The house has been busy since morning.
Someone is looking for a matching bangle. Someone else is asking if the gift has been packed. Hair straighteners are still plugged in. The iron is warm. Everyone keeps saying, "We're getting late."
Then your daughter walks into the room, and everything pauses for about five seconds. She gives her dress one quick twirl, looks around at everyone's faces, and asks,
"Can we go now?"
Someone laughs. Someone says, "Just one minute," while reaching for her shoes. She's already thinking about cousins, dancing, and staying up later than is allowed.
Weddings Through Little Eyes
Long before the rituals begin, children have already decided what the best part of the day will be. Finding the cousins they haven't seen in months.
Running across the lawn before anyone tells them to slow down. Waiting impatiently for the music. Quietly wondering if they'll be allowed one more gulab jamun.
The Dress Quickly Stops Mattering
For the first few minutes, you'll smooth her hair, straighten a sleeve, and remind her not to get it dirty before dinner. It rarely lasts.
Soon she's sitting on the floor with younger cousins, running between tables, and asking if it's finally time to dance. By the end of the evening, a ribbon has come loose, her bangles have slipped down her wrists, and she's far too busy having fun to think about what she's wearing. Somehow, that's exactly how a wedding should feel.
Every Wedding Feels a Little Different
One year she hides behind your legs when relatives say hello. Another year she's the one introducing herself to younger cousins.
Then, before you realise it, she's confidently joining every dance, collecting stories from grandparents, and reminding everyone it's time for dessert. Without announcing it, every wedding quietly becomes another chapter of growing up.
Every Wedding Adds Something New
The dress will eventually be folded away. The wedding will come and go.
Before long, there will be another invitation, another celebration, another reason to get everyone ready in a hurry. Childhood has a quiet way of measuring itself through days like these.
FairyFrills is grateful to be part of a few of them.
