FAQs
Question
Is there a dress code?
Answer
There's no specific dress code, but we suggest semi-formal. You may wear either Indian or Western clothing—most importantly, wear what you'd feel most comfortable in.
Question
I'm not Indian. Can I wear Indian clothes?
Answer
Sure! We want our guests to be wearing clothes they'll feel comfortable in. Noah isn't Indian, but he'll be wearing Indian clothes. Whatever you'd like to wear to have a nice time and help us celebrate will be great.
Question
Is there a shuttle?
Answer
Yes! All guests are welcome to use the shuttle service. On Friday and Saturday, you can park at the DoubleTree Hilton in Skokie for free, if you're staying there or not, and take a shuttle to all wedding events. On Friday the shuttle will leave the DoubleTree at 9:15 AM to go to the Unitarian Church for the Grah Shanti and pick guests up at the Unitarian church at 3:30. On Saturday the shuttle will leave the DoubleTree at 2:00 to go to The Woman's Club for the wedding and will pick guests up at The Woman's Club at 9:30 and 11:30 to take guests back to the DoubleTree.
Question
Where can I park?
Answer
The Unitarian Church, where the Grah Shanti will be on Friday, has a parking lot that guests are welcome to park in for no charge. The Woman's Club, where the wedding ceremony will be on Saturday, does not have parking, but is located across the street from the Church Street Self Park parking garage, where parking is available for around $1 an hour (depending on how long you stay.)
Question
Which of these ceremonies should I attend?
Answer
We'd love to see you at both our Grah Shanti ceremony on Friday as well as our wedding ceremony on Saturday, but we understand that traveling may make it easier to only attend the wedding. We'll be happy to see you as much as we can, but we won't be offended if you can't make both.
Question
What's a Grah Shanti?
Answer
A Grah Shanti is a Hindu ceremony traditionally done before a wedding to ensure harmony and remove obstacles from the couple's life together. Ours will be done on the morning of Friday October 17th, with a light breakfast before and lunch after the ceremony. Afterwards, we'll have games and mehndi for anyone who wants it!
Question
I've never been to a Hindu wedding before, what should I do differently?
Answer
If you've never been to a Hindu wedding before, you're in good company, Noah hasn't either. As a guest, during the ceremony, your only responsibility is to watch as the Hindu priest (Maharaj) performs prayers to unite the couple. Afterwards, we'll have a cocktail hour and reception (open bar).
Question
Are kids welcome?
Answer
Kids are absolutely welcome! We'd love to see them there.