If you have received an invitation to attend an Indian wedding, and haven’t been to one before, you might wonder what to expect. You might be curious about what to wear, what to bring or even what the celebration will be like. While every Indian wedding is unique, you can count on a few common elements: a fun atmosphere, rich cultural traditions, delicious food, vibrant color, and lively music. To help you prepare, here are some essential tips on what to expect when attending an Indian wedding.

1. A Celebration that Lasts

Indian weddings can last up to a week, depending on the pre-ceremony rituals, which include the haldi, sangeet, and mehndi ceremonies. In the haldi ceremony, turmeric paste is applied to both the bride and groom. This ritual symbolizes purification, protection, and good luck and enhances their glow for the big day. 

The sangeet is a lively night filled with dancing, where the bride and groom’s families and friends come together to celebration.

Finally, the mehndi ceremony is a fun and creative evening where guests can get their mehndi (henna) designs. The bride, however, is adorned with intricate designs on her arms, often extending to the wrists or all the way to her elbows. Her feet are also decorated, sometimes extending up to their calves.

Photo by Love and Light Wedding Planning

Mehndi by Henna Rubina

These vibrant pre-functions culminate in the main wedding ceremony, which can last for several hours. Make sure to rest up and get ready to celebrate when the big week arrives!

Photo by Love and Light Wedding Planning

Decor by Weddings by EPIC

2. Hindu Wedding Ceremonies

Hindu wedding ceremonies, as mentioned earlier, can last for several hours. It’s important to stay hydrated and wear something comfortable. The ceremony is broken down into multiple parts. Here are some key events that typically take place during the ceremony.

The baraat kicks off the celebration, where the groom’s side dances their way to the ceremony site. Traditionally, the groom arrives on a horse, but nowadays, luxury cars and other modes of transportation have become increasingly popular.

Photo by Charmie Modi Photo

Next is the milni, where the bride’s side greets the groom. This is when the first culturally significant rituals begin. The groom then heads to the mandap (the wedding altar), leaving his shoes behind. A playful game ensues where the groom’s side hides the shoes and the bride’s side tries to steal them. If the bride’s side succeeds, the groom must pay a fee to get his shoes back.

Varmala follows, which is the exchanging of garlands between the bride and groom. Often, this is the first time the couple sees each other. The exchange of garlands symbolizes love, respect, and commitment.

The saptapadi is the heart of the Hindu wedding vows. The couple takes seven steps (sapta= seven, padi= steps) around the sacred fire. The couple takes pheres in which the groom leads the first four steps and the bride leads the last three steps. Together, they promise to care for, love, and support each other, committing to a harmonious life.

Finally, the vidaai marks the bride’s departure from her family to begin a new life with her husband. The bride throws puffed rice over her shoulder as a gesture of good fortune to her family. She is then escorted by her brothers or male cousins to her new husband, while her relatives throw coins in her wake as a symbol of prosperity.

Keep in mind that Hindu wedding ceremonies can vary from family to family and region to region, but they all share the same deep cultural significance and can be long with many moving parts.

Photo by BeStudios

3. Dressing the Part

Check the dress code on the invitation, as it will provide helpful guidance. While you may not need to wear traditional Indian attire, I highly recommend embracing the culture if given the opportunity! Choose an outfit that is appropriate for the event, and if you know the bride’s dress color, avoid wearing the same or similar hues. When in doubt, it’s best to err on the conservative side and avoid showing too much leg or cleavage. Focus on the overall look of your outfit, including jewelry, colors, and patterns. For most events, formal attire is expected unless otherwise specified.

It’s also important to note that the bride traditionally wears red and gold, symbolizing fertility and commitment. While modern brides may choose pastels, bold hues, or classic white, guests should avoid wearing red to respect the bride’s special day.

4. A Feast for the Senses

Get ready to enjoy an abundance of delicious food! Each event features a variety of options, from appetizers and entrees to snacks and desserts. I recommend trying a little bit of everything and going back for more of what you love.

Some dishes can be quite spicy, so if you’re not used to spice, proceed with caution. If you have allergies, there are usually good vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available. However, it’s always a good idea to be cautious with nuts. If you have a severe allergy, check with the caterers or wedding planner to ensure your safety.

Photo by Love and Light Wedding Planning

Catering by Peri Peri Grill

5. Alcohol at Indian Weddings

Traditionally alcohol is not served during a Hindu wedding. However, in modern times, exceptions are often made during the sangeet and/or reception. Whether alcohol is served typically depends on the venue and the family’s religious beliefs.

6. The Custom of Giving

Gifts are always appreciated at a Hindu wedding. Traditionally, non-boxed gifts are preferred, as the guest count at South Asian weddings can be in the high hundreds and even hit a thousand. Boxed gifts are difficult to manage, while cash or checks are easier to lock in one box.

It is also important to note that traditionally, ending an amount with a zero is considered bad luck. To bring good fortune to the couple, guests often end the amount with a $1. For example, if you’re giving a $100 check, consider writing $101 to include a lucky $1.

Attending an Indian wedding is a memorable experience that offers a glimpse into a rich cultural heritage. You’ll witness a vibrant mix of traditions, rituals, and celebrations that are full of life. From the visually stunning colors to the mouthwatering food, there is an infectious energy throughout the events. Indian weddings never have a dull moment. They are a beautiful celebration of love and life. So, if you have the chance to attend, embrace it! Immerse yourself in the experience and create unforgettable memories.