Have you ever crashed a wedding and then gotten a last minute invitation?
I have!
While going on a drive through New Delhi, Ravi, Anju and our family decided to stop and take a look at what a traditional Indian wedding was like. We arrived at the wedding hall and the first thing we saw was a band playing in front of the colourful hall. There was also a gift of a brand new car for the groom from the bride’s family.
When we walked inside, we were greeted by the groom’s uncle who immediately invited us to the wedding. We were amazed at the huge stage at the back of the hall where the bride and groom would greet their guests. At the back of the stage was a huge pink and purple facade decorated with flowers and lights.
We were also amazed at the size of the wedding hall. It was a roofless tent and everything was lit up. There was a stage for performers, a dance floor, couches, small tables, and amazing decorations.
There were also a lot of waiters serving and making food at different stations. On the left side of the hall, there were appetizers such as fruit, vegetables, treats, and dosas.
One section was dedicated to making breads such as roti/chapati. We even saw a girl hand crushing spices to put into the fresh bread.
On the right side were the meals – it all looked so delicious! They also had my favourite section… Dessert. There was ice cream, jalebis, kulfi, gulab jamuns, warm milk that was mixed with nuts and spices and served by a performer and much more.
After walking around in the hall we saw some beautiful fireworks that lit up the sky and heard loud music so went to go see what was going on. It turned out that it was the groom’s procession.
The first thing we saw was a crowd of people and chandeliers walking towards the wedding hall.
There was also a marching band playing catchy music.
The groom was sitting in a horse drawn carriage decorated with flowers at the the back of the procession while the rest of his family danced and partied around him.
The next thing we knew, we were dancing with the groom’s family who were grabbing our hands and dancing with us. Everyone was excited and happy.
The next thing we knew, we were siting on the groom’s carriage with him and he also invited us to the wedding!
After the procession we decided to go home, but got side tracked by the neighbouring wedding tent. It was blue and also had a big stage and facade decorated with flowers.
The hall was also filled with couches, tables, performers such as dancers and belly dancers, and a delicious smell of food in the air.
Anju and Ravi told us that it was the “after wedding party” held by the groom’s family. When we walked in, we were greeted by the groom’s father who invited us to the party and told us not to leave without eating because food is very important in the Indian culture. We were given many different varieties of delicious foods. This party was a non-vegetarian event.
There was also a cameraman who had his video camera attached to a huge pole that kept video taping us. It was a live broadcast so whatever was seen on the camera was projected onto a big screen!
Then the new couple came in and went onto the stage so we went up and wished them well.
When we were finished at that party, we decided to go back to the first party to see the bride and the official wedding ceremony.
When we retuned to the wedding hall the bride and groom were on stage taking photos with their guests.
The bride had entered without much fanfare. She enters quietly because weddings used to be held at the bride’s house so there is no special entrance for her. The bride arrived in a beautiful red and gold wedding saree. She also wore a lot of jewellery such as bangles half way up each arm, necklaces, earrings, a jewel on her head, and a big nose ring.
We walked up onto the stage and took our photos with the bride and groom…
Then everybody wanted to take their photos with us!
After taking all of our photos, it was time for the wedding ceremony. It took place at 2:00 am, after the close families had eaten dinner. The ceremony takes place in the wedding hall in a small room under a decorated canopy. First, everyone (the bride and groom’s closest families) goes into the room except the bride. The groom sits under the canopy with the temple leader who begins the ceremony. After about 1 hour the bride comes in and sits with the groom, and the temple leader begins the blessings involving candles, fruit, money, sweets, spices and much more. Later in the morning, (a part that we did not see because we went back home) the bride and groom walk around the flame a number of times to represent their commitment to each other.
Exhausted, we went back home and fell right asleep at around 4:00 AM.
I have been to many Greek/Canadian weddings back home in Canada, and noticed that there are similarities and differences between them.
Similarities
1. There are a lot of people
2. There is a lot of dancing and music
3. There is a lot of food
4. Family is important
Differences
1. There are no bridesmaids or ushers in Indian weddings
2. The halls are different-Greek/Canadian weddings do not usually have an open roof because of our climate
3. The reception party takes place before the ceremony at Indian weddings
4. At Greek/Canadian weddings, everyone sits and eats together while at Indian weddings people come and go at different times and can eat at the buffet stations at any time
We all had so much fun that I have decided for my wedding, instead of riding in a vehicle, I want to ride on a horse drawn carriage with a procession! Indian weddings are large, beautiful, and lots of fun! I can’t wait to go to my next one!
Special thanks to Anju and Ravi for introducing us to Indian wedding crashing! It was awesome!
Comments
21 responses to “Wedding Crashers!”
Wow, I love this post! What a great experience attending this wedding must have been! I wonder if Anju & Ravi were surprised at how you were all welcomed and invited to the wedding?! That’s different than a Greek-Canadian wedding…we wouldn’t have extra preordered dinners for crashers. I love all the people celebrating, the colours, the street procession, and the beautiful bride. How many people do you think we’re there…200, 400, 600?! The food stations are huge…can’t wait to see what you ate. What a late night event! It’s interesting there is a reception before the ceremony…is that like the engagement party? I wonder why the ceremony is at 2am…seems so late…was this on a Saturday night? I like all the sofas (comfy @ 3am) and all the different musical entertainment. I also love that you were dancing with the grooms family…can so picture your mom in on that! Zoe…maybe you should consider a Zebra drawn carriage at your wedding 🙂 Love, Teta Mae
Hi!
The wedding was an amazing experience! There were so many people there… I am guessing about 800! 🙂 The food stations were huge, and the food was excellent! They have a separate party for the engagement… The party was on a week night. They have about two weeks for the wedding season (we were there during wedding season) where there are weddings every night. That is a BRILLIANT IDEA to have a zebra drawn carriage… And maybe all of my other pets will dance in the procession!
This is definitely on my bucket list now Zoe. Really enjoyed reading about your Wedding Crashing….you certainly found a great one to crash. So many people, so much going on and so welcoming. Do you think they would allow anyone to crash or was it because you were visitors? The fact they are prepared with so much food etc…makes you think that people just show up! You have had some amazing experiences in India, enjoying reading all about them. Travel safely, Love Teta Doreen xox
Hi!
Everybody was welcoming! We think that it was because were visitors. If going to an Indian wedding is on your bucket list, be sure to come during wedding season because there are weddings every night! 🙂
Such a beautiful, colourful and joyful occasion! Wish I was there to join in on the festivities…my kind of party! We also saw a wedding in China; although, it was just from the back of the reception hall. Nothing as lavish as this one, but interesting to see.
Too bad you didn’t have time to dress up for the wedding! Be prepared for the next one you crash; but then again, you will be invited guests for the wedding in Australia.
Continue to enjoy your time in India!
Hi!
Maybe we will go to a wedding in China! What are the weddings in China like? Do they have a wedding season too? We need to be prepared just incase we crash a wedding in China! 🙂
wow…..what an awesome experience!!! Interesting to know that the wedding ceremony started after dinner at 2 a.m.?
i’m wondering if the timing is because it’s cooler at night.
thanks for sharing 🙂
Hi!
We also thought it was very interesting that they have the ceremony after the party. I think it is great because if you are part of the close family, and you come at the beginning, you get to stay for the whole party! 🙂
The thing that impressed me was how colourful everything was even the food! I’m sure we could find the same thing in Toronto if we knew where to look!
Sandra
Hi!
Everything was so colourful… And the food was delicious! I have never seen anything like it! 🙂
No, Sandra .. .. I dont believe you can do this in Toronto. This can only happen in India and in some Eastern cultures where wedding invitations are extended to Mr & Mrs and family, where if you have friends visiting, they are also welcome! It’s a different culture. I cannot speak for other cultures but Indians are very friendly and will welcome you into their homes with open hearts. You will not leave without being offered food and drinks. Its just the way we are. Unfortunately In the Western society, you cannot find the same hospitality. This proves to be a cultural shock for some immigrants from India. For example…how can you eat at your workplace without offering the food to your colleague sitting besides you?! This is the initial feeling for newcomers…until you realize that it is the norm out here….and then the same behaviour and selfishness sets in. In Canada or any Western society, you wouldnt dare crash a wedding because every person is accounted for and any uninvited or self invited guests are frowned upon! I thing there is way too much formality out here. It’s all about the $$’s unfortunately that makea people behave in this manner.
Hi!
Everybody in India has been so kind and welcoming. The people have been a huge part of our trip this year. 🙂
Hi Zoe,
I am so glad that you your family enjoyed all this wonderful Indian hospitality!!!!! The wedding photos are beautiful!! I love all the tradition! Do you know why they carry the chandeliers–are they a gift for the bride or do they light the way for the parade and the groom!
What are Dosos? You said that they are yummy–I need the recipe!!!!! Fireworks to boot! Awesome! I love the photo at the end of your post! You can see all the kindness, warmth, and goodwill in Anju’s and Ravi’s eyes and smiles!!!!! Thanks for sharing this great post Zoe! Love Baba
Hi!
I think the chandeliers are for lighting the way, decoration, and to make sure everybody is safe and stays together… There are ropes attached to each of the chandeliers creating a roped off area where everyone can dance and have a great time! 🙂
Dosas are delicious! I found a like for a recipe if you would like to try it out: http://www.jamieoliver.com/recipes/vegetables-recipes/amazing-indian-dosa/
I am laughing so much, Zoe! They wouldn’t let you leave! Everyone wanted a picture with the blonde girls and the giant! It is always easy to pick out your dad in the photos! Keep having fun!
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Everyone was so kind and welcoming which made it a lot more fun! 🙂
Wow….how fantastic! Both weddings and you guys are awesome.
Hi!
It was fantastic! We were feeling very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, AWESOME when we left!
When Margaret Whewall and I were in South Africa we also kind of ‘crashed’ a wedding and then were promptly invite to join in the celebrations ! It was really odd for us at the time and we only stayed a while. But what generosity and welcoming spirit! We were totally caught off guard. They also pre-plan for extended family and extra guests.
I thing that it is (again ) a “Hoot” that you ended up riding up with the groom!!! Must have been your awesome Canadian Smiles!
Hi!
How was the wedding in South Africa?
I also think it is a hoot that we were riding on the carriage!
Awesome blog, great details observed…glad to see you guys have had fun!
I come from South India (now in Toronto) and I have learned about North Indian marriages with your blog :)…I was surprised to see that the reception party took place before the ceremony…
Mostly in our state/province Telangana, reception party is after the ceremony and perhaps, I took 6 months for my reception party – there is a big story for this delay, in short, I have chosen “Love” marriage against “arrange” marriage (you may have come across this before)…lol
And another difference is, the groom got “only” car as a gift from groom’s family – in most part of South India, bride gets huge gold, big land, home, car, and cash (not yet credit cards)…and guess what? its offensive and insulting in-laws if you refuse those gifts, and I was forced to accept all of them :p..and gave all of them back to my wife…hahahaa…
Hopefully, I will get a chance to attend a Canadian marriage so that I can learn the culture and tradition…