FAQs & Desi Weddings 101

Question

By when do I need to RSVP?

Answer

June 19th, 2022. Please click on the RSVP tab in this website to complete your RSVP for each event.

Question

What if I have a dietary restriction?

Answer

Food will be buffet style, so you’ll be able to select your own food. There will be plenty of vegetarian food. However, please let us know your dietary preferences in your RSVP, including if you are vegan, have food allergies, etc., so we can make sure everyone has enough food to eat.

Question

Transportation & Parking at the venues?

Answer

There is free street parking in Hyde Park on the streets near Augustana and the Reynolds Club. If you are driving, please arrive 15 minutes early to make sure you have time to park. Hyde Park should not be too crowded in the summer, as the University of Chicago is mostly not in session. See each event’s page for specific street parking recommendations.

Question

Will I be able to get to downtown Chicago for some sight-seeing?

Answer

From Hyde Park, it is easy to get downtown via public transportation. Here are some options: 1. Metra Train- A super nice, double-decker train that goes straight from Hyde Park to Millennium Park in the Loop. 2. CTA (regular public transportation system, Chicago Transit Authority)- The #6 bus, and a few other bus routes pick up in Hyde Park and drive up Lake Shore Drive to the Loop. 3. It is about a 10 minute uber ride to the Loop.

Question

Why aren’t Alex & Zubair mailing paper invitations?

Answer

It's 2022! We have decided to use email and this website to save some paper and streamline the information in one place. If you need a paper invitation, please send us an email with your address requesting one.

Question

Can I wear a saree / Indian outfit, even if I’m not Indian/ Pakistani?

Answer

ABSOLUTELY! If you are coming to our Mendhi or Pithi, please feel free to fully participate in our shared culture and wear a Saree/Indian clothes. If you want some guidance on where to buy Indian clothes, here's one website (https://www.utsavfashion.com/newarrivals), and feel free to reach out with more questions. If this isn't your cup of tea, we totally get it. Wear what makes you feel comfortable!

Question

Can we take photos of your wedding events?

Answer

Alex loves pictures, and Zubair… well he sometimes lets Alex take photos with him making funny faces and, if she’s lucky, opening his eyes. We will ask for guests to put their photos down during the ceremony. The rest of the time, feel free to take your own photos and videos, post things, capture all the fun you’ll be having… We’ll set up a link on our website for you to share your photos after the wedding, and we will also share our professional photos with you afterward.

Question

What time should I arrive for each event?

Answer

The start times for each day’s events are on this website. Please arrive 15 minutes early to make sure you find street parking and locate the correct room. The Reynolds Club is a big building, and we will have signs directing you, but we want to make sure you don’t miss the big moments!

Question

Desi Weddings 101: I want to be ready for the dancing!

Answer

We will add a link here for a playlist of songs we are likely to play at the Pithi, in case you want to practice your dance moves / familiarize yourself with the songs. Check back later!

Question

What is a Mehndi like?

Answer

This event will be the most casual of the three. There is no formal ceremony or program. We will be hanging out, eating dinner, and having mehndi (henna) applied. If you want to get mehndi on one or both of your hands, there will be mehndi artists who will draw beautiful designs on your skin. Then you’ll let it dry while trying not to smear it, while we hang out some more. Later, you can wipe off the dried paste (not with water), and the henna will stay on for about 10 days. Heat helps the mehndi end up darker. Traditionally, the mehndi would be only women and would be held in someone’s house, but now it is more often co-ed and bigger. Attire: You can wear Indian clothes / bright colors if you'd like, a dress, jeans- whatever makes you comfortable! For Indian attire, guests will likely wear Salwar Kameez and dressy sandals or flats. Men likely won’t be wearing Indian clothing. If you’re planning to get mehndi applied, make sure you’re not wearing long sleeves.

Question

What is a Pithi like?

Answer

This will be an Indian reception. First, there will be a ceremony where Alex and Zubair will sit in chairs, and family by family, guests can bless the bride and groom. There will be a haldi thali (tray with items), including turmeric paste to put on their foreheads, sweet candy to put in their mouths, and colorful rice to throw over their heads. The turmeric paste is to provide glowing, healthy skin, the sweet represents having a sweet life, and the rice represents bounty and blessings. Then we will eat dinner (deep dish pizza!) and have a Bollywood dance party. (Check out our song playlist once we post it, if you want to get ready!) Attire: You are welcome to get dressed up in Indian clothing, but it's not required. Wear what makes you feel comfortable. For Indian attire, lehengas, sarees, and salwar kameez are all good options.

Question

What are different types of Indian clothing? (A Glossary of Indian Clothing Items)

Answer

Salwar Kameez or Salwar Kurta - The salwar is the pants, which can be tight or loose. A Kameez is a long, loose-fitting dress or shirt (kurta), worn over the salwar. For women, these are comfortable and easy to wear if you’re not accustomed to Indian clothing, while still fancy! Saree- one piece of fabric, commonly wrapped around the waist while the other end is draped over the shoulder such that the midriff is left bare. Sarees are a little more difficult to put on and walk around / dance in, especially if you’re not used to wearing them. Lehenga- The dress is a long, cut and flared skirt with intricate and exquisite embroidery. The skirt is paired with the choli (a blouse tightly fitted at the waist) and a dupatta (long piece of fabric wrapped around one’s midriff and shoulder) Dupatta- a shawl-like scarf, worn with salwar kameez or a lehenga Here's an Indian clothing shopping website: https://www.utsavfashion.com/newarrivals

Question

What about Indian jewelry?

Answer

YES! If you want to top off your Indian outfit, slip on all your bangles (bracelets) and some big earrings (chandeliers, jumkas, danglers, hoops). You can’t go wrong. The Abdulla family always has to come to Alex’s rescue at family weddings, because the earrings she brings are never big enough.

Question

What are some Indian / Bollywood movies with weddings in them?

Answer

Dilwale Dulhania le Jayenge Hum Aapke Hain Kaun Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham Monsoon Wedding Aisha Hum Dil de Chuke Sanam