Bengali weddings are the perfect amalgamation of culture, traditions, and modernity. Much like the weddings that take place in different parts of India, Bengali weddings, too, have a unique flavour of their own. The best way to capture these distinct moments is through creative Bengali wedding photography.
Whether you’re looking for traditional pictures or candid moments, EventsMonial is here to recommend the best Bengali wedding photographer in Kolkata. Keep reading to discover the best Bengali wedding photography packages and more.
What Makes Bengali Wedding Photography Unique?
Capturing the nuances of a Bengali wedding is a delight for any wedding photographer. This is because Bengali wedding photography includes so much more than the rituals that take place on the day of the wedding.
Traditional Bengali weddings have some unique pre-wedding rituals, too, that deserve to be framed, such as:
- Aashirbaad: Aashirbaad can be thought of as the Bengali version of an engagement ceremony. It can either take place in the presence of both the bride and the groom, or on different days in the respective homes of the two families. Elders usually bless the couple with husked rice (dhaan), trefoil leaves (durba), jewellery, and clothes.
- Aiburobhaat: Aiburobhaat refers to the last meal of the groom or bride-to-be before they begin their married life. Surrounded by friends and family members, the bride and groom are served lavish meals consisting of staple Bengali dishes, such as rice, dal, fried items, meat or fish, and sweets. It’s the perfect opportunity for your Bengali wedding photographer in Kolkata to take candid shots.
- Sankha-Pola Ceremony: Sankha is a traditional white conch shell bangle, and pola is a red coral bangle. The sankha-pola ceremony usually takes place after gaye holud, during which the bride-to-be has these bangles put on her, usually by another married female member of the family. These bangles signify purity, marital harmony, and prosperity.
The best Bengali wedding photographers in Kolkata are aware of just how sacred this ceremony is and keep their cameras ready while the bride is being adorned with these bangles.
Bengali Wedding Rituals Every Photographer Should Capture
Bengali weddings have a plethora of ceremonies that deserve to make it to your wedding photo album. When you approach a Bengali wedding photographer in Kolkata, make sure they capture these integral rituals:
Gaye Holud
Gaye holud is the equivalent of ‘haldi’ in Bengali weddings, with the words literally translating to ‘turmeric on the body’. It typically takes place on the morning of the wedding day or a few days prior.
The families of the bride and the groom can either celebrate it together or separately. Turmeric paste is applied on the bodies of the bride and groom, with the yellow colour symbolising auspiciousness and vitality.
Bor Jatri and Boron
Bor jatri is the groom’s baraat in Bengali weddings. This is when the wedding procession travels to the bride’s home or the wedding venue, accompanied by music and celebrations.
Boron is the groom’s welcoming ceremony, which is commonly done by the mother of the bride. This ritual features an aarti, uludhwani, and a tray filled with auspicious items.
Saat Paak
Saat paak is a memorable ceremony that is a part of every Bengali wedding photography. The bride is usually carried while being seated on a piri (small wooden stool) by the male members of her family. She circles around the groom seven times while covering her face with betel leaves.
Shubho Drishti
Shubho drishti, which means ‘auspicious sight’, is one of the most sacred moments to capture in every Bengali marriage photography. It’s when the bride slowly lowers the betel leaves and the bride and groom look at each other for the first time. This auspicious first glance is accompanied by the sound of ululation and conch shells being blown.
Maala Bodol
The mala bodol ceremony is when the couple exchanges garlands. Think of it as the Bengali version of varmaala. The best Bengali wedding photographers in Kolkata always capture the fun element of this ceremony.
Somprodan
Somprodan is a ritual when a senior member of the bride’s family (usually the father) symbolically passes the responsibility of the bride’s wellbeing to the groom. The bride’s hands are placed on the groom’s hand, tying them together with a sacred thread. Bengali wedding photography captures this moment while mantras are chanted in the background.
Sindoor Daan
Sindoor daan is a traditional ceremony in Bengali weddings when the groom applies sindoor or vermillion to the parting of the bride’s hair. Different things can be used to apply sindoor, such as a ring, coin, or a small cup made of metal or wood. When the vermillion falls on the bride’s nose, it’s the perfect candid moment to photograph.
Bidaay
Bidaay is the farewell ceremony of the bride as she leaves her parents’ home to begin her married life with her husband. Wedding photographers must capture every second of this emotional goodbye.
Bengali Wedding Photography Packages and Pricing in Kolkata
| Name | Package | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Bengal in Frames | Photos, videos, and pre-wedding | Starts from Rs 15,000 (12+ hours of coverage) |
| Creation of Photography | Photos and videos | Starts from Rs 50,000 (5-8 hours of coverage) |
| Sanjoy Mahajan Photography | Photos | Starts from Rs 30,000 |
| Passionate Photography | Photos and videos | Starts from Rs 41,000 (12+ hours of coverage) |
| Fliqaindia | Photos and videos | Starts from Rs 25,000 |
| Wedding Creation | Photos | Starts from Rs 20,000 |
| Nil’s Photography | Photos, videos, and pre-wedding | Starts from Rs 50,000 (12+ hours of coverage) |
| Gupta Photography | Photos | Starts from Rs 15,000 |
| Photogenic Films N Fotoz | Photos | Starts from Rs 50,000 |
| Love & Laughter Studios | Photos | Starts from Rs 15,000 |
Best Bengali Wedding Photographers in Kolkata
If you want the priceless moments of your wedding to be captured professionally, here are some of the best Bengali wedding photographers in Kolkata to check out:
Bengal in Frames
Based in Baruipur, Bengal in Frames is one of the best options for Bengali wedding photography in Kolkata. They indulge in various types of photography and ensure that your love story gets conveyed with precision and authenticity.
Creation of Photography
Specialising in wedding photography, Creation of Photography adds a cinematic touch to your wedding album. Their traditional photos, in particular, are ones to take note of. Based in Barasat, this team of photographers is known for their captivating portraits.
Sanjoy Mahajan Photography
Expect nothing less than magic from Sanjoy Mahajan Photography when it comes to Bengali wedding photography. The artist has the ability to add a vintage and old-world charm to every frame. Based in North Kolkata, this experienced photographer provides an artistic touch to every ceremony.
Swastik Wedding Planner
Do you want your wedding photos to have a soft and dreamy look? If so, then go for Swastik Wedding Planner. Based in South Dumdum, this Bengali marriage photography agency particularly specialises in capturing the intimacy and warmth of a couple’s big day.
Passionate Photography
With Passionate Photography, you can expect dramatic shots, elaborate backgrounds, and eternal wedding photos. Providing a balanced mixture of traditional and candid photographs, these skilled artists are based in Dumdum.
10 Creative Bengali Wedding Photography Ideas
Creative Bengali wedding photography entails capturing the special moments of your wedding day in a playful and distinct manner. If you’re on the lookout for creative ideas for your wedding photos, we’ve got you sorted:
- Pay attention to the different elements of a Bengali wedding. This includes the bride’s mukut, groom’s topor, and the alta on the bride’s hands. Show the contrast between a Bengali bride’s red Benarasi saree and the groom’s white topor (headgear).
- Take pictures while both the bride and groom are getting ready and juxtapose them for the final draft.
- Have the bride playfully sneak a peek from behind the beetle leaves.
- During the saat paak, photograph the reactions of the family members, including the smiles, the adoration, and the anticipation.
- As the bride’s father places her hands on the groom’s during the somprodan ritual, make sure to capture the emotional, wordless exchange between the father and daughter.
- The competitive spirit and banter of the maala bodol must make it to the lens of your wedding photographer.
- Place a mirror or any other reflective surface to photograph the sindoor daan moment that’s priceless to the couple.
- Request the friends of the bride and groom to stand on either side of the couple. While the couple can look into the camera, the friends could be looking at them and cheering them on.
- Suggest some romantic as well as dramatic poses for the married couple and make use of the decoration for this purpose. This could be in front of floral arches, fountains, and so on.
- During the bidaay, photograph the raw emotions and tears of the bride’s family. Also, capture the expressions of the groom’s family.
Traditional vs Candid Bengali Wedding Photography
Both traditional and candid Bengali wedding photography have their own merits. While traditional photos highlight the rituals and grandeur, candid photos immortalise the emotions and banter. We would recommend going for a hybrid package that gives you the best of both worlds.
Whether you’re looking for candid or traditional wedding photos, EventsMonial has several suggestions for the best Bengali wedding photographers in Kolkata. These skilled professionals will ensure that your special day gets captured in the most memorable way possible.
How much does Bengali wedding photography cost in Kolkata?
–The cost of Bengali wedding photography in Kolkata depends on which photographer you choose. The starting price is usually Rs 15,000 and it can go upwards based on what’s included in the package.
What is included in a Bengali wedding photography package?
+Depending on your budget, a Bengali wedding photography package can include different things. While some include just photographs, others include pre-wedding shoots and videos as well.
Should I choose candid or traditional photography?
+Picking between candid and traditional photography is entirely dependent on your preference. Choosing a hybrid package is recommended as it allows you to have an eclectic mixture of wedding photos.
How early should I book a Bengali wedding photographer?
+If you’re having a winter wedding, then we’d suggest booking your Bengali wedding photographer about 9 to 10 months in advance as it’s the peak wedding season. In general, finalising a photographer anywhere between 3 to 6 months is recommended.
