Rhiannon Hendricks
Hindu weddings are steeped in rich tradition and ritual, with celebrations lasting up to a week. The reception is a time to let loose and celebrate the newlyweds with a party. It includes speeches, songs, dances, and performances by loved ones. There is also a lavish sit-down dinner, with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, and a dance party. The reception is a time to gift the couple money, usually in a brightly coloured envelope, to wish them well for their new life together.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of guests | Large-scale events with hundreds of people in attendance |
| Number of days | Typically 3 days, but can be up to 5 days or even a week |
| Food | Buffet-style dinner with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, including rice, naan, chicken and lentil dishes |
| Drinks | Alcohol is served, but typically consumed later in the evening |
| Gifts | Money is a common gift, given in a brightly coloured envelope |
| Dress code | Vibrant outfits |
| Decor | Prismatic shades of red, orange and pink |
| Entertainment | Speeches, songs, dances and other performances |
| Rituals | Baraat (groom's entrance), exchange of floral garlands, tilak ceremony, griha pravesh ceremony, vidaai (grand farewell) |
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What You'll Learn
- Food and drink: a buffet with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, sweets, and alcohol
- Dancing: guests dance to Bhangra, Bollywood, and Western music
- Gifts: money is a common gift, given in a brightly coloured envelope
- Groom's entrance: the groom arrives in a parade with loved ones, riding a horse or in a sports car
- Tilak ceremony: the bride's family applies a mark to the groom's forehead, symbolising spiritual devotion
Food and drink: a buffet with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, sweets, and alcohol
Food and drink are a big part of Hindu wedding receptions, which are typically large-scale events with hundreds of people in attendance. The guest list is usually quite long, so food is often served buffet-style.
Hindu wedding celebrations usually take place over three days, with some lasting up to five days. The wedding reception is held on the final day, in the evening, after the wedding ceremony. As the reception is a time to celebrate and let loose, there will likely be alcohol served alongside the food. However, it is customary not to drink alcohol until after the ceremony, so alcohol will be served later in the evening.
During the day, if there has been a religious ceremony, no meat will be served. The daytime food will consist of vegetarian options, such as two vegetarian curries, rice, dhal, savoury snacks like samosas, poppadoms, and pickles, and sweets like Shrikhand Gulba Jamun. In the evening, there will likely be both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. Naan, which is not usually served during the day, will be available in the evening, alongside meat dishes.
The food served at a Hindu wedding reception is rich and lavish, with a wide array of exciting canapes and starters. It is common to serve rice, chicken dishes, and lentil dishes. Indian food is typically spicy, and there are limited vegan and gluten-free options.
Hindu wedding receptions are a time for the couple's families to throw a party, with lots of music and dancing. It is a joyful occasion, with no set traditions, so guests can expect to let their hair down and have fun.
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Dancing: guests dance to Bhangra, Bollywood, and Western music
Dancing is a significant part of Hindu wedding celebrations, with guests dancing to Bhangra, Bollywood, and Western music at the reception. The sangeet, a pre-wedding ceremony, is filled with song and dance performances by loved ones, celebrating the union of the two families. It is a joyous occasion, with choreographed dances, music, and special songs. The baraat, or the groom's entrance, is another dance-filled tradition, with the groom arriving in a parade accompanied by loved ones, drummers, and festive music.
The reception is a time for guests to dance freely, with a mix of Bollywood, Bhangra, and Western music. It is a lively party atmosphere, with guests performing routines and dancing the night away. The newlyweds, parents, and loved ones often take centre stage with their own choreographed dances, adding a memorable touch to the celebration.
The choice of music and choreography is carefully considered, with couples selecting songs that reflect their personalities and tastes. Upbeat and energetic songs are becoming increasingly popular for the couple's first dance, replacing traditional soft ballroom styles. The parent's dance is another special moment, followed by the guests joining in with their own spontaneous and choreographed performances.
Guests are encouraged to bring their most fashionable and comfortable dancing shoes to fully immerse themselves in the celebration. The dancing is a significant aspect of Hindu wedding receptions, providing a fun and joyous atmosphere for all to enjoy.
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Gifts: money is a common gift, given in a brightly coloured envelope
Hindu weddings are steeped in rich tradition, with colourful, celebratory rituals that can last for several days. The wedding reception is a time to let loose and celebrate the newlyweds. It is a fun party with music, dancing, and a large variety of food. It is common for gifts to be exchanged at Indian weddings as a thoughtful way to offer the couple well-wishes for their new marriage. Money is a typical gift, given in a brightly coloured envelope.
While there are no fixed rules, Indian weddings usually span multiple days, often three, and sometimes up to five. Each day is filled with specific rituals, ceremonies, and events. The wedding reception is typically held on the final day of the festivities, following the wedding ceremony. The reception is a time for the couple's families to come together and celebrate, with a lively and joyous atmosphere.
The reception usually includes a mix of traditional and contemporary music, catering to different tastes. Bhangra, Bollywood, and Western songs are commonly played, alongside more modern hits. The celebration also includes speeches, with loved ones expressing their happiness and best wishes for the couple.
The food at a Hindu wedding reception is a highlight, with a focus on rich and lavish dishes. The spread typically includes a wide array of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, catering to various tastes and dietary restrictions. Indian weddings are known for their generous hospitality, with an abundance of food to satisfy all guests.
When it comes to gifts, money is a common and popular choice. Guests often place their monetary gifts in brightly coloured envelopes, wishing the couple prosperity and happiness. It is considered thoughtful to include a personal note or card with the gift, expressing your happiness and best wishes for the newlyweds.
Indian weddings are known for their grandeur and hospitality, and the reception is a key part of the celebration. It is a time for everyone to come together, celebrate the union of the couple, and create lasting memories.
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Groom's entrance: the groom arrives in a parade with loved ones, riding a horse or in a sports car
The groom's entrance at a Hindu wedding reception is a joyful and celebratory affair, known as the baraat or vara yatra. It involves the groom arriving in a parade with his loved ones, including family and friends. Traditionally, the groom would arrive riding a horse or even an elephant, but nowadays, it is more common for him to arrive in a fancy sports car.
The baraat marks the beginning of the groom's processional to the ceremony and is a meeting of the two families. It is a festive and lively event, often accompanied by music, drummers, and dancing. The groom's entrance is not just about his arrival but also includes the parade of guests, who join in the celebration. As guests arrive, they are divided into the bride's and groom's sides, with the groom's guests accompanying him on his grand entrance.
The groom's entrance is not merely a procession but also includes rituals and traditions. Upon arrival, the groom is welcomed by the bride's family, and the couple then proceeds with the wedding ceremony. The groom's parents greet the bride's parents, exchanging garlands and gifts. The bride's mother performs the Aarti, applying a chandlo, a vermilion mark on the groom's forehead, and the tilak ceremony, where a special mark is applied to the groom's forehead to represent spiritual devotion and positive energy.
The groom then proceeds to the mandap, or wedding canopy, where he is welcomed by the priest and the bride's relatives. He performs the Ganesh pooja, worshipping Lord Ganesha, and the Madhuparka, where he is offered honey and milk by the bride's father. These rituals are an integral part of the groom's entrance, symbolizing the union of the two families and seeking blessings for the couple's new journey together.
Following the groom's entrance and initial rituals, the wedding ceremony continues with the bride's grand entrance, escorted by her maternal uncle or brother, along with her female relatives. The couple then exchanges garlands and sits under the mandap to perform the main wedding rituals, such as the Saptapadi and the Mangal Fera. The groom's entrance thus sets the tone for the rest of the wedding ceremony, filled with joy, tradition, and the coming together of two families.
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Tilak ceremony: the bride's family applies a mark to the groom's forehead, symbolising spiritual devotion
The Tilak ceremony is an important Hindu wedding custom that promotes bonding between the bride and groom's families. The ceremony is usually held at the groom's residence, and the male members of the bride's family visit to apply a special mark or "tilak" in Sanskrit, to the groom's forehead. This mark symbolises spiritual devotion and a connection to positive energies and is typically made from ash, clay, sandalwood, turmeric or vermillion paste. The ceremony also includes the sprinkling of rice over the groom and an exchange of gifts.
The Tilak ceremony is considered the first step in fostering a connection between the two families. It is a welcoming celebration, marking the beginning of the wedding festivities. During the ceremony, the bride's family applies the tilak with reverence and respect, honouring the groom and expressing their acceptance of him into their family. This act symbolises the spiritual devotion and blessings that the bride's family bestows upon the groom as he embarks on his new life with their daughter.
The specific design of the tilak mark may vary depending on regional and family traditions. The paste used to create the mark is carefully prepared using sacred ingredients, each believed to possess unique spiritual and symbolic qualities. The application of the tilak is often accompanied by traditional rituals, such as chanting or prayers, seeking divine blessings for the groom and the union of the couple.
While the Tilak ceremony primarily focuses on the groom, in some regions, the bride's family may also apply a smaller tilak mark to the bride's forehead. This symbolises their blessing and spiritual connection to her as she transitions into her new life as a married woman. The bride's tilak may be applied with different rituals and ceremonies, emphasising the unique bond between the bride and her family.
The Tilak ceremony is a significant ritual that sets the tone for the entire wedding celebration. It is a time when the two families come together, setting aside differences and uniting in support of the couple. This ceremony is a testament to the rich traditions and customs that are an integral part of Hindu weddings, where each ritual holds profound meaning and significance.
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Frequently asked questions
It's a big party! There will be lots of music and dancing, with Bhangra, Bollywood, English/Western songs, and contemporary Western music. There will be a huge sit-down dinner, with a wide array of canapes and starters, and both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.
Wear something comfortable and fashionable, and don't forget your dancing shoes! The colour palette is usually vibrant, with prismatic shades of red, orange, and pink.
One common ritual is the Vidaai, a grand farewell where the bride throws a mixture of rice, flower petals, and coins behind her to her parents five times without looking. This represents the daughter's gratitude to her family. Another ritual is the Baraat, where the groom makes a unique entrance with a parade of loved ones, dancing and singing.
Gift-giving is common at Hindu weddings, and money is one of the most typical gifts. It is usually given in a brightly coloured envelope.
Hindu weddings involve lots of rituals and traditions, so they tend to last for several days, sometimes even a week.
