11 Indian Wedding and Ceremony Traditions

Indian or Hindu weddings are steeped in rich traditions. Despite common misconceptions, these celebrations are far from uniform. Each ceremony authentically represents the couple's religious preferences and cultural influences. While some couples choose to honor their heritage in a traditional celebration, others prefer to take a more modern route. Due to the various customs and rituals, every Hindu wedding is unique. 

Whether you're a couple looking for ways to honor your Indian heritage or a guest attending a Hindu wedding not knowing what to expect, this guide has you covered. Here are fourteen Indian wedding and ceremony traditions typically included in an Indian wedding. 

1. Picking the Wedding Date and Time

Many Indian couples will consult with a priest or astrologer to determine auspicious dates and times for the wedding ceremony. They will determine the most favorable date to conduct their ceremony based on each of their astrological signs.

2. Multiple Days of Events

With a larger guestlist and days' worth of traditions, Indian weddings are typically multi-day events. It's common for Indian weddings to have multiple pre-wedding events like the Sangeet two days before the wedding or the Haldi Ceremony one day prior to the wedding. Following the timeline is an important part of the traditional practices, meaning this all can’t be fit into one day. This is why, generally, Indian weddings will last for up to three full days.

3. Sangeet and Mehendi

The Bride’s family will host a Sangeet two days before the wedding. This is a chance for relatives and friends from both sides to get together, play instruments, dance, and sing. At the Sangeet, an Indian bride participates in a Mehendi ceremony, receiving intricate henna designs on her hands and feet. 

The henna is believed to ward off evil, promote fertility, and attract good energy for the couple. It’s also said that the darker the color of the henna, the stronger the bond between husband and wife.

4. Haldi Ceremony

Another pre-wedding ceremony is the Haldi Ceremony. Typically, this ceremony takes place the day before the wedding. This celebration involves guests rubbing turmeric (haldi) onto the couple’s body. It acts as a cleanse to liven the skin before the wedding and is viewed as a blessing to the couple. 

The ceremony often involves singing traditional songs, dancing, and showering the couple with flowers. Overall, it’s a joyous celebration meant to purify the couple, ward off any bad spirits, and promote bonding among loved ones. 

5. Red Color Palette

The red color palette is traditional in Indian weddings, which is why you’ll often see brides wearing red Indian bridal lehenga. Red is an auspicious color in Hinduism, symbolizing prosperity, fertility, and good fortune. But you won’t only see red influence fashion choices. This vibrant color will play a key role in the decor, specifically when it comes to floral designs. Indian wedding centerpieces, Varmala (floral garlands), and even flowers adorning the Mandap (ceremony arch). 

6. Several Outfit Changes

An Indian wedding is a fashion-forward event with multiple outfit changes. Being a multi-day event, this probably comes as no surprise. For the wedding day itself Indian brides typically wear an Indian wedding lehenga or sari for the wedding ceremony. The Indian groom's outfit typically consists of a sherwani (a long coat-like garment worn over trousers) or a kurta (a long shirt paired with trousers). They will then change into an Indian gown for reception performances and never-ending dancing. 

7. Groom’s Baraat

The groom's procession, known as the baraat, involves him arriving at the wedding venue accompanied by his family and friends. Often a more lavish portion of the wedding day, it’s not uncommon to see grooms arrive on a horse, elephant, or in a sports car for a more modern celebration. The groom's entrance will be enhanced with upbeat music and dancing as he makes his way to the ceremony. 

8. Kanya Aagman

After the groom's grand entrance and acceptance with tilak, it’s time for "the arrival of the bride." During the processional, the bride typically walks underneath a decorative sheet held by her brothers. This is considered a sacred moment in the wedding ceremony and often emotional for the bride’s family because it recognizes the bride leaving her parent’s home to start a new life with her husband. She is then escorted to the mandap for the ceremony.  

9. Mandap 

A mandap is significant to Indian weddings. While there are many interpretations as to the representation of the four pillars of the structure, regardless of what you believe, it still remains the focal point of any Hindu ceremony. As the location of arguably the most important portion of any wedding, mandaps are decorated with stunning decor details like flowers, greenery, and fruits. 

The design of this sacred canopy structure deserves careful attention to cultural symbolism and the couple’s preferences. That’s why your choice of florist is a decision that shouldn’t be taken lightly. 

10. Varmala

During the ceremony, the couple will exchange floral garlands, typically made of brightly colored flowers. The garland exchange symbolizes the couple's union and their acceptance into one another's families. It’s a joyous ceremony tradition with lively music, met with cheering from family and friends. 

11. Saptapadi 

The Saptapadi, the most cherished portion of an Indian wedding, is a Hindu wedding custom in which the couple takes seven steps around the holy fire. While circling the sacred fire, they recite vows that symbolize each stage of the marriage. The steps represent food, strength, prosperity, family, offspring, health, and friendship. When they have finished taking these steps together, they are officially recognized as married. 

Hire Vendors with Indian Wedding Experience 

If you’re planning a wedding incorporating Indian traditions, you’ll want to choose experienced Indian wedding decorators. You want a team of professionals who value the traditions and have experience bringing cultural weddings to life. For those searching for florists in the San Francisco Bay area who have experience with Indian weddings, meet Flowers Valley. This award-winning florist team offers Hindu decorations for weddings that exceed expectations. With the understanding that every event is unique, it creates personalized wedding proposals explicitly tailored to your desired flowers and color palette. 

Ready to bring your floral dreams to life? Contact Flowers Valley by filling out the form. The team of experts will combine your inspiration with years of expertise to create a custom proposal and transparent price breakdown so you know what to expect. With its knowledge paired with your vision, Flower Valley will work magic to make your wedding day truly unforgettable.