Guide To Sending Wedding Invitations By Post In India

Indian wedding invitations are known for their vibrant, artistic designs, often featuring shades of red, gold, teal, and silver, as well as symbolic cultural elements. Mandalas, paisley, Ganesh, peacocks, and florals are commonly incorporated into the design. When sending wedding invitations by post in India, it is customary to include the names of the bride and groom, as well as their parents or whoever is hosting the event. The invitation may also include RSVP instructions, the theme or dress code, registry information, and the ceremony schedule, especially if there are traditional events that some guests may be unfamiliar with.

Traditional Indian wedding card designs

Traditional Indian wedding cards are known for their intricate and artistic designs, often featuring symbolic elements of cultural and religious significance. The colour palette typically includes shades of red, gold, teal and silver, with vibrant aesthetics and eye-catching details. Here are some of the most common traditional Indian wedding card designs and their meanings:

Mandalas

Mandalas are sacred in Hindu and Buddhist cultures, representing the universe, peace, harmony and the union of two souls. They are often included in wedding invitations to signify the coming together of two individuals and their families.

Paisley

Paisley is a popular design element in Indian wedding cards, representing fertility and warding off evil. It is often featured as an accent, adding a touch of cultural significance to the invitation.

Ganesh

Ganesh, the elephant-headed god, is revered in Hindu tradition as the "remover of all obstacles". It is customary to worship Ganesh before a wedding to bring prosperity and blessings to the couple. Including Ganesh on a wedding invitation is believed to bestow these blessings upon the union.

Peacocks

Peacock motifs are a common sight on Indian wedding invitations. Peacocks represent beauty, richness and joy, and their feathers are considered a symbol of good luck and prosperity.

Florals

Flowers are a key symbol in Indian weddings, with the bride and groom exchanging floral garlands during the ceremony. Jasmine, marigolds and roses are popular choices, and their inclusion on wedding invitations adds a touch of elegance and cultural significance.

Lotus

The lotus flower holds a special place in Hindu weddings as it symbolises purity and enlightenment. It is often included in wedding invitations to signify the sanctity and spiritual aspect of the union.

Elephant

The elephant is a strong symbol of strength and good luck in Indian culture. Including elephants on wedding invitations is believed to bring positive vibrations and blessings to the couple.

Mango Leaves and Kalash

Mango leaves and Kalash are symbolic of fertility and prosperity. These elements are often included in wedding invitations to bestow blessings and abundance upon the couple embarking on their new journey together.

What to write in Indian wedding invitations

Indian wedding invitations are known for their vibrant and artistic designs, often featuring shades of red, gold, teal, and silver, as well as symbolic cultural elements. When creating an Indian wedding invitation, it is important to include essential information while also reflecting the joy and richness of the occasion. Here are some key elements to consider when drafting the content for Indian wedding invitations:

• Names: Begin with the names of the bride and groom, followed by the names of their parents or the hosts of the event. This can also include a respectful mention of any deceased parents, using phrasing such as "With the blessing of the late [name]."
• RSVP Instructions: Provide clear instructions for guests to confirm their attendance. Online RSVP options, such as through a wedding website or email, offer a convenient way to track responses.
• Theme and Dress Code: Specify the theme or dress code for the wedding, such as casual, semi-formal, or regal. Encourage guests to wear their favourite wedding attire to join in the celebration.
• Registry Information: Include details about the wedding registry or a note indicating if gifts are not expected. This helps guests know what to bring or send as a gift.
• Ceremony Schedule: Indian weddings often consist of multiple events and rituals. It is helpful to provide a schedule outline, especially for guests who may be unfamiliar with traditional Indian wedding customs. Mention the timing of key ceremonies, such as the baraat, snacks and refreshments, dwar pooja, bride's arrival, various marriage ceremonies (Ganesh Pooja, Jai Mala, Hasta Milap, etc.), cake cutting, and vidai.
• Location and Accommodations: Provide clear directions and accommodation information for the wedding venue and any related events. Include the address, hotel recommendations, and transportation suggestions for out-of-town guests. You may also include a block of rooms reserved for guests and instructions on how to make reservations.
• Cultural Elements: Incorporate cultural symbols, motifs, and colours that hold significance in Indian weddings. This could include mandalas, paisley designs, peacocks, florals, and henna patterns. These elements can be integrated into the invitation design or used as decorative accents.
• Personal Touches: Add personal touches to the invitation, such as a prayer or religious quote that holds meaning for the couple. You may also include a photo of the bride and groom or a video message for guests, enhancing the invitation's uniqueness and warmth.
• Additional Details: Consider including other relevant information, such as a dress code, parking availability, safety precautions, or special instructions for guests. A photo gallery or video message can also be included to delight and excite your guests.

Remember to adapt the content to fit the style and tone of your wedding, whether it's a formal, intimate, or casual celebration. The key is to provide essential information while capturing the joy and cultural richness of your Indian wedding.

How to send Indian wedding invitations

Indian weddings are a celebration of love and rich cultural traditions, and the wedding invitations should capture the beauty and essence of the occasion. There are a few things to consider when sending Indian wedding invitations, from choosing the right design to including all the necessary information.

Firstly, it's important to select a design that reflects the cultural and religious significance of the wedding. Traditional Indian wedding cards often feature artistic designs in colour palettes of red, gold, teal, and silver, with symbolic elements such as mandalas, paisley patterns, the Ganesh symbol, peacocks, and florals. These colours and symbols can be incorporated into the invitation's background, envelopes, stickers, and stamps.

When it comes to the wording, Indian wedding invitations typically include the names of the bride and groom, as well as the names of their parents or whoever is hosting the event. Some couples may also mention deceased parents by including a phrase like "With the blessing of the late." It is also customary to include RSVP instructions, the theme or dress code, and registry information or a note if gifts are not expected.

For traditional Indian weddings with multiple events, it is common to include a schedule of the ceremonies in the invitation. This is especially helpful for guests who may not be familiar with the components of a traditional Indian wedding. A sample schedule could include:

11:15 am -- Baraat (procession with groom)

11:45 am -- Snacks + Refreshments

12:15 am -- Dwar Pooja (Groom Prayer)

1:00 pm -- Kanya aagaman (Bride arrival)

1:30 pm -- Marriage Ceremonies:

• Ganesh Pooja (Pray to Lord Ganesh)
• Jai Mala (Exchange Garlands)
• Hasta Milap (Giving away the bride)
• Agni Sthapan (Lighting of sacred fire)
• Gaath Bandhan (Tying the knot)
• Mangal Pheras (Circling the fire)

2:15 pm -- Cake Cutting

3:45 pm -- Vidai (Sending the bride off)

Additionally, Indian wedding invitations may include a prayer or religious quote that holds significance for the couple.

Finally, it is important to consider the method of sending the invitations. Paperless invitations are becoming increasingly popular, as they are cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and convenient for managing RSVPs. These can be sent via email, text, or a shareable link. However, traditional paper invitations sent through the postal service are still a common choice, especially for more formal weddings.

Indian wedding invitation wording

Indian wedding invitations are steeped in tradition and culture. They are the first official announcement of a couple's association and give guests a sneak peek into what the wedding will be like. The wording is important, as it helps make a good impression and conveys the right message. Here are some tips and examples to help you craft the perfect Indian wedding invitation wording:

What to Include:

• Names of the bride and groom, with the bride's name first unless the invitation is from the groom's side.
• Names of the couple's parents or whoever is hosting the event.
• Details of the wedding ceremony and reception, including date, time, and venue.
• Dress code or theme.
• RSVP instructions.
• Registry information or gift preferences.
• A schedule of events, especially for traditional weddings.

Wording Examples:

Traditional/Formal:

> Mrs. Arti and Mr. Mohit Sharma request the pleasure of your company at the marriage of their daughter Neeta Sharma to Atul Jain, son of Mrs. Seema and Mr. Mohan Jain, on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at The Holiday Inn, Jaipur. Events, meals, and other rituals to follow. Attire: Casual.

Intimate/Casual:

> You are invited to the wedding (or reception) of Mohit and Naira! While we dreamed of a big fat Indian wedding, we ended up with a destination wedding. We invite you to join us in Goa to celebrate. We request your presence at the Foxoso LA Beach Resort Goa for our vows, followed by lunch and events.

With Deceased Parents:

> With the heavenly blessings of Late Smt. Shakuntala Kumari and Late Sh. Vishwa Dudeja, Mrs. Asha and Lt Col Mahesh Kumar Jadeja await your gracious presence at the auspicious event of the wedding of their daughter Shivi with Abhijeet (son of Mrs. Meeta Vohora and Late Sh. Bharat Vohora) on Sunday, January 12, 2024. Reception of Baraat – 8:00 PM, Dinner – 9:00 PM at Hotel Shiv View, Chandigarh.

Evening Reception:

> Together with their families, Jiya and Akshay request the pleasure of your company at their evening wedding reception on Sunday, 4th of February 2024, at Golden Tulip, Mumbai, at 7:00 p.m. onwards. Attire: Ethnic.

Virtual Wedding:

> Aman and Shivani's Digital Wedding. You are invited to our wedding! Do not forget to join us online at the Zoom link shared for an event and a few fun activities and love from dear ones. We are also planning our wedding photo book theme as retro. Please be dressed up accordingly. Monday, October 30, 11:30 AM IST.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• Ambiguity in venue details: Provide clear and accurate information.
• Neglecting RSVP information: Always include a method for guests to confirm their attendance.
• Overcrowded design and text: Opt for a clean, well-organized layout.
• Inadequate proofreading: Triple-check for typos and incorrect information.
• Ignoring cultural sensitivities: Be mindful of specific customs and traditions.

Indian wedding card etiquette

Indian wedding cards are known for their intricate and artistic designs, often featuring a vibrant colour palette of reds, golds, teals, and silvers. They may also include symbolic elements of cultural or religious significance, such as mandalas, paisley, Ganesh, peacocks, and florals. Here are some essential etiquette tips to consider when creating and sending Indian wedding invitations:

• Host and Couple's Names: It is customary to include the names of the couple getting married, along with the names of the hosts, usually the parents of the couple or whoever is hosting the event.
• Honouring Deceased Parents: Some couples may also choose to mention parents who have passed away, using phrases such as "With the blessing of the late..."
• RSVP Information: Providing clear RSVP instructions is essential. You can make it convenient for your guests by offering multiple response options, such as responding by mail, phone, or online through a wedding website.
• Theme or Dress Code: Indicating the theme or dress code on the invitation helps guests know what to expect and how to dress for the occasion. This can range from casual, semi-formal, regal, or traditional Indian wedding attire.
• Gift Registry or No Gifts: Including registry information is standard practice, but it is also polite to mention if gifts are not necessary or expected.
• Ceremony Schedule: For traditional Indian weddings, it is helpful to provide a schedule of events, especially if some guests may not be familiar with the various rituals and ceremonies. This ensures that guests know what to expect and can plan their attendance accordingly.
• Accommodations: If you have guests coming from out of town or another country, it is considerate to provide accommodation suggestions or recommendations. You can also mention if you have arranged a block of rooms at a specific hotel for your guests' convenience.
• Religious or Cultural Quotes: Indian wedding invitations can include a prayer or religious quote that holds significance for the couple. This adds a blessed and sacred touch to the invitation.
• Invitation Timing: It is customary to send out wedding invitations at least six to eight weeks before the wedding. This gives your guests enough time to plan their attendance, especially if they need to make travel arrangements.
• Addressing Guests by Name: Indian wedding invitations are typically addressed to specific guests by name, rather than using general titles. This adds a personal touch and ensures that each guest feels valued.

Remember, Indian wedding card etiquette can vary depending on regional and cultural traditions, so it is always a good idea to consult with family elders or wedding planners familiar with Indian wedding traditions to ensure that your invitations are both respectful and informative.

Frequently asked questions