If you have always wondered what a traditional Indian wedding entails, there are some different areas that you can learn about to understand what to expect. If you are helping with wedding planning, you need to know things like the best online cake delivery services, where to find the right clothing, and what kind of venues to consider. This guide to a traditional Indian wedding provides a wealth of information to inform your wedding planning.
The Venue
The first thing that you want to understand is what sort of traditional venues weddings are typically held in. For a non-Indian wedding, you pretty much have your choice of all of the venues available in your city, and Indian weddings are not that dissimilar. Indian weddings are often held in hotel ballrooms, but a notable exception is that they may sometimes be held in Hindu temples. However, the venue will be decorated very differently from a nonreligious or wedding from another culture. For example, there is a four-pillared gazebo called a mandap where the ceremony will actually take place. Chairs will be arranged in front of the gazebo for guests to observe the ceremony.
The Ceremony (200)
The ceremony is going to be quite different than what you are normally used to. The first thing to understand is that a traditional Indian wedding doesn’t just last a few hours. In fact, the traditional wedding lasts for three days. The first night of the wedding, a priest will perform a ceremony known as the Ganesh Pooja. This is usually done at home, however, and only the bridal party and immediate family members of the couple will be in attendance.
The second day of the wedding starts with a mehndi ceremony where the bride and family members have henna patterns drawn on their hands and feet. The sangeet is held in the evening, and every guest will be invited to the ceremony. It may involve a meal, dancing, and particularly mingling between the families of the couple. The main ceremony actually happens on the third day. Some weddings, knowing that people may only be able to commit to a single day, invite guests on the third day only to view the actual ceremony.
There are several interesting activities that are part of traditional Indian weddings. The groom’s procession, known as the baraat, will see the groom arriving at the ceremony on a white horse while guests dance around to the beat of an Indian drum. The couple will exchange floral garlands. There are several other unusual ceremonies that will take place as part of this event, and you should ask your friend who is getting married about the significance of these ceremonies and which ones will be performed at the wedding.
The Garb
Your clothing is an important part of a traditional Indian wedding. If you’re a wedding planner, you will likely want to assist with clothing items such as a sari or a lengha. However, for guests who do not have these items, wearing vibrant colors with bold jewelry will help them fit right in. A jewel-toned dress with lots of layers and jewelry that catches the eye can be used to blend in with everyone else. Brighter is always better. You can go online to browse through the clothing worn to see what types of things you should wear.
The Reception
The reception party promises to be a fun-filled and exciting event. It will include folk dancing that is easy to learn, as well as contemporary Western music. The couple’s families are usually the ones who plan the party afterward. It is a major event, featuring speeches, family members singing, skits being performed, and many other exciting activities. You will find plenty of good conversation, fun dancing, interesting activities, and a wide range of entertainment to enjoy. In addition, there is usually a lavish buffet dinner featuring a mix of traditional Indian cuisine and other international dishes.
The Food
Food is an integral part of an Indian wedding ceremony. Most people think that all Indian food is vegetarian, and especially, they are convinced that everything is spicy. That’s actually not true at all. It depends on where the families are from. Even at traditional Indian weddings, food is usually available for those who do not particularly enjoy it. This is true of the ceremonies held within the United States, and the couple has American friends who will be attending the wedding. However, you should try some of the traditional Indian cuisine. It is a rare opportunity to experience a taste of another part of the world.
The Gift
Normally, couples request that boxed gifts not be sent to the wedding, but instead be left at home. If you want to go this route, you can look for an online Diwali gift to ship to the couple’s home. Or you can simply give cash or gift certificates.
The People
You will also meet numerous people, including friends, family members, and others. Typically, hundreds of guests attend traditional Indian weddings, making it easy to get lost in the crowd. However, everyone who attends will be very friendly. If you are the wedding planner, you should have no problem striking up a conversation with the guests. Especially about all the beautiful things you’ve helped the couple plan. You can learn more about them, meet their family members, and have a terrific time.
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