FAQs
Question
Where can we buy traditional Indian attire?
Answer
Online: https://www.utsavfashion.com/ https://www.panashindia.com/saree https://www.southindiafashion.com/2018/09/best-places-buy-sarees-online-usa.html Orlando, FL stores: -Vulcal Boutique http://www.vulcal.com/ *not much on site, may have to go to store -Prerana Beauty and Boutique Arizona: I am not aware of any stores in Arizona; however, for those of you that know Karan's family, I am sure they can help!
Question
What events will there be at the wedding?
Answer
Mehendi- This is the traditional henna party on the afternoon of Day 1 (Wednesday). Sangeet- This is the fancy Bollywood dancing event on the evening of Day 1 (Wednesday). Brunch- Unofficial get-together that will be poolside. This will clash with an event that Karan will be having at that time, so his side may be there as well. Ceremony- This will be a traditional Gujarati ceremony on Day 2 (Thursday). There are more events that will exist and it is all still being figured out. However, you do not need any extra special outfits for those. There will likely be other events that are interspersed throughout such as brunch, or yoga. Please dress as you would going to a resort during a hot month.
Question
What time should I arrive to the resort? When do I depart?
Answer
Plan to be at the resort no later than noon on Wednesday. We will be assisting with planning for transportation from Mumbai and possibly Pune. You would need to be AT Pune airport no later than 8 or 9 am to accomplish this. If you are leaving from Mumbai on Wednesday with our group, the transportation will likely depart at 6am. If you are going earlier, again, please keep us in the loop as we are too and will be making arrangements to go the day before (Tuesday). If you want to go even earlier than Tuesday, the resort does offer shuttles from both airports. We will be departing from the resort on Friday morning to early afternoon.
Question
If we are limited in Indian-attire, which events should we choose to dress up for?
Answer
If you are limited on Indian attire, it is preferred that you use your attire at the wedding ceremony (Thursday). If you have a second outfit, use it at the Mehendi (day time Wednesday). If you have a third outfit, use it for the Sangeet (Wednesday night). Gowns/suits/formal American attire are completely acceptable at the Sangeet. The Mehendi and ceremony are more traditional functions which is why the Indian attire is preferred there.
Question
Can you help me to arrange travel within India?
Answer
YES! Karan's father has a travel agent he is working with. If you would like assistance, recommendations, etc. we are happy to help. I know many people are planning to visit the Taj Mahal before or after the wedding. Side note: The Taj Mahal is located in Agra, and with the nearest airport is in Dehli. It appears to be about 3+ hours from Dehli via car. Goa is another top destination some may visit (remember, May will be hot!!!)
Question
Do I need a visa?
Answer
YES. Here is the website: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html Also, make sure you have at least 2 blank pages in your passport for India!
Question
What are we eating?
Answer
The menu will predominately be vegan and vegetarian with respect to other dietary restrictions (Jain and Gluten Free, though we have not confirmed that). There will be Indian cuisine options as well as others. You can purchase room service if you are looking for more options that fit your preferences.
Question
If I want to come a day or two before the wedding or leave a day or two after the wedding, how much is the room?
Answer
Let us know which nights you need rooms for!!! You can pay when you arrive to the resort by credit card. Rates for them are 10,000 + 28% tax = 12,800 Indian rupees which include breakfast OR 3000 + 18% tax = additional 3540 per person to add in lunch and dinner. You can also pay for those meals separately when you are there. Please let us know by April 5th since it will be vacation time in India.
Question
What is the weather like?
Answer
As of now, the high appears to be 86 degrees F and the low is 65 degrees F. When we were there, there was a nice breeze at the resort compared to Mumbai!
Question
What colors do we wear?
Answer
Don't be afraid to be bold! Colors are a good thing. The mehendi will be an event with bold colors but the sky is the limit. The only real recommendation is to avoid wearing all black during the actual wedding ceremony on Day 2.
Question
Clothes for the Mehendi
Answer
Mehendi: This is more of a casual daytime function. It is the second most traditional so if you only wear 2 Indian outfits, make this priority #2. Women: You can wear a simple saree or any type of Indian attire. If you want to stick with western clothing, think along the lines of sundresses. Men: For Indian attire, a Kurta would be appropriate and is pretty light. If you want to wear western wear, you can wear a short sleeve button up with non-jeans (khakis, black pants, colorful pants, etc.) Don’t be afraid to go bold with colors or floral. This event will be roughly 12-3/4 so lighter is probably better in terms of how heavy your clothes are.
Question
Clothes for the Sangeet
Answer
Sangeet: This is your dressiest event and will be about 8pm at night through the night. The weather should be nice. If you want to go Americano, it is perfectly acceptable with your attire. Women: You can wear the more detailed sarees and Lehengas. Flashy is good. You can also feel free to wear gowns (think prom, fancy American receptions, etc.) Men: kurtas, Bandi, bandhgala, and Sherwanis for Indian attire. For western attire think suits and tuxedos.
Question
Clothes for the Ceremony
Answer
Ceremony: If you only wear Indian attire for one event, try to make this one your priority! Women: We are still along the lines of sarees and such for Indian attire. For western wear think of exactly what you would wear to a nice American ceremony. Men: Indian attire can be kurtas, bandis, bandhgalas, and sherwanis again. For western wear it would be along the lines of suits.
Question
Additional Information for MEN’s clothing
Answer
For the men: In order from lightest to heaviest for Indian wear... kurta —> bandi —> bandhgala —> sherwani Also, Karan’s sister (Purva) said it would be fine for the Americans to wear kurtas for all functions to keep the cost down but still allow wiggle room for wearing traditional Indian attire. If you want to go bigger for the bigger events, go for it.
Question
Additional Clothing Related Info
Answer
For simply walking around the resort, wear what you wish. There is a heated pool and a regular one. We have the resort completely to our wedding party. With that said, Indians tend to dress a bit more conservative, so for the women, think Mom jeans and less skin. Men are typically pretty safe. With that said, I don’t think it’s something to sweat too much. I plan to have rompers and sundresses. Karan probably won’t have much time for anything other than his clothing for his events, but he would likely dress the same as he does now. :D