Introduction
If I had known everything I know now about Indian weddings, I would have prepared well in advance for what was to come. Honestly, I wasn’t fully prepared for my own wedding. But here’s my advice: if you’re about to commit to a traditional Indian wedding ceremony, keep reading. I promise this post will offer valuable insights.
Dress Preparations
The first thing to do is to educate yourself. Read extensively, watch videos, and follow as many Instagram wedding accounts from India as possible. These sources will help you learn about various ceremonial outfits, venue decorations, and more. You’ll soon discover which designs resonate with you and stay updated on the latest fashion trends in India.
Types of Dresses
You’ll need more than one outfit—at least four, depending on the length of the wedding and your partner’s family traditions.
Mehendi: The bride, groom, and families participate in applying intricate henna designs on both hands and feet. This tradition is deeply symbolic and marks the beginning of the wedding festivities.
Haldi: For the Haldi celebration, the bride and groom are covered in turmeric paste believed to bless the couple and ward off evil. Consider finding a comfortable and traditional outfit for this ceremony.
Ring Ceremony: This is when the bride and groom exchange rings. Both of us dressed specially for the occasion. I chose a gown that I purchased in India, but you can find something suitable anywhere.
Vermala: I opted for a traditional red lehenga to maintain a classic look. However, many brides today choose different colors.
Mandap: This is the dress that seals the deal. I preferred something light, like a saree, as my lehenga was quite heavy. Considering the length of the ceremony, choose something you can comfortably wear for hours.
Choosing a Venue
Choosing a venue can be quite a challenge, especially in India where wedding seasons dictate availability. It’s essential to research well in advance and secure a good location. Familiarize yourself with your partner’s city to offer informed opinions on venue rental.
Menu Planning and Family Involvement
Planning a diverse menu can be challenging, especially if your husband’s family is vegetarian. Communicate your husband’s cultural background to your family in advance. Understanding and explaining your partner’s Indian culture, Hinduism, and food preferences will help everyone feel more comfortable.
This is just a start. There’s much more to discuss, but I’ll stop here for now. Follow me for more topics like this.