When I got engaged, my father gave us a choice to either "take the money and run, or have a wedding." Logically we knew we should do the former, but we were drawn to the idea of bringing our friends and family together in one (big) room. Besides, what Indian girl doesn't dream of being bedecked like a princess, just for a day?

As many Indo-American women know, the selection and quality of Indian fashion in America pale in comparison to what is available in India. Yet, shopping in India is a daunting experience; the concept of customer service is practically non-existent. And one is sure to be either cheated by local merchants for being from America, or by overpriced designers.

This is how Xari Couture went from being just wild imaginings to a plausible business venture. While researching indigenous textiles in India, I simultaneously researched the production of my wedding trousseau. I spent nearly six months designing each outfit for my trousseau, my fiancée, our bridal party (7 bridesmaids and 7 groomsmen), plus our mothers, fathers, and siblings. I also designed my wedding jewelry, invitations, and table decorations. Finally I spent two mad, mad months in production. In total, I produced over forty wedding outfits, thirty costume and chandni jewelry sets to match most of these outfits, three precious jewelry sets (for myself), four hundred engagement invitations, four hundred wedding invitations, three hundred sweets boxes (favors for our guests), and forty table decorations (tablecloth plus centerpiece). After accomplishing that monumental task, I realized I had gained the expertise and confidence to bring Xari Couture to reality.