as innovative as they can. In this post I shall tell you how you can make your table stand out from the rest of the weddings.

Take a look at how my Rukhwat looked like:

Things to remember:

Dress rehearsal: Have a dress rehearsal of how you want the table to be arranged. The bride on her wedding day doesn't have the time to even glance at how the rukhwat is displayed until the wedding is over. So make sure your ideas are suitably conveyed to the one who is in charge of the table. Me and my mom handpicked stuff for the rukhwat but did not have a dress rehearsal. I am not complaining coz my bua and maasi did a wonderful job on it, but they included a few things which weren't supposed to be on the table.

Brides who won't be shifting to their in laws place are bound to buy expensive glassware, crockery, serve ware. Why not make your rukhwat all glamorous by including all this? Those who are shifting with in laws can make your MIL happy (Women can never have enough crockery!)

Do not clutter the table. Keep it simple and sweet. (Mine looked messy coz of unwanted items included). You can only display 2 pcs of the whole set to save some space. Makes it easier to pack after the wedding.

Decorative Sweets in Rukhwat: Pl keep it as minimal as possible. First of all, I have never seen anybody appreciating it a lot unless it way too hatke. It won't matter if the ladoos are a little smaller in size. Just make sure they are very tasty. At least the brides in laws will appreciate when they have it the next day. You can play with the shapes of sweets like you can make a star shaped karanji.

I strictly told my mom that I do not want a single thing which I won't be using after I am married. I am sure most of the Maharashtrian brides went through the trouble of storing the rukhwat items. Initially, you do not throw it away coz your sentiments are attached to it. But after a few years, you do end up scraping it! I gifted some of my sisters glass paintings, hand painted vases with origami flowers - all handmade BTW! They had to scrap it all coz it does not go with the decor of the house. Why waste time, money and energy in things which will end up as a waste eventually?

To give a traditional look to the rukhwat, include the saptapadi, and the green bangle card. I have seen stores in Dadar west who sell a lot of such items. Buy just buy 1 or 2 things from there which signifies the essence of marriage. Or else your Rukhwat will become similar to the ten thousand rukhwats in town.

As you won't do Rukhwat shopping in a day, try to visualize how your table will look as a whole as and when you shop.

This is all you can include in your Rukhwat apart from the regular stuff:

1.       Crystal glassware/serve ware

2.       Exotic planters: Buy 2 identical and keep each one at one corner to give a definition to the table.

3.       Vases: Amazing variety online or in stores like @Home

4.       Photo frames (with pictures of the bride and grooms family): This will add a lovely personal touch to your wedding. Plus, it will be fun for the distant relatives to see the bride/groom in a different non weddingy avatar.

5.       Cook books: I kept a Sanjeev Kapoor's "No Oil cooking" book which I use a lot post marriage.

6.       Art Paintings: I planned to make one but dint find time.  Refer modern art videos on YouTube and make one yourself.

7.       Candles/Candle stands

8.       Table mats

9.       Wall Clock: I bought one from homestop which said "Family is what happens when two people fall in love" I found it so apt for the Rukhwat.

10.   Small fancy cushions: Will add up that gorgeous colour!

11.   Ganesh statue: I used a wall piece which my friends gifted on our engagement.

12.   Jewellry box/ Bangle stand

13.   You can make something like "Bath and Body works" hamper.

14.   Coffee Mugs (Saying "Bride" and "Groom" or their Names)

15.   A heart touching poem

Rukhwat Inspiration: Cookbooks, Candles, Table mats

Rukhwat Inspiration: Wall Clocks, Vases, Bath and body works hamper

Rukhwat Inspiration: Art paintings, Exotic planters, Poem

Rukhwat Inspiration: Jewellery Box, Ganesh Statue, Bangle stand, Glassware

In case you wanted to know more on traditional Rukhwat - This is my recommended post!
This post is dedicated to Vrushali who requested a post on "Rukhwat". All the best for your wedding :)