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What to do at an Indian Wedding
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My wife and I have been invited to an indian wedding (not sure but we think possibly Hindu) and would be grateful for any advice as to what will happen and if there is anything we should do, or not do. We are attending on an evening and my wife has been told that bracelets will be exchanged and the bride will be painted with colour of some kind.
Should we take a gift for the couple as we would to traditional english weddings we have attended. Would I cause offence if I took a camera/camcorder with me
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David - from reading this link on Hindu marriage customs you and your wife are in for a very colourful, and very lively time!!
I do hope someone will be able to help you in the gift and camera department - it's difficult to know what is and what isn't acceptable. Perhaps you could ask a member of the bridal family, failing that what about popping a small camera in your pocket - then if the other guests begin snapping - you know it's ok to follow suit. Sorry I can't be more helpful.
Just be prepared to get very, very drunk .The Indian weddings Ive known have usually had bottles of whisky ' on tap' and whatever your tipple easily available. There is no right or wrong for you as a guest. Whatever you choose to do will be right for the bride and groom.Its usually only the (extended) family who have expectations made of them.Cameras and camcorders are usually ok. Note that I have said usually - check with the person who invited you - there are always exceptions.
Right! The 'colour' you mention is henna that the bride's hands (and perhaps feet) will be decorated with (just in case some people thought it might be a bit of a paintball fest) this is just one of the many interesting traditions that occur at the wedding.
The bride will also be heavily adorned with Gold jewellery. If it is more orthodox families that are involved, there will be a public display of the dowry that the bride will take with her to her new house.
At these weddings (as at most weddings, for that matter) the guests are more of an audience that witness the various rituals (like the hindu couple circling a small fire 7 times as a rite of passage).
There is almost certain to be a very lavish reception after the ceremony with elaborate foods available in massive quantities.
Gifts are most certainly expected (perhaps crystal, china or something the new couple could use in their new place - much like an english wedding I would think).
I'm sure you taking a camcorder won't be a problem. It is more than likely that the they will have arranged for professional cameramen to record the evening anyway, and they would probably be happy to give you a copy of the video!
Your wife may want to dress a little more special as the indians there will be heavily decked in very elaborate and colourful clothes complete with expensive jewellery and so you wouldnt want the missus to feel underdressed.
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