What to Expect at an Indian Wedding

Question

Will it be safe to attend your wedding in the setting of the COVID-19 pandemic?

Answer

While no social gathering can guarantee individual safety during the pandemic, we would like our wedding to be as safe of a social gathering as possible. We will have several guests who are immunocompromised and/or high risk for severe COVID-19 infection, and for this reason, among others, we require all vaccine-eligible (per CDC guidelines, ages 5 and up) guests to demonstrate proof of vaccination. Please send your proof of vaccination to aksquared2022@gmail.com. If you are unable to get vaccinated due to a severe health condition, you may let us know and we will provide an alternative way to enjoy our wedding. Your safety is our priority.

Question

What should I wear to an Indian wedding ceremony?

Answer

Please feel free to wear whatever you would typically wear to a Western wedding, or you may wear traditional Indian clothes like saris, lehengas, or kurthas.

Question

Is it true that Indian weddings last for several days? What will I be expected to attend?

Answer

A traditional Indian wedding lasts an average of three days. For Anish and Aneesha's wedding, their wedding will last two days. They will have a Phool Muddi, the Konkani flower and ring ceremony, on 5/20 afternoon with only the couple, bridal and groom's parties, and close relatives in attendance. The evening of 5/20, the sangeet takes place which involves an introduction of the couple's families, mingling, a meal, games, and dances or other performances. On 5/21, the main ceremony, cocktail hour and reception take place. You may be invited to the last day of the events, or to any part of the celebration. Your invitation will clearly state what you're being asked to attend.

Question

What can I expect to see at an Indian wedding?

Answer

As India contains a diverse variety of cultures and traditions, each couple's Indian wedding ceremony will have unique components of their family's traditions. For Anish and Aneesha, Anish's family is Telegu, and Aneesha's family is Konkani. We will begin the wedding day with a North Indian tradition, the baraat, or groom's entrance. Anish will arrive to the ceremony on a decorated horse. As guests, you will be invited to dance around him to the beat of a dhol, an Indian drum. After that, the groom and his family will proceed to the ceremonial canopy, or mandap.

Question

What wedding ceremony will I see at Aneesha and Anish's wedding?

Answer

For the ceremony, they will have an Arya Samaj wedding. This is based on traditional Vedic rituals in Hinduism and is often used when couples, like Anish and Aneesha, come from different cultural groups within Hinduism. The ceremony will begin underneath the mandap (canopy) with the Pandit (priest) explaining the holy Vedic hymns. You will receive a program at the wedding which outlines the steps of the ceremony.

Question

What will the reception be like?

Answer

It's a fun party! There will be a mixture of Indian and Western music - so please bring your best dancing shoes!

Question

I'm kind of picky when it comes to food. Will there be anything for me to eat at an Indian wedding reception?

Answer

Two of the most common misconceptions about Indian food are that it's all spicy and it's all vegetarian. In reality, we will have a variety of foods from Northern and Southern India. Some of the foods will include naan (a flat bread), curries (both vegetarian and non-vegetarian), samosas (savory pastries with spiced meats or vegetables), pakoras (fritters), and a plentiful dessert display with cakes, kulfi (Indian ice cream), and Indian sweets with ghee (butter) base. All food will be buffet-style, so you can pick and choose what you would like to eat.

Question

Should I bring a gift?

Answer

Gifts are preferred as blessings for the newlyweds, but if you feel compelled to give a gift, please consider donating to a fund for their honeymoon.