FAQs
Question
Why a weekday wedding?
Answer
Celebrating our special day on a Thursday evening allows us to better accommodate international travelers, provides greater flexibility with Sam's school schedule, and gives us the opportunity to participate in both Indian and Western traditions across two days with our family and closest friends. Whether or not you can make it, please know we appreciate you and your presence in our lives!
Question
Will there be alcohol?
Answer
Any alcohol will be provided by the venue through a combination bar (open bar until a certain dollar limit, followed by a cash bar). Due to our location, Lyft/Uber are not reliable options. Please plan accordingly and drive safe! No outside alcohol is allowed onsite per our venue's policy (including in cars or the parking lot) and could result in the forfeiture of our security deposit.
Question
What is the dress code on the wedding day?
Answer
This is a multicultural wedding, so please wear whatever is 'Sunday best' for your culture- whether that's a saree or your best pair of cowboy boots! (Our only request? No jeans, please.) Weather pending, there may be an outdoor component to the ceremony, so please prepare accordingly.
Question
What kind of food will be served?
Answer
You can expect a traditional Indian dinner with both vegetarian and gluten free options, followed by a variety of classic Southern desserts. If you've never tried Indian food before, we know you'll love it! (Spice-sensitive folks, we'll have an option for you, as well.) For the nalugu, Indian appetizers and snacks will be served. If you are spice-sensitive, you may want to eat beforehand.
Question
Can I bring a plus one?
Answer
Only if noted on your invite. Additionally, if you have been invited to the nalugu, you may find you have a plus one for the wedding only.
Question
Are children invited to the wedding?
Answer
If your invite includes them, yes! (We do ask that children under twelve do not attend the nalugu, with the exception of family.) Please keep in mind that as the evening progresses, some of our dance music may not be appropriate for children- if you need to make an early exit, feel free!
Question
I also received an invite to the nalugu. What is that?
Answer
A nalugu is a traditional Indian pre-wedding ceremony meant to bless the bride and groom and prepare them for the wedding day. You can expect light snacks, a casual, friendly atmosphere, and some short ceremonies involving prayers and blessings for the couple. This event is reserved for close friends and family the evening before.
Question
What is the nalugu dress code?
Answer
If you received a specific invite to the nalugu, we ask that you come in your brightest, most colorful outfit (Indowestern/Indian wear is preferred this evening). The majority of the event will happen outdoors, so wear comfy shoes. Ladies, a kurta pajama set or a saree (pre-draped with a stitched blouse) are great options. Gentlemen can also wear a kurta pajama set, a sherwani, or an Indowestern suit set. Amazon and Kalkifashion are both places we recommend you shop online. If you're in Tennessee and want to shop in-person, check out InFlair Boutique in Murfreesboro (2615 Medical Center Parkway, Suite 760). You can also browse their inventory online (https://www.inflairboutique.com); they carry sizes up to 6XL (Indian sizing). We recommend you size up (Indian sizing is smaller than the US) and make sure you do a quick google search on how to properly wear what you're buying. Sarees can be especially difficult to wear the first time around. Yes, it is totally okay to wear these clothes in this context- don't feel like you'll stand out or be offensive! Questions? Email us at stephenbrownwedding24@gmail.com.
Question
My RSVP for the nalugu does not include people on my wedding invite.
Answer
The nalugu ceremony is an intimate one for close friends and family. With this in mind, you may find your invite looks slightly different. While we welcome children on the wedding day (if included on your invite), we do ask that children under twelve stay home for the nalugu, with the exception of our own family.
Question
Introducing, Mr & Mrs...
Answer
Samuel and Abigail will both be keeping their individual surnames moving forward. You can refer to us as Mr. Stephen and Ms. Brown, the bride and groom, or 'those two who just can't make Christmas cards easy'.