FAQs
Question
Can I bring a guest?
Answer
You can bring as many guests as you want! Please just let us know if you’ll be bringing more than one person.
Question
Are kids invited?
Answer
Kids are absolutely invited!
Question
How long do the festivities last?
Answer
The entire process is four days: two days of rituals (Feb 28 & 29), the reception (Mar 1) and the ceremony (Mar 2). Any female friends are welcome to spend the two days of rituals with Rachel. Any male friends will be able to spend those days with Prashanth.
Question
Will there be dancing?
Answer
No, South Indian weddings do not involve dancing.
Question
Should I bring a gift?
Answer
Indian weddings do not involve registries the way that American weddings do. Instead, when guests arrive for the reception, they present the bride and groom with an envelope that contains money. Having and giving money is a symbol of good fortune in Indian culture. At weddings, giving money as a gift often coincides with showering the couple with blessings. The amount of the cash gift varies and is personal to each guest. Whereas you might think of nice round numbers like $50, $70, or $100, in Indian culture they never give a gift ending in 0. The amounts usually end with a “1” such as $51 or $101. There’s a finality with 0s, whereas by giving $51 or $101 you are starting the couple off to accumulate their next $50 or $100. That $1 is in its own way a blessing that wishes the couple good fortune and prosperity.
Question
Where is the registry?
Answer
We have not set up a registry and there are not any material items that we really need. The only thing that we hope for is your presence at the wedding. However, if you insist on giving us something, we would appreciate any contributions toward our honeymoon.
Question
Will there be alcohol?
Answer
No and no drinking is allowed in the venue.
Question
Will there be food?
Answer
Yes and everything will be vegetarian. However, please let us know if you have any food allergies and we will be happy to let you know what is okay for you to eat.
Question
What should I wear?
Answer
Women are welcome to wear sarees or a modest formal attire that covers their shoulders. Men can wear business casual attire (a tie is too formal). Here is a good website for sarees: https://www.saree.com/saree Buying a saree in India is much cheaper. We’re happy to help secure one for anyone that is attending the wedding.