American-Indian Fusion Wedding: A Cultural Celebration

Indian weddings in America are a vibrant celebration of love and culture. Couples often blend traditions and rituals from both cultures to create a unique and meaningful experience for themselves and their guests. From the vibrant colours and rituals of the Indian ceremony to the elegant simplicity of an American wedding, there are many ways to incorporate both cultures into one celebration.

For example, a couple might choose to have two separate ceremonies on different days, or they might opt for a blended ceremony that includes elements from both cultures. Some popular Indian rituals include the Seven Steps, which symbolize the seven vows during an Indian wedding, and the garland exchange, which marks the transition from unmarried to married. The American tradition of the bride walking down the aisle on her father's arm is also often incorporated into Indian-American weddings.

In terms of attire, couples might choose to wear traditional Indian wedding clothes, such as a lehenga for the bride and a sherwani for the groom, or they might opt for a more Western style, such as a ballgown for the bride and a suit for the groom.

Indian-American weddings are a beautiful way to honour and celebrate both cultures, and with careful planning, couples can create a meaningful and memorable event that reflects their unique backgrounds.

Wedding attire

Indian weddings are known for their extravagance, colour, and rituals. They are steeped in tradition, and often continue for several days, with new attire worn each day.

Bride

The bride usually wears red, which is considered the most auspicious colour among Hindus. She may wear a wedding sari, lehenga, mekhela sador, gagra choli, or odhni. Her hands and feet are adorned with henna patterns, and she wears gold jewellery.

Groom

The groom's attire depends on the region. In the South, West, and Eastern parts of India, he might wear a dhoti and mundu, or a kurta or shirt. In the North, he usually wears a sherwani, Jodhpuri suit, or Western suit. The groom's face is often veiled with a curtain of flowers, known as a sehra.

Bridesmaids and Groomsmen

The bridal party is dressed almost as elaborately as the bride and groom. They wear bright colours, and gold jewellery.

Guests

Guests are encouraged to wear traditional Indian clothing if they feel comfortable. For women, this could be a saree (a long piece of fabric draped around the body) or a lehenga (a fitted blouse and flared skirt). For men, the traditional garment is a sherwani (a long coat-like tunic worn over trousers).

If guests prefer to wear Western clothing, women should opt for long dresses or pantsuits, and men should wear suits or formal shirts and trousers. It is important to avoid wearing red, black, or white, and to dress modestly, covering the legs and shoulders.

Fusion Weddings

Some couples choose to blend Indian and Western wedding traditions. For example, a couple might have both a traditional Indian ceremony and a Western ceremony. The attire for these weddings blends the two styles, with guests wearing a mix of Indian and Western outfits.

Wedding rituals

Indian weddings are steeped in rich traditions and rituals. Here is a detailed description of some of the rituals you can incorporate into an Indian-inspired wedding:

The Sangeet/Garba

The sangeet is a pre-wedding ceremony where the families of the bride and groom come together to sing, dance, and celebrate the upcoming union. It is derived from the Hindi word 'sung together' and involves both sides of the family singing traditional folk songs and often giving performances. This ceremony is a great opportunity for the two families to bond and celebrate.

The Mehndi/Henna Ceremony

The Mehndi ceremony is a vibrant celebration where the bride and her female friends and family members get intricate henna designs applied to their hands and feet. The ceremony usually takes place a day before the wedding and is believed to bring good luck and health to the bride. The darker the henna, the more the bride will be loved by her in-laws, according to tradition.

The Baraat/Vara Yatra

The baraat is a unique and joyous wedding ceremony entrance for the groom, who arrives with a parade of family and friends, often with lots of dancing and singing. In traditional Indian weddings, the groom rides in on a horse or even an elephant, but modern grooms may opt for a fancy sports car. The bride's family welcomes the groom and his party, and the couple then continues with the wedding ceremony.

The Kanya Aagaman/Arrival of the Bride

During the kanya aagaman, the bride makes her entrance to the mandap, where the groom and his family are seated. The bride is escorted by her maternal aunt and uncle or other family members, signifying the acceptance of the union from the maternal side of the family. This ritual is a beautiful way to involve the bride's family in the ceremony.

The Varmala/Jai Mala/Garland Exchange

The varmala is a symbolic ritual where the bride and groom exchange floral garlands, usually made of jasmine, roses, or marigolds. This exchange represents the couple's acceptance of each other into their families. In some cases, the couple competes to see who can place the garland on the other first, adding a playful element to the ceremony.

The Kanyadaan/Giving Away of the Bride

The kanyadaan is a traditional ritual where the bride's family gives her away to the groom. The bride's father places her hand into the groom's hand, signifying his acceptance and care for the bride. This ritual is a significant moment in Hindu weddings, as no groom can claim a bride until she is offered by her family.

The Mandap/Wedding Altar

The mandap is a temporary structure that serves as the altar for the wedding ceremony. It is usually decorated with elaborate floral designs, fabrics, and crystals, and is the focal point of the wedding. The couple is joined beneath the mandap by their parents and the officiant, and it is where the majority of the rituals and ceremonies take place.

The Saptapadi/Seven Steps

The saptapadi is a crucial ritual in Hindu weddings, where the couple takes seven steps together around a sacred fire, symbolizing their seven vows and blessings for their marriage. Each step has a specific meaning, such as dharma, artha, kama, and moksha. This ritual establishes friendship, the basis of a Hindu marriage.

The Vidaai/Bride's Farewell

The vidaai is an emotional ceremony that marks the bride's departure from her family to start her new life with her husband. The bride's parents give her a final farewell, and she throws a mixture of rice, flower petals, and coins over her head to show her gratitude and appreciation for her family.

Wedding food

Food is an integral part of an Indian wedding, and it is often what guests will remember the most. It is also a way to showcase your cultural heritage and personal tastes. Here are some ideas for an Indian-inspired wedding menu:

Beverages

It is important to consider the season when selecting drinks for your wedding. Here are some options for summer and winter weddings:

• Iced Coffee with a Scoop of Ice Cream
• Homemade Fruit-Infused Sparkling Water
• Watermelon Agua Fresca
• Berry Blast Smoothie
• Sparkling Pineapple Ginger Ale
• Mexican Hot Chocolate

Chaats

Chaats are a must-have at an Indian wedding. Here are some popular options:

• Pani Puri/Gol Gappa
• Aloo Tikki
• Kachori/ Raj Kachori
• Papdi Chat
• Dhokla
• Mini Veg Samosas
• Mini Non-Veg Samosas
• Bhel Puri
• Dahi Puri

Breakfast

It is customary in India to believe in "Athithi Devo Bhava," which means making your guests feel special. Here are some Indian breakfast ideas:

Almond Vanilla Pancakes with Cinnamon Bananas

Starters

Some options for starters include:

• Thenga, Manga, Pattani Sundal
• Thalipeeth
• Cheppankizhangu Chops
• Garlic Mushroom Fried Rice
• Kanchipuram Idli
• Sabudhana Kichadi

Salads

Salads are important in Ayurveda to improve digestion. Here are some Indian-inspired salad options:

• Sprouted Moong Salad
• Apple Cucumber Salad
• Sprouted Chana Salad
• Beetroot and Garlic Salad
• Cheese & Pineapple Salad
• Vegetable Salad with Lemony Apple Dressing
• Sprouts Salad with Veggies

Soups

Soups are an essential part of an Indian wedding menu. Here are some options:

• Cream of Tomato Soup
• Mixed Vegetable Clear Soup
• Pepper Mushroom Soup
• Makai Shorba or Sweet Corn Soup
• Lemon and Coriander Soup
• Bottle Gourd and Onion Soup
• Palak Shorba or Spinach Soup
• Lemon Coriander Soup
• Spinach and Coconut Soup
• Kashmiri Khukh Yakhni Shorba

Snacks

Snacks are great icebreakers at weddings. Here are some Indian-inspired snack ideas:

• Pickle (Chilli Pickle, Mango Pickle, Mixed Pickle, and Lime Pickle)
• Paneer Capsicum Masala
• Paneer Methi Malai Matar
• Beerakaya Cashew Masala
• Tandoori Stuffed Sesame Aloo
• Vegetable Bhel (on tawa)

Gravies/Curries

Curries are an essential part of an Indian meal. Here are some options:

• Amritsari Paneer Tikka
• Mixed Vegetables Makhani
• Goan Vegetable Curry

Daals

Daals are a must-have at an Indian wedding, as they are tasty and healthy. Here are some options:

• Yellow Dal (Lentils)
• Black Dal (More Lentil)

Chapatis/Flat Bread

Indian chapatis/flatbreads come in various types to cater to different tastes. Here are some options:

• Green Puri (made of green spinach or other leafy veggies)
• Tawa Roti or Chapati

Raita

Raita is a must-have condiment at an Indian wedding, as it is both tasty and healthy. Here are some options:

Mixed Vegetable Raita

Desserts

Indian weddings usually offer a variety of traditional sweets. Here are some options:

• Gulab Jamun
• Rasmalai
• Jalebi
• Pistachio Praline Parfait
• Patishapta with Strawberry Couli

Paan

Paan is a traditional after-meal treat in India. Here are some varieties:

• Meetha Paan
• Saada Paan
• Masala Paan

Wedding invites

Indian weddings are known for their vibrant colours, intricate rituals, and joyous sense of celebration. The wedding invitations should reflect this, and there are many options to choose from. Here is some advice for creating beautiful and meaningful Indian wedding invites.

Timing and Details

It is recommended that you send out your invitations at least three months before the wedding date, and ideally 10 weeks in advance if your wedding has multiple events and ceremonies spanning several days. This gives guests, especially those travelling from afar, ample time to make arrangements. Be sure to include a clear schedule of events with dates and timings, venue details, and dress codes.

Design and Symbolism

Indian wedding invitations should be colourful and can include traditional symbols and motifs such as paisleys, peacocks, ornate patterns, floral elements, and border prints. The lotus, for example, symbolises purity and enlightenment and is often used in Hindu weddings. You can also incorporate the region of India your family comes from by using specific rituals and traditions in your invitation design. For instance, the henna ceremony, the sangeet (musical party), and the baraat (groom's procession) are now common in weddings across all Indian communities thanks to Bollywood.

Wording and Enclosures

Traditionally, Indian wedding invitations include the names and backgrounds of the parents and grandparents of the bride and groom. You can also include a religious quote at the top of the invitation to seek the blessing of God. If you are having a Mehndi ceremony, a smaller, female-centric event, and a Sangeet, a larger, more festive gathering, it is customary to include enclosure cards for these events with your wedding invitation.

RSVP

While traditional Indian wedding invitations do not include an RSVP date or enclosure card, assuming that guests will attend out of respect, modern couples often include a line directing guests to their wedding website to indicate their attendance.

Wedding schedule

Indian weddings are vibrant, colourful, and full of cultural traditions and rituals. They are also often multi-day affairs, with several ceremonies and celebrations taking place. Here is a sample wedding schedule for an Indian-inspired American wedding:

Day 1: Pre-Wedding Rituals

• Mehndi / Henna Ceremony: This usually takes place 2-3 days before the wedding. The bride and her female family members get henna tattoos, and photographers capture the final touches and portraits.
• Sangeet: A night of dancing, singing, and festivities. It is a great opportunity to capture action shots, family portraits, and the vibrant energy of the celebration.
• Graha Shanti: A special ceremony for the bride and groom's families, usually done a day before the formal marriage ceremony. It is customary for the couple to be separated and in their respective homes or venues. This is a good time for photographers to capture individual moments of the bride and groom.

Day 2: Wedding Day

• 5:00 am: Bridal party hair and makeup begin. This can take 1.5 to 3 hours, so it is important to allow ample time.
• 7:00 am: Photographer arrives to capture details such as the bride's saree or lengha, wedding rings, jewellery, shoes, and the groom's outfit, accessories, and shoes.
• 7:45 am: Hair and makeup complete. Photographers can take candid shots of the bridal party and relatives as the final touches are being done. This is also a good time to exchange gifts.
• 8:15 am: Individual portraits of the bride and groom.
• 8:45 am: First look/couple's daytime session. An intimate moment for the couple, which is also a great opportunity for photographs.
• 9:20 am: Bridal party portraits. This includes shots of the bridesmaids, groomsmen, and the entire wedding party.
• 9:40 am: Photographs of ceremony details. While the bridal party portraits are being taken, the second photographer can capture the beauty of the ceremony site and all its intricate details.
• 10:10 am: Bride hides away for the Baraat. More individual portraits of the bride can be taken at this time.
• 10:15 am: Baraat – Groom's procession. The groom rides in on a decorated white horse, accompanied by music and dancing.
• 10:45 am: Baraat arrival at the ceremony entrance.
• 10:45 am: Milni – Groom greets the bride's family.
• 11:10 am: Groom walks into the Mandap, where the priest offers prayers for blessings and a trouble-free ceremony.
• 11:20 am: Bridal grand entrance – "Kanya Aagaman". The bride is escorted to the Mandap by her maternal uncle or other relatives and bridesmaids.
• 11:30 am: Wedding ceremony begins. The Indian wedding ceremony includes several rituals such as the Saptapadi or Mangal Fera.
• 12:45 pm: Ceremony ends with the Vidaai, where the bride's family bids her farewell.
• 1:00 pm: Lunch is served to the guests.
• 1:30 pm: Couple's session. More photographs of the newlyweds, now as a married couple!
• 2:15 pm: Downtime for the bride and groom.
• 4:00 pm: Get dressed for the reception.
• 4:15 pm: Family portraits in their formal reception attire.
• 5:00 pm: Photographs of cocktail details and guests mingling.
• 5:30 pm: Cocktail hour. Guests arrive and socialise while the newlyweds take more photos.
• 5:00 pm: Nighttime/reception couple's session. Sunset/nighttime shots create a romantic and atmospheric feel.
• 5:45 pm: Photographs of reception details.
• 6:45 pm: Doors open to the reception. Guests are greeted by a vibrant sweetheart table display and the bride and groom's malas.
• 7:00 pm: Grand entrance of the newlyweds.
• 7:00-9:30 pm: Dinner, programming, performances, and speeches. This part of the reception can be customised with dances, special performances, and speeches from family and friends.
• 9:30 pm: Open dance floor! Time for everyone to let loose and enjoy the celebration.
• 10:00 pm: Sneak-away session. The last couple's photo session of the day, capturing the closing moments of their special day.
• 10:30 pm: Cake-cutting ceremony/dessert. This signals to guests that the reception is coming to an end.
• 10:45 pm onwards: Continue dancing and celebrating! The party can go on for as long as the couple and guests desire.

Day 3: Post-Wedding Celebrations

Many Indian weddings also include post-wedding rituals and celebrations, such as:

• Haldi: A ceremony where the bride and groom are covered in turmeric paste, symbolising a purification ritual.
• Reception lunch or dinner: A more relaxed gathering with family and friends, often including games, music, and dancing.

Frequently asked questions