FAQs

Question

Is this a multi-day event? Am I invited to every event?

Answer

There are multiple events that will be taking place over the course of three days, starting on the morning of Thursday, October 2nd and ending the night of Saturday, October 4th. Some events are smaller, more intimate ceremonies meant just for immediate family members and the wedding party while others are big, lively parties that are open to all our guests! In the wedding invitation you received in the mail, there are additional card inserts that indicate each event you've been invited to.

Question

What should I wear to each event? Do I have to buy Indian clothes?

Answer

This is the #1 question we have received from our guests on Nate's side of the family. The quick answer is: no, you do not have to buy Indian clothes for the events. We simply ask that you wear formal attire just like you would at a Christian/Western wedding (long skirt/dress that goes past the knees, dress shirt, dress pants; tie and suit jacket optional). But if you truly want to get into the spirit of the festivities, there are recommended color schemes and motifs for each event. For many of the events, we recommend wearing bright, vibrant colors and jewel tones. You can incorporate fun patterns (floral is a big one) and accessories into your outfits. Below is a quick summary of what you can wear for each event. Please refer to the mood boards on the 'What To Wear' page for visual aides/inspiration. ------------------------------------------------- Haldi Ceremony: flowy fabrics in shades of yellow, orange, or green with hints of pastel and floral motifs for accessories. Sangeet: Indian or Western semi-formal attire with various silhouettes and bright colors, floral motifs, and lots of sparkles. Anand Karaj (Wedding Ceremony): formal clothing in jewel tones; silhouettes include long skirts, flowing trousers, tunics, and traditional Indian attire. NOTE: all guests MUST wear long pants or a long dress/skirt that goes below the knees. In addition, all guests must wear a head covering when inside of the temple. Head coverings will be provided at the temple but guests are welcome to bring their own if they'd like (bandanas, pashminas, and scarfs are acceptable; hats are NOT permitted). Wedding Reception: formal attire is requested in the color scheme of your choosing.

Question

I've never been to a Sikh temple before; what do I need to know?

Answer

When walking into the temple for the wedding ceremony, all guests are required to remove their shoes and cover their heads before entering the main hall. There are shelves/cubbies by the entrance where you can place your shoes. Head coverings (like bandanas or scarves) will also be available at the main entrance. It is customary to sit on the ground when inside of the temple (chairs will be available for those with mobility or health issues). During the ceremony, it is common for women to sit on the left side of the prayer hall and men to sit on the right side. Alcohol and tobacco are STRICTLY PROHIBITED on Gurdwara premises (including the parking lot).

Question

What do I need to know for the wedding ceremony? What can I expect?

Answer

It is customary for the Anand Karaj (wedding ceremony) to occur during the morning, so we ask that all guests who are invited to the ceremony to please arrive at the Gurdwara by 9:00am. The first part of the proceedings is the 'Baraat' (the arrival of the groom), where Nate, accompanied by his friends and family, will ride to the front entrance of the Gurdwara on horseback and be greeted by Simran's family. This leads to the 'Milni' (introductions), where the families come together to formally meet one another. The immediate members of the families exchange garlands and gifts with one another, symbolizing their bonding and mutual respect. Everyone will then be served breakfast (this usually takes place in the 'langar' (kitchen) inside of the temple, but due to the large number of guests we will have tents set up outside). After breakfast, everyone will enter the temple and make their way into the prayer hall for the wedding ceremony. Once everybody is situated, Simran will enter the hall and sit on the floor beside Nate in front of the altar. The altar holds the central religious text of Sikhism, known as the Guru Granth Sahib. The Ragis (Sikh musicians) will recite and sing each verse of the 'laavan' (marriage prayer), signifying the couple to stand and walk around Guru Granth Sahib four times. This unites the couple together and signifies the beginning of their new stage in life. Towards the end of the ceremony, everyone in the prayer hall will be served a sweet wheat pudding called kada prashad (this is somewhat similar to taking communion at a Catholic mass). At the conclusion of the Anand Karaj, everyone is invited back outside to the tents for another meal. It's important to note that all guests leave the prayer hall first, not the bride and groom. Additionally, please refrain from clapping or cheering when the ceremony ends. After lunch, everyone will see the newly weds off and that will conclude the morning festivities!