FAQs

Question

I have some questions about the wedding. Who can I contact?

Answer

You can email us with any questions to brittanyandnirav@gmail.com You can also contact: Mrs. Kailas Patel at 321.243.3961 or kokipatel1127@yahoo.com Mrs. Mechelle White at 478.997.1022 or mechelleinga@yahoo.com

Question

Is there a wedding hashtag?

Answer

You know there is! It's #OnePatelOfAWedding

Question

Can we bring children to the wedding weekend?

Answer

In order to allow all guests, including parents, a weekend of fun and relaxation, we have chosen for our wedding to be adult only. We can't wait to celebrate with you!

Question

What do we do during the time gaps in between events?

Answer

The short answer... take naps! Our wedding weekend is jam packed so take breaks and naps as you need! You can also use this time to change outfits, grab a snack, or socialize with family and friends.

Question

What is Raas-Garba and do I have to be Indian to attend?

Answer

Absolutely not! This fun-filled event is for everyone! Raas-Garba is a night of energetic and playful dancing! Raas and Garba are Gujarati folk dances for everyone to participate. Don't worry if you're not a professional dancer - we'll teach you! The steps are easy to learn, and it's fun to watch! Garba is done solo and involves rhythmic steps in a circular form. Different groups of people are doing different things simultaneously, so it is easy to jump in wherever you're comfortable. Each song is quite long (about 30 min) but you don't have to do it continuously - people leave and join all the time. The music starts off slow, but speeds up as time goes on so things get fun and crazy at the end. Raas is done in pairs while holding sticks called dandia. The dance involves hitting your partner's dandia with your own while following the beat of the music. Again, it's very easy to learn! Here is a YouTube video of what you can expect! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ku4Q9P9_NXA

Question

What should I wear to the Garba-Raas?

Answer

If interested in wearing Indian clothes, women can choose to wear a lehenga or a gahgra choli. Men can wear a lehngo jhabbo or a kurta pyjama. Either way, we recommend wearing clothes you'll feel comfortable moving around in since the night will be filled with dancing. Women can always wear either a mid-length dress or skirt, while men can wear slacks and a shirt.

Question

Where can I buy Indian clothes?

Answer

The website I recommend is www.utsavfashion.com but make sure you place your order far enough in advance (2-3 months).

Question

What is a Baraat and can anyone attend?

Answer

You may have seen Indian wedding clips of a groom riding on an elephant or a horse and may be wondering why everyone is dancing in the parking lot? In Hindu weddings, the Groom is led to the marriage venue in a procession known as the Baraat. Historically, the groom, his family, and friends travel from their village, singing and dancing, to the bride's village. Once the groom's caravan reaches the bride's home, everyone celebrates and dances in excitement for the next stage in the groom's life. It is the groom's one chance to be the center of attention before the bride steals the show! The music during the Baraat is upbeat and exciting and will be blasting as the Groom makes his way through the procession and to the venue entrance. The groom is ultimately welcomed by the bride's mother where she blesses her future son in law. We hope everyone will join in on the dancing and fun as Nirav makes his way to the ceremony!

Question

I heard Hindu ceremonies are really long. How long will yours be?

Answer

The actual ceremony will last for about one hour. This is after the Baraat and once everyone is inside the venue.

Question

What should I wear to the Baraat and Hindu Ceremony?

Answer

If you want to wear an Indian outfit, women can wear either a Lehenga or a Saree/Sari. Men can wear a kurta pyjama or sherwani garb. Here is a website that goes into a little more detail and can give you a better visual. https://www.theknot.com/content/what-to-wear-indian-wedding

Question

The struggle is real with this saree! What am I doing wrong?

Answer

Here is a step by step video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wwRZPTCRrxk And get your safety pins ready girl!

Question

What will the Hindu ceremony be like?

Answer

The ceremony will take place under a canopy-like structure called a mandap. A Hindu priest will officiate and numerous relatives perform specific roles under his guidance. The bride and groom will be seated in front of the priest for most of the ceremony. The priest will recite verses in Sanskrit, but will also provide English explanations of the rituals. The ceremony will involve Gujarati customs, as Nirav's family is originally from the state of Gujarat in India. More detailed information will be available in our wedding program.

Question

Will you say vows like you do in an American ceremony?

Answer

There are seven vows taken during the ceremony and they will be detailed in our wedding program so you can follow along.

Question

I hear the bride and groom and their families play games during the ceremony - what's this about?

Answer

There are a lot of fun traditions surrounding Indian weddings. One is for the bride's sisters (or cousins) to steal the groom's shoes as he takes them off before entering the mandap. The groom must pay the sisters to get them back because he is supposed to leave the mandap with the same shoes he came in. Another game occurs when the bride and groom race to their seats after circling a fire, as it is said that the first one to sit down will have the upper hand in the household.

Question

What is the significance of henna or mehndi?

Answer

Mehndi is a temporary natural dye used as an adornment by women, and is often associated with special celebrations such as weddings. It is put on the bride's hands and feet a day or two before the wedding in intricate patterns, and it is also common for women to apply mehndi when attending a wedding.

Question

What about the jewel ornaments on women's foreheads?

Answer

The bindi was traditionally a symbol of married women, but is now more commonly just for decoration.

Question

Will there be only Indian food served throughout the weekend?

Answer

No! We will offer all different types of cuisine to please everyone's palate!

Question

What if I need to use the restroom during the Hindu ceremony?

Answer

Hindu ceremonies are mostly informal as they can be long so feel free to get up to move around.