Hey, quick heads-up! This blog's for all you folks from outside India who are planning to attend a wedding here. If you're the one getting married, this might not be for you, but hey, share it with your foreign friends who'll be joining the celebration!
Indians working around the world love to invite their foreign friends to their weddings – I've seen it firsthand with my own family and friends! I've even planned tours of South India for guests after the wedding festivities. So, if you're heading to India for a wedding, here's a quick guide for attending an Indian wedding.
Get there before the Indian wedding
Make sure you get to India a few days before the wedding. This helps you adjust to the time difference, get used to the climate and stay in good shape for the celebrations. Don't plan on arriving the day before the wedding. You'll usually get to meet your Indian friend's family and friends. You'll probably find someone who can guide you and let you know what to expect. Indian weddings, especially those of expats, tend to be big and extravagant affairs.
Make sure you have clothes that match the Indian wedding vibe
Indian weddings are crazy long, with parties and events spread out over a few days. You've got Mehndi, Haldi, Sangeet, Baraat, Tilak, the reception, vidaai... and probably even more, depending on where it's all happening. It's gonna be super lively and colorful – a full-on cultural experience. Ditch the suit and tie; you'll stick out like a sore thumb. Talk to your friend and get some colorful Indian wedding clothes like the kuthas, legenga, ararkalis, do your research and do a quick shopping before the wedding.
Prepare yourself to indulge in a wide array of Indian cuisine!
India's food scene is incredibly diverse, just like the country itself! You'll find a wide variety of dishes, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian. Brahmin weddings typically serve vegetarian food, but don't worry, there will still be plenty of options to choose from. Food and sweets are a big part of any Indian celebration. Try to sample everything, but be mindful of your stomach. Some ingredients or the oil used in cooking might not agree with you. It's not that the food is bad, it's just that unfamiliar ingredients can sometimes cause an upset stomach, especially spicy food. But hey, you can always balance it out with some sweet treats!
Give yourself time to relax between the wedding events
You'll probably be wiped out by the end of the day with all the events and activities. Get ready for a packed schedule and make sure to get enough sleep. Don't push yourself too hard, as it can take time to adjust to the weather, especially when coming from a cold country to India's summer heat. Drink lots of water, stay hydrated, and stay healthy – nobody wants to get sick during such a festive atmosphere.
Plan a trip to Kerala after the Indian wedding
Hey, since you've come all this way for the wedding, why not stick around and explore a bit? We actually have some guests from the wedding joining us on our Kerala tours! If you were part of a North Indian wedding, think about heading South to Kerala, the five days tour would be a good short Kerala tour after the wedding. It's a totally different vibe from the wedding scene and the perfect spot to chill out after all the festivities. Plus, when you're ready to head home, Kerala has four international airports with awesome connections all over the world, especially through Middle Eastern and Far Eastern airlines like Singapore Airlines.
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