Brighter is better. Don't be afraid to wear a bold color—that will help you fit in with the Indian guests who'll be dressed in vibrant colors and eye-catching jewelry. If you don't have a traditional sari or lengha, don't worry—a jewel-tone dress with a shawl is appropriate too. However, if you'd like to experience Indian fashion, contact Shivani for outfits! Between Shivani's large family there are plenty of outfits to go around in all different shapes and sizes (for the Gents too)! I'd love to see you in one, they are so fun! If you'd like to purchase one for yourself here is a highly recommended site for quality clothing: https://www.lashkaraa.com/
No one loves kids more than Shiv & Bri. But for the reception let's have a kids free night. Please contact Shivani for babysitter information.
One of the first things that might surprise Western guests is the baraat, or groom's procession. For this, the groom arrives to the ceremony on a decorated white horse. Guests dance around him to the beat of a dhol, an Indian drum. After that, the bride and her family greet the groom, and the couple exchanges floral garlands to wear around their necks to symbolize their acceptance of each other. For the ceremony, the priest, groom, bride and bride's family sit beneath a mandap, or canopy structure. The ceremony starts off with the kanya daan, in which the bride's family give her away. Then the couple joins hands and circles around a small, enclosed fire (the agni) in a ritual called the mangal phera. Then the couple will take the saptapadi, or seven steps, as they vow to support each other and live happily together. Finally, the groom will apply a red powder to the center of the bride's forehead and tie a black beaded necklace around her neck, symbolizing she's now a married woman.