FAQs

Question

What should I wear?

Answer

traditional Indian clothing would be preferred especially for the ladies. Men are welcome to use what they would essentially wear at a formal white wedding. Be as colorful as you would like bearing in mind that the bride wears red, ivory and gold.

Question

When should I book my flight?

Answer

Flights to South Africa can range from $2000 0n a bad day to $900 on a good day. The bridal couple recommends booking your flight 6 to 9 months in advance.

Question

What will the weather be like?

Answer

It will be the end of winter in Durban with the weather reaching between 65 F and 75 F during the day. The nights will be chilly between 55 F and 60 F. So pack a few warm clothing for the night as well as your bathing suits.

Question

Am i expected to attend all the gatherings from thursday to saturday?

Answer

No, but it would be a great experience for many of the foreign travelers from America to witness the events leading up to a Tamil wedding. The only mandatory event will be the wedding on Saturday 08.18.2018. Just please RSVP no if you wont attend the other functions :)

Question

What is a Mendhi party?

Answer

It is believed that henna gives blessings, luck, and joy, although it is also seen as a beauty enhancer. Some brides get their future spouse's initials hidden into their mehndi design. There may also be symbolic designs representing joy, luck, success, beauty, and other positive qualities. When henna is placed on the palms of the hand it is meant to signify that the person is open to receive and offer blessings. When the henna is placed on top of the hands it is meant to signify protection of the person. The designs themselves can vary from symbols of animals or objects to delicate lace patterns or swirling paisley. For weddings, often the artist will incorporate the groom's name into the artwork for a personal touch. Certain styles of henna design are meant to symbolize fertility. the darker the mendhi, the stronger the love. All women are invited to come get a henna design and enjoy good food and wine and give the bride some of their wisdom.

Question

What is a Nelengu?

Answer

The ritual of cleansing and purification, Nelengu is usually done on the night before the actual wedding. The bride and the groom are made to sit in mats and tree trays are kept near them containing turmeric paste, kumkum, scented oils and a mixture of lime and turmeric in water (Aarti). The ladies come one by one, keep the kumkum on the foreheads of the couple and apply turmeric paste on their feet, legs, hands and cheeks.

Question

What food will be served at the wedding?

Answer

A mixture of traditional Indian curries, pasta, roasted meat and varies non spicy meals will be served to accommodate all our guests.

Question

What is the time difference?

Answer

South Africa is 6 hours ahead of New Jersey.

Question

Will my phone work in South Africa?

Answer

From our experiences roaming charges are ridiculously expensive so we suggest once you arrive at the airport in South Africa look for phone stores like MTN, or VODACOM and get a sim card for your phone (most iphones are already unlocked) along with data and "airtime" which will allow you to make calls.

Question

Is it dangerous?

Answer

Yes just like any country there are places you should avoid going to at night or even during the day. aviod the following places: Clermont, Kwa-dabeka, Newlands, Phoenix, Kwa-mashu, Ntuzuma, and parts of Pinetown. Never keep your wallets and phone where someone can see them and pick pocket them. keep pocket books in the trunk because there have been incidents where men have broken the window to grab the bag. If you are driving through a quiet area and stop at a light that is deserted and don't feel comfortable, if the coast is clear you are allowed to go through red lights. the 911 number in South Africa is 10111 (112 from mobile) Remain vigilant and you will have a splendid time.

Question

Are there colors/ things I should avoid?

Answer

Black and white symbolize the colors of death in the indian culture. Stay away from black skirts, dresses etc. if you choose a white or black outfit be sure that it has a colorful design on it.

Question

Do I need vaccines?

Answer

nope :) South Africa doesn't have what the rest of Africa has like malaria.

Question

When are you (bridal couple) traveling?

Answer

Joe and I will arrive in South Africa on August 8th 2018 and the day after the ceremony ( August 18th 2018) we, along with everyone that would like to come with us to wine country in Cape town for 3 or 4 nights.