5 Things A Non-Indian Guest Must Know Before Attending Indian Wedding

Posted by Nik Thakar on November 18th, 2019

So, you're invited to an Indian wedding, but the problem is that a non-Indian guest like you might find it difficult to know how to work in this very important event. Our list will help you get your questions answered. Take a look below!

1. The best outfit to wear in an Indian wedding is traditional dress, saree or lengha. If you don't own one, don't worry because for special occasions, a shawl and a jewel-tone dress would be perfect, but it could be brightly colored as Indians love to wear colorful dresses.

2. Indian marriage usually lasts three days. The priest's going to do the Ganesh pooja the first day. It's a house wedding ceremony attended by an inner circle including their family and close relatives. The second day is going to be the ceremony of mehndi. This is the day the bride's female friends put on her hands and feet henna prints. There will be music and meals at night. There will be a drink and dinner. Either of these things can be invited to a guest or friend.

3. When witnessing an Indian wedding, most non-Indians are amazed. When the baraat ends, the wedding begins. It's the arrival of a groom on the place riding a horse and the guests are going to dance in the sound of an Indian drum. He will be accepted by the bride's family and the soon-to-be-married couple will exchange garlands and wear them as a sign of marriage approval. Then the wedding ceremony will begin and the couple and their families will be sitting together, then the ritual of giving the bride to the groom will begin. After that, while making the vow to support each other, they will take seven steps. All this ended when the groom puts a red powder on the forehead of his bride and places the black necklace made of beads on her neck, meaning she's married now.

4. Everyone is going to dance at the reception. There's also a contemporary music, if you feel awkward with the moves. It'd be a great party for everyone. The foods that will be served will depend on where the couple and their families come from, so it won't be all spicy or vegetarian though you can expect that with some pastries and ice cream they will serve different curries.

5. Typically, presents are delivered or sent to the house of the couple and you won't see gifts in containers. The newlywed placed in a sealed envelope will also be given money by most of the guest.

Surely these five tips would help you feel more comfortable attending an Indian wedding, we hope you will enjoy the party just as the Indian couples and their families expect from the guests and visitors. Be relaxed and mix with others so that you don't feel embarrassed by both celebrities. For more information please visit www.nikthakar.com