Let's kick off our wedding weekend with some cocktails and hors d'oeuvres! Guests will have the opportunity to get Mehndi (henna) on their hands and take part in Garba (Gujarati folk dance).

Baraat on Pine Street | 5:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Join us for a celebratory wedding procession for the groom involving live music and dancing.  Although the baraat usually takes place before the wedding ceremony, we decided to change things up and include this tradition before the Sangeet.

Cocktail Hour | 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Join us for the start of our wedding welcome party! Butlered and stationary hors d'oeuvres will be served. 

Dinner Service & Dancing | 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Join us for a night of heavier hors d'oeuvres, garba, mehndi, and pre-wedding celebrations!

Women: Indian Attire or Cocktail Dresses

Men: Indian Attire, Suit and Tie, or Sports Coat

Because the Welcome Party is an Indian event, guests should expect lots of colorful outfits! You can wear Indian dress or Western dress. Either is appropriate and appreciated! You will not offend anyone if you decide to wear Indian clothes.  See the FAQs below for a brief explanation on the different types of Indian outfits and some recommended websites from which to order an outfit.

Non-Hampton Inn Doylestown Guests: There is plenty of free parking available in the Michener Art Museum's parking lot for guests that are driving to the Sangeet.

Hampton Inn Doylestown Guests: Transportation to and from the Sangeet will be provided for guests staying at the Hampton Inn Doylestown.  The shuttle will depart from the Hampton Inn Doylestown at 4:45 p.m.  Following the Sangeet, the shuttle will return to the Hampton Inn Doylestown at 9:00 p.m.

Is this event inside or outside? Weather permitting this event will be an indoor/outdoor celebration.

What will the weather be like? Temperatures tend to dip a bit at night during October, so you might want to bring a jacket or a wrap.

What time should I arrive? The event will begin promptly at 5:00 p.m.

Are children allowed? As much as we love your little ones, this will be an adults-only celebration. We appreciate your understanding!

Can I bring a guest? Unfortunately, due to venue restrictions, we are unable to accommodate plus ones. We appreciate your understanding!

What is Mehndi? Mehndi, otherwise known as henna, is a paste associated with positive spirits and good luck. Indian wedding tradition calls for a Mehndi ceremony to be held before the wedding as a way of wishing the bride good health and prosperity as she makes her journey onto marriage.

Will I be able to get Mehndi? Yes! Guests will have the opportunity to have Mehndi applied on one hand. Make sure you don’t wear long sleeves!

What is Garba? Garba is an Indian dance party that usually takes place before a wedding ceremony. 

What if I don’t know how to dance the Garba? Don’t worry! Feel free to ask anyone for help or just jump on in!

What kind of Indian outfit should ladies wear?  

Anarkali: This outfit is very similar to a gown. It usually has a long top that is worn with pants underneath (recommended).

Lehenga: This outfit consists of a crop top, skirt, and shawl (recommended).

Saree: This outfit consists of a top and 5 to 9 yards of fabric wrapped around you. It can be a bit difficult to wear if you've never worn one.

What kind of Indian outfit should gents wear?  

Kurta: Long top (usually to your mid-thighs to knees) with pants underneath (recommended).

Sherwani: This outfit is similar to a Kurta but is usually heavier and more formal.

Jodhpuri Suit:  The equivalent of a western suit (recommended).

Where can I buy an Indian outfit? A few websites we recommend are: Mirraw, Utsav Fashion, Kalki Fashion, and Pernia's Pop-Up Shop.  If you don't want to order an outfit online, check out one of the many stores on Oak Tree Road in Edison/Iselin, New Jersey!