Wedding Night Secrets: Indian Edition

Indian weddings are often multi-day affairs, with various rituals and celebrations. The wedding night is an opportunity for the couple to relax and spend time together, perhaps cuddling, talking, or opening gifts. They may also spend time with family, playing games, or dealing with pranks played by friends. For some, the wedding night is the first opportunity to be intimate, while others may opt for a long bath and a champagne toast.

Cuddling and talking

Cuddling can be a great way for the couple to physically connect and provide comfort to each other. It can also be a good opportunity to initiate physical intimacy if both partners are comfortable.

Talking and sharing stories is another way for the couple to bond and get to know each other better, especially if it is an arranged marriage. They might discuss their wedding and the events of the day, or share more personal stories and experiences. This emotional connection is important for building a strong foundation for their future together.

For some couples, the wedding night may be their first opportunity to be alone together, so it is a chance to create a romantic atmosphere and enjoy each other's company. They might talk about their future plans and dreams, strengthening their commitment to each other.

In the context of Indian weddings, where the day can be particularly lengthy and tiring due to various rituals and traditions, cuddling and talking provide a moment of calm and intimacy for the newlywed couple.

Honeymoon packing

Packing for your honeymoon is an exciting part of planning for your new life together. Here is a detailed list of what to pack for your honeymoon, with a few extra tips to ensure a smooth process.

Documents and Money

• Passports and any visas are essential, and it is recommended to have paper and digital copies of these, as well as your ID, immunization records, flight confirmations, and hotel reservations.
• Credit cards, debit cards, and cash in the local currency are also vital. It is a good idea to inform your bank of your travel plans to avoid any blocks on your account.
• It is also handy to have the phone numbers of your doctor and health insurance provider.

Clothing

The amount of clothing you take will depend on the length of your trip and the activities you plan to do. Here is a general list of clothing items to pack:

• Underwear and socks
• Shorts and pants
• Long-sleeve shirts and t-shirts
• Jackets and sweatshirts
• Walking shoes, evening shoes, and hiking boots or water shoes
• Pajamas or loungewear
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear and beachwear
• Warm clothing for cold destinations, such as a heavy jacket, scarf, mittens, and waterproof clothing
• Formal wear for dining or other activities, such as a suit jacket, button-down shirts, and a tie for the groom, and a formal dress and heels for the bride.

Toiletries and Medication

• Shampoo, conditioner, soap, and shower gel (although these may be provided by your hotel)
• Comb or brush
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Dental floss
• Sunscreen
• Lotion or oil
• Aloe Vera gel
• Band-aids
• Lip balm
• Razors and shaving cream
• Aftershave
• Deodorant
• Makeup and makeup remover
• Mosquito repellent
• Tweezers
• Pain relievers
• Earplugs
• Sleep masks
• Any prescription medication and other essentials such as contact lenses and solution

Other Essentials

• Entertainment such as books, e-readers, or games
• Travel pillows
• Plastic bags for dirty laundry
• Umbrella or rain gear
• Backpack or bag for day trips
• Tote bag for the beach or pool
• Adapters and converters
• Guidebooks for your destination

Long baths

A wedding is a tiring affair, and the couple will likely be exhausted by the end of the day. One way to unwind and relax is by taking a long bath. In India, there is a pre-wedding tradition of the bride and groom taking a ceremonial purifying bath, known as Mangalasnanam in the south, Nahaan in Parsi, and Pani Tula in the northeast. This ritual bath is meant to ward off the "evil eye" and bring positivity and wellness to the couple.

For the wedding night, some couples opt for a 5-star hotel suite, where they can take advantage of the luxurious bathtub and enjoy a relaxing soak. This can be a great way to unwind, de-stress, and connect with your partner. It can also be a romantic prelude to other wedding night activities.

If you're planning to take a long bath on your wedding night, don't forget to pack the essentials like bath oils, soaps, and perhaps even some champagne to sip while you relax. You can also incorporate flowers, candles, and soothing music to enhance the ambiance and make it a truly special experience.

Remember, the wedding night is about you and your partner, so feel free to customize your bath experience to suit your preferences. Whether you want to relax, rejuvenate, or set the mood for romance, a long bath can be a great way to start your wedding night rituals.

Pranks

The Drunken Bride

A naughty prank that involves the bride pretending to be drunk at the wedding ceremony. As the groom initiates a conversation, the bride starts complaining about every mistake he has made during their courtship. The prank ends with the bride saying "I don't want to marry you" and bursting into laughter, revealing it was all an act.

The Drunken Guests

This prank involves a few close friends or relatives acting drunk and blessing the couple excessively. They can also recite lame romantic poetry, break into funny dance steps, and get the couple to join in.

The Unpleasant Presents

Get some big boxes and fill them with unpleasant "presents" such as squashed tomatoes, tattered clothes, banana peels, and worn-out slippers. Wrap the presents beautifully and give them to the groom, asking him to open them in front of everyone.

The Runaway Bride

This prank involves the bride pretending to run away from the groom. If the groom is on the heavier side, he may not run after her, making for a hilarious moment.

The Lost Wedding Ring

Played by the best man and groomsmen, this prank involves pretending to have lost the wedding ring. When the groom asks for the ring, blame him for not giving it to you in the first place. Finally, produce the ring from your pocket and hand it over, capturing the couple's shocked expressions.

The Wedding Objection

Have someone from the audience, or a fake boyfriend/girlfriend, object to the wedding.

The Uncomfortable Seat

Rig the groom's chair to slowly sink, so that by the time the couple exchanges rings, he is sitting uncomfortably close to the floor. Alternatively, place squeaky toys or an air horn under the chair cushion to make loud noises when the groom sits down.

Opening gifts

Indian weddings are colourful, multi-day celebrations, with various rituals and traditions. The wedding ceremony and reception are the biggest events, but there are smaller events that take place at the couple's parents' homes, too.

Gift-giving is a common tradition at Indian weddings. Money is the traditional gift, symbolising good fortune and showering the couple with blessings. This is usually given in the form of cash or a cheque inside an ornate envelope. The amount of money varies, but it is common for the sum to end in a "1", such as $51 or $101. This is because a "0" indicates finality, whereas a "1" signifies a new beginning and good fortune. It is also common to give money in smaller denominations, such as $5 or $10 bills, for random token blessings or tips.

Other gifts, such as decorative items, jewellery, and silver items, are also appropriate. However, it is important to note that gifts are not always expected, especially from friends.

Frequently asked questions