Guide To Crafting Hindu Wedding Invitation Cards

Hindu wedding cards are more than just invitations – they're works of art that tell the story of the couple's love and commitment. Steeped in tradition and symbolism, these exquisite invitations are a reflection of the rich and diverse culture, values and personality of the couple and their families. From the design and colours to the wording and fonts, every detail counts in making this event memorable. So, how do you write a Hindu wedding invitation card? Firstly, it's important to include the names of the hosts, usually the parents or family members of the couple, as they are the ones inviting the guests. Next, include the names of the bride and groom, along with their respective parents' names, to help guests understand who is getting married. Finally, provide all the relevant information about the wedding ceremony and reception, including the date, time, location, dress code and any other details such as meal options or accommodations for guests.

Include the names of the hosts, usually the parents or family members of the couple

The Hindu wedding invitation is not just a simple invite, it is a symbol of honour and respect for the guests. It is also an important announcement of the union of two families. Therefore, it is essential to include the names of the hosts, usually the parents or family members of the couple. This is because, in Hindu culture, it is considered respectful to acknowledge the families of both the bride and groom.

The names of the hosts are typically mentioned first, before the names of the couple and their respective parents. This is done to indicate that the hosts are inviting the guests on behalf of the couple. The parents' names should be addressed with Mr. and Mrs. salutations in a formal invite, adding a ceremonial touch to the invitation.

If the invitation is sent out from the bride's side, her name goes on top, followed by the groom's name. Conversely, if it is sent from the groom's side, his name appears first. When the couple sends out the same invitation card from both sides of the family, the names of the bride and groom are listed together.

In addition to the names of the hosts, it is also common to include the names of the grandparents of the bride and groom on the invitation card. This reflects the rich and diverse culture and values of Hinduism, where weddings are considered a union of not just two individuals but also their entire families.

By including the names of the hosts and other family members, the invitation card becomes a meaningful keepsake for the guests, honouring their role in bringing the couple together and making this special day possible.

List the names of the bride and groom, along with their respective parents' names

A Hindu wedding invitation card is a formal announcement of the love between the couple and the joining of two families. It is also a symbol of honour and respect for the guests.

The names of the bride and groom are essential to include in the invitation, and the order of their names depends on which side the invitation is coming from. If the invitation is from the bride's side, her name goes on top. If it's from the groom's side, his name goes first. If the couple is sending out the same invitation, both names are listed together.

The names of the bride and groom's parents are also included in the invitation, under the couple's names. The parents' names should be addressed with Mr and Mrs salutations to add a ceremonial touch. It is also appropriate to mention the parents' names as it is considered respectful in Hindu culture to acknowledge the families of both the bride and groom.

If the parents have passed away, they can be mentioned with the phrasing "with the blessing of the late".

Provide essential details such as the date, time, location, dress code, and accommodation info

Hindu weddings are steeped in tradition and symbolism, and the wedding invitation is an important part of this. It sets the tone for the event and conveys essential details. Here are some tips for providing essential details such as the date, time, location, dress code, and accommodation info when writing a Hindu wedding invitation card:

Date and Time

It is crucial to include the date and time of the wedding ceremony and reception. For formal weddings, write out the date and time in full (e.g., "Saturday, the eleventh of May, nineteen hundred and sixty-eight"). For casual weddings, using numerals is fine (e.g., "Friday, August 27, 2021, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM EST"). If the wedding reception is not immediately after the ceremony, include the reception time.

Location

Include the name of the wedding venue and its full address, especially if omitting it may cause confusion or if the wedding is at the host's home. If the ceremony and reception are at the same venue, you can mention this on the invitation, for example, "and afterward at the reception" or "reception immediately following." If the reception is elsewhere, put the location on a separate line.

Dress Code

Including a dress code on the invitation is helpful for guests, ensuring they know what attire is expected. You can include the dress code on the lower left or right-hand corner of the invitation or at the bottom centre of the design. Alternatively, you can put it on a separate information/details card or your wedding website. Here are some examples of dress codes and their typical meanings:

• White tie or full evening dress: the most formal dress code, with men in long-tail tuxedos and women in full-length ball gowns.
• Black tie: usually indicates an evening wedding with men in tuxedos and black bow ties and women in formal floor-length gowns.
• Formal or black tie optional: guests are encouraged to wear black-tie attire, but it is not mandatory. Men can wear a dark suit with a shirt and tie, and women can opt for a floor-length gown, knee-length cocktail dress, pantsuit, or dressy separates.
• Lounge suit or semi-formal: a step down in formality from black tie, suitable for a semi-formal daytime wedding.
• Jacket and tie: men can wear a sports jacket, suit jacket, or blazer with chinos and a tie. Women should wear a cocktail dress, pantsuit, or dressy separates.
• Cocktail attire: a step above smart casual. Women can wear a dress with an above-the-knee hem, and men can opt for a suit with or without a tie or a sports jacket and dress shirt.
• Smart casual: guests are asked to dress neatly, without being too dressy or too casual. Men can wear dark denim, chinos, or suit pants with a neat shirt, and women can opt for a skirt or smart trousers.

Accommodation Info

If you are reserving hotel room blocks for out-of-town guests, it is recommended to share this information on a separate accommodation details card or your wedding website. Include the hotel's name, address, and phone number, along with the name or group code of your room blocks and the date to reserve by. If a shuttle is provided from the hotel to the venue, you can add this information as well.

Address guests with appropriate titles, such as 'Shri', 'Smt', 'Kumari', or 'Miss'

When writing a Hindu wedding invitation card, it is important to address your guests formally and appropriately. In India, honorifics are used to denote formal and informal social, commercial, and religious relationships. These titles are used as prefixes, suffixes, or replacements for names.

When addressing a male guest, the most common honorific is 'Sri', derived from the Sanskrit 'śrīman', and is placed before the name of the subject. It is akin to the English term 'Mister'. For example, 'Shri John Smith'.

For unmarried women, the title 'Kumari' or 'Kum' is used, the equivalent of 'Miss' in English. For married women, the honorific 'Smt' or 'Shrimati' is employed, similar to 'Mrs'. For instance, 'Smt Jane Smith'.

Additionally, you may also include the names of the parents of the couple, especially if they are hosting the event. For instance: 'Baruni and Bhaskor Bhaduri request the pleasure of your company at the marriage of their daughter...'

Include RSVP instructions and contact information

When it comes to RSVP instructions and contact information, there are a few key things to keep in mind for your Hindu wedding invitation card. Firstly, it is standard to include a phone number for RSVPs, as not all guests may be tech-savvy. You can also include an email address or a link to a wedding website where guests can RSVP. If you're using a wedding planner or another third party to manage your RSVPs, be sure to include their contact information.

It is also a good idea to include an RSVP deadline to help with your planning and ensure an accurate headcount for the big day. This deadline should be set well in advance of the wedding, typically around four weeks before. It is inevitable that you will need to follow up with some guests who don't respond, so it is a good idea to plan for this.

If you are providing accommodation for your guests, be sure to include these details on the invitation or on a separate card. You can include the name and address of the hotel, as well as any instructions for booking. For example, you may want to mention a specific room block or rate for your guests, and provide a contact name or code to reference when making reservations.

Finally, consider including travel instructions or a map, especially if your wedding venue is difficult to find. This can be a helpful addition to your invitation, ensuring your guests can arrive with ease and comfort.

Frequently asked questions