FAQs

Question

I've never been to an Indian wedding before. What should I expect?

Answer

Traditionally, Indian weddings tend to be large and span over a couple of days. While each region of India has its own specific customs, the general concept is the same – it’ll be a Big Fat Indian Wedding, filled with vibrant colors, music, plenty of food, and dancing. The main events on Friday and Saturday are the (i) Garba and Sangeet, (ii) Baraat, (iii) Wedding, and (iv) Reception.

Question

What is the Garba and Sangeet?

Answer

This event takes place during the evening a day or two prior to the wedding. Both the bride’s and the groom’s families come together to perform songs and dance routines. This event will blend the customs of both our backgrounds, incorporating the traditional Gujarati dances of Garba and Dandiya, as well as the Sindhi tradition of singing wedding songs called Ladhas. For those who are interested, you will also be able to get Mehndi (also known as Henna tattoos) done at this event, as it is tradition for women of the family (and friends, of course!) to apply mehndi in celebration of the wedding. It’ll be a night filled with food, song, dance, and love, concluding with an open dance floor!

Question

What is a Baraat?

Answer

The Baraat, or groom’s procession, which takes place prior to the wedding ceremony, is an element of a traditional Hindu wedding in which the groom leads a parade to the wedding venue. Traditionally, the Baraat would begin at the groom’s home, and the singing, dancing, and dhol (Indian drum) playing would last the duration of the journey. Upon arrival, the groom’s side is ceremonially greeted by the bride’s family. Mihir’s Baraat won’t be coming all the way from Maryland - that would be quite a long ways away! It will begin on the boardwalk outside the hotel, and proceed to the front door of the hotel.

Question

What should I wear?

Answer

Indian attire is not required for any event – formal attire works just fine! For the Garba/Sangeet and wedding ceremony, we encourage everyone to wear bright and colorful outfits! For the cocktail hour and reception, evening attire is encouraged (i.e. suits and long skirts or gowns).

Question

Where would you recommend I buy Indian clothes?

Answer

You are more than welcome to purchase Indian attire if you so choose! Some online retailers that we love include: Lashkaraa - https://www.lashkaraa.com/ Pernia’s Pop Up Shop - https://www.perniaspopupshop.com/ Aza Fashions - https://www.azafashions.com/ House of Indya - https://www.houseofindya.com/ KYNAH - https://shopkynah.com/ Mirraw - https://www.mirraw.com/ Outfits are often made to order, so if you are planning on ordering one or more, please make sure to do so in advance!

Question

Can I bring a plus one or additional family members?

Answer

Please enter your information in the RSVP tab to view the number of guests included in your party. While we wish we could celebrate with all of our loved ones, due to strict capacity restrictions set by our venue, we can unfortunately only accommodate those individuals listed in your party.

Question

I have dietary restrictions. Can they be accommodated?

Answer

Food at Indian weddings is typically served buffet style. Each event will have a delectable spread of food, and dishes that are vegetarian, non-vegetarian, and/or without onion and garlic will be clearly marked. We are working closely with our caterer to ensure we have options for everyone to enjoy! If you have a specific restriction beyond those listed above, please reach out to us directly so we can ensure it is accommodated and that dishes are appropriately labeled.

Question

What will the weather be like?

Answer

As they say, it’s always sunny in Philadelphia, and our wedding will be taking place in summer, the best time of year in the city! Temperatures this time of year typically range from the low 70s to mid 80s in degrees Fahrenheit.

Question

Is the wedding indoors or outdoors?

Answer

All wedding events will take place indoors. The only exception is the Baraat (groom's procession, see above), which will start outdoors. In the event of rain, the Baraat will take place indoors.

Question

Are we allowed to take photos with our phones and cameras during the wedding?

Answer

Yes! We encourage you to take as many pictures as you wish and ask that you share them with us afterwards! Instructions are forthcoming on how to do so. However, we kindly ask that you allow our professional photographers and videographers the space to work their magic and to please avoid blocking their shots.

Question

Do you have a wedding registry?

Answer

Your presence at our wedding is the greatest gift we could ask for! However, if you would like to honor us with a gift, we have a registry tab linked on our website. We kindly request no boxed gifts please.

Question

I’m coming from out of town. Where can I stay?

Answer

Please see the Travel tab on our website for a link to our discounted room block at the Hilton Philadelphia Penn’s Landing, which will be the location of all wedding events. We realize Philly is a big city with lots to do, though, and welcome you to explore! Should you decide to stay at another location, please ensure you organize transportation to the venue for all events.

Question

Is parking available at the venue?

Answer

Parking is available at the venue at a discounted rate for our guests, with both daytime and overnight options available.

Question

When should I RSVP by?

Answer

All guests are kindly requested to RSVP by June 1st. Unfortunately, we will not be able to accommodate late RSVPs. If special circumstances prevent you from being able to confirm your attendance by this date, please reach out to us at your earliest convenience!

Question

What if I can no longer attend the wedding?

Answer

If you have RSVP’d and can no longer attend, please let us know as soon as possible so that seating arrangements and catering orders can be adjusted accordingly. As much as we are looking forward to celebrating with you, we understand! Life happens!