You’re in for a wonderful event if this is your first time attending an Indian wedding. But it’s likely that you have some concerns about what to anticipate on the big occasion and whatever etiquette or procedure you may be required to follow. Starting from the beautiful Indian Wedding Invitation Designs to grand celebrations, marriages in India have a long history of extravagant traditions.
Sentimental significance permeates every aspect of the activities, from their structure to the rituals that are present at every step.
Will there be a lot of Indian wedding rituals present? Definitely! The fact that the majority of wedding customs and traditions have been handed down through the centuries is one of the most lovely aspects of Indian weddings and Indian culture. Indian weddings frequently include many days of festivities in addition to the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception, sometimes even a third day. Numerous pre-wedding activities are typical in Indian weddings.
Another two probable occasions are the Sangeet and Haldi. The Mehndi ceremony, also known as Mehendi, is one of the most popular. As you get ready to go to your friend’s Indian wedding,
Have a look at the points below to assist first-time attendees in better understanding Indian weddings.
Table of Contents
1. An Event Lasting 3 Days
Typically, Indian weddings run for three days or more. A Hindu event honouring the deity Ganesha called a “Ganesha Pooja” is often held on the first day. It usually occurs at a residence with close relatives and friends. The mehndi ceremony, also known as the sangeet, takes place on the second day and involves the bride and her guests decorating their hands and feet with elaborate henna designs. This is accompanied by dancing and supper. The wedding ceremony takes place in the morning on the third day, and the reception party is held in the evening.
2. Beautiful Locations of The Ceremony
Indian wedding ceremonies are often performed at luxury banquet halls or Hindu temples. The event will take place in a mandap, a decorated, four-pillared structure that resembles a gazebo. The first few rows of chairs will often be set aside for family members and the wedding party so that you may watch the ceremony from right in front of the mandap.
3. The Holy Fire Ceremony
The Agni, a sacred fire, is lit by the priest. Seven passes around the fire are often taken by the couple as a representation of the seven holy vows they have exchanged. Be sure to feed up and stay hydrated before choosing your seat since the ceremony can run ranging from 1 to 4 hours.
4. Not Just A Ring
The bride often receives a strip of red powder (Sindoor) placed on the portion of her hair as well as a black and golden necklace known as the mangal sutra to symbolize the newlywed pair instead of only the traditional ring. These two things stand for a couple’s love for one another.
5. Vibrant Indian Attire
The more colourful the dress, the better since Indian wedding styles are everything from modest. The majority of female guests arrive at weddings dressed in vibrant lehengas, saris, and Indian suits with sparkling jewellery. Wear a colourful dress or shawl if you don’t possess any Indian attire.
Red is the colour generally worn by the bride, so stay away from wearing it, as well as black or white, which sometimes have negative associations in Indian culture.
6. Delicious Food Everywhere
If you’re going to an Indian wedding, be ready to let your strings loose. You may want to take it slow since the multi-day event will have a ton of cocktail hours, snack stations, dinner buffets, and dessert settings. We advise you to try a little bit of everything.
7. Several Participants
An Indian wedding will have a huge guest list, making it simple to get overwhelmed. When making his entry during the ceremony, the groom can be atop an elephant or a horse. Simply unwind, enjoy yourself to the fullest, and be surrounded by a ton of lively visitors.
8. Presents
Many times, couples may ask for no packaged presents. So it’s appreciated if you can provide money or gift cards. Since odd numbers that finish in one are lucky in Indian tradition, increase the sum by $1.
9. The Occasion
The couple’s family members will host a huge reception party after the wedding so that everyone can finally be set free. A reception program that includes speeches, songs, dances, and skits performed by loved ones for the newlyweds is a component of the celebration. A sizable buffet supper and a dancing party will follow the performance. You’ll need to wear your best stylish but comfortable dance shoes.
Also read: Prepare Efficiently for The Wedding Day: Tips for Bride to Be
