Question

Are there any attire guidelines I should be aware of for the Mehndi Event?

Answer

For the Mehndi event: Indian attire is optional. We recommend wearing pastel colors if possible (pastel blue, white, pastel orange, pastel yellow, or soft purple). For Women: If you’d like to wear Indian clothing, lehengas, sarees, anarkalis, or salwar suits are all lovely choices. A daytime dress in pastel shades of yellow, orange, white, purple, or blue is also perfect for this celebration. For Men: Kurtas (with or without a vest) or a lightweight sherwani are great traditional options. Western attire like a linen button-down with slacks or chinos works just as well. Color Note: We kindly ask guests to avoid wearing pink or similar shades for this event. Thank you for your understanding!

Question

If I want to purchase an Indian outfit for the mehndi event where can I look?

Answer

For guests who wish to purchase traditional attire for the mehndi event, here are a few recommendations: Cbazaar, Pernia's Pop up Shop, Aza Fashions, or House of Indya. We suggest placing orders well in advance to ensure enough time for shipping and alterations. If you need help choosing something or have questions about what’s appropriate, feel free to reach out!

Question

Are there any attire guidelines I should be aware of for the Welcome Party or the Wedding Day?

Answer

The welcome party at Coasterra will be cocktail attire. For women: cocktail or midi dresses, or a dressy jumpsuit are perfect. For men: dress pants with a button-down shirt or blazer work well. The setting is coastal, and we’ll be right by the water, so think polished but comfortable for an evening by the bay. We kindly request formal attire for our wedding celebration. For women: a floor-length gown or a refined jumpsuit. For men: a suit or dress pants with a blazer, with ties welcome but not required. We kindly ask that guests avoid wearing white, as it is traditionally reserved for the bride in Western traditions.

Question

Where is the room block and how do I book?

Answer

Our room block is at the Omni San Diego Hotel. You can book by calling 1-800-THE-OMNI and mentioning the Padani and Shenkman Wedding Room Block, or by using the online link provided. Book by August 15, 2025, to lock in the group rate!

Question

Can I stay somewhere else?

Answer

Of course! While we’d love to have you at the Omni, another great option nearby is Hotel Indigo, a stylish boutique hotel also within walking distance of the venue. There are also plenty of Airbnbs and other hotels in the area. Keep in mind that transportation will not be provided on the wedding day, so if you choose to stay somewhere else, please plan accordingly!

Question

Can I bring a date?

Answer

Please check your invitation for details—it will kindly note if a plus-one is included. Otherwise, please note that we are planning for a limited guest count and appreciate your understanding!

Question

What time should I arrive at the ceremony?

Answer

Please plan to arrive by 5:00PM for welcome drinks with the ceremony to follow promptly after. We kindly ask that you arrive on time so everyone can be comfortably seated before the ceremony begins.

Question

Will transportation be provided on the wedding day?

Answer

Transportation will not be provided, so we strongly recommend booking accommodations within walking distance of Venue 808 for ease and comfort.

Question

Is there parking available for all events?

Answer

Parking will be available for both the mehndi celebration and the welcome dinner. For the wedding day, please keep in mind that Venue 808 is located in downtown san diego and does not have a dedicated parking lot. Limited street parking may be available, but it’s not guaranteed, especially on weekends. We highly recommend staying at a nearby hotel within walking distance or arranging a ride in advance. If you need to drive, please reach out to us ahead of time so we can help make accommodations.

Question

Do I need to rent a car for the weekend?

Answer

Friday’s events include a daytime Mehndi at Balboa Park (~10 min drive from the omni) and an evening Welcome Dinner at Coasterra (~15 minute from the omni). We recommend using Uber or Lyft, renting a car, or coordinating rides with other guests to make getting around easy and enjoyable. On the wedding day, no transportation is needed as the venue is just a short walk from our hotel.