Life style
Face-masks making fashion statements in weddings
In Sri Lanka
by Zanita Careem
The novel Coronavirus has ended lives and upended lives, with many cases of Covid-19 being reported around the world each day. Among the considerations people have to face during this pandemic is whether or not to get married, and, if so, how and what to do. For couples who decide to get married- the question is whether they have to cancel their original ceremony plans, and new ones, or are now feeling the time is right, or necessary, for marriage – following the advice of healthcare professionals.
Wearing protective face masks and social distancing have now become commonplace not just in daily life, but during more rare, special occasions like weddings.
The world changed in the span of a few months due to the deadly virus and so have weddings. Couples across the world had to cancel/postpone weddings due to the unexpected pandemic and now with normalcy returning to some extent with strict regulations in place, the weddings are back, not to the extent as before. But the rules of the game have changed and earlier the maximum number of guests, allowed were not be more than 100, but now the number of guests have increased to 300 in Sri Lanka according to some of the Five star hotel officials. So, while the parents of the would-be-brides and grooms, getting busy cutting down or cancelling wedding plans or guest lists, the brides and bridegrooms are picking up their last minutes accessorieslike decorating face masks, a new trend in weddings now.
Are face masks the new wedding accessories? Earlier it was flowers, glitter and glamour. The ‘Sunday Island’ spoke to some of the leading bridal designers, make up artist, they were convinced about the usage of masks for brides to be.
Yes, said Aslam Hussein, a bridal couturiere from Geebees Designer Boutique, known for his unique creations in bridal attire said “I did a pretty bride recently and she wore a beautiful mask to complement her bridal attire.
He said “The face masks are for their own safety,they should not be hesitant to wear the masks. Most of the brides I did during this season, prefer to wear glittering masks with sequins,lace,and other accessories, matching their bridal outfit. Now masks for brides have become a fashion statement said Aslam.
Ramani Fernando, makeup artist and hairstylist, for several years said ” The masks, have become part of their wedding trousseau. The brides are convinced when you tell them to wear the masks, it is for their own safety and potential danger of the virus. With the masks ‘ I always keep the make up of the brides to the minimum and they are happy about it” Weddings, earlier were big and extravagant events, involving a large guests lists and years of planning, but now weddings however are made simple in the era of social distancing and pandemic, she pointed out. She said the glittering masks are beautiful, but this should not be a permanant feature.
Ramzi Rahaman, popular for bridal dressing was happy to dress brides with masks. It is a hindrance to do the make-up but now the brides give in to my request. “I designed a bejewelled mask for a recent bride to match her classic off white silk gown. The bride looked radiant and beautiful. he said. True, shields and masks, are the new wedding accessories, these are the rules and regulations of the Health Ministry. The bridegroom too sported a mask along with his suit. He maintained masks are the new fashion statements. This is the new normal at least for a while, it’s best to best embrace the new change with a smile said Ramzi.
The rules for marriage in 2020 is changing, not only in Sri Lanka but in many countries too. Banning gatherings altogether even with eased restrictions, make dream weddings impossible for some couples.
Some couples to get around the restrictions, the pair decides to bring forward their marriage without a banquet or any large guests. Others, still manage to invite guests, but virtually, without any paraphernalia and the lockdown things have changed these designers.
This is exactly what some of the brides have to say about face masks “We have to follow the health rules and regulations, we respect the authorities and abide by it.”
Talking about weddings in other countries, they have made the face maskscompulsory. In New York, for instance, the governor made it legal for couples to hold online weddings as Covid-19 continued to spread around the world.
For example taking vows in parking lots to holding ceremonies by video conference, couples are finding innovative ways to get married. In UK most weddings have been cancelled or postponed during the height of the pandemic. But still the couples kept the ball rolling with the new trend of wearing the masks and shields. In certain parts of India, the usual throng of wedding guests had been replaced by an audience of mobile phones and tables streaming live wedding ceremonies to distant family and friends. Some wedding and receptions took place via video calls.
The act of getting married was a a big business. In Sri Lanka weddings were grand affairs, each weddings help support a whole variety of photographers, florists and musicians and others. International destination weddings have also stopped at least for a while.
Turkey allowed marriage after several months of banning them, because of the virus, but a protective mask was made obligatory for the brides as well as for the guests.
In Philippines couples married at a mass wedding event in masks but less chic.
For wealthy Sri Lankans’ weddings usually last four days and involve a large gathering. But now, weddings in Lanka are done on a smaller scale.
The ban on weddings in Sri Lanka has been lifted, guests lists have now increased to 300, the law now stated grooms may not kiss the bride – a least not in public quoted Reuters. Greeting each other should be done without any touching said the report.
A wedding of this style will be a new feature – at least for a while,Isn’t it best to embrace this new change, till the pandemic is over, for the benefit of the country at large , asserts these designers and even couples.
Well this is exactly what brides and grooms are following on their D-day, to wear the masks as part of their wedding attire and follow social distance in style.
Institute of Hospitality Sri Lanka
The 32nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the UK-based Institute of Hospitality’s Sri Lanka Chapter was held recently at the Ramada Hotel Colombo,.The event provided an evening of camaraderie , reflection of the past and present achievements,setting new benchmarks for the future
The AGM had the presence of two distinguished guests, the Chief Guest Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, and the Guest of Honour British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Andrew Patrick. Their inspiring speeches were lauded by all hoteliers who were present at the occasion
A special thanks was extended to Robert Richardson, CEO of the Institute of Hospitality UK, along with his team, sponsors, committee members, and all attendees for making the event memorable.
Dr. Harsha Jayasingh, Past President of the Institute of Hospitality (UK) Sri Lanka Chapter, emphasised the Institute’s longstanding history and the strength of its Sri Lankan branch. “The Institute of Hospitality (IH) UK has a history of 86 years, and we are proud to be the Sri Lanka Branch. IH Sri Lanka is much stronger now with many members from all areas of the hospitality industry,” he stated.
Dr. Jayasingh highlighted the significant role of tourism in Sri Lanka’s economy,. He said tourism it is the third-largest source of revenue for the country. “Tourism accounts for about 13.3% of total foreign exchange earnings and employs 450,000 people directly and indirectly. The hospitality industry in this island of pearl holds tremendous potential for economic growth, job creations, and cultural exchange,” he added.
He also pointed out more women should be attracted to the industry and advocated for the use of technology in hospitality sector to attract the younger generation.
The newly appointed Chairman Ramesh Dassanayake spoke about the challenges faced by the industry, including the reluctance of youth to join the sector. . Dassanayake expressed concerns over the migration of staff between hotels and the overall ‘brain drain’ in the sector. ” We must maintain high standards in the hotel We must try to attract tourists to Sri Lanka, we must have with many facilities Hence, hotel schools and other professional institutions involved in skills development mustincrease their intakes,” he pointed out.
Chief Guest Sajith Premadasa emphasised the importance of eco tourism and said “We need to have an environmental policy related to tourism in place,” . .
The 32nd AGM of the Institute of Hospitality UK, Sri Lanka Chapter, was a testament to the strength and potential of Sri Lanka’s hospitality industry. The insights and commitments shared during the event set a new benchmark for the future.(ZC)
Pix by Thushara Attapathu
Life style
He recognizes human identity beyond boundaries of gender, race, nationality and religion.
Visit of Sri Gurudev to Sri Lanka
Humanitarian, spiritual leader and Global Ambassador of Peace Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar (Sri Gurudev) was in Sri Lanka on a three day tour on the invitation of the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka Dinesh Gunewardene. Gurudev who inspired a wave of volunteerism and service to moot one of the largest volunteer-based organisations in the world – The Art of Living – visited the various projects under the aegis of the foundation and launched twelve vocational and technical centers around the island. He was accompanied by thousands of followers from Sri Lanka and around the world.
Gurudev who visited Sri Lanka for the sixth time also had a first day cover launched in honour of his visit. He is a strong proponent of spreading happiness, using the unique Sudarshan Kriya, yoga, meditation and practical wisdom to unite people, empower individuals and transform communities. His programmes provide techniques and tools to live a deeper, more joyous life, while his non-profit organisations recognize the human identity beyond the boundaries of gender, race, nationality and religion.
The Art of Living which has more than 30,000 teachers and over one million volunteers across 180 countries has touched in excess of five hundred million people around the world. CNN called it “Life Changing” and The Washington Post headlined it, “Fresh air to millions”.
In Trincomalee, Gurudev met with war victims and had a heartwarming engagement with the children from the children’s homes run by the Foundation. He also visited the Koneswara Temple in Trincomalee and graced the Kumbhabhishekam at Seetha ecogPnize the human identity beyond the boundaries of gender, race, nationality and religion. Amman temple at Nuwara Eliya. He held discussions with the trustees on the progress of the foundation’s social service projects, while also holding a special event – Ekamuthuwa – attended by a large number of dignitaries and his devotees from around the world.
His time with the Prime Minister was spent discussing the prospects of unity in diversity and uniting Sri Lanka by adding happiness into the formula of living. In addition he had discussions with the Speaker of the Parliament of Sri Lanka Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, prominent business stewards and civil society leaders.
by Zanita Careem
Envison your dream wedding day come to life at the Epitome Hotel, a prestigious city hotel in Kurunegala offering an unrivalled luxury rendors experience for weddings.
The venue is designed to embody opulence and luxury from all quarters for a spectacular wedding in kurunegala,Thier ballroom is the largest banquet facility in Sri Lanka It can be divided into six luxurious pillarless wedding halls on the ground floor and 25pax smaller banquet halls.
It can be easily named as a five star heaven in the heart of the city contributing to a myriad of immense experiences tailored to inspire and delight wedding experiences.
From opulent décor set up to exquisite table decor, lavish food, every detail is meticulously curated to spark your imagination and ignite creativity for a perfect wedding. The previous prestigious wedding shows season one and season two attracted large crowds
were unique events which gave the wedding vendors and potential clients had an opportunity to connect and interact with each other. Beyond being a showcase it was a chance for the wedding vendors to unite and contribute to the vibrancy of the wedding industry. The wedding show covered all area of the bridal industry providing a comprehensive variety of bridal supplies from Sri lanka and became the most popular bridal exhibitions in Kurunegala.This bridal exhibitions allowed brides and grooms to experience first hand the products and services available from suppliers in Sri Lanka
These wedding shows held at The Epitome created a benchmark and gave an opportunity for vendors to create connections to the utmost satisfaction said Harshan Lakshita Executive Director. of the magnificent Hotel
Our wedding shows featured experts and professionals in every field‘ It covered all areas of the bridal industry provided a comprehensive variety of bridal supplies from Sri lanka and became most popular bridal exhibition in this region.We are always open to everyone to join us at our wedding shows in the future. It is an opportunity to discover the incredible talent within our local wedding and bridal vendors to make meaningful relationships and plan thier special day at our breathtaking hotel The Epitome said General Manager Kavinda Caldera
The Epitome Hotel’s bridal show which will be held end of June will buzz with great ideas,advice and inspiration for all those who plan thier dream wedding
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The Hotel Epitome’s Wedding Season 3 will marked excellence, celebration and inspiration for those in the wedding industry. The exhibition halls will resonate with ideas on exquisite bridal wear to decor, florists , photography etc and showshowcase the rich tapestry of talent within the local wedding industry. .
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