FAQs
Question
My name is not in the RSVP list, can you help?
Answer
It is more than possible that we spelt your names incorrectly, try entering your first name or second name instead of your full name to find close results. Please do let us know if your name was spelt incorrectly (sorry about that!). If you still can't find it, email dan.weds.nina@gmail.com. Once you have gained access, select your attendance and move on to 'Next' or 'Submit'.
Question
Are kids invited?
Answer
We can accommodate under 2’s if they can sit on your lap – but please let us know if you will be bringing infants so that we can accommodate your needs throughout the day. As a general policy unfortunately we cannot invite children older than 2 because of restrictions on guest numbers.
Question
Do you have a gift list?
Answer
We're fortunate enough to have our own place together and so there's no gift list for the wedding. The value of the day is celebrating with our friends and family and can't wait to share it with you all. Although....we hope to take a honeymoon next year should you wish to contribute towards this! If you would like to make a contribution using bank transfer our details are: 60187397 and 60-83-71 account name Daniel Sargeant. There will be a post box for cards on the day too.
Question
Where is good to stay?
Answer
If you want to stay over after the wedding there is a premier inn/travelodge near to both venues we would recommend. There's also a range of smaller hotels and airbnbs nearby. Let us know if you would like advice about places to stay as the venues have given us some local recommendations.
Question
How do we get there?
Answer
To get into St Osyth's please turn right off Mill St into West Field Lane. There's a new residential development on your left. Follow the road round to the right and take a right turn at the top of the field. Drive down this road and the car park is on your left. From the car park it's a 3 minute walk to the venue which is Darcy House West. For those taking the train cabs will leave Shenfield at 10:45 and 5:20. We also have booked cabs for 15 at midnight and half past midnight
Question
What's the alcohol policy?
Answer
There must be no alcohol consumed at Oshwal Centre, it is a religious site. There will be alcohol served at the Indian reception and a paid bar at the English reception.
Question
How to change my attendance?
Answer
We are excited that so many of you accepted our invite(s) and can't wait to celebrate with those who have touched our lives. Saying that we understand that life events can occur which means that you may or may not be able to attend after sending your rsvp, with respect we ask you to let Dan or Nina know or reach out on dan.weds.nina@gmail.com as soon as possible. There will be a contact on the day in case of an emergency.
Question
Can I wear Indian clothing if I’m not Indian?
Answer
Of course! We’re an inclusive bunch and take it as a huge compliment for you to embrace the culture. The fact that you took the time to select and purchase something fitting for the occasion speaks volumes and means so much. Ask someone to wear it appropriately as per the outfit’s intended look. Nina and Dan will be wearing Indian dress for the Indian wedding and western dress for the western wedding. There tends to be a dress change for men and women between the Indian wedding and reception. Women tend to wear lengha, anarkali, gown or a saree whilst the men tend to wear an Indian waistcoat with a collarless shirt, Shirwani or Indo-Western/Jodpur (latter typically for reception parties). Check out the Venison webpage for ideas. Also check out Indian outfits on Asos, Vinted and Ebay.
Question
Do I have to wear Indian attire for the Garba or Indian wedding?
Answer
No you do not, however if you wear a dress or other outfit, we ask that it is smart and (for women) not overly revealing. For men, western suits are fine and you could wear a waistcoat as you’ll likely take your jacket off for dancing.
Question
Is Indian attire expensive?
Answer
They can range from £50 to £500. The main areas in London for Indian outfitters are Wembley and Southall, or Green Street, Kingsbury, Tooting or Bethnal Green. Check out Venison online and monga or perniaspopupshop.com online for mail order too. If you want to get involved without paying for something you might only wear once, we recommend that you reach out to any Indian friends as we’re sure they would be happy to share clothes with you! Or send us a message and we can see if other guests have additional outfits they can lend. For the really adventurous, nothing beats a trip to mini India for bargains and great food!
Question
What colours are worn at Indian weddings?
Answer
Anything goes! We don’t recommend wearing a single block red outfit because the bride normally wears red. We also recommend avoiding white because in some Indian cultures white is considered a colour of mourning. Otherwise whatever you feel like! If in doubt ask your local Indian haberdasher or one of the wedding party.
Question
What about the jewellery for Indian weddings?
Answer
If you choose to wear non-indian clothing, don’t hold back on the jewellery! A great gold earring and gold necklace combo are the perfect accessories to complement these outfits.
Question
Pithi - What can I expect to be doing if invited to Pithi?
Answer
Expect to get your hands a little dirty with pithi paste as you smear a little dollop on your fave almost-newlywed pal!
Question
Garba - I don't know how to Garba - is this a problem? Is it offensive to join?
Answer
Absolutely not! It is seen a compliment for everyone to join. You don't even know how to dance - we'll teach you the basics. The steps are easy to learn, and it's fun to watch even if you're not the dancing type! Garba is done solo and involves rhythmic steps in a circular form.
Question
Garba - But, what if I don’t want to participate in the Garba? Is that offensive?
Answer
Don’t worry you don’t have to! What’s important is that you are comfortable. We would love for you to join in if you can but we hope that watching the show unfold will be just as fun..
Question
Garba - How long is each garba dance?
Answer
Each song is quite long (about 30 minutes) but you don't have to do it continuously - people leave and join all the time.
Question
Garba - Can I stop participating at any time at the Raas dance?
Answer
The Raas dance (with the sticks) is a pair dance which is drop in & drop out – but if you drop out your partner will also drop out because you can’t Raas solo.
Question
Garba - So, what can I expect to be doing if invited to Mehndi?
Answer
Mehndi is a part of the Garba event. At the Mehndi, expect to get henna on either the outside skin of your hand or the palm of your hand. The Garba and Raas dances will happen in the background while other guests queue up to have their henna painted by the henna artist.
Question
Garba - Can men get henna tattoos?
Answer
Absolutely yes, mehndi is usually put on girls. But men can get a small design/symbol/partner's name for good luck. Speak to the henna artist about what you would like or what would be appropriate and they’ll be happy to facilitate this. Dan had a henna tattoo at his first Mehndi (for Nina’s cousin Puja).
Question
Is there parking at the venue(s)?
Answer
Yes - there is free parking at all venues.
Question
Did we forget to thank you? (Sorry!)
Answer
A few people gifted us wine bottles, vase and bottle opener which did not have a tag at our small engagement. If you did, firstly thank you for coming but also for the kind thought unfortunately we don't know who you are!
Question
What to do around the area?
Answer
Hatfield House: We recommend relaxing at the coach house cafe in the HH village and browse the local ateliers. Currently we are trying to source discounted tickets to see the actual House and Gardens. St Osyth's Priory: The group own many acres of greenspace around the priory. Check out the old chapel, and when you're done with that go see the deer park, or watch the sheeps and cows. Clacton-on-Sea is also nearby.