Indian weddings are very bright events, filled with ritual and celebration, that continue for several days. They are generally not small affairs, with anywhere between 100 to 10,000 people attending. Oftentimes it is possible that many of the attendees are unknown to the bride and groom themselves. Though most Indian marriages are arranged, some couples in urban areas have what are known as "love marriages", where the partners decide to marry each other without family involvement or assistance. The traditional Indian wedding is more about two families being brought together socially, with much less emphasis on the individuals involved.
Wedding traditions vary across religion, caste, ethnicity, language, region, etc. Traditional Indian weddings are generally structured into pre-wedding ceremonies, wedding day ceremonies (consisting of the Baraat, the Varmala and the Satphere), and the Vidaai.
Vidaai is when the bride is formally sent to the groom’s household. It can get quite emotional even for the most stonehearted. Many heart-wrenching songs have immortalized this moment when the bride leaves her ‘babul ka ghar’ or father’s house
An example of the complexity of an Indian wedding can be seen from the various phases of a wedding in North India. The following events take place in a typical Eastern Uttar Pradesh Hindu marriage:
According to Hindu religious texts, Brahma created man from the right shoulder and woman from his left shoulder. A woman is referred to as Vamangi or one who is on the left side. Throughout the marriage ceremony the bride sits on the right side of the groom. That is the place for strangers and acquaintances. Only after the Saptpadi, when the bride and groom have exchanged marital vows, is the wife seated on the left side of the man.
Bride and groom are told about their duties and responsibilities in married life by priest.
Wedding Rituals
Tilak Ceremony
In India, the bridegroom and his family is placed in high regard. Therefore, after they get ready for the wedding the first ceremony which locks the seal is Tilak ceremony. It is usually attended by the male members of both the families. The father of the bride along with other associates visits the house of the groom. There he applies the auspicious tilak on the forehead of the groom to ensure that the he is finally ready for marriage and also that the bride's family has accepted him as their would-be son in law.
Engagement Ceremony
It is one of the first ceremonies that takes place between the two families and the would-be bride and groom. The engagement ceremony is basically a brief ritual wherein the couple exchanges gold rings. This ensures both the parties that the girl and the boy are now hooked. This is why it is also called the ring ceremony. This is followed by exchange of gifts between the families like sweets, dry fruits etc. this is followed by either a lunch or dinner party.
Mandap Ceremony
This attributes to the fact that Indian weddings are around five day long. There are a number of rituals that take place before, after and on the wedding day itself. Mandap ceremony is also such ritual. After the var mala ceremony is over, the couple is blessed by the elderly people of both the families. This is followed by the mandap ceremony, which is performed under a canopy supported on four pillars. This is called Mandap. It is usually made of bamboo and is decorated with red and silver colors.
Sangeet Ceremony
Sangeet ceremony is held few days before mehndi ceremony and comes as a time for joy and merriment amidst the hectic hustling bustling activities before marriage. Traditional the family of the bride invites female relatives and associates for Ladies sangeet, wherein all of them sing folk songs dedicated to marriage and bride. It is accompanied by Dholak and spoon, for the tune and beat. After this all the unmarried girls perform dance on different son
Mehndi Ceremony
Mehndi ceremony usually takes place just before marriage. According to the ritual, the bride does not step out of the house after this ceremony. Mehndi ceremony is essentially organized by the family of the bride and is usually a private affair which takes place in the presence of friends, relatives and family members. However, the scale of the ceremony depends upon individual choice. Some people celebrate it with great pomp and show. Sometimes, the Mehndi ceremony resembles another sangeet ceremony.
Reception Ceremony
This is a celebration time for both the families as they rejoice over their new accord. The reception ceremony also serves as an opportunity for the bride to know the acquaintances and associates of the groom's family. This is the time when the bride finally represents herself as an important member of her new family. Reception ceremonies are therefore arranged from the groom's side to make the world know that they have a new member and they celebrate her arrival. It is an extension of the marriage celebrations.
Var Mala Ceremony
Var Mala ceremony is an important main wedding day ceremony. It is also known as Jaimala and basically involves exchange of garlands between the bride and the groom.
The Jaimala ceremony begins with the bride trying to put garland around the neck of the groom. This is prevented by groom's friends, in order to tease the bride. To enable the bride perform the ritual, the associates on her side help her to do the same. This is one of the most awaited moments of the wedding as everyone enjoys the tussle between the two parties as well as the new couple. Finally, the groom also puts the garland around bride's neck. This ceremony indicates that the bride has accepted the groom as her loving husband.
Vidai Ceremony
In India, Vidaai is a post wedding ceremony, which takes place after the wedding rituals are completed. This means that after the seven pheras and kanyadaan this is the major ritual that takes place. During the vidai ceremony the bride is accompanied by her parents and associates, which lead her outside the doorstep of the house. Before crossing the doorstep, she throws back three handfuls of rice and coins over her head, into the house. This symbolizes that the bride is repaying her parents for all that they have given her so far.
Indian Wedding Food
Traditionally, the food for the wedding was cooked by skilled cooks. Nowadays, people's preferences are changing and quite a number of them opt for catering services. However, one should make this decision wisely. In case of catering services, the first thing to do is to decide your menu. The menu is decided keeping in mind your budget. Remember the idea is to choose a good caterer, who provides you with food of your choice within your budget. After you choose the caterer, all the arrangements are done by them.
Bridal Lehanga
Wedding lehengas are available in a wide range, varying from traditional lehengas to contemporary lehengas, from designer lehengas to Lehenga cholis. Moreover there is a wide range of colors available to choose from. Though the prime color for any wedding dress is preferred to be red, brides have become quite experimental and opt for distinctive colors like peach, lilac, pink, sky blue, sea green and medium range blues. Therefore, to cater to the needs of ever changing preferences of the customers, Lehengas are now available in a plethora of colors.
Groom sherwani
Wedding Sherwani are available in a wide range. Dark colours are preffered mostly to catch attention of all.
Wedding Night (Golden Night) Room Decoration Tips
Wedding room decoration tips and ideas are the most important part of golden night (Suhaagraat). In indian tradition the decoration of wedding room will be done by groom's sister in law (Jijaji) or close friends. Humerous games are played with couple by there friends and family members and they have to give amount of cash demanded by their friends and families after that they are allowed to enter their room this is also one of rituals followed in indian wedding. The golden night room generally should be decorated with the flowers and special gifts. You can get here the tips and ideas about the wedding room decoration.
Decorate Bed With Hanging Flowers, Silk Sheets and Cushions
Arrange candles and diyas (Oil Lamps) for room.
Arrange some warming lotions & massage oils
Arrange a CD player and CD of romantic tracks
Arrange Kama Sutra Kits
Arrange some effective room freshners rose petal bubble with candles
Provisions are made for sweets, fruits, drinks, incense and perfumes
