You're Invited: 5 Things You Should Know Before Attending A Hindu Wedding
In today's world, it's not uncommon to be invited to weddings involving different cultures and religions. It can be confusing when you don't know what to expect. Many cultures and religions have specific rules regarding proper etiquette for weddings. It's respectful to understand the culture before you attend the wedding. This can help prevent embarrassment for you and the couple. If you've been invited to a Hindu wedding, it's important that you understand the traditions that encompass the event. Here are five things you should know before you attend a Hindu wedding.
The Invitation
If you've been invited to a Hindu wedding, you should know that the events will take place over several days. There will be prayer services and Henna gatherings. These particular events are usually reserved for close family members only. In most cases, several wedding invitations are sent out. This ensures that the right people are invited to each event. You should receive a separate invitation for each wedding event you're invited to.
The Dress
Unlike western weddings, Hindu brides do not wear white gowns. Instead, they wear traditional dresses known as lehenga. The lehenga is often made of silks in rich colors such as red, green and gold. It's also important to note that the guests are encouraged to dress in traditional Hindu clothing for the ceremony. In such cases, buy bridal lehenga online.
The Ceremony
Once you arrive at the wedding ceremony, you'll notice that seating is arranged around a mandap, or four-pillar canopy. The mandap is decorated with colorful silk and flowers. There may be chairs for you to sit in, or you may be required to sit on the floor. Regardless of the seating arrangements, the ceremony will be strictly no shoes allowed.
The Colors
When deciding what to wear, it's important that you choose your colors carefully. Hindu weddings are colorful events but there are three colors that you should never wear. Those colors are black, white and red. Black and white should be avoided because they denote death in the Hindu religion. Red should not be worn because it is a color most often worn by the bride.
The Gifts
When it comes to choosing a gift for the bride and groom, cash is usually the gift of choice. There are several ways to give cash during the wedding. First, there are usually gift boxes that you can deposit your cash gifts in. You can also give cash to the bride or groom while you're dancing with them. Be sure to add a $1 to each cash gift though. The additional $1 is said to symbolize good luck to the new couple.
If you've been invited to a Hindu wedding, it's important that you learn as much as you can about the traditions you'll be participating in. The tips provided above will help you prepare for your cultural experience.