FAQs

Question

What happens during the Hindu wedding ceremony?

Answer

The Groom will begin the opening prayers with the Priest at 10:30am. The Priest will perform a number of rituals that comprise the Hindu wedding ceremony, which will conclude around 12:30pm. During the Hindu ceremony, guests should feel free to move around the property, mingle, and eat.

Question

What happens during the Christian wedding ceremony?

Answer

The Christian wedding ceremony will begin with the wedding party’s entrance, followed by the Bride. The Reverend will give a short sermon and read scriptures from the Bible. The Bride and Groom will then exchange their vows, and be pronounced as husband and wife. Guests should remain quietly seated for the entire 30-45 minute ceremony.

Question

What happens at the Mehndi Party?

Answer

Ladies get their henna done together for the wedding. Our Mehndi Party will also serve as a Welcome Reception; both men and women are invited.

Question

Do I have to get my henna done if I attend the Mehndi Party?

Answer

No, you are more than welcome to share in the fun without getting henna done.

Question

What happens at the Haldi Ceremony?

Answer

“Haldi” means “turmeric”. In this ceremony, a turmeric paste is applied to the Bride and Groom’s skin to cleanse and prepare them for the wedding. Guests take their turns applying some of this paste to the Bride and Groom, as a means of giving their blessing before the wedding. In South India, this is referred to as the "Pithi" ceremony.

Question

Who should attend the Haldi Ceremony?

Answer

Anyone who wishes to give the Bride and Groom their blessing is invited to do so by stopping by the Bride's home the morning before the wedding. Close relatives and friends are invited to stay for the entire event.

Question

What is your +1 policy?

Answer

We invite all spouses and significant others as indicated on your invitation and the online RSVP process. There are no other +1s.

Question

What is your young children policy?

Answer

If you prefer that they be with you, your young children are welcome at our wedding; please include them in your RSVPs. During the Christian ceremony, we ask that your children please remain quietly seated.

Question

What should I wear for the Hindu Wedding Ceremony?

Answer

You may wear whichever type of attire you prefer, Indian or Western. However, please do not wear red or white to the Hindu ceremony, and please do not wear white or cream to the Christian ceremony. If you choose to wear Indian attire, adult women (i.e. married women and mothers) should wear a saree. Young women may wear either a saree or a lehenga choli; lehengas are the modern fashion, while sarees are more traditional. Men should wear a kurta set, with or without a jacket. There will be time and places to change clothing, if you would like to wear Indian attire for the Hindu Ceremony, and Western attire for the Christian Ceremony.

Question

What should I wear for the Mehndi Party and Welcome Reception?

Answer

Men and women may wear either Indian or Western attire for the Welcome Reception. Men who choose to wear Indian attire should wear a kurta set, with or without a jacket. Whether your attire is Indian or Western, you should wear bright, tropical, “summer” colors. Your attire should be somewhere between casual and cocktail hour formality.

Question

What should I wear for the Haldi Ceremony?

Answer

We encourage you to wear Indian attire to the Haldi Ceremony, but you may wear Western attire if you prefer. Whether you wear Indian or Western attire, you should wear the color yellow. Your attire should also be something you would not mind getting dirty; if you get any turmeric on your clothing, it will not wash out.

Question

How should we get from our hotel to the wedding venue?

Answer

We recommend traveling by car, either by rideshare (Uber/Lyft), a rental car, or carpooling with other guests. Alternatively, if you are located or staying in Chicago, the BNSF Route 59 Station is approximately 20 minutes away (by car) from our wedding venue.

Question

How should we get from our hotel to the pre-wedding events?

Answer

We recommend traveling by car, either by rideshare (Uber/Lyft), a rental car, or carpooling with other guests. Alternatively, if you are located or staying in Chicago, the BNSF Route 59 Station is approximately 13 minutes away (by car) from our pre-wedding event venues.

Question

Where can I park my car at each event?

Answer

There are parking lots available at the venues for the Mehndi Party (Friday) and our Wedding (Sunday). For the Haldi (Saturday), you can park along the street in the neighborhood.

Question

Do I need to bring a gift to the pre-wedding events?

Answer

Your presence to celebrate with us is the greatest gift of all! There is no need to bring a gift to the Mehndi Party, Welcome Reception, or Haldi Ceremony.

Question

If I need help or have questions on the day of the Wedding, whom should I ask?

Answer

You may ask our ushers, Nicholas Boretti and Sahil Kumar, about where you should go when you arrive. You may direct other questions to our coordinators, Cindy Shanholtz and Ashley Printz.