Model-turned-fashion designer Roja Paromita Dey tied the knot with her long-time boyfriend Indraneel Roy in 2020. What was unique about her wedding was the bride played multiple roles at her wedding — from make-up artist to stylist to wedding planning. Over to Roja for the deets of all that went into putting together the wedding...
Roja, can you give us a list of things you did at your own wedding?
Well, my list is very long! Indraneel and I, we did everything ourselves (mostly me! Wink! Wink!). We picked a random date and announced it pretty early so that everyone, even relatives and friends residing abroad, could come. Burdwan Rajbari was our next pick since it fitted perfectly with our idea of a big Bong wedding. Then came food, decor, guest list, shopping… all my favourite things… so I turned into an absolute bridezilla and didn’t allow any interference. Our motto was to have a gala time with all our loved ones under one roof and make it a memorable day.
Looking back, do you think you took on too much?
I did! Way too much. I feel I should have delegated some of the responsibilities to others, but I do have an amazing network of friends who came to my rescue even at the last minute. Imagine I forgot to buy the biyer topor and veil... one call and Sandy (stylist) had the veil and Anupam (Chatterjee, stylist) had the topor.
Roja Paromita Dey
You did lose your mind, right?
Surprisingly, I didn’t! I remember Arpita (Sinha) asking me if I was on some kind of a drug because I was super cool throughout that whole week. In fact, very few know how bad the situation was! I literally had no time for a spa day or even to wash my hair properly. There were 25 people living in my house that week, I was barely getting any sleep, and still I was so chill, probably because I was so happy, like my ma says ‘Jodi hoi shujon tetul patai naw jon’.
What are the dos for girls planning to go your route?
Small or big, make a proper budget. Hire experienced professionals after thorough reviewing. Write down everything, make checklists, put reminders, delegate responsibilities to close friends and family. Double-check your guest list and send the invitations early. Keep the last few days for yourself to declutter your mind and pamper yourself.
Indraneel and I, we did everything ourselves (mostly me! Wink! Wink!). We picked a random date and announced it pretty early so that everyone, even relatives and friends residing abroad, could come. Burdwan Rajbari was our next pick since it fitted perfectly with our idea of a big Bong wedding. Then came food, decor, guest list, shopping… all my favourite things… so I turned into an absolute bridezilla and didn’t allow any interference
And things that you shouldn’t do, if you are your own wedding planner?
Do not take any chances with food, venue, decor, hair and make-up, photographers and videographers, simply get the best professionals. Don’t be overburdened with anything. Remember it’s a special day and the point is to have fun and make memories.
Roja Paromita Dey and Indraneel Roy