Indian Weddings: Events, Tips, and Keeping the Tradition By: Shushil Patel Utopian Events 4100 Nine McFarland Drive, Suite B1 Alpharetta, GA 30004 678-570-4443 Utopianevents@yahoo.com http://www.utopianevent.com/

Elegant Chairs and Linens 4100 Nine McFarland Drive, Suite B2 Alpharetta, GA 30004 (678) 756-7643 elegantchairsandlinens@yahoo.com http://www.elegantchairsandlinens.com/

Traditional Indian Weddings Events

Indian weddings are often very festive,

happy, family oriented celebrations that

can last for many days. Depending on

the family and on how traditional the

couple wishes to be, Indian weddings can

have guests anywhere between 100 to

over 10,000 people.

Tradition based Indian weddings usually consist of pre-wedding

customs, wedding day customs such as the "Varmala", "Sat

phere" , and "Baraat", and completing with the Vidaai.

Varmala Indian Wedding Tradition

Varmala also known as jaimala, is basically a wedding garland. The varmala is usually created with different flowers, with roses

being a very popular choice. Having the varmala during the ceremony is very commonly practiced in Indian weddings.

Saat Phere

The saat phere, translated as the 7 circumambulations, is considered to be one of the most sacred and thus important aspects of a Hindu wedding. It involves the tradition of having both the bride and groom walk around a sacred fire 7 times, each time reciting a different vow. The symbolism of reciting the vows in front of the fire is that they are unbreakable

Baraat Indian Wedding Tradition

The Baraat is a term coined for how the groom makes an entrance during the wedding. Traditionally, it is common for grooms to travel on a mare with his family near his side. The baraat can be big and ceremonial, depending on how traditional the family wants to be. They can consist of dancing, singing, festive music and so forth.

Vidaai

Vidaai or doli is the tradition of the bride and groom's departure to their home. Brides throw rice over their head as part of tradition. Vidaai is done to display respect for both sides of the family.

Usually as part of Indian Wedding traditions in the US and in

India, brides adorn themselves with gold and diamonds, use

henna tattoo to decorate their hands and feet, wear bridal

makeup and don themselves in either a "saree" or a "lehenga".

Groom often wear a traditional garb known as the "sherwani" or a

modern day suit.

Most Indian weddings have the same basic traditions, but each

are unique and different. Depending on the region, the family and

how much the bride/groom wants to stick to traditions, you can

expect major differences between one Indian wedding and

another. Indian weddings in the US often combine both traditional

Indian customs with a Western twist. Either way, what is certain

is that Indian weddings are festive, family oriented, fun and

simply beautiful. If you get the chance to attend one, don't pass

down the offer!

Indian Wedding Decorations: Top 4 Wedding Decoration

Tips

Have you ever attended an Indian or South Asian wedding before? If so, you already know just how beautiful, colorful and grand a traditional Indian wedding can be! Both people of South Asian/Indian descent and non-Indian couples wish to incorporate Indian wedding themes into their own weddings and for good reason.

Indian weddings are as unique as they are aesthetically appealing. So if you like the sound of having a colorful, fun and festive atmosphere during your wedding, then consider these 5 Indian wedding decoration tips!

Color Combination

The use of color is the most prominent and outstanding

feature of Indian weddings. Unlike traditional Western weddings, Indian weddings incorporate the use of deep, strong colors such as rich reds, vibrant golds

and yellows, deep blues and purples, vivacious greens and so forth. Indian couples often prefer to use the color combination of gold and red, not just because they look fantastic with each other, but because of traditional purposes and reasons. Don't be afraid to experiment with colors. The brighter the colors, the better! Just

be sure to find a color combination and stick with it. Using colors

doesn't mean using every single color of the rainbow, that would just be tacky!

Use of Flowers

The next big component of Indian wedding decorations is the use of flowers. Western weddings only use flowers for centerpieces and bridal bouquet, however Indian weddings incorporate real flowers everywhere. Flower garlands are often hung in every corner of a room. Often times, Indian wedding will incorporate the use of a stage, also known as mandaps, that is adorned with flowers. For centerpieces and other floral arrangements, consider using flowers that are bright, vibrant and rich in color. Match the flowers with the color combination that you have picked out.

Lighting

Indian weddings in the US are often held in private venues indoors or outdoors. In both situations, the use of lighting is key. For indoor and outdoor Indian themed weddings, the overall lighting is dim. Colored lighting, garden lighting, drape lighting, fairy lighting, laser lighting, rope lighting and LED drape lighting are commonly used to brighten the room. Again, the focus on using color is important with using lights.

Fabrics and Specialty Linens

Traditional Indian weddings incorporate the use of fine speciality linens. The use of linens and fine fabrics such as silk is not just for table settings, but for the whole venue. Often times, fine fabrics such as silk, embroidered fabrics and chiffon are used as draping for chiavari chairs, mandaps, or the entire room.

Utopian Events 4100 Nine McFarland Drive, Suite B1 Alpharetta, GA 30004 678-570-4443 Utopianevents@yahoo.com http://www.utopianevent.com/

Elegant Chairs and Linens 4100 Nine McFarland Drive, Suite B2 Alpharetta, GA 30004 (678) 756-7643 elegantchairsandlinens@yahoo.com http://www.elegantchairsandlinens.com/