Our First Indian Wedding

Traditional Indian weddings are large scale (many hundreds of guests), multi-event affairs that take place over the better part of a week. The groom was the son of a fellow high school teacher and as is commonly done here, invitations were handed out around the workplace and we were pleased to get one. This provided the second opportunity for me to wear a sari. Jonah went shopping for his formal attire. Imagine the look on his face when we arrived to see that the majority of men were in jacket and tie. 

When we got to the venue - a large hotel on the outskirts of Delhi - the lengthy marriage ceremony was underway. No worries about being late, as there was a steady stream of people arriving and departing throughout the night. Families of the bride and groom sat together under a canopy with the presiding officiant. The ceremony lasted quite a long time and while it was taking place, some guests were seated quietly, a greater number were talking to each other, bottles of water were passed around, and food stations were being prepped off to the side.

Once the bride and groom were declared married and our bellies were filled with chaat (delicious, spicy snacks), we walked to a larger garden area for the reception. There, a marching band played a few tunes, a full mocktail bar (most Indian weddings do not include alcohol) was set up, and a buffet dinner was on display. The bride and groom made their grand entrance then proceeded up to a stage where they greeted gift-bearing relatives, friends, acquaintances, and strangers like us. Cash is the customary wedding present - whatever amount of is okay, plus one rupee (ie. 501, 1001). Even though one rupee is less than two cents, is considered auspicious to give an odd amount.

Guests were still rolling in when we left at 10pm and the festivities probably continued on for several more hours. All in all, a grand evening out.