This is my first Indian wedding! What can I expect?
Bright colors! but we can elaborate…
What is a Baraat?
Our wedding day begins with a BARAAT. Historically, the groom and his family would travel on foot (or horseback), singing and dancing, all the way to the bride’s village and home. We won’t be traveling across villages, more like city streets and parks, but we will still make the most of this tradition! It’s meant to be a super joyful moment where everyone celebrates the groom and dances in excitement for the next part of his life’s journey as a husband. It’s also the Paurush’s one chance to be the center of attention before Lindsay steals the show!
We encourage ALL GUESTS to join in this event!
What happens after the baraat?
After the baraat, guests will be seated and the Hindu ceremony will begin. Traditionally a Hindu wedding ceremony can last hours, but we’ve condensed it to 60-90minutes of the most meaningful traditions. We will be providing a detailed program when you arrive that will help you follow along.
What’s the parking situation?
Please park in the Willard Park Garage (free of charge) which is located right next to Cleveland City Hall and exit the parking garage towards Lakeside Ave. There will be people and signs set up to direct you to the front steps/lawn where the Baraat will be beginning.
What’s the dress code?
Black tie optional
What is Black Tie Optional? Why do you care about the color of my tie?
We don’t. But someone in the fashion world decided this term would be a thing and we’ve embraced it. Basically, we want you to feel fancy, but also be comfortable to break it down on the dance floor. Men can wear a suit (but are welcome to wear a tux if they are feeling extra fancy). Women can wear mid to long gowns. Little Charlie (Lindsay’s nephew) can wear whatever adorable outfit he will agree to keep on.
Can I wear Indian Attire?
ABSOLUTELY!! Lindsay and Paurush will be.
Saris. Cholis. Lehengas. Annarkalis. Sherwanis. It’s all fair game.
Raid your Indian girlfriends closet, or pick out a fun, colourful number to flaunt during the events. And as far as jewelry goes- bling out!
How do I put on a Sari?
Good Question! Try asking youtube.com
Truthfully, we don’t have a lot of experience with fancy Indian clothes and will be relying on our moms and aunties to make us look good.
We do have one hint: have half a dozen safety pins ready before you begin.
Will there be Indian food? I can’t eat that spicy – my digestive system is going to go whack!
It’s true that there will be a lot of Indian food at our wedding. Not all Indian food is spicy but it's all very yummy. Both lunch and dinner will be served buffet style with traditional Indian cuisine as well as some Italian options.
New to Indian cuisine? A wedding buffet is a perfect place to start. Keep an open mind - the thing about Indian food is that some dishes don’t always look appetizing but they are. We encourage you to try it all! You may like them more than you expect.
How does one dance at an Indian wedding?
Indian weddings tend to have the best parties once the dance floor opens! That’s the beauty of having so many fun-loving people under one roof who just want to celebrate.
You can expect mix of old school and new Indian and English songs to be played. And you can bet on a busy dance floor all night – don't worry if you are not a master Bollywood dancer and are not comfortable learning new dances, dance along to the beat and dance to your own rhythm and you will have fun!