FAQs
Question
Is there an RSVP deadline and how do I RSVP?
Answer
The RSVP deadline is May 25th, 2024. You can RSVP under the RSVP section on this website. We know our physical invitations are running late, so we urge you to book your rooms and submit your RSVP via this website ASAP!
Question
Is there a room block?
Answer
Yes! Please book using our hotel links under the "travel" section on this website to guarantee your booking will be available for our wedding dates!
Question
Do I need a passport and when should I arrive/leave?
Answer
Yes, unless you reside in Mexico, you will need a passport and/or visa to enter the country. Please check your passports now to ensure they are active through the wedding dates. Please see the "Travel" section of this website for travel details.
Question
Is there a registry?
Answer
The bride and groom know you are all traveling and will not be accepting any boxed gifts.
Question
What is a Sangeet?
Answer
Sangeet – This ceremony is observed during the evening a day or two prior to the wedding. Both the bride’s and the groom’s family come together at a common venue and perform songs and dance routines, especially traditional Dandiya, Garba and Bhangra dances. The ritual presents an informal setting for the two families to get to know each other well.
Question
What is a Baraat?
Answer
Traditionally, this is a wedding procession that starts from the groom's house and ends at the bride's. In our case, the groom's baraat will start at the terrace and end at the beachside mandap Our groom hails from Mexican heritage and to honor this, we will be parading not with the traditional Indian Dhol, but rather, with colorful Mexican Mariachi! The bride's family will welcome the groom and his family and friends upon their arrival beachside.
Question
I've never been to an Indian Wedding, what should I wear?
Answer
An Indian wedding ceremony is a festive occasion, so colorful outfits are welcome! A Sangeet is also a colorful event, so colorful Indian outfits are preferred. The wedding is more formal and the couple will be wearing heavier Indian outfits. Just pick something you love and can dance in! If you would like to purchase a traditional lehenga, here are some suggestions from our bride (she has bought several outfits from Etsy and recommends about 3 weeks for shipping): https://www.etsy.com/search?q=lehenga&ref=search_bar
Question
What is the significance of Mehndi or Henna?
Answer
Mehndi is a temporary natural dye used as an adornment by women, and is often associated with special celebrations such as weddings, Diwali, etc. It will be applied on the bride's hands and feet a day or two before the wedding with intricate patterns and the groom's name/initials, which will be hidden somewhere. He will then have to find it (shhhh - if any of you find it before he does, don't tell him). The old saying goes that the deeper the color of the mehndi, the more you are loved by your significant other! We will have a Mehndi Station at the Sangeet Night for anyone who wants to apply it!
Question
What can I expect at the ceremony?
Answer
The ceremony will take place under a canopy-like structure called a mandap. A Hindu priest will officiate the ceremony and numerous relatives will perform specific roles under his guidance. The bride and groom will be seated in front of the priest for most of the ceremony. The priest will recite verses in Sanskrit, but will also provide English explanations of the rituals. The ceremony will involve mostly Gujarati customs, but will also incorporate some more traditional vows.
Question
I heard there were games involved at the ceremony - what's that all about?
Answer
There are a lot of fun traditions surrounding Indian weddings. One is for the bride's sisters (or cousins) to steal the groom's shoes as he takes them off before entering the mandap. The groom must pay the bride's sisters in order to get them back because he is supposed to leave the mandap to travel home with those shoes. Another game is played when the bride and groom race to their seats after circling the fire sacrifice. The first one to sit down wins the game and also is said to have the upper hand in the household! Let's see who wins the race!
Question
We can't wait to see you all!
Answer
We know there may be tons of questions that come up through this process. Please feel free to reach out to the bride or groom for any additional concerns.