Indian Wedding Dresses The classic dress for an Indian wedding is a sari, a long, unstitched cloth that can be wrapped around the body in many different styles. The sari is often worn over a lehenga, a midriff-baring low cut petticoat. Often one of these items is red and the other gold, these being the most common colors for an Indian wedding. Pink is also a popular choice. No matter the color, both items are typically adorned with delicate embroidery and exquisite needlework, making for a beautiful bridal gown.
Rather than Rings
Many Indian weddings do not feature the giving of rings between husband and wife. Instead, necklaces of various kinds are sometimes exchanged. In some ceremonies, these are chains of silver and gold (known as thalis); for more humble couples, the necklaces are sometimes made of simple orange thread. Other couples exchange garlands of fragrant flowers like roses or jasmine, heralded by the blowing of conch shells by the assembled friends and families.
Indian Wedding Flowers
You'll find flowers everywhere at an Indian wedding! Roses and jasmine, as mentioned above, are the most popular choices.
Indian Wedding Vows
The primary ritual of a Hindu wedding is the saptpadi, the exchanging of marital vows. The vows are typically exchanged under a mandap, a four-pillared canopy often decorated with flowers. The bride and groom stand together and light a small fire in a havan, a small ceremonial pot, before taking their vows. In a similar manner to a Roman Catholic unity candle, the fire symbolizes illumination of the mind, knowledge, and happiness, invoking the sacred light to witness and bless the union.
Leaves in Indian Weddings
Leaves of various plants are used extensively for decorating Indian weddings. Banana leaves, the Indian version of an evergreen, are used to suggest prosperity, and are also used for serving food in the classic Southern style. Betel leaves symbolize freshness and good fortune. A tambool (a combination of a betel leaf, an areca nut, and lime) is often exchanged to seal the alliance between families, and is also used as a decoration for invitations. The tambool is associated with the Hindu Trinity of Brahma (the Creator), Shiva (the Destructor), and Vishnu (the Keeper). Particularly sassy grooms have also been known to put a betel leaf between their teeth and have their new brides kiss them to get it back - a bit like Lady and the Tramp, but with a betel leaf instead of a string of spaghetti. Mango leaves are used to suggest prosperity, happiness, and purification. Sometimes, clusters of mango flowers are placed atop silver water vessels, the contents of which are then sprinkled over the newlyweds.
Of course, these are just a few ideas to spark your romantic decorating imagination. You could also incorporate Indian cuisine into your ceremony, which is absolutely delicious when well-prepared. Indian music is some of the wildest in the world, and is sure to get your guests dancing. Regardless of how you choose to incorporate Indian themes into your wedding, you can rest easy in the knowledge that it will be a glorious, beautiful affair filled with color, light, and laughter.
