FAQs

Question

Do you have a registry?

Answer

Your time with us is enough of a gift, but should you wish to bring a present, we will happily accept well-wishing cards, and contributions to the following organizations near to our hearts: Chicago Books to Women in Prison (cbwp.org) National Immigrant Justice Center, which supports the Chicago Legal Protection Fund (immigrantjustice.org | https://immigrantjustice.org/research/report-legal-counsel-helps-chicagos-immigrants-secure-long-term-stability/) Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ilrc.org) National Immigration Law Center (nilc.org) People's Archive of Rural India (PARI) (https://ruralindiaonline.org/)

Question

How much will attending this wedding in Mumbai cost?

Answer

The primary expense involved in attending our wedding festivities in India is the flight. We estimate the entire trip could cost a single person around $1,500 to $2,000 dollars, but fully $750-$1,000 of that price is the flight. Accommodation, meals outside of what is provided at wedding events, a tourist visa for an American citizen, and incidentals (including local transportation, sightseeing, and the purchase of appropriate wedding guest attire) could cost around $500-$700, at the most.

Question

How long will the Indian wedding be?

Answer

You may have heard that Hindu weddings can be long, elaborate, and heavily attended affairs. While many Indian weddings fit that bill, ours will not—at least not by Indian standards. Maharashtrian weddings, like ours, tend to be simpler than other regional styles of Hindu weddings, and we never wanted a huge, expensive, elaborate celebration. That being said, the small number of events will be held over three days: November 23rd, 24th, and 25th.

Question

What Events Constitute the Indian Wedding Celebration?

Answer

11/22 evening: welcome dinner for out-of-town guests. This is an American tradition which will help welcome our contingent of American friends and family to Mumbai. We’ll host a restaurant meal and have a chance to reconnect and ease you into India. 11/23 day: Halad Chadavne. Haldi. At the haldi, or halad chadavne in Marathi, the bride and groom’s family and friends gather to apply an auspicious, beautifying mixture of turmeric paste and yogurt or buttermilk to the couple. This is a great chance for fun photos of everyone getting showered in bright yellow paste and flowers, but be forewarned—it can get messy! 11/24 evening: Mehendi. At this event, the bride’s mehendi, or henna, is traditionally applied. Because bridal mehendi is often elaborate and detailed, covering the bride’s hands, forearms up to the elbows, feet, and ankles, the application process can take up to eight hours. So, Maureen will have already done this, and our mehendi party will be more of a pre-wedding hang out. Mehendi artists will be available to provide smaller designs for guests. While this event was historically gender segregated, everyone is welcome at our mehendi. 11/25 day: Ceremony. A Maharashtrian Hindu ceremony is relatively short. Please read the description provided for more info about what to expect. 11/25 day-evening: Reception. Pretty similar to an American wedding reception, although no alcohol will be available. The receiving line can be long, so Pratik and Maureen may not have frequent opportunities to circulate with guests. However, food will be served buffet-style, and the receiving line is not mandatory!

Question

I want to come, but if I’m going all the way to India, I’d like to stay a few extra days. Do you have any ideas for what I can do?

Answer

Great question! We’ve put together some suggested itineraries for people hoping to turn their Indian wedding sojourn into an Indian vacation. See our Travel page for details.

Question

What do I need to know about the wedding ceremony?

Answer

See our "Ceremony Information" page!