FAQs

Question

Where should I stay?

Answer

We encourage all guests to stay at the Marriott Boston Quincy, we have a room block there at a discounted rate and parking is included. This is the host hotel for Friday night's Sangeet event and a short distance from Saturday's wedding venue. The hotel room block links are located on the Travel and Hotel page.

Question

Can I bring my kids?

Answer

Unless specifically referenced in your correspondence with us and your invitation, we cannot accomodate children at our wedding. Enjoy the weekend off to celebrate with us!

Question

Will there be parking and transportation provided?

Answer

Parking is available at no cost to hotel guests at our host hotel the Quincy Boston Marriott, we encourage all out of town guests to stay there. Friday night's Sangeet event with take place at the Quincy Boston Marriott. On Saturday, transportation will be provided from the Quincy Boston Marriott to the wedding venue, Granite Links. There is also parking available at Granite Links for guests that will be driving themselves.

Question

I have never been to an Indian wedding what should I wear?

Answer

Indian weddings are very festive and colorful. We would prefer everyone to join in the experience and wear traditional clothing like a saree or lehenga for women and kurta for men. Indian attire is optional for all events but we believe it would be memorable if everyone participated in this tradition. For the Sangeet and wedding ceremony, Indian traditional attire is preferred. For the Reception you may wear Indian formal attire or formal attire -- long gown / suit and tie. While the color white is often a symbol of purity, it’s actually associated with funerals in India and South Asia, so avoid showing up in anything white on the wedding day. Red is the traditional color for Indian wedding dresses, so women shouldn't wear it out of respect for the bride. Lastly, black is also viewed as an unfavorable color for Hindu ceremonies, so we recommend avoiding it—but just about every other color of the rainbow is fully acceptable for guests!

Question

What are the different types of Indian style clothing traditionally worn to a wedding?

Answer

For women, that includes any of the following: A colorful saree, which is an elaborately tied drape of fabric that is worn from the shoulders to the ankles, covering one or both of your arms. Extra fabric is normally left free over the shoulder. A lehenga is another popular option, but unlike a saree, this is typically a two-piece outfit consisting of a crop top and full skirt. A sharara or kurta, which is a type of suit featuring wide-leg, palazzo-style pants and a matching tunic top. The set is typically decorated with sparkly beading, brocade patterns, and embroidery. Or an anarkali suit which is made up of a long, frock-style top and features a slim fitted bottom. It varies in length and embroidery such as floor-length cuts. Men can wear either a long-sleeved tunic (kurta) or a knee-length jacket (called a sherwani) with matching pants. Another option is a festive vest with dress shirt and slacks. Both men and women’s clothes come in dazzling, bright colors with lots of patterns, embellishments, and prints.

Question

Female Indian clothing looks complicated to drape and pin, what would you recommend?

Answer

Although sarees for women are the most traditional Indian attire, they can be tricky to dress on yourself if you have never done it before. For women we would recommend wearing a lehenga, kurta or anarkali which are just as elegant and appropriate. The draping and pinning for a lehenga, kurta or anarkali is minimal and simple to do on your own or with a helper.

Question

Here are some guides to Indian wedding attire and fashion.

Answer

Indian wedding style tips: www.strandofsilk.com/special/indian-wedding/style-tips-indian-wedding-ceremonies www.getethnic.com/blogs/indian-wedding-guest-dresses Indian wedding attire generator: www.strandofsilk.com/perfect-indian-wedding-outfit-generator If you would like to purchase Indian outfits, please see online options below: www.ogaan.com www.nihalfashions.com www.utsavfashion.com www.kalkifashion.com www.lashkaraa.com www.saree.com The websites below provide options for rental or purchase of Indian outfits: www.borrowthebazaar.com www.riyacollective.com

Question

Are there stores where I can purchase Indian clothes in person?

Answer

There are many stores in the Edison area of New Jersey and Jackson Heights, Queens. Here are some suggestions: Nazraana, NJ | www.nazranaanj.com Daminis, NJ | www.daminisnj.com Manyavar, NJ | www.manyavar.com Aishwarya, NJ | www.goaishwarya.com Maharani Fashions, NJ | www.facebook.com/MaharaniFashionsOakTree Regards Wholesale Indian Clothing Co., NJ | www.regardswholesale.com Within Jackson Heights, Queens is the enclave of Little India, situated along 74th Street between 37th Avenue and Roosevelt Avenue, and the surrounding area. This is the heart of the South Asian community in New York City with many South Asian businesses concentrated here. Take a stroll in the area and you will find many Indian clothing store options.

Question

What is a Sangeet?

Answer

Sangeet, which literally translates to “music,” is an event held before the wedding and is filled with dance, music, and vibrant colors. In the olden days, women of all ages gathered around and took turns singing songs and dancing. This represented well wishes to the bride for the life she was about to start. Today, Sangeets are typically co-ed and allows a chance for the bride and groom's family and friends to come together to celebrate the impending nuptials. Female guests can get henna applied to their hands at this event.

Question

What is henna or mehndi and why is it applied?

Answer

Mehndi is a temporary natural dye. Usually combined with the Sangeet, the mehndi party is where the couple's guests have mehndi, or henna, applied to their hands. Indian Wedding tradition calls for a mehndi ceremony to be held the night before the wedding as a way of wishing the bride good health and prosperity as she makes her journey on to marriage. The bride typically gets her elaborate and intricate mehndi drawn on her hands, arms, and feet, prior to the Sangeet. The groom's name is sometimes painted somewhere within the intricate patterns. A henna artist will be available at the Sangeet.

Question

What should I wear to the Sangeet?

Answer

Semi-formal attire is requested. A semi formal dress, jumpsuit, lehenga, anarkali or salwar kameez for women. A dress shirt/blazer/slacks, kurta pajama, festive vest/dress shirt or suit for men. You’ll most likely be dancing and will want to be wearing something comfortable! The Sangeet is meant to be a colorful night, stick to bright colors and outfits that are easy to move in.

Question

What is a Baraat?

Answer

Historically during the Baraat, the groom and his family and friends would travel from their village, singing and dancing, to the bride's village. When the groom's caravan reaches bride's home, everyone celebrates and dances in excitement for the next part of the groom's life's. It is the groom's one chance to be the center of attention before the bride steals the show! The groom is ultimately welcomed by the bride's mother and she blesses her future son-in-law and then proceeds to the wedding ceremony.

Question

What does an Indian wedding ceremony entail?

Answer

After the Baraat, the Hindu wedding ceremony begins and everyone will be seated. The ceremony will begin with the bride's family performing a prayer with the groom. The bride will then make her entrance. The wedding ceremony will take place under a canopy-like structure called a mandap. A Hindu priest will officiate and numerous relatives will 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. Traditionally a Hindu wedding ceremony can last hours, but we've condensed it to our most meaningful traditions all of which are conducted around a small fire. We will be providing a detailed program when you arrive that will help you follow along.

Question

Why is the wedding ceremony and reception split up with the ceremony in the morning and the reception in the evening?

Answer

Indian weddings are filled with multiple traditions and rituals. The break between the two events will give you time to re-up your energies and prepare for the wedding reception. You can use this time to rest, explore Boston, or get ready for the next event. During the break, guests traditionally change from their wedding ceremony outfits to a more formal reception outfit.

Question

What will the weather be like?

Answer

Average temperatures in the Boston area in August are in the low 80s during the day and low 70s in the evenings.

Question

What COVID health and safety measures will you be taking during the event?

Answer

Everyone’s health and safety is a top priority for us. We will update this as the year moves on and follow local guidelines and health recommendations from medical experts.