This marks the start of the wedding extravaganza, introducing you to traditional food and entertainment.
Mehndi (henna) is applied in a decorative fashion to the bride's hands, arms, feet, and legs. According to popular belief, the darker the color of the mehndi, the more the groom will love the bride. Friends and family are invited to adorn their hands with Mehndi and join in with the celebration.
Attire: casual Indian or western clothing (e.g. sundresses or jeans and a nice top for women and shorts and polo for guys).
The mehndi will take place in the brides room so it’s a casual stop by and chat event. Nothing formal.
The Sangeet is held the night before the wedding and involves plenty of singing and dancing. It provides the opportunity for each side of the family to meet, greet and have some fun before the wedding begins.
The main event at Gujarati weddings is Garba, a choreographed group dance typically performed in a circle with specific steps and clapping, and Raas which is a dance involving pairs of people and dandia sticks. The dance involves hitting your partner's sticks while following the rhythm of the music.
The Garba is also an ideal place for future couples to meet and begin their own stories ;-)
Attire: Cocktail, Semi Formal, or Indian Semi Formal
These are optional events for guests and are traditionally attended by close family and friends. In this case, that’s ALL of you attending so please join us if you’d like, we’d love to have you!
Pithi
This is a ritual holy bath during which a paste of sandalwood powder, turmeric, and rosewater is applied to the bride and groom by their family and friends. The Pithi is used to cleanse the bride before the wedding day. The paste is said to brighten and soften the skin to produce that healthy bridal glow and get rid of sins. A yellow spa day for the couple!
Attire: There is a chance things could get messy here so bring a spare t-shirt or shorts in case you’d like to join the fun.
Ganesh Pooja All auspicious ceremonies begin with a prayer to Lord Ganesh requesting him to bless this occasion and make the marriage ceremony free of obstacles. We solicit the blessings of elders and our forefathers, and pray for this to be an auspicious day for the marriage ceremony.
Attire: casual Indian or semi casual western (e.g. pants and a short sleeve shirt for men and sundress or slacks and a top for women).
Since this is a prayer ceremony it is recommended that you wear something comfortable and somewhat conservative.
Baraat The groom's family and friends accompany him to the wedding venue in a large procession filled with song, dance, and lively music. The spruced up groom is the center of attention as he is elaborately dressed for the occasion. The bride's parents and family welcome the groom to the ceremony.
The traditional Hindu wedding ceremony begins.
Attire: Daytime Indian formal (light fabrics preferred) or Western daytime formal (e.g. what you’d wear to an outdoor American wedding in the day time). It’s outdoors in the morning so it will get rather warm so please dress and hydrate accordingly.