Suhaag, Premiere Issue, Summer 2000

Suhaag Magazine is part of the Suhaag Media Group organization, which was established in 1998, and is still the longest running organization dedicated to the Indian and South Asian Diasporas in North America, based in Canada. Suhaag Magazine is published annually. The magazine covers not only bridal and wedding planning but also topics ranging from lifestyle, general fashion, relationship advice, and health tips and trends. The magazine’s premiere issue was released in the summer of 2000, edited by Gautam D. Sharma, and featured a “from the publisher” letter written by him.

Kismet: A South Asian Wedding Affair, 2009

In the 2000s, Indian wedding fashion saw the rise of luxury and glamour. Combining traditional wear with a modern flair, the Saree, Lehenga, and Anarkali styles of wedding attire became more embellished with beadwork and sequins, accompanied with modern, extravagant jewelry. This was evident on the cover for Kismet: A South Asian Wedding Affair, published by Kismet Wedding Show, INC, a Canadian company specializing in wedding fashion showcases. The magazine highlighted the shift towards luxurious and opulent weddings in South Asian culture during the 2000s.

India’s economic liberation in the 90s led to a wealthier middle class, which in turn led to the desire for bigger and more extravagant weddings. Bridal shows and social media influenced trends and depictions of weddings in Bollywood films inspired glamourous fashion and themes, making the multi-day event even grander and more spectacular.  This edition of Kismet is all about fantasy, sharing “Style inspiration for a fairy tale wedding,” the cover complete with a bride in a glittery, purple gown and real-life panther at her feet.

Further exemplifying the luxurious lifestyle, the magazine focuses on celebrity life including stories about Nisha JamVwal, acclaimed international designer, and JoSH, a popular Canadian Bhangra music group. In the 90s and 2000s, celebrity culture had a great influence on life in general, especially with the popularity of lifestyle magazines and social media. Across cultures, celebrity influence on weddings was no exception.

Indian Bride, 2000

Indian Bride Magazine, founded by Ranbir and Rick Johal, was known as “North America’s Hottest Indian Bridal and Fashion Magazine.” Though no longer in circulation, it played a key role in spotlighting South Asian bridal fashion and culture.