WHAT TO EXPECT AT OUR WEDDING?

Question

I'VE NEVER ATTENDED AN INDIAN WEDDING BEFORE - WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT?

Answer

Indian weddings are very energetic and fun. Traditionally, Indian weddings tend to be large and span over several days. You will witness many of the beautiful and exciting traditions and customs involved over the course of the days. The most different and thrilling custom being the Baraat which is the procession of the groom arriving on a horse! Along with many games played during the Hindu ceremony, tons of music, different food, vibrant colors and decor. Overall, you can expect lots of music, color, food, and dancing, dancing, and more dancing!

Question

IS IT TRUE THAT INDIAN WEDDINGS LAST FOR SEVERAL DAYS? WHAT WILL I BE EXPECTED TO ATTEND?

Answer

Yes, this is true! Indian weddings consist of several pre-wedding events leading up to the big day! And yes, these are just as important as the main weddings and reception! For our wedding, the pre-wedding events consist of: 1. The Mehndi & Sangeet Event- 05/05/2023 2. The Grah Shanti Puja & Haldi Event- 05/06/2023 3. The BIG Day: Hindu Wedding Ceremony & Christian Wedding Ceremony & Reception- 05/07/2023 Not all guests are invited to all the above listed events. You may be invited to the last day of the events, or to any part of the celebration. Your formal invitation will clearly state what you're being asked to attend

Question

WHAT EXACTLY IS THE MEHNDI & SANGEET EVENT?

Answer

Mehndi, or what many know as henna, is a temporary natural dye used as an adornment. It is put on the bride's hands and feet a few days before the wedding in intricate patterns that include designs that have symbolic value to the bride and groom. During this event, there will be several mehndi artists at the venue, and all the women (men too if they like) will have the opportunity to get beautiful mehndi designs done on their hands! The word "Sangeet" literally translates to "music," and the term is used to describe the large event prior to the wedding. This is a colorful and musical evening with lots of dancing. Traditionally, family and friends from both families will perform choreographed dances for the bride and groom. As the dance performances take place on stage, the mehndi artists will be applying mehndi on all guests who wish to have it done. Appetizers, dinner and drinks will be served as the night turns into an open dance floor with lots of music and fun!

Question

WHAT IS THE BARAAT?

Answer

This is the first part of the wedding called Baraat. The Baraat is the procession of the groom prior to the ceremony beginning. It's about 30 minutes to an hour and a huge blast! This will take place outdoors in the venue parking lot. Daniel will be riding a white decorated horse and he will be accompanied by his baraatis (family, friends, our DJ, and a Dholi which is a drummer who plays the Dhol drum) as they dance and make their way to meet the bride's side of the family. When the groom and his baraatis reach the bride's family, everyone celebrates and dances in excitement for the next part of the groom's life. 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. All the guests then proceed into the venue where the Hindu ceremony will commence. We hope that ALL of Daniel's family, relatives and close friends are outside and by his side for the baraat! Be ready to move those hips and have a blast!

Question

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT FOR THE HINDU MARRIAGE CEREMONY?

Answer

After the Baraat, the Hindu wedding ceremony begins and everyone will be seated. We will be having a traditional Hindu ceremony. Our ceremony will be in Sanskrit as well as English. The ceremony will begin under the mandap (canopy) where the Pandit (priest) will begin with the bride's family performing a prayer with the groom. The bride will then make her entrance and the wedding ceremony will proceed around a small fire. There are several components and rituals in the ceremony. We will be providing a detailed program when you arrive that will help you follow along! Traditionally a Hindu wedding ceremony can last hours, but we've condensed it to our most meaningful traditions! The ceremony will then be followed by lunch. Once lunch commences, there will be a few hours of gap time where guests will have the opportunity to return to their hotel rooms/homes to rest, re-energize and change for Christian ceremony.

Question

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT FOR THE CHRISTIAN MARRIAGE CEREMONY?

Answer

Once guests are re-energized and freshened up, they will join us back at the venue for the Christian wedding ceremony. The ceremony will be taking place outside of church and will be conducted by an officiant who is an ordained Reverend. The wedding will begin with a procession of the bride and groom’s parents and grandparents, followed by the bridesmaids and groomsmen. The bride will then make her entrance and walk down the aisle with her father and meet the groom at the altar so that the ceremony can begin. There are several components and personal rituals that the bride and groom have included in the ceremony. We will be providing a detailed program when you arrive that will help you follow along! The bride and groom will be pronounced husband and wife and make their departure out of the ceremony room along with their guests. At the conclusion of the ceremony, guests will be directed to the room where the cocktail hour will be held. Time to indulge, chat and drink until the real party begins!

Question

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT FOR THE RECEPTION?

Answer

FOOD, DRINKING, DANCING & MUSIC! We aim to make it a huge party and lots of fun for all our guests! There will of course be the traditional entrances, first dance, cake cutting and speeches. But then we cut straight to dancing the night away and having the time of our lives with all our guests on the dance floor!

Question

DO I NEED TO WEAR INDIAN CLOTHES TO ANY/ALL EVENTS?

Answer

The dress code is provided for each event on our schedule page. It will also be provided in the formal invitation to follow! Indian weddings are very festive and colorful. We would highly prefer everyone to join in the experience and wear traditional Indian formal clothing for the Indian events and wear American formal clothing for the American wedding. There are several different styles of Indian clothing. Below is the name of the Indian attire guests will be in: Men: Kurta Pajama Women: Saree and/or Lehenga Choli

Question

ARE THERE COLORS I SHOULD AVOID?

Answer

The color palettes at Indian weddings are typically very vibrant. And yes…for both men and women. Brighter is better. Don’t be afraid to wear a bold color that will help you fit in with the Indian guests who’ll be dressed in vibrant colors and eye-catching jewelry. Traditionally, an Indian bride’s wedding dress is red. Therefore, guests should refrain from wearing red for only the Hindu Ceremony. Additionally, the colors black and white symbolize the color of death in the Indian culture. These are colors to avoid. If you have an outfit which incorporates these colors, that is perfectly fine! (e.g., a blue colored outfit with white in it, a green colored outfit with black in it)

Question

WHERE CAN I FIND/BUY INDIAN CLOTHING?

Answer

There are TONS of Indian clothing stores all across the NJ/NY area. There are also several websites where you can find Indian clothing. Tips on clothing and accessories: * Sizing is very different!!! Please pay attention to sizing charts and reviews of products if purchasing online. * Almost all Indian clothing is fit and tailored to your body specifications. When purchasing online, there will typically be a chart that shows you the measurements they need to tailor your outfit. You can take these yourself or find any local tailor to do them for you! * For the ladies…sarees need to be draped and pinned and the scarf of the lehengha choli needs to draped and pinned. Don’t worry! We will have two ladies on-site at the hotel to help with getting everyone dressed! Below you will find several recommendations of stores: FIRST STOP RECOMMENDATION: Roopsie Boutique Bensalem, PA- the bride HIGHLY recommends beginning your shopping experience at this store! Shopping can be done through video call and in-person! She can assist with what type of clothing and colors to wear for the events. She tailors her outfits to your measurements and also ships clothing throughout the US! The owner’s name is Krishna and her phone number is 908-616-2764. Store Address is 2866 Tyler Ave, Bensalem, PA 19020. Visit her Instagram/Facebook page! It is the most cost effective and has tons of options for both men, women and children! Be sure to MENTION you are part of the “Komal and Daniel Wedding” to receive the best price! Vintage India NYC Deshi Fashion Bronx, NY Manyavar Mohey- several locations including: Iselin, NJ, North Brunswick, NJ Hicksville, Long Island NY Saree Bazar Iselin, NJ

Question

WHAT ABOUT FOOD!?!

Answer

Two of the most common misconceptions about Indian food are that it's all spicy and it's all vegetarian. This is FAR from the truth! In reality, we will have a variety of foods from Northern and Southern India. Some of the foods will include naan (a flat bread), curries (both vegetarian and non-vegetarian), samosas (savory pastries with spiced meats or vegetables), pakoras (fritters), and a plentiful dessert display with cakes, kulfi (Indian ice cream), and Indian sweets with ghee (butter) base. There will also be plenty of American food such as pasta, tacos, Asian noodles, and much more served throughout all the events. So, in short, DON’T WORRY! There is something for everyone to eat, taste and experience! All food will be buffet-style, so you can pick and choose what you would like to eat!

Question

DO I HAVE TO GIVE A GIFT AT EACH EVENT?

Answer

Absolutely NOT! Gifts are traditionally only given on the wedding day at the reception. Some close family and friends may bring flowers or a small gift for the pre-wedding events, however this is not expected or necessary!

Question

DO YOU HAVE A REGISTRY OR FUND?

Answer

There is no registry or fund! We kindly ask for no boxed gifts! There will be an area during the reception where you can place your card or envelope!