FAQs

Question

Will this be a Hindu Wedding or a Western Wedding?

Answer

It will be both! On the morning of February 9th, we will hold a 2 to 2 1/2-hour indoor Hindu ceremony. In the evening, we will perform a 15 to 20-minute outdoor Western ceremony. The reception will immediately follow the Western ceremony. For more information on our exciting day, please check out the Schedule.

Question

Wait, did you say the Western ceremony will be outside? In the middle of winter? Are you nuts?

Answer

We both have dreamed of having a beautiful winter wedding surrounded by mountains. We hope you will indulge us in our vision and join us for a beautiful winter ceremony! However, the comfort of our guests are our top priority. We will be shortening the ceremony to limit everyone’s time outside and we encourage our guests to wear their jackets, gloves, and other winter accessories to feel comfortable. Additionally, we will cater a hot beverage bar available before and after the ceremony. Finally, for individuals who decide not to join us for the ceremony, there will be a heated outdoor patio that will provide a view of the wedding ceremony from a distance.

Question

I have never been to a Hindu wedding before? What can I expect?

Answer

The ceremony begins with the baraat (the “groom’s procession”) and then is followed by the bride’s family welcoming the groom. The bride comes in afterwards, dressed in red and adorned with henna. Intricate rituals, such as the exchange of flower garlands, takes place in front of the sacred fire, the agni, and under a canopy called the mandap. The ceremony culminates with the saptapadi, seven sacred steps around the fire. The groom gives the bride a beaded necklace, symbolizing that she is now married.

Question

I have never been to a Western wedding before. What can I expect?

Answer

The groom proceeds to the altar with his groomsmen, close friends or family of the groom that aid him during the wedding process, and waits for the bride. The bridesmaids, the friends and family of the bride, walk down the aisle and wait at the altar. The bride proceeds down the aisle; traditionally this is with her father, but Allison’s mother will be stepping in for this honor. The officiant speaks a few words before the bride and groom exchange vows, promising to always support and love the other. They then exchange wedding rings, symbolizing their union. The officiant pronounces them husband and wife, and the ceremony closes with a kiss between the new wedded couple.

Question

What will the dress code be for the wedding? Do I need to wear Indian clothing or Western clothing?

Answer

We recommend semi-formal, but honestly, wear whatever makes you comfortable. There is no requirement on whether you need to wear Indian or Western clothing. Again, please wear whatever you feel comfortable in. The couple and immediate family will be wearing Indian clothes for the Hindu ceremony and Western clothes during the Western ceremony, and a mixture during the reception. If you wish to dress outside of your comfort zone and try an outfit you may not normally wear, please do! Have fun, and feel free to email us if you have questions on how to navigate clothes you’re not used to wearing. Please remember that the wedding will take place in winter, so bring warm clothes such as jackets, scarves, and gloves, especially for the Western ceremony and baraat.

Question

Can I bring children to the wedding?

Answer

Yes, of course you may!

Question

Can I bring a plus one?

Answer

Yes, when completing your RSVP, you will have an opportunity to include your plus one. If you have more children or family members, they may be put under their own, separate reservation. If there are more people you may wish to bring, please email us and tell us your plan; we will do our best to accommodate you.

Question

Will the menu offer vegetarian/vegan/gluten-free options?

Answer

The menu will be completely vegetarian. Meals served will be a mixture of Indian dishes and favorites of the couple, including Mexican and Italian. We are not planning any specific vegan or gluten-free dishes, but we would be happy to identify for you dishes that meet these dietary restrictions. If you have any other restrictions, such as food allergies, please let us know and we will do our best to accommodate.

Question

Two different ceremony sites? Is there an easy way to get between them?

Answer

Yes there is! We will be providing a complimentary shuttle to and from Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort and Stroudsmoor Country Inn. You will receive more details the day of the wedding. Partying responsibly has never been so easy! If you rather drive your own car, the venues are only 13 minutes apart. In fact, all hotels in the area are about 10 - 15 minutes away from the two ceremony sites.

Question

Have you reserved hotel room blocks with a discounted cost?

Answer

Yes, we have reserved a discounted hotel room block at both the Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort, and the Hampton Inn and Suites Stroudsburg Bartonsville. For the Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort: please call the venue and tell the front desk that you are booking for the Bailey-Dave wedding. Discount booking is by phone only. For the Hampton Inn and Suites Stroudsburg Bartonsville: Discount code is #600.

Question

Will there be parking at the venue?

Answer

Yes, both wedding venues have ample parking situated near the ceremony location. However, there will also be a shuttle that travels from the Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort to the Stroudsmoor Country Inn.

Question

Since the wedding is on a Sunday, do you think I could spend the weekend in the Poconos?

Answer

Absolutely! There are a lot of fun things to do in the mountains for the weekend. Check out the Things to Do section for some ideas. Our wedding ceremony is one day only, so please take the weekend to enjoy!

Question

When should I confirm my RSVP? Should I mail back my RSVP or can I RSVP online?

Answer

We ask that you confirm your RSVP by December 7th. You can easily RSVP online through our website; however, you may mail it back if you wish.

Question

I have another question I can’t find on here. Can I ask you?

Answer

Yes, of course! If you have any other questions, please email me at bailey.allisonm@yahoo.com. I would be happy to have a chat with you.