What to Expect at An Indian Wedding

If you’re attending an Indian wedding for the first time, you may not know what to expect, how to dress, or even how long the ceremony will be. A traditional Indian ceremony is very different from the Western weddings you may be used to and has different etiquette as well. That’s why we’ve put together some tips to help you feel more prepared for celebrating the marriage of your Indian friends!

1. Wear something bright.

Indian weddings tend to feature bright saris and vibrant colors, so don’t be afraid to wear something especially bold and colorful. While it is acceptable for guests to wear a traditional sari or lengha, don’t feel like you have to run out and buy one. A long dress with a shawl is a great alternative. Just be sure to wear a color, as black and white have different meanings in Hindu culture.

It’s also important to dress modestly, making sure that your body is fully covered and that your outfit does not reveal any cleavage or your shoulders and legs. For men, a simple suit or long-sleeved shirt with long pants is acceptable.

2. The ceremony can last several days.

It’s true that a traditional Indian wedding lasts about three days, but it’s unlikely that you will be asked to attend all the festivities. Let’s take a look at the general format of an Indian wedding.

On the first night, a priest will perform the ganesh pooja, an intimate ceremony involving just the couple, the bridal party, and immediate family. This part of the wedding generally takes place at home.

The second day of the wedding starts with a mehndi ceremony, which is when the bride and her female friends and relatives get henna drawn on their hands and feet. Afterwards, sometime in the evening, will be the sangeet, to which all wedding guests are usually invited. This event is designed to celebrate the couple and involves food, dancing, and often some performances.

The main ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception take place on the third day. You may only be invited to the actual wedding ceremony or to the sangeet as well. Check your invitation, which should clearly state what events you are expected to attend.

3. Expect traditions that may be unfamiliar to you.

Just like Western weddings, Indian weddings have their own traditions. For example, the groom arrives to the ceremony on a decorate white horse in what is called a baraat, and the guests will dance around the groom to the beat of a drum. Then the bride and her family greet the groom, and the couple exchange floral garlands to wear around their necks as a symbol of their acceptance of one another.

During the ceremony, the priest, couple, and the bride’s parents sit beneath a mandap, which is a sort of canopy similar to the chuppah that is used in Jewish wedding ceremonies. Like in most Western weddings, an Indian ceremony begins with the bride’s parents giving her away (the kanya daan), followed by the couple taking each other’s hands around a small fire. This ritual is called the mangal phera.

Next, the couple takes seven steps together, known as the saptapadi, while they promise to support each other. In the final ritual, the groom applies a red powder to the center of the bride’s forehead and ties a black beaded necklace around her neck to symbolize her new status as a wife.

4. Don’t bring a gift.

Traditionally, couples request that no gifts are brought to an Indian wedding, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t give them something. Have your gift shipped to their home or simply bring an envelope with money as your gift.

5. The reception will be a party!

Indian wedding receptions are all about dancing and celebration. You will have the chance to learn bhangra, a Punjab folk dance, but if you’re uncomfortable learning new steps, don’t worry. You will probably also hear plenty of contemporary Western music as well. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes because there will be lots of dancing!