FAQs

Question

When should I RSVP?

Answer

Please RSVP by July 15, 2023, using the following link: www.therais2023.com or by scanning the QR code included in your invite. Please make sure to book your hotel room(s) at the Springhill Suites by July 15, 2023 so we will know to request more rooms if need be.

Question

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

Answer

Indian weddings are a delightful and memorable experience. They are known for their grandeur, vibrant colors, rich traditions, and joyful celebrations. The ceremony will take place under a canopy-like structure called a mandap. A Hindu priest will officiate the ceremony and numerous relatives will perform specific roles under his guidance. The bride and groom will be seated in front of the priest for most of the ceremony. The priest will recite verses in Sanskrit, but will also provide English explanations of the rituals. The ceremony will involve mostly Hindu customs. More detailed information will be available in our wedding program.

Question

What time should I arrive at the Ceremony?

Answer

Please arrive no later than 9:30AM in order to give yourself 30 minutes for refreshments and to socialize. We are not about that Indian Standard Time Life!

Question

What should I wear to the Ceremony?

Answer

Indian weddings offer a great opportunity to embrace traditional attire. Women often wear beautiful sarees, lehengas, or salwar kameez, while men opt for traditional outfits like sherwanis or kurta pajamas. We encourage guests to wear traditional Indian formal attire for the ceremony however it is not a requirement.

Question

What is a "Baraat"?

Answer

A Baraat is the wedding procession that starts at the groom's house and ends at the bride's house. Instead of starting from East Windsor, NJ, and making our way to New Delhi, India, the Baraat will start at Marigold's parking lot and end at the entrance of the Sandalwood Sunroom. Amit will arrive on a horse, along with his entourage, who will walk with him while dancing to live music and a Dhol (Indian drum). The bride's side will then welcome the groom and his family at the entrance.

Question

Is this an indoor or outdoor event?

Answer

The ceremony will take place outdoors at the mandap or Indian altar. In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will be moved indoors. Cocktail hour will be held in the Sandalwood Sunroom and the reception will be held in the Sandalwood Ballroom. ​

Question

Is there transportation from the hotel to the venue?

Answer

Parking is available at the Marigold however, if you are staying at the hotel, the Springhill Suites will provide shuttle service to and from the Marigold for both the ceremony and reception. Our recommendation would be to drive to the ceremony to ensure you are on time.

Question

Are children welcome?

Answer

Although we love your children, we would like to celebrate our special day with the adults only. We'd like you to have a relaxed and carefree evening. You deserve a night out!

Question

What type of cuisine should we expect?

Answer

We often say that the best part of an Indian wedding is the food. There will be a wide variety of dishes both Indian and International with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options at each of the events. The food will be served buffet style, so that guests will have the option to choose what they would like to eat. Please let us know if you have any food restrictions or allergies.

Question

Where are you registered?

Answer

If you would like to honor us with a gift, we are kindly requesting no boxed gifts. We are registered through Zola which can be accessed through our website under the Registry Tab.