Our ceremony will take place in a marriage hall outside of the main prayer area. Guests will also have the option to visit the inside of the temple (which we definitely recommend, as the marble carvings inside are really beautiful!). Please note the following rules if you wish to enter the main temple/prayer area: 1) No flash photography in the main prayer area. 2) Dress code for ALL events at the temple: Legs must be covered with long, floor-length dress/skirt/pants. Spaghetti straps and low-cut blouses will not be permitted (but you can always bring a shawl, jacket, or cardigan along with you). The temple is sometimes able to provide shawls to cover the legs, but this is not always guaranteed. 3) No alcohol of any kind will be permitted on the temple premises.
While there is no obligation to purchase a new outfit for our wedding (Western clothing is welcome!), we have had a few people express interest in purchasing traditional Indian attire. Colorful clothing is always welcome at an Indian wedding. Red is usually reserved for the bride. Women generally wear traditional sarees, lehenga cholis (cropped tops with long skirts), or anarkalis (long dresses). Men generally wear sherwanis or kurta-pyjamas (top and pants). Below, we have listed some websites that people have found helpful in the past. If you run in to issues with obtaining your measurements for Indian clothing, there are several helpful videos on YouTube to help with this. Please be mindful that some stores might require measurements in centimeters rather than in inches, so it's always a good idea to clarify. WEBSITES: Utsav Fashion (Women & Men): www.utsavfashion.com Lashkaraa (Women & Men): www.lashkaraa.com Kalki Fashion (Women & Men): www.kalkifashion.com Manyavar (Women & Men): www.manyavar.com Mirraw (Women & Men): www.mirraw.com Indian Wedding Saree (Women & Men): www.indianweddingsaree.com House of Indya (Women): www.houseofindya.com Etsy or Amazon: search "Indian Clothing" or "Indian Attire"
The term "baraat" (seen on your wedding invitation cards) refers to the groom's procession at an Indian wedding. During this portion of the wedding, all members of the groom's family will gather together and accompany the groom to the front steps of the temple, where the bride awaits. The point of the baraat is to celebrate the groom's arrival to the venue. It is a joyous occasion where everyone dances and makes some noise for the man of the hour! There are plenty of videos available on YouTube that will give you a better idea of what to expect (just search "baraat"). Danny's baraat will begin on the morning of the wedding at approximately 9:45 am. Please join us!
Indian weddings are powerful, meaningful events filled with traditions and customs that signify various parts of marriage. These customs not only celebrate the union between bride and groom, but also the union between two families. Some customs are more emotional, such as the Vidaai ceremony at the conclusion of the wedding, which signifies the daughter leaving her parents' home behind to spend her life with her husband. Other traditions are more happy and playful, such as the game of Jutha Chupai, where the bride's family takes the groom's shoes hostage in exchange for a handsome fee. All of these traditions have been passed down through generations and are part of what makes an Indian wedding ceremony unique and beautiful. We have found that this website is very helpful at explaining the basics, and we invite you to explore some of these traditions more! https://www.linandjirsa.com/category/indian-wedding-guide/
Your loving presence and blessings at our wedding are all we wish for. Additionally, having been together for so long, we have amassed everything we could possibly need for our home. As such, we kindly request no boxed gifts. Thank you!
A traditional Gujarati breakfast and lunch will be served at the venue on the day of the wedding. Out of respect for the temple's cultural practices, only vegetarian cuisine will be served. Some Punjabi curry options will also be available. All food will be served buffet style. If you choose to stay at one of our hotel blocks, a complimentary Western breakfast will be available at both hotels in the morning. If you have any specific allergies or food-related questions, please reach out and let us know!
Unfortunately, no specific transportation modes will be set up between the hotel block and our venue. Rental cars, Lyfts, Ubers, or carpooling are all wonderful options to get around! If you are having difficulties arranging transportation, please reach out to the wedding party.
Unfortunately, no pets will be allowed on the temple premises. We kindly ask that you make arrangements for these loved ones to be cared for prior to arriving at the venue. Thank you!