FAQs

Question

Do I need to wear Indian clothes to any/all events?

Answer

No - we want you to wear clothing you feel comfortable in. If you would like to, though, we recommend Indian attire for the Sangeet and Sikh Ceremony, and optionally for the Haldi/Mehndi. The reception event will have individuals in both western and Indian clothes, and the Christian ceremony will be mostly Western attire. The Sikh ceremony has some special attire requirements (please see question about the Sikh ceremony alone.)

Question

I would really like to wear Indian attire - what items should I look for?

Answer

For women, you can look for a Lehenga (a short blouse + long, high waisted skirt) or a Salwar Kameez/Anarkali/Kurta Set (different terms for a long dress + leggings). Lehenga's are very popular for the Sangeet in particular. For the ceremony, saris are also a beautiful option, but they are much more difficult to put on and will definitely require some help for first-timers. For men, you will be looking for a Kurta, Sherwani, or Jodhpur suit. They are all sets of a fitted top and pants.

Question

I want to wear traditional Indian clothing but I don't have it, what should I do?

Answer

There are a couple of options here, rent/borrow from a friend/buy. Rent: Yes, this is available online. Though checking local sales is may be more cost efficient. Buy: Check if there is an Indian clothing store in your area. Custom tailoring is the norm in Indian clothing, and it is nice to work with someone in person. If you are in the metro-Chicago area, I recommend #####. Here are some online suggestions: Amazon.com (search “men’s kurta” or “women’s lehenga”) kalkifashion.com perniaspopupshop.com azafashions.com utsavfashion.com Please note that if you're shopping online for women's attire, when custom measurements are available, you can order your blouse in any style (longer, with sleeves, etc. as desired).

Question

What should I wear to the reception?

Answer

The dress code is formal. The short answer is whatever you are more comfortable in. That could be a long gown/tuxedo/suit from earlier in the day, your saree/lehenga/kurta from the previous morning, or something else.

Question

Are there colors/things I should avoid?

Answer

For the Indian events, black and white symbolize the color of death in the Indian culture. Stay away from black dresses/skirts etc. If you choose a white outfit, be sure it has a colorful design on it.

Question

What do I need to know about the Sikh wedding ceremony?

Answer

The Sikh ceremony will be held at gurdwara, a place of assembly and worship for Sikhs. As you think about what to wear there, you will need to consider that everyone will be sitting on the ground during the ceremony. You should wear pants or a long skirt, and avoid spaghetti straps and less conservative attire. If you have a hard time sitting down on the floor, there will be a bench in the back and cushions you can sit on as well. Culturally men and women sit on opposite sides of the ceremony, though if you feel more comfortable sitting together as a family please feel free to do so. When you sit at the ceremony, please be careful not to direct the soles of your feet to the center. Everyone needs their head covered when in the gurdwara. Handkerchiefs will be provided to cover heads, but most women will prefer to bring a scarf. If you are wearing traditional Indian clothing, this will be a part of the outfit (the chunni).

Question

What exactly is the Sangeet event?

Answer

The word "Sangeet" literally translates to "music," and the term is used to describe the large event the night prior to the wedding. This is a colorful and musical evening with lots of dancing. In the region of India Jaspreet's family is from (Punjab), the traditional dances that are done are Bhangra and Jaago. Informal dinner with open seating will open at 7pm

Question

What's a baraat?

Answer

A Baraat is a procession in which the groom enters the wedding place. The groom comes with a Dholi (drummer), riding on usually a horse or animal of some sorts along with his entire list of invitees. So if you're from the grooms side ( or even the bride's side), be sure to come early to be a part of the dancing procession as Jaspreet enters the wedding venue. This is followed by Tina's family and bridal guests greeting him to the Sikh wedding venue.

Question

Will I have the opportunity to get henna?

Answer

You will have the opportunity to get henna on your hands at the Haldi/Mehndi. “Mehndi” is the Indian word for “henna,” and “henna” is the Arabic word for “mehndi.” We can also say that a mehndi is the result of that henna painting process, and henna is the medium used in creating a mehndi.

Question

What type of food can I expect?

Answer

There will be both Indian cuisine at each event and non-Indian cuisine at the reception also. Don't worry it will not all be spicy, so if spicy food isn't your thing - we've got you covered. Please reach out if you have any food allergies.

Question

Are kids invited?

Answer

We are thrilled to celebrate with your whole family at the the Haldi/Mehndi, Sangeet, Sikh Ceremony, and Christian ceremony. Due to space constraints for the reception, we ask if possible to coordinate different arrangements for that event. Ideally, we would like to have the event be for those 12+ years old.

Question

Is there transportation to and from the different events?

Answer

There will be shuttles running from the hotel to the reception. TBD for other events.

Question

WOAH! This is 4 days of events! I don't know if I am able to come to it all!

Answer

We totally understand that many of our guests may have other commitments that prevent them from attending all the events! This may be especially unfamiliar to our Western attendees who may not have experienced a multi-day Indian wedding before. We are happy to celebrate with you for any events you are able to attend - please just indicate in your RSVP which events you can make!