FAQs

Question

The wedding seems long! What events can I attend?

Answer

We would love for you to attend all 4 days of events. However, if you can't make it, we would be very happy for you to join on the 1st September for the main wedding ceremony and the 2nd, for the wedding reception.

Question

What dates should I plan for?

Answer

The wedding events will take place between Tuesday, August 30th to Friday, September 2nd. On the 28th (Sunday) and/or the 29th (Monday), we can organize shopping trips for those interested in buying traditional Indian clothes for the ceremonies. On the morning of the 31st (Wednesday) we are hoping to organize a trip to Mahabalipuram with a lovely tour company. We can also organize a trip on the 3rd (Saturday) to pondicherry. We will send out more details closer to the wedding date if you would like to join these.

Question

I would like to stay longer than a week. Are there places I can visit?

Answer

There are plenty of historical towns and sites to visit. Some of the ancient cities include Madurai, Kachipuram, Thiruchirapalli etc. All of these are accessible by very good trains or local flights. If you want a more relaxed vibe, we would also recommend flying to Kerala which has many spa towns and stays cool through most of the year. It also has beautiful places to hike or lakes on which you can rent boathouses. North Indian cities like Delhi, Bombay and Rajasthan also offer great experiences, Do reach out to us if you need more help planning!

Question

What will the weather be like?

Answer

The southern part of the country remains hot and humid for most of the year and doesn’t really have winters. There are two monsoon seasons. The first lasts July to September and although there are occasional showers, it mostly stays dry and the temperature is between 25 - 35°C (77 – 95F). This is the best season for visiting as it stays cool but doesn’t rain much. The second monsoon season starts Mid-October and is usually wetter.

Question

What is the food like?

Answer

Traditionally, most weddings in South India don’t serve meat. This is true even for families that do eat meat in their day-to-day lives. Weddings, as well as other sacred rituals such as housewarming ceremonies or even funerals, are considered auspicious occasions where the gods are asked to come bless the families. Before the gods are invited, several purification rituals are performed and it is the general belief that meat taints the purification process. Therefore, meat is usually not served as a part of the ritual. However, meat is served in most restaurants in the area including the ones in the resort and we would encourage you to try all the food! Do check out the google map we have created with several bars and restaurants in the area: https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1aHh0LlWYssmPlNYdgoFgEXYTUZABGh3X&ll=12.484751857358985%2C79.98376760000001&z=9 If you have special dietary needs, please do let us know and we will try our best to accommodate you!

Question

What should I wear?

Answer

Anything! South India is a bit conservative compared to the North, so we would recommend loose fitting clothes that are a bit longer. However, Temple Bay is very tourist friendly, so feel free to wear whatever you like at the resorts. For the engagement ceremony (on the 31st) and the wedding (on the 1st) if you would like to try on some traditional Indian clothing, let us know and we can arrange. We can either buy the clothing ahead of time or plan to take you shopping when you are here. You can wear a saree. If you feel like a Saree is difficult to manage, you can try a 'Salwar' or 'Gaagra' which are similar to wearing pants or skirts, so easier to manage!

Question

Can I drink alcohol?

Answer

Yes! Tamil Nadu has many bars and the resort itself has a bar. We will have wine at the Mehendi ceremony and a bar at the reception. However, the traditional engagement ceremony and main wedding taking place at Rina's wedding venue will not have alcohol. By law, the bars in the city are required to close at midnight. We will try to organize alcohol for people who wish to keep drinking in the rooms.