12:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Please wear shades of yellow. Please be mindful that turmeric can stain fabric!
The Gaye Holud ceremony during a Bengali wedding is a celebration of love and blessings. Family and friends of the couple will apply a turmeric paste all over the couple’s faces and bodies. The bright yellow color of turmeric represents vitality and applying it to the couple is believed to purify and cleanse them. Once they have been covered head to toe, the turmeric is washed off with milk and water. This purifies the couple, warding off evil intentions and ensuring their well-being in married life. Turmeric also has anti-inflammatory and brightening properties that will make their skin glow from within—just in time for their big day! Overall, the Gaye Holud ceremony brings the couple’s loved ones together and surrounds them with love and good wishes.
6:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Shades of green, Heeramandi theme. Prepare for mehndi, music and masti!
The Mehndi ceremony is a wedding celebration where the bride has henna designs applied to her hands and feet. The henna designs are seen as a blessing and a way to protect the bride from negativity and to bring good luck and happiness to their marriage. The event is filled with music, dance, food, and laughter. The women of the family and close female friends usually participate in choreographed dances and lively entertainment. The word "sangeet" translates to "sung together" or "music" in Sanskrit. It's a time for both families to bond, get to know each other, and celebrate the couple's upcoming marriage. The sangeet is centered around music and dance, with family and friends performing choreographed dances and singing songs, often Bollywood or traditional Indian music. Guests often wear traditional Indian attire and traditional games are played to engage the guests. Modern sangeets can be more creative with unique themes, decorations, and performances.
5:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Dress to Impress! All guests are welcome to wear their choice of suits, gowns, or desi formal attire.
The reception is a public announcement of the union and an opportunity for the couple to receive blessings from their loved ones. There will not be a ceremony/vow exchange on the reception day. The reception is a way to celebrate the union of the newlyweds and their families with music, dancing, and a large meal.