Trust the Experts to Organize All The Details

Traditionally, Indian wedding celebrations would be hosted over many months; however, for convenience’s sake, most are now celebrated in a single weekend over the course of three to five days, with some celebrations lasting up to fifteen days! The Sangeet, Mehndi, Baraat, Ceremony, and Reception are just some of the main events, with many other parts before and afterward.

We know how overwhelming it might be to organize all of these events, but we are experts to help with any aspect of your dream weekend plans! With experience and knowledge that can help you find the perfect vendors, venues, and partnerships, the time leading up to and on the weekend-of, you’ll be able to enjoy everything instead of stressing out about what to do! The Experience Package is perfect for your traditional or cross-cultural celebrations. Contact us today, so we can get started on planning everything.

Photo Credit: Jennifer Weinman Photography

The Sangeet

The Sangeet is a celebration usually held the night or two before the wedding day to bring together the families of the happy couple. There is a lot of food at this event, typically of traditional Indian fare, although many times with cross-cultural events we see a lot of fusion-styled food too to appeal to the wide array of tastes of their guests.

The Sangeet is most widely known for all of the musical celebrations and performances that are performed throughout the evening. Whether it is a DJ playing music or a band doing live music, there are typically a lot of well-rehearsed dances for guests enjoyment. The wedding couple sometimes dances a planned and rehearsed dance as well. Sometimes there are singers or vocal performances too to keep the guests entertained throughout the evening.

Mehndi

Before the wedding day, we organize a Mehendi Ceremony, where the bride and the female members of her family gather together to apply henna to their arms, hands, and feet. Without a Mehndi ceremony, the wedding is incomplete, so this is a very important part of the union of the bride & groom.

It is believed that the deeper the color of the henna, the stronger the bond is between the soon to be husband and wife; and the relationship between the bride & and her future mother-in-law will be stronger as well. The name of the bride and groom are many times hidden within the designs. The designs will last 1-4 weeks depending on how fast your skin renews, as it’s a design that stains your outermost layers of skin. There are a number of different types of designs and styles – the most extravagant of which would be drawn on the bride.

Often times, henna is applied in a home as a separate event for guests; however, it is also convenient for the Mehndi Ceremony to be during the Sangeet as an activity for guests to take part in as well as the bride, family, and bridesmaids. Because it is time-consuming to do Mehndi, the Sangeet’s entertainment, food, and drink will keep guests entertained throughout the evening.

The Baraat

The Baraat is the groom’s procession to the wedding. Many times this is on a nearby street or open pathway from one part of the venue to where the ceremony will take place. It’s around 20-30 minutes or so where the groom and his family will celebrate his arrival with lots of singing and dancing.

Often the groom rides in on a white horse and we have even had the request that it be a female, white horse, which is something we have been able to accommodate. The horse has a dazzling attire, sparkled hoofs, and sometimes adorned in beautiful flowers. Some grooms opt to walk the baraat on foot or ride in a fancy car. Depending on family traditions, the groom and family wear turbans or special attire as a symbol of honor.

Music is a major element in the Baraat whether it is played from a vehicle traveling the same path or a band. Dhol players are common in additon to other traditional instruments being played during this ceremony.

The Baraat ends with the Milni, the meeting of the families starting with the fathers, mothers, and then other members of both sides. Soon following the Milni is the wedding ceremony.

The Ceremony

The ceremony is performed under a beautifully decorated, 4-pillared Mandap. It is adorned with draping, lush floral, and lights; and represents the parents’ love, blessing, and support of the couple’s union. It is here that the couple, family, and the officiants of the wedding will perform a number of rituals with deep philosophical meaning and purpose. While every ceremony is different and customized to each couple, here are some typical elements that we see in many ceremonies.

Processional
The Entrance of the Bride
Kanya Daan (The Bride’s Parents Giving Away Their Daughter)
Jaimala (Exchange of Garlands)
Gath Bandhan & Phere (Circling the Fire)
The bride and the groom are joined together by tying a corner of their outer garments, symbolizing the bond of marriage. The couple walks around the sacred fire seven times, making it a witness of their union as husband and wife.
Saptapadi (Taking Seven Steps)
Mungalsutra & Sindoor Daan (Placing Red Powder on Bride’s Head and Necklace Around her Neck)
Ashirvad (Prayer and Blessings)
Vidai (Departure of Bride and Groom)

The Reception

The ceremony is over and now it’s time to celebrate, party, and spend time with friends and family! Dancing, singing, eating, and drinking is common at these celebrations. We see a lot of South Asian weddings in Iowa choose American wedding reception elements, such as changing their attire. The bride might choose to put on a white wedding dress, and the groom may change into a handsome suit. The same goes for the families and guests, as many of them choose to change into a different (sometimes much fancier) outfit.

There are traditional elements to the typical Indian wedding reception too such as a ceremony where the bride and groom greet the guests and receive lavish gifts. The couple may choose to host both Indian food and traditional American dinner for the reception. Some couples serve traditional desserts like Mishti and cut a wedding cake for photos, They could also do a first-dance or parent dances, but put their own personal spin on these too.