What to Expect at a Hindu Wedding: Traditions, Attire & Invitations

If you’ve been invited to a Hindu wedding in the UK, you’re in for an unforgettable experience—one filled with vibrant colours, powerful rituals, deep symbolism, and festive celebration. Whether you’re a first-time guest or a couple beginning to plan your Hindu wedding, this guide covers everything you need to know about the customs, dress code, and invitation etiquette involved.

At ShadiCards.com, we specialize in crafting bespoke Hindu wedding invitations that reflect both tradition and modern style. In this guide, we’ll break down what happens at a Hindu wedding, how to prepare, and how invitations set the tone for the celebration.

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🕉️ Understanding a Hindu Wedding

A Hindu wedding is more than a single ceremony—it’s a multi-day, multi-event celebration rooted in ancient Vedic traditions, family unity, and the spiritual union of two souls. Weddings often incorporate rituals unique to the family’s regional background, including Gujarati, Punjabi, South Indian, or Bengali customs.

While the format can vary, Hindu weddings usually span 2–5 days, with both religious and cultural events.

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📜 Typical Hindu Wedding Events & Ceremonies

1. Ganesh Pooja

The celebrations often begin with a prayer to Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, to bless the upcoming marriage and ensure a smooth wedding journey.

2. Mehndi Ceremony

Held a day or two before the wedding, this joyous event is for the bride and female guests. Mehndi (henna) is applied to the bride’s hands and feet amidst music, dancing, and food.

3. Sangeet Night

An evening of entertainment, singing, and dance performances from both families. It’s one of the liveliest parts of a Hindu wedding.

4. Haldi Ceremony

Held separately at the bride and groom’s homes, a turmeric paste is applied to their skin for spiritual cleansing and a radiant glow.

5. Wedding Ceremony (Vivaha)

The main event involves sacred rituals conducted by a Hindu priest (Pandit). Core elements include:

• Kanyadaan (giving away the bride)

• Mangal Pheras (walking around the sacred fire 7 times)

• Sindoor Daan (applying vermillion)

• Mangal Sutra (sacred wedding necklace)

The ceremony usually takes place under a Mandap (wedding canopy) and can last from 1 to 3 hours.

6. Reception

A grand party that follows the formal wedding, featuring dinner, speeches, dancing, and celebration.

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💌 Hindu Wedding Invitations: What to Look For

Your invitation is the first impression of your wedding and sets the tone for the entire event. Hindu wedding invitations are rich in symbolism and artistry, often featuring:

• Images of Lord Ganesha, Om symbols, or religious icons

• Sanskrit mantras such as “Shubh Vivaah” or “Manglik Prasang”

• Traditional colours like red, gold, and saffron

• Regional motifs: mandalas, paisleys, or elephants

• Separate inserts for Mehndi, Sangeet, Wedding, and Reception

• QR codes for RSVP or venue directions

At ShadiCards.com, our Hindu wedding invitation collection includes everything from royal Mughal designs to modern minimalist layouts, scroll invitations, and eco-friendly seed paper cards.

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👗 Dress Code at a Hindu Wedding

Hindu weddings are bright and colourful—so don’t be afraid to dress up boldly! That said, modesty and cultural respect are key.

For Women:

• Saree, lehenga, or salwar kameez are traditional options.

• Western guests can wear a long dress with a shawl or dupatta.

• Avoid black or all-white (traditionally associated with mourning).

• Red is usually reserved for the bride—try vibrant alternatives like royal blue, emerald, or gold.

For Men:

• Sherwani, kurta pajama, or Nehru jacket for a traditional look.

• A smart Western suit is acceptable if accessorised with cultural respect (e.g., pocket square, scarf).

• Consider closed shoes or mojaris.

TIP: Always check the invitation for dress codes or colour themes.

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🙏 Etiquette & Expectations

• Arrive on time, especially for the main ceremony.

• Bring a gift or card, or offer money in a decorated envelope.

• Respect customs, such as removing shoes before entering sacred spaces.

• Photography rules may vary—ask before taking photos, especially during rituals.

• Don’t step into the Mandap unless you’re part of the ceremony.

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🎁 What Gift Should You Bring?

• Traditional gifts include cash envelopes (shagun), jewellery, or silver items.

• Gift registries are gaining popularity—check the invitation for a QR code or website link.

• Avoid alcohol or non-vegetarian food gifts.

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🌍 Cultural Differences Within Hindu Weddings

Every Hindu wedding has its own flavour and structure, making each one uniquely special.

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🧾 Example Invitation Wording

"With the blessings of Lord Ganesha, we request the honour of your presence at the wedding of..."

"You are cordially invited to the Mehndi & Sangeet ceremony of our beloved daughter..."

"Join us as we celebrate the sacred union of our children under the guidance of sacred Vedic traditions..."

At ShadiCards.com, we provide culturally authentic and beautifully worded invitation templates for all Hindu communities.

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🌱 Modern Touches: How Hindu Weddings Are Evolving in the UK

• Eco-friendly invitations using recycled paper or plantable seed cards

• Digital e-invites and animated video invitations shared via WhatsApp

• Fusion menus mixing Indian and British cuisine

• Live-streaming for overseas relatives

• Smaller, more intimate weddings post-pandemic, but still rich in tradition

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💌 Choose the Perfect Hindu Wedding Invitation with ShadiCards.com

Whether you’re hosting a lavish multi-day celebration or a simple and spiritual ceremony, your wedding invitation is the first reflection of your story. Our Hindu wedding card collection includes:

✅ Religious Ganesha & Om Symbol Designs
✅ Multi-Inserts for Mehndi, Sangeet, and Reception
✅ Scroll, Laser Cut, and Boxed Invitations
✅ Fully Personalised, Printed & Shipped in the UK
✅ QR Code RSVP and Matching Stationery Available

👉 Browse Hindu Wedding Invitations Now