There’s a certain magic to Indian weddings with the colours, the food, the music, the outfits. It’s all so vibrant and extra in the best way. But attending one as a new mom? Yeah… that’s a whole different kind of magic. Still beautiful, still meaningful, just with a side of chaos, baby wipes, missed naps, and figuring out how to survive in a outfit that maybe kinda fits.

This wasn’t just my baby’s first Indian wedding. It was mine too (in a way). My first time showing up postpartum for an indian wedding in a body I’m still trying to understand, trying to find myself again in the glam, the noise, the tradition. And honestly? I was nervous.

Learning to Love This New Skin

The week leading up to it, I felt this weird heaviness in my chest, even though I tried to remain in a positive headspace. I wanted to be excited, I really did… but the idea of dressing up had me excited but also nervous. I had ordered new clothes from India, sent all my measurements so I was feeling hopeful and then, of course, there was a whole shipping disaster I don’t even have the energy to relive lol. Long story short, when the outfits finally showed up, they didn’t fit. They could be saved, but still, I stood there in front of the mirror in full drama mode thinking, so am I just not going?

I went to some local stores (Hello, Payal Business Center) to find some backups, and honestly? That did not help. One salesperson told me my “shoulders were too broad” for a style I liked, like ma’am, do you think I don’t already stare at my PCOS shoulders enough? 😩 Suddenly, I was in full-body spiral. That quiet judgment? The side-eyes? It sticks with you.

I got back in the car, emotional, trying not to cry. My husband looked at me so gently, like he wanted to fight someone (respectfully), and told me my body has been through so much. That none of these people’s opinions mattered. And I knew he was right… but it still stung. I just sat there, wiped my face, and thought, why did I even put myself through this?

Postpartum is tender. Your body doesn’t feel like yours. You’re tired. You’re sensitive. And one fitting room disaster can ruin your entire day. I’ve worked so hard to heal over the last few years, mind, body, soul. I got to a place I never thought I’d get to with PCOS. I got pregnant when I didn’t think I could. I carried life. I gave birth.

Glam as a Form of Healing

And here I am now… trying to honour both the progress and the grief of what’s changed. And you know what actually helped shift things for me? Makeup. Getting ready. Sitting down with a face full of products and no timeline and just… playing. I know it sounds silly, but it brought me back to me. Not just survival mode me, but the version of me who loves glam, who feels powerful. I needed that little moment. And it made all the difference.

My husband was the real MVP. We planned everything around baby’s naps like it was a military operation. As soon as the baby went down, I’d jump into glam mode while he showered, and then we’d tag-team the rest. He got baby dressed while I threw on my outfit, already half-dressed and probably sweating. I had ironed everyone’s clothes in advance and packed the baby bag with backup outfits, snacks, food pouches, headphones, the works. It was a production.

For the event above (the sangeet), I thought I’d get fancy and put in my long hair extensions… immediate regret 😂 I ended up sticking with my long bob for the rest of the week. It felt more like me, it was quick, sleek, and required zero stress.

I looked at myself in the mirror and just paused. I actually said out loud, “Wow… I look good.” Not because I looked like my old self, but because I looked like a woman who’s been through it and still showed up.

Hovering Casually… for No Reason at All 🙃

The Moments I Missed and What I Gained

During the Anand Karaj, I had to step out halfway because I thought baby was getting fussy. I missed a huge part of the ceremony. For a second, I felt sad. But then I remembered this is the new normal. This is motherhood. It’s messy and unpredictable, and sometimes you don’t get to do the things you used to. But we figure it out. And we do it with love. A friend and fellow mom also reminded me of the same thing, and I felt a lot better.

For Any Mama Heading to a Wedding Soon… Start Here

If you made it this far, thank you, I wanted to create a list of some items that helped me get through this week for myself and baby. I’ve also added some links to the specific items I used to my amazon store to make searching easier for you! Shop the links if you wish.

Baby Must-Haves:

• Baby snacks
• Noise-cancelling headphones
• Pacifier
• Backup onesie or comfy outfit to change out of Indian clothes
• Portable fan (trust me)
• Stroller or soft blanket for naps during events
• Baby wipes and if you use a pacifier – pacifier wipes
• Favourite toy or comfort item
• Formula/bottles if needed, or a feeding plan that works for you

My Personal Indian Wedding Survival Kit: Throw essentials in your purse and keep rest in your car!

• Mini Deodorant
• Hand lotion
• Alcohol wipes (lifesavers for quick cleanups)
• Earring backings (because someone’s always goes missing)
• Extra safety pins
• Bobby pins
• Elastic hair ties
• Portable comb or brush
• Blotting sheets or pressed powder
• Lipliner + lip gloss or lipstick
• Travel-size perfume
• Mini sewing kit (if you’re that girl)
• A snack for you because no one wants hangry mom energy 😅
• Phone charger or power bank

I hope this helps some other mama’s out. I’m proud of my little family for adjusting, for showing up, and for finding moments of joy in the middle of the chaos. This week reminded me that I can still do hard things and feel beautiful doing them.

And now here we are, somehow on the flip side, getting ready for another wedding week. The madness never stops, but this time I’m walking in with a little more confidence, a little less panic, and a deeper trust in myself.

If you’re a mama navigating a season of firsts too, I see you. You are doing better than you think! 🫶 Let me know what you thought about this post below or send me a message on Instagram!

With Love,
Gurp