You probably want to know the dos and don’ts at an Indian wedding as a guest, been it your first time. It may be confusing knowing what not to do and what to do, coupled with the series of ceremonies, rituals, long celebration, and occasions. Fortunately, the guides I will help you know what to do and what not to do, thereby allowing you to enjoy the wedding ceremonies.
Do’s and Don’ts on an Indian Wedding Party
- Know when to take pictures: Taking a picture is not a crime, but in an Indian traditional wedding ceremony, you don’t take photos anyhow because of distraction from the noise, camera flash, and other possible distractions during the rituals. Therefore before you take any photos, make sure you are not in any way, distracting the occasion.
- Expect Blessed food: In most Indian ceremonies such as the Sikh ceremony generally held at the Sikh temple, you are likely to be offered blessed food popularly known as ‘KarahPrashad.’ KarahPrashad is made up of clarified butter known as ghee, sugar, and flour. You are also likely to be served vegetables but in Jain weddings. Non-vegetarian foods are offered in other celebration days such as Sangeet and Mehndi, which rely on the family choice. You should only expect meat at a Muslim wedding. Knowing that your full participation at the wedding is considered to bring about luck for the couple, you have to see that you take something.
- Know when and how to present yourGifts: Giving a monetary gift as a gift in an Indian wedding is acceptable. In most cases, when the invitation did not say anything about the gift. It can be done by putting an amount into a nice looking envelope together with a letter of good wishes for the new couple.
- Dancing with or kissing the bride is not allowed: There is a party where the couple party with their guest and also collects their gifts. But note that Dancing with or kissing the bride by a male guest is not allowed.
- Dress neatly and decently: The first aspect of the wedding is ritual affairs; therefore; your attire must be religiously selected. Your clothing must not reveal a sensitive part of your body; your legs, shoulders most be covered appropriately.
- Do seize the opportunity to learn the customs: Colorful rituals are the most known fact about an Indian wedding. There are several meanings attached to different individual wedding ceremonies (the Saptapadi, recitation of wedding vows, and Mehndi). Knowing them will position you in a better place to enjoy the wedding ceremony to its fullest. The groom places toe rings on the brides at a particular region, which indicates that she is married, or he will apply kumkum, also known as vermillion, on her forehead.
Final thought
Always keep in mind that the most vital thing to do as a guest in an Indian wedding is to enjoy the occasion because the primary reason why you are at the wedding is to please and honor the celebrant (the couple), and to enjoy yourself. Remember that the wedding is an avenue to explore the rich, beautiful, and oldest form of Indian culture. You can also visit our store for your high-quality Indian wedding attires, to avoid looking out of place, while looking gorgeous!
