Never been to an Indian wedding? Not sure what to expect?<\/p>
You have no idea what you’re in for! \ud83d\ude0d<\/p>
Feeling unsure? Don’t worry, cause this South Asian girl’s bringing you the DL on it all!<\/p>
You’ll learn all about:<\/p>
- the ceremonies & rituals<\/li>
- food & clothing<\/li>
- tips on what to wear & how to behave!<\/li><\/ul>
So… you’ll get to enjoy the festivities without feeling lost or out of place. \ud83d\ude4c<\/p>
Ready to get started?<\/p>
Let’s dive in…<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tWhat to Expect at an Indian Wedding\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t<\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t- Milni & Haldi — Day 1<\/a><\/li>
- Mehndi — Day 2\u00a0<\/a><\/li>
- Ceremony — Day 3\u00a0<\/a><\/li>
- Reception & Sangeet — Day 3<\/a><\/li>
- Bidaai — Day 3<\/a><\/li>
- Commonly Asked Questions<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t1. Milni & Haldi\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t<\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAn Indian wedding is usually a 3-day affair<\/strong>, with each day having its own set of rituals and traditions.<\/p>
The 1st day is typically a meeting between the families<\/strong> of the bride & groom, called the “milni”.<\/p>
The bride’s family welcomes the groom<\/strong> & his family to their home and exchange garlands<\/strong> as a sign of respect.<\/p>
In Hindu weddings, there is also a “haldi” ceremony.<\/strong><\/p>
![\"haldi](\"https:\/\/paradiseweddings.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Webp.net-resizeimage-3-1.jpg\")
<\/p>During the Haldi, the bride & groom are each covered in a paste<\/strong> made of turmeric, sandalwood & rosewater.<\/p>
This is said to bring good luck<\/strong> & ward off evil spirits!<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tWhat should you wear to a Haldi?\t\t\t<\/h4>\n\t\t<\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tIt’s customary to wear modest clothing<\/strong> that covers your shoulders & knees.<\/p>
But if you’re\u00a0close to the family<\/strong>, you may be able to get away with wearing something a little more flashy!<\/p>
![\"indian](\"https:\/\/paradiseweddings.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/amish-thakkar-8vmvtj_w4xq-unsp.jpg\")
<\/p>It’s also important to note that in Indian cultures, white & black<\/strong> are considered to be bad luck.<\/p>
So, you’ll want to avoid wearing these colors<\/strong> to an Indian wedding celebration.<\/p>
Instead, go for bright & festive colors<\/strong> like yellow, orange or pink!<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t2. Mehndi\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t<\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tDay 2 is the “mehndi” ceremony, which is when the bride gets her hands & feet decorated<\/strong> with beautiful henna designs.<\/p>
And the bridal party gets to join in on the fun too!<\/p>
This is usually done by a professional mehndi artist<\/strong> & can take up to several hours.<\/p>
![\"indian](\"https:\/\/paradiseweddings.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Webp.net-resizeimage-2-1.jpg\")
<\/p>The designs are usually very intricate & often include symbols of good luck.<\/strong><\/p>
After the mehndi is complete, the bride’s hands & feet are wrapped in paper or cloth to help the henna set.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tWhat should you wear to a mehndi?\t\t\t<\/h4>\n\t\t<\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSame rule of thumb as day 1: bright colors & traditional clothing<\/strong> goes a long way!<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t3. Ceremony & Sangeet\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t<\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNow it’s time for the wedding!<\/p>
The ceremony usually takes place in the morning<\/strong>\u00a0& is officiated by a priest.<\/p>
During the ceremony, the bride & groom exchange garlands & take 7 sacred rounds<\/strong> together.<\/p>
![\"indian](\"https:\/\/paradiseweddings.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Webp.net-resizeimage-36.jpg\")
<\/p>The ceremony itself is usually quite long<\/strong>, so be prepared to sit for a while!<\/p>
You will also probably want to bring a shawl or scarf,<\/strong> as it can get quite cold in the temple or outdoors.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tWhat should you wear to an Indian wedding?\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t<\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFor women:<\/strong> a saree or lehenga<\/p>
For men:<\/strong> kurta & pajama<\/p>
![\"indian](\"https:\/\/paradiseweddings.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Webp.net-resizeimage-32.jpg\")
<\/p>And if you don’t want to buy different outfits for all 3 days, consider renting<\/strong> them!<\/p>
That way, you can save money<\/strong> & still look great.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t4. Reception & Sangeet\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t<\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAfter the ceremony, you’ll typically get to feast on a traditional Indian buffet.<\/strong><\/p>
And then comes more fun & festivities!<\/strong><\/p>
This is when the Sangeet begins — a dance party where friends & family of the bride & groom perform dances.<\/p>
![\"indian](\"https:\/\/paradiseweddings.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Webp.net-resizeimage-5-1.jpg\")
<\/p>These are pretty theatrical, so be ready to be blown away by Bollywood-style performances<\/strong>!<\/p>
Guests are invited to join in on the dancing after the sequences.\u00a0<\/p>
BTW – receptions usually start around 8 pm & go on until the early hours of the night.<\/strong><\/p>
So be prepared to stay up late & have a lot of fun!<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t5. Bidaai\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t<\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThe night ends with a bidaai, which is an emotional farewell<\/strong> where the bride says goodbye to her family before leaving with her husband.<\/p>
![\"indian](\"https:\/\/paradiseweddings.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Webp.net-resizeimage-8-1.jpg\")
<\/p>Most guests don’t stick around for this as it can be quite sad.\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tCommonly Asked Questions\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t<\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t1. How long is an Indian wedding?\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t<\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAs mentioned above, an Indian wedding usually lasts for 3 days.<\/strong><\/p>
But if you’re only able to attend 1 day, the most important day is the final day.<\/strong><\/p>
![\"indian](\"https:\/\/paradiseweddings.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Webp.net-resizeimage-35.jpg\")
<\/p>This is when the actual wedding ceremony takes place!<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t2. Will I be able to understand what's going on?\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t<\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tIf you don’t speak Hindi or any other Indian language, don’t worry — you’ll still be able to enjoy the wedding!<\/p>
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/paradiseweddings.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Webp.net-resizeimage-4-1.jpg\")
<\/p>There will usually be someone who can translate<\/strong> the proceedings for you & make sure you know what’s going on.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t3. Is there alcohol at Indian weddings?\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t<\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tIf you’re attending a Muslim Indian wedding, there likely won’t be any alcohol.<\/p>
However, Hindu weddings typically serve alcohol & have open bars!<\/p>
![\"open](\"https:\/\/paradiseweddings.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Webp.net-resizeimage-33.jpg\")
<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t4. What kind of food will be served?\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t<\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThere will be a wide variety of food,<\/strong> both vegetarian & non-vegetarian.<\/p>\n
There will also be a lot of it, so come hungry!<\/p>
Don’t forget, you’re also staying at an all-inclusive resorts with different restaurants, room service and (very likely) a 24hr cafe. Plenty of food at your fingertips!<\/p>\n
![\"indian](\"https:\/\/paradiseweddings.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Webp.net-resizeimage-6-1.jpg\")
<\/p>\nAnd don’t forget to try the chaat — a type of Indian street food that is absolutely delicious.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t5. What should I bring as a gift?\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t<\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tIt’s customary to bring a gift<\/strong> for the bride & groom when you attend an Indian wedding.<\/p>
![\"indian](\"https:\/\/paradiseweddings.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Webp.net-resizeimage-7-1.jpg\")
<\/p>The best gifts are usually something that the couple can use in their new home, such as kitchen supplies or linens.<\/strong><\/p>
If you can’t figure out what to get, you can never go wrong with cash<\/strong>!<\/p>
It’s considered good luck<\/strong> to give the newlyweds a monetary gift & it will be very much appreciated.<\/p>
Related posts:<\/h5>
- Mehndi — Day 2\u00a0<\/a><\/li>
- Milni & Haldi — Day 1<\/a><\/li>