Planning an Indian Wedding

Indian Weddings: Celebration of Color, Tradition & Love

East Indian weddings are some of the most colorful and vibrant celebrations in the world. They are a feast for the senses, with their rich fabrics, vibrant colors, and soulful music. But East Indian weddings are more than just a beautiful spectacle. They are also a celebration of tradition and culture.

The ceremonies are steeped in centuries-old customs, and the rituals are meaningful and symbolic. But East Indian weddings are also incredibly flexible. They can be adapted to fit the needs and desires of the bride and groom, regardless of their background or culture.

For example, a bride who is not of East Indian descent can still choose to have an East Indian wedding theme. She can wear a beautiful sari, and the ceremony can include some of the traditional rituals. But she can also personalize the wedding to reflect her own unique culture and beliefs.

The possibilities are endless. With a little creativity, any bride can have an East Indian wedding that is both beautiful and meaningful.

Red, Gold & Blue: The Colors of an Indian Wedding

Indian weddings are a feast for the senses, and the colors are no exception. Red and gold are the traditional colors of an Indian wedding, but blue and yellow are often incorporated into the decorations as well.

Traditionally, the bride's and groom's homes are decorated with colorful balloons and vibrant decorations on the ceilings, walls, and floors. This element can be incorporated into the reception hall by filling it with colorful balloons. Red table runners, gold and red chair sashes, and gold candelabras accent this theme perfectly. Colorful uplighting can create an added effect to the decorations and celebrations.

Roses, marigolds, and orchids are flowers typically used at Indian wedding celebrations. Bright, colorful flowers line the aisle and surround the mandap, or wedding stage.

The colors of an Indian wedding are a reflection of the rich culture and history of India. They are a symbol of love, joy, and prosperity. If you are planning an Indian wedding, be sure to incorporate these vibrant colors into your decorations and celebrations.

Traditional Indian Wedding Attire

On their wedding day, the bride and groom are adorned in traditional Indian attire. The bride typically wears a silk red sari that is embroidered with gold threads and beads. She is also adorned with gold jewelry, including a necklace, earrings, and bangles. Henna is often applied to the bride's hands and feet, as a symbol of good luck and prosperity.

The groom wears a long jacket (sherwani) and trousers (churidas). His attire is commonly gold and white, and is usually color coordinated with the bride. He may also wear a turban (safa) or a pagri, which is a type of headgear. His loafers (mojari) are usually made of leather.

The traditional attire of the bride and groom is a reflection of the rich culture and history of India. It is a symbol of love, joy, and prosperity. On their wedding day, the bride and groom are dressed to impress, and they are ready to celebrate their new life together.

Rituals of an Indian Wedding

Hindu weddings are a celebration of love, family, and tradition. They are a colorful and vibrant affair, and they can last for several days. The wedding begins with the Baraat, the groom's procession. The groom is accompanied by his family, friends, and groomsmen, and he traditionally arrives on a white horse. However, a modern variation of this tradition is for the groom to arrive in an extravagant limousine. Upon arriving at the wedding venue, the groom is greeted by the bride's family. Tilak, a red-colored paste, is applied to his forehead to ward off an evil eye. The groom then meets with the male relatives of the bride. Music and dance are a significant part of every Indian wedding celebration. The music can be modern, traditional, or any variation, as long as it is upbeat and festive for the occasion.

The Varmala ceremony is the moment when the bride and groom meet before the wedding. At this important ceremony, they exchange a garland of flowers, symbolic of acceptance of marriage. The ceremony hall should be decorated with colorful roses, marigolds, and orchids. This ceremony signifies the beginning of the wedding rituals.

The rituals and process of the actual ceremony vary, but there are three universal key rituals to incorporate into an Indian wedding. The key elements of the ceremony are Kanyadaan, when a father gives away his daughter, Panigrahana, when the groom takes the right hand of the bride, and Saptapadi, the seven steps around the fire.

These rituals are all symbolic of the couple's commitment to each other and their new life together. They are a beautiful way to celebrate the love and union of two people.

Kanyadaan

Kanyadaan is a Hindu wedding ritual that symbolizes the father giving away his daughter. It is a powerful and emotional moment for both the father and the daughter. The ritual takes place after the Varmala ceremony, when the bride and groom exchange garlands. The father of the bride takes her right hand and places it in the hand of the groom. He then recites a mantra, or prayer, asking the groom to accept his daughter as an equal partner. The groom accepts, and the couple takes seven steps together around a sacred fire. The Kanyadaan ritual is a reminder of the importance of family and tradition in Hindu culture. It is also a symbol of the groom's commitment to taking care of his new wife.

The Kamasukta verse is:

Who offered this maiden?, to whom is she offered? Kama (the god of love) gave her to me, that I may love her Love is the giver, love is the acceptor Enter thou, the bride, the ocean of love With love then, I receive thee May she remain thine, thine own, O god of love Verily, thou art, prosperity itself May the heaven bestow thee, may the earth receive thee

After the bride and groom join hands, the mother of the bride pours water over the palm of her husband's hands. The water trickles over the bride's and groom's hands, symbolizing the union of their families. A dividing curtain between the bride and groom is lowered, and the couple is finally able to see each other for the first time. This moment is known as the Kanyadaan, or the "giving away of the bride." It is a significant moment in the Hindu wedding ceremony, as it marks the official beginning of the couple's new life together. The water that is poured over the hands of the bride and groom is a symbol of purity and new beginnings. It is also a reminder of the importance of family and tradition in Hindu culture. The lowering of the curtain symbolizes the couple's new life together. They are now free to see each other and to begin their journey as husband and wife.

Panigrahan

Panigrahan is an important ritual in an Indian wedding. It is the moment when the groom takes the right hand of the bride in his left hand, accepting her as his lawfully wedded wife.

The ritual is usually performed after the Kanyadaan ceremony, when the father of the bride gives her away to the groom. The groom faces west, while the bride sits before him with her face looking towards the east. Their hands are covered with a cloth to ward off an evil eye.

The groom then recites a Vedic mantra, or prayer, which symbolizes the couple's commitment to each other. The mantra usually includes the words "sahasram varsha samrudhya" which means "may you live together for a thousand years."

The Panigrahan ritual is a reminder of the importance of love, respect, and commitment in a Hindu marriage. It is also a symbol of the couple's new life together. Part of the Vedic Mantra goes as follows:

I take thy hand in mine, yearning for happiness I ask thee, to live with me, as thy husband Till both of us, with age, grow old Know this, as I declare, that the Gods Bhaga, Aryama, Savita and Purandhi, have bestowed thy person, upon me that I may fulfill, my Dharmas of the householder, with thee This I am, That art thou The Sāman I, the Ŗc thou The Heavens I, the Earth thou

Saptapadi

Saptapadi is a Hindu wedding ritual that signifies the union of the bride and groom. The word "saptapadi" means "seven steps," and the ritual involves the couple taking seven steps clockwise around a sacred fire. Each step represents a promise or vow that the couple makes to each other. The first step represents the couple's commitment to each other. The second step represents their promise to provide for each other. The third step represents their promise to love and respect each other. The fourth step represents their promise to be faithful to each other. The fifth step represents their promise to have children. The sixth step represents their promise to raise their children together. The seventh step represents their promise to live together in happiness and harmony for the rest of their lives.

The groom leads the bride by the hand for the first four steps, and then the bride leads the groom for the remaining three steps. The completion of the seventh step marks the completion of the marriage ceremony. Saptapadi is a beautiful and symbolic ritual that represents the couple's commitment to each other and their new life together. It is a reminder that marriage is a sacred union that should be cherished and honored.

Crystal Ballroom on the Lake

Are you dreaming of a red and gold Indian wedding? Crystal Ballroom on the Lake can help you create your unique version of a traditional Indian wedding, with all the colors, customs, and décor you envision. Our ballroom is the perfect setting for a grand Indian wedding. With its high ceilings, elegant chandeliers, and spacious dance floor, it can accommodate even the largest of weddings. And our experienced staff will work with you to create a wedding that is both beautiful and memorable. We understand that every Indian wedding is different. That's why we offer a wide range of customization options. You can choose your own colors, décor, and food. And we can even help you find the perfect vendors to bring your vision to life.

So if you're dreaming of a red and gold Indian wedding, let Crystal Ballroom on the Lake help you make your dream a reality. We'll work with you to create a wedding that is both beautiful and meaningful.