Question

What to expect from our Indian Ceremony?

Answer

Once all guests arrive at the ceremony site we will start the Baraat. A Baraat is the groom's arrival to the wedding ceremony and involves lots of dancing and singing as he enters with a parade of loved ones. After the groom and everyone has settled in at the ceremony site the bride will arrive. Then the Saat Phere, or the seven sacred steps begin. As the bride and groom walk hand-in-hand around the consecrated fire, each step represents a promise made to one another: Nourishment and Respect: To provide for each other’s well-being and honor one another. Strength: To be each other’s strength and stand together through life’s challenges. Prosperity: To strive for financial stability and prosperity through mutual effort. Family: To cherish the family they will build, with respect for their parents and traditions. Progeny: To be blessed with strong and virtuous children and to provide them with a nurturing upbringing. Health: To care for each other’s health and well-being throughout life. Companionship and Harmony: To nurture a bond of love, friendship, and harmony, always.

Question

What is a Sangeet?

Answer

The word 'sangeet' is synonymous with the word 'song.' The ceremony involves singing and dancing with the couple and their close family members and friends to celebrate the onset of their new journey together. Some of the bride and groom's immediate family plan performances for them to make them feel special.

Question

What can I expect from a Vietnamese Reception?

Answer

The first thing you'll notice is that all guests will get the opportunity to take a photo with the bride and groom before you enter the reception area and check in. During the dinner, the couple will greet each table ("chào bàn"). Decide on one (1) person to toast the couple on behalf of your table. If you have red envelopes ("lì xì") or cards that you would like to gift to the couple, you can give them after the cheers. You may also have the couple play a simple game or complete a simple task to earn their gift.

Question

What is a red envelope (lì xì)?

Answer

Red is an auspicious, lucky color in Vietnamese culture. Red envelopes with cash or checks are traditionally given to the couple during the reception as gifts (there are no registries in Vietnamese culture!) The giving of a monetary gift in red envelopes is a way to symbolically bestow happiness, luck, and good wishes to the couple. ***Red envelopes can be substituted with wedding/congratulations cards.

Question

Will there be a shuttle to and from the hotel?

Answer

Yes, we will be providing a shuttle to and from the Hyatt Westlake Village. Shuttle Hours Friday (5/24) - Departure - There will be 5 shuttles departing between 4:15pm and 4:30pm. Please be ready and arrive at the front entrance of the Hyatt Westlake to ensure you reach Hummingbird Nest Ranch on time. The shuttle with take you directly to Q Vineyard where you can join the Baraat. Return - Return Shuttles will run every hour starting 10pm with the last shuttle running at midnight, 12am. Saturday (5/25) - Departure - There will be 2 large buses departing between 4:00pm and 4:20pm. Please be ready and arrive at the front entrance of the Hyatt Westlake to ensure you reach Hummingbird Nest Ranch on time for the start of the ceremony. The buses with take you directly to the Sitting Bull venue. Return - Return Shuttles will run every hour starting 10:30pm with the last shuttle running at 12:30am.

Question

Where do I park my car?

Answer

If you are driving to the venue: On Friday, May 24, 2024 you will park at the "Base Camp" parking lot and a shuttle will take you to Q Vineyard. On Saturday, May 25, 2024 you will drive your directly to Sitting Bull venue at Hummingbird Nest Ranch and valet with take care of your car.