FAQs
Question
What should I expect this weekend?
Answer
4 events over 3 days. Indian Sangeet (or festive dance party) on Friday night. You will have to drive, Uber or Lyft to the Bridge410 venue from the hotel and it’s just a 10 min drive. Traditional Indian wedding procession, religious Sikh wedding ceremony and lunch on Saturday morning. Held at the Intercontinental Hotel. 3-4 hours of downtime mid-Saturday afternoon. Western style reception on Saturday night. Held at the Intercontinental Hotel. Farewell Chicago lake cruise on Sunday afternoon. The boat dock is at Navy Pier just a 20 min walk from the Intercontinental Hotel. Please plan for 2 outfits on Saturday - one for the wedding and one for the reception.
Question
How can I get to the Sangeet?
Answer
Transportation from the Intercontinental Hotel will be provided. Shuttle buses will depart from the hotel promptly at 6:25pm and 6:45pm. Shuttle buses will return guests to the hotel at 11:15pm and 12:00am. You are also welcome to drive. There will be plenty of parking of street parking.
Question
What can I expect at the Baraat?
Answer
The Baraat is the wedding procession for the groom and will occur on Saturday morning, August 6th at 10:15am. Guests will meet on Illinois Street, immediately south of the Intercontinental Hotel. Here are two videos of Baraat processions. Help us make Casey's Baraat epic! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R0FDzIs48PM https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NpryBh0znyA
Question
Can you tell me about the Yacht Cruise?
Answer
The yacht will leave promptly at 12pm from Navy Pier. Please give yourselves 25 minutes to walk from the Intercontinental Hotel. You're welcome to dress in casual, cocktail or nautical attire. Brunch / lunch and champagne, beer & soft drinks will be provided on the yacht.
Question
Where should I stay?
Answer
The official hotel is the Intercontinental Hotel. We have a room block and the details are below. Please book your hotel by July 5, 2022. Website: https://bit.ly/38TcDXx Group Name: Sandhu - Smagala Wedding Room Block Group Code: SSV You can also chose to stay anywhere else in River North, Streeterville or the Loop which are all Chicago neighborhoods close to the wedding hotel.
Question
What will we be eating?
Answer
Sangeet on Friday will be Indian fusion food, cocktail style with an open bar. Lunch after the religious ceremony on Saturday will be traditional Indian vegetarian food buffet style with no alcohol. Dinner at the reception on Saturday night will be sit down Western food (chicken, fish or vegetarian) served at the table, with an open bar all night. Drinks and light snacks will be available on the River cruise. Plan to have a big breakfast beforehand.
Question
What kind of attire should I wear?
Answer
WOMEN Sangeet: Indian "lengha" or Indian "anarkali" are appropriate. A lengha is a top with a skirt, which is accompying by a scarf of a "dupatta." An anarkali is a long gown-like top with pants which is also accompanied by a dupatta. You can chose to wear a "sari", which is a piece of cloth draped around your body, but these are often difficult to assemble. Anand Karj: An anarkali or an "Indian Suit" are appropriate. An Indian Suit is often an embroidered long top with pants, accompanied by a dupatta and come in many different styles. You can also chose to wear a dress that covers your legs or a jumpsuit. Your head is expected to be covered - You can either bring your own small shawl / scarf OR you can utilize a shawl that we will be providing to you at the event. You are welcome to wear sleeveless tops. MEN Any Event: A "kurta pajama" or "sherwani." These names are interchangeable. The outfit is a long embroidered shirt with pants. It can be accompanied by a vest or a scarf. Your head is expected to be covered - you can either bring your own bandana OR we will be providing a bandana to you at the event. RECEPTION: Any type of black tie or formal attire, whether Western or Indian is acceptable. We encourage you to dress to impress. Think glamorous!
Question
Where can I buy Indian attire?
Answer
Readymade Indian attire can be purchased at your local Indian garment store which can be found via Google search or can be ordered online 2 months in advance. In Chicago, a few Indian store suggestions are: Sahil, Studio Elite and Studio East. Here are a few trusted online vendors for both women and men: Pernia's Pop Up: https://www.perniaspopupshop.com/ Kalki Fashion: https://www.kalkifashion.com/ Lashkaraa: https://www.lashkaraa.com/ Utsav Fashion: https://www.utsavfashion.com Holi Chic by Megha: https://www.holichicbymegha.com/ Harleen Kaur: https://www.harleenkaur.us/ You can also find Indian wear on Amazon for women and men.