Planning A Sikh Wedding: Traditions, Customs, And More

Indian Sikh weddings are known for their grand celebrations, dazzling outfits, and heartfelt rituals. They are a celebration of love, faith, and togetherness. Planning an Indian Sikh wedding involves a lot of preparation, from the colourful outfits to the music, dance, food, and magical atmosphere. It is important to note that most Sikh weddings are deliberately planned to avoid Tuesdays and Thursdays, as these days are considered inauspicious. The wedding often takes place in the morning, with the Anand Karaj ceremony typically occurring before noon due to the importance of morning prayer and meditation in Sikhism.

Budgeting and prioritising

Indian weddings are known for their grand celebrations, and families often save up for years to ensure that the event is memorable and joyous. However, couples can still plan a beautiful and meaningful wedding within their budget by prioritising certain aspects and carefully managing their expenses.

The first step in budgeting for an Indian Sikh wedding is to determine how much you want to spend, or what you want your guests to spend. It is important to divide your budget thoughtfully across key areas, such as the venue, alcohol, and food, which typically make up the largest portion of the budget. A good rule of thumb is to not spend more than 40% of your overall budget on these items.

Prioritising expenses is crucial, and there are several ways to keep costs within your budget. For example, you can negotiate with vendors, opt for DIY elements, or collaborate with vendors focused on sustainability. Digital invitations and charitable favour options, such as donations to meaningful causes in place of physical gifts, can also help reduce costs.

It is also important to include a contingency fund for unexpected expenses. Additionally, if you are booking a luxury venue or arranging for elaborate decorations, an Insta Personal Loan can provide the necessary financial support. With flexible repayment options, this type of loan can help you enjoy your special day without worrying about finances.

Timing and dates

Indian weddings are known for their grand celebrations, with colourful outfits, music, dance, food, and a magical atmosphere. Sikh weddings are a celebration of love, faith, and togetherness.

Sikh weddings often take place in the morning, with the Anand Karaj ceremony typically occurring before noon. This is due to the importance of morning prayer and meditation in Sikhism. Most Sikh weddings are deliberately planned to avoid Tuesdays and Thursdays, as these days are considered inauspicious.

The bride is taken to the Gurudwara by car and is usually the first to arrive. This is done to give her enough time to get settled into a room and remain out of sight until the ceremony. The groom will be dressed and given a sword (or kirpan) to hold throughout the day, representing the protection of his new wife and their marriage. The groom's sisters will then present him with a palla, a rectangular piece of woven cloth that is draped across his shoulders and is crucial to the wedding ceremony.

Preparation of the bride and groom for any wedding ceremony takes a large chunk of time, and this is no different for an Indian Sikh wedding.

Traditional attire

Indian weddings are known for their grand celebrations, with dazzling outfits and heartfelt rituals.

When it comes to traditional attire, the bride is taken to the Gurudwara by car and is usually the first to arrive. This allows her time to get settled and remain out of sight until the ceremony. The bridesmaids will typically wear colourful lehengas that match the bride's theme, while the groomsmen are encouraged to wear a sherwani with comfortable pyjama pants.

The groom will traditionally be given a sword (or kirpan) to hold throughout the day, representing the protection of his new wife and their marriage. He will also be presented with a palla, a rectangular piece of woven cloth draped across his shoulders, which is an important part of the wedding ceremony. The groom's final touches include kohl to ward off evil eyes, sehra (decorative beads strung from the turban), and a kalgi, a beautiful jewel pinned to the middle of the turban.

For those who prefer a more modern vibe, the outfit choices are entirely up to the couple, and they can choose whatever suits their style and personality.

Groom's outfit and accessories

Indian Sikh weddings are known for their grand celebrations, with dazzling outfits and heartfelt rituals. When it comes to the groom's outfit and accessories, there are several key elements to consider. Firstly, a well-groomed beard is a must in the Sikh faith, and it is expected to be groomed to perfection for the wedding day. The groom will also be given a sword, or kirpan, which he will hold throughout the day to symbolise the protection of his new wife and their marriage.

The groom's outfit typically includes a sherwani, which is a long coat-like garment, paired with comfortable pyjama pants. The groom's sisters will present him with a palla, a rectangular piece of woven cloth, which is draped across his shoulders and plays an important role in the wedding ceremony.

To complete the look, the groom will also wear kohl around his eyes to ward off evil spirits, as well as sehra, which are decorative beads strung from the turban for added protection. The final touch is the kalgi, a stunning jewel pinned to the centre of the turban, symbolising prosperity and good fortune.

Bride's arrival

The bride's arrival is an important part of an Indian Sikh wedding. The bride is typically the first to arrive at the Gurudwara, travelling there by car. This is to ensure that she has enough time to get settled into a room and remain out of sight until the ceremony begins. The bride's arrival is a special moment, as it marks the start of the wedding celebrations. She will be dressed in a beautiful traditional outfit, with her bridesmaids by her side, also wearing colourful lehengas. The bride's family will also be with her, as they accompany her on this joyous occasion. Once she arrives at the Gurudwara, the bride will be escorted to a private room where she can relax and prepare for the ceremony. This is a time for her to take a moment for herself before the busy day ahead.

Frequently asked questions