You can wear Indian or (formal) Western! If you want to wear Indian clothes – below is a description of some of your options. We love seeing guests in Indian clothes, but obviously there is no pressure or expectation. Whatever you decide, just remember to have fun with it. For a high level overview of common traditional Indian clothes you can reference the below. We will start the day in traditional Indian clothing and change into Western clothing during the cocktail hour. Colors to avoid - Avoid outfits that are 100% Black/ white, it symbolize the color of a passing away in Indian culture. - Burgundy Red is sometimes slightly avoided as that is the color of the bride Colors to Wear Blue, or a cream color/pink/green/etc is often worn. Our wedding will have many shades of sage green and other pastels. Jewelry (bracelets, necklaces, etc) are encouraged! Places to shop online https://roopkalasarees.com/ www.indianweddingsaree.com
LENGHA CHOLI Two piece outfit consisting of a blouse (choli) and floor length skirt (lengha). The skirt is worn at the waist or hips and is often elaborately decorated. The blouse can be worn long or short (usually baring the lower back and a part of the midriff). The outfit is always paired with a matching dupatta or chunni (similar to a scarf). SARI Garment that consists of a drape varying from 4.5 to 8 meters in length and just under 1 meter in breadth that is typically wrapped around the waist, with one end draped over the shoulder baring a portion of the midriff. (The exact way to tie a sari varies from region to region). The sari is worn over a petticoat (underskirt) with a short blouse that is stitched to fit each individual. **If you choose to wear a sari for any of the events, don't stress about how to tie it - there will be plenty of aunties, friends, and hotel staff who can lend a helping hand.
SALWAR KAMEEZ (AKA KURTA PAJAMA) It has the word pajama in it so you know it's super comfortable. Varying styles depending on occasion and region, but essentially a kurta is a loose fitting, long-sleeved, knee length shirt (usually with some color or light embroidery) that's worn with matching drawstring pants (pajama). The pajama is sometimes referred to as salwar or churidar, depending on the style. The Kurta Pajama can be worn for more casual or for dressier events (usually worn with a dupatta (scarf) for dressier occasions). This is the most common option for men.
Baraat is a groom's wedding procession that generally lasts 30-45 minutes. Chet's will start at 3pm on Saturday. The groom, without his bride, makes his way to the wedding on a horse surrounded by friends and family. It's a dance-filled event and we are expecting everyone to dance and party. Here are a few examples of a Baraat: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=faUqPAYjAaQ or https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QVZVyPC4ybc or https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aEryAoLfnAA
For the ceremony, the maharaj (priest) , groom, bride and bride's parents sit beneath a mandaap, a canopy similar to a Jewish chuppah. The ceremony will last around an hour followed by a cocktail hour with light snacks.
October in the Napa Valley is perhaps the most beautiful time of year to come to wine country. The average October temperature is 62 degrees, with an average high of 79, and an average low of 46 degrees. We will have shawls and heaters in the event it gets chilly during dinner. The dance will be held inside following dinner.