FAQs
Question
What should I wear?
Answer
Checkout this guide we made called ['Chennai: Know before you go'], contextualized to our events and families!
Question
What to gift the couple?
Answer
We are fortunate to be blessed with all the material things we need at the moment. While your presence is more than sufficient, if you wish to gift us, you may contribute to our newlywed fund through Venmo (@poojaah), Zelle (pooja.addla@gmail.com) or through a cheque. For other options, please contact Josh or Pooja.
Question
How do I book the trip?
Answer
Here is a friendly neighborhood travel agent, available to take care of that for you. Please feel free to contact Mr. Kumar at kumarr@newtravelexperts.com directly and reference my name and the event.
Question
Is this wedding going to be like how it's shown in Bollywood?
Answer
Sadly (and in some ways for the better), no. Pooja's family is very traditional. Most of them do not drink alcohol. Some are completely vegetarian wheareas others partake but avoid certain meats (e.g., beef or pork) for religious reasons. Some also avoid eating meat during religious festivals or other 'auspiciosus' days, including weddings. Instead, they throw elaborate meat-filled feasts to the married couple after the wedding day. Most people tend to dress traditionally and/or modestly and weddings are not seen as 'parties' but as a family occasion to bless the married couple (which is why we're hosting a separate party đŸ˜‰).
Question
Why is the dinner party much ahead of the wedding?
Answer
Hindu weddding ceremonies are only conducted during 'auspicious' hours of certain dates based on the bride and groom's astrologies. For Pooja and Josh, it happened to be between 9-10:30am on Jan 18, 2027 (and a few other later dates, but this was the best!) Since the ceremony is early in the morning and the pre-ceremony rituals start even earlier (and of course, hair and makeup starts even earlier), having the party the night before will be exhausting. On Saturday, January 16, Pooja's family has (more) rituals to complete. Their family, including the bride, is not permitted to eat meat or drink alcohol on the day of the wedding and the two days prior. For these reasons—the night of Friday, January 15th, works best. This also allows guests visiting from other cities to explore Chennai or neighboring places.