Traditional Indian Wedding Bindi

One small but beautiful detail that most Indian brides share on their wedding day is a bindi, the red dot that adorns their forehead between their eyebrows. A bindi on the forehead is a sign of marriage, and this guarantees the social status and sanctity of the institution of marriage. As the Indian bride steps through the doors of her husband’s door with the red bindi on her forehead, the bindi is believed to bring prosperity. Why between the eyebrows? This area is the sixth chakra known as the seat of concealed wisdom. The bindi between the eyebrows is said to retain energy in the body and control many levels of concentration. It also symbolizes good fortune, which every bride wants on her wedding day! The traditional bindi is red or maroon, and is applied skillfully with fingertips to achieve the perfect dot. One Indian proverb says “A woman’s beauty is multiplied 1,000 times when she wears a bindi”- so true for all our beautiful Indian brides!

 

 

Image credits: Biyani Photography, The Indian Wedding Blog, Maharani Weddings, Tumblr, Maharani Weddings, Dolls of India

Traditional Indian Wedding Jaimala Ceremony

The exchanging of garlands is a crucial part of an Indian wedding, and and the marriage is not considered complete until the garlands are exchanged between the bride and groom. The garlands are made out of flowers and thread, and while the flowers symbolize aspiration, excitement, and happiness, the thread represents what secures all those emotions. This part of the ceremony, called Jaimala, is the first ritual which represents the bride accepting the groom as her husband. This part of the ceremony happens after the groom arrives at the venue and is welcomed in by the bride’s family. He then awaits the arrival of his bride, and this is the first time they see each other! During this time, the bride and groom exchange their flower garlands by placing them around each other’s neck. There are many options when looking where to get garlands for your wedding- you can order them online or by phone, talk to your local florist, or make them at home with family and friends!

Photo credits: Indian Wedding Site, Indian Weddings, Maharani Weddings, The Big Fat Indian Wedding, Wedding Function, Maharani Weddings

Traditional Indian Mandap

A major part of the traditional Indian wedding ceremony is the mandap. The mandap is the focal point of Indian weddings, and are beautiful and elaborate creations under which all marriage rituals are performed. The mandap is a wedding canopy supported by four pillars, said to represent the four parents of the couple, signifying the important role the parents have played in raising their children. Under the mandap there are two chairs for the bride and groom, as well as seating for all four parents. The mandap is traditionally made out of wood and decorated with flowers, banana leaves, and pots filled with water known as Kalashas. However, more modern mandap styles have been spotted lately, made with more modern materials and out-of-the-box shapes. The mandap should be beautiful and eye-catching- lighting, draping, flowers to match the color scheme, and hanging bells are all great ideas on how to decorate the mandap.

 

 

Check back later in the week for a blog about Sheer Romance, a fantastic vendor who specializes in beautiful, customized mandaps!

 

(Photo credits: uberBrides, Backdrops Beautiful, Krishoo, the knot, Maharani Weddings, Jason Groupp )

Red and Gold: Traditional Indian Wedding Colors

For many couples, the bride and groom’s culture is a big part of choosing many details of the wedding, including a color scheme. The traditional colors of an Indian wedding are red and gold. The color red in India represents power and spirituality, and represents simplicity and purity in the East. As a bride, choosing to wear a red sari is a tradition that is in place because of the emotional implications of the rich color. Bright colors represent happiness, and gold is the most popular choice to pair with rich red hues. The combination of red and gold is a dramatic one, and represents wealth and good luck- what better ideas to represent at a wedding?! There are so many ways to incorporate these traditional colors into your wedding, whether it is a red sari or bridal gown, sparkling gold jewelry, or red and gold linens.

( bride and groom )

( table setting )

( red and gold sari )

( wedding cake )

 

 

Real Wedding Highlights Video: Lina + Mohammad

The Middle East is an area of the world full of mystery and intrigue (cue sultry scenes from Sex and the City 2). Which is why we loved planning this Syrian couples’ wedding at the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa & Marina. From start to finish, the wedding was all about keeping with cultural traditions, but infused a romantic, western touch. We wish we could post some pictures from the day, but we can offer you something even better–a video of the wedding’s highlights! Yippee!

From the soft pinks, oranges, and touches of gold to the lively entertainment and dancing, we are in love with every bit with this Syrian wedding. Thanks again for letting Wedding Elegance be a part of your special day, Lina & Mohammad!

Click on the link below to view the video.

Lina & Mohammad by Motus Films.

Venue: Hyatt Regency Mission Bay
Photography: Naveed Ahmad Photography
Reception Music: DJ Mohanned
Entertainment: Said Dance Company
Florist: Artquest Flowers and Gifts
Hair Stylist and Makeup Artist: Model Call Salon
Cake: CAKE (The Fabulous Cake Girls)
Photobooth: Miskipops Photobooth
Lighting: England Lighting Systems
Catering: Mystic Grill & Bakery