Are you going to a Hindu wedding for the first time and not sure what to expect? Receiving an invite for an Indian wedding is exciting and we know you're eager to see if it will be just like the scenes from the movies. Over the three day celebration you will be in awe of the vibrant colours, rich culture and the overall experience. From extravagant wedding venues to diverse entertainments, we are here to tell you about everything you can look forward to.
Often hundreds of people are invited, and even the most intimate Hindu wedding celebrations involve a couple of hundred guests. If you are invited to attend a Hindu wedding but are not familiar with the customs or perhaps want to learn more about what you can expect, our guide will help you to appreciate the traditions and enjoy the festivities without feeling utterly lost!
The Location
The first thing to know about Hindu weddings is that they take place over a number of days. Some of these events are intimate, family-only affairs, however you might be invited to all or only part of the celebrations, which can take place at different venues on different days. Pre and post-wedding rituals normally take place at the couple's parents homes, a marquee in the garden or in a hall.
The ceremony is usually held on the third day, at a venue with enough space to host large numbers of guests. This might be a town hall, conference centre or a large hotel. This also means that the venue for the ceremony and reception is often the same.
Browse venues that are ideal for a large, Asian wedding here.
The Attire
If the dress code is going to be anything other than traditional Indian wear then the dress code is normally stated on an invitation. With so many different functions, if you're attending every one then a different outfit for each would be ideal. Indian outfits come under all different types of budgets. Although most guests will be in traditional Indian wear, you shouldn't feel obligated to do so. You can embrace the culture in other, subtle ways such as wearing a bindi, matha patti or a colourful scarf.
Tip: For women's outfits, it can work out cheaper to find the fabric you want and take it to the tailors to make than buying a ready-made dress from the shop.
There is a wide range of Indian wear options especially for women so if you are unfamiliar with what sort of thing you could wear, don't worry as there will definitely be something for you. Here are a few of the traditional Indian outfit terminologies to help you search for what you need.
Kurta - A traditional, long, loose-fitting tunic
Pajama - Loose-fitting trousers, typically made from cotton or silk, goes with a Kurta
Lehenga – An ankle-length embellished skirt
Salwar – Pair of trousers
Kameez – Tunic top, usually paired with a salwar
Dupatta – Scarf
Saree – A long piece of fabric that is elegantly wrapped around to form a traditional Indian outfit
Bindi – A coloured dot usually red placed in the centre of the forehead
Khussa – Flat shoes
Jhumka – Traditional Indian earrings
Maang Tikka/Matha Patti - A thin chain with a hook on one end to attach to the hair and a pendant on the other end that lays on the forehead
The Ceremony
There are lots of different elements which might be included in Hindu wedding ceremonies. These are usually traditions which have been passed down through generations. A couple might include some parts but not others, however there are some elements which are usually a constant part of all ceremonies.
In particular, the entrances of both the bride and groom are celebrated with prayers, singing and flower garlands. There is also Gau Daan, a symbolic exchange of gifts which originates from dowry traditions, and Hasta Milap, where the couple's hands are tied together with cotton thread to symbolise their new unbreakable bond.
During the ceremony, in the center of the mandap, a fire is kindled. Both the bride and groom circle this fire pit 7 times to signify 7 specific blessings they want from the Gods. The bride and groom both repeat the prayers spoken by the priest. These are promises to be humble and faithful to God and each other.
We have written a detailed guide to Hindu wedding ceremonies, which you can find here.
The Reception
As you might expect with any wedding reception, the celebration after a Hindu wedding ceremony is a joyous occasion. Food, dancing and music are all involved in the festivities, so you'll be able to enjoy a full taste of this rich and spiritual culture. The entertainment can be taken to a lavish level, read more about this further down.
Food
The feast at a Hindu wedding is often a decadent and lavish celebration of Indian cuisine. There's usually plenty of choice, including lots of vegetarian options. Delicious, savory rice and curry dishes are at the heart of a Hindu wedding banquet, however traditionally there are also a huge collection of tasty sweet treats for guests to enjoy such as a Gulab Juman and ice cream or a slice of wedding cake!
Drinks
You might be wondering whether alcohol is likely to be served at the Hindu wedding you're attending. There is no definitive answer here; it depends on the background of the two families. Some Hindus do drink alcohol, however certain Hindus who are super religious do not. Regardless of whether it's a dry wedding or not, you'll certainly leave with a smile on your face after enjoying the wide array of food offerings.
Entertainment
A big part of the reception and post-wedding celebrations involves the bride and groom playing a number of games. Which games they play depends on the traditions of the families, however common examples include a game where the bride and groom attempt to find a coin or ring in a bowl of milk or coloured water and one in which they must work together to untie knots which have been tied around their wrists.
You can also expect the reception to involve a lot of music, dancing and laughter - just as you would expect from any post-wedding celebration.
In majority of the functions at an Hindu wedding, dancing is essential. Like any wedding, Hindu weddings are a huge celebration so celebratory dancing seems like the only option be it between meal courses, in the pre-wedding traditions or entering the venue and any other opportunity.
Indian music is truly electrifying and whether it's Hindi, Punjabi or even straight from the Bollywood movies, the songs will have you two stepping in no time!
Asian wedding receptions can be seen as a beautiful show, right from the couples entrance to the dancing to their exit. Entertaining guests is a huge part of Asian weddings, from the pre-wedding traditions to the wedding reception. As an old hindi saying goes "Atithi Devo Bhava" which when translated means a guest is the equivalent of God and therefore prioritising guests' comfort and happiness is the number one priority for any host.
Types of entertainment you might see are:
- Dhol Playing Group
- Bollywood Dancers
- Belly Dancers
- Live Bands
- Bhangra Dancers – Traditional Punjabi dance
- Giddha Dancers – Traditional Indian folk dancers
- A mainstream singer's concert (a lot of rich families tend to have this as well)
Want to learn more about other etiquettes and traditions? Get inspired on Guides for Brides here.