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Planning an Indian Wedding in Mexico & The Caribbean

Planning an Indian Wedding: A Complete Destination Wedding Guide

Indian weddings are known for their rich traditions, vibrant ceremonies, and multi-day elaborate celebrations. If you’re dreaming of a traditional Indian wedding but looking for a unique way to celebrate your love, a destination wedding might be just what you’re after! Destination Indian weddings allow you to combine the cultural richness of an Indian celebration with the exotic charm of an exotic locale.

Keep reading to get advice on how to seamlessly blend tradition with modern nuances for the perfect Indian destination wedding.

Different Types of Indian Weddings

Indian weddings are celebrated differently based on religion and geographical region. The first thing you should do as an engaged couple is decide what type of wedding you want. This will depend on whether you and your partner share the same religion, are from the same region, and have the same traditions, or if you need to make compromises or blend traditions.

No matter the type of Indian wedding celebration you and your partner decide on, our Destination Wedding Specialists are here to help. They have years of experience coordinating many types of Indian weddings including the ones listed below.

Types of Indian Weddings

  • Hindu Weddings-1

    Hindu Weddings

    Hindu weddings (India, Nepal) last three to five days and are deeply rooted in traditions and rituals. Hindu weddings reflect the couple’s personalities and tell sharing your love story with family and friends. There are three key rituals the Kanyadana, the father gives his daughter away, the Panigrahana, holding hands near the fire to symbolize a union, and Saptapadi, taking seven steps as a husband and wife. 

    Hindu Weddings
  • Sikh Weddings-1

    Sikh Weddings

    Sikh weddings (Punjab and Sikh communities globally) also called Anand Karaj meaning blissful union, are colorful family-oriented celebrations that last several days. There are a variety of pre-wedding, wedding, and post-wedding rituals including colorful receptions full of traditional food, music, and dance performances.

    Sikh Weddings
  • Punjabi Weddings-1

    Punjabi Weddings

    Punjabi weddings(Punjab, India) are known for their energetic and vibrant celebrations. Elaborate pre-wedding and post-wedding events including family meetings and extravagant gatherings symbolize families becoming one. The wedding includes the Ladies’ Sangeet, a musical night with both families performing choreographed dances. 

    Punjabi Weddings
  • Bengali Weddings-1

    Bengali Weddings

    Bengali weddings (West Bengal and Bangladesh) are traditional events that are both fun and dramatic. Many multi-day rituals are designed to connect families and cultures including the Nandi Mukh, where the couple pays respect to their ancestors, the Indoor Dean, where the groom puts red dye on the bride’s hair part, and Bou Bhat, the wedding reception.

    Bengali Weddings
  • Tamil Weddings-1

    Tamil Weddings

    Tamil weddings (Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka) are known for their simplicity and traditional Vedic rituals. The Nischayathartham engagement ceremony is a ritual that promises the couple a loving, joyous shared future. Several rituals and exchanges during three days, from garlands to rings to meeting the families are celebrated. 

    Tamil Weddings
  • Gujarati Weddings-1

    Gujarati Weddings

    Gujarati weddings (Gujarat) are filled with cultural dances like Garba and Dandiya. They begin on Wednesday night and continue until Sunday morning with ceremonies like Graham Shanti & Pithi where the family prays for peace. The celebration includes rituals like the Baraat, the wedding procession for the groom full of music and dancing, gift-giving, and decadent food.

    Gujarati Weddings
  • Maharashtrian Weddings-1

    Maharashtrian Weddings

    Maharashtrian Weddings (West India) are full of traditions, rituals, and cultural beliefs, beginning with the engagement ceremony, Sakhar Puda, where the couple exchange sugar packets. This symbolizes their love and commitment. Celebrations continue with post-wedding rituals, including Mooh Dikhai, where the groom’s family gives gifts to the bride as she meets her new relatives.

    Maharashtrian Weddings
  • Muslim Weddings-1

    Muslim Weddings

    Muslim weddings (Muslim communities worldwide), also called Nikah, are beautiful yet simple ceremonies that include a variety of pre-wedding, wedding, and post-wedding rituals. The Nikah is a contract between the couple consenting to get married. The ceremony includes a reading from the Qur’an. Muslim weddings usually include one pre-wedding, one religious ceremony, and one reception. 

    Muslim Weddings
  • Christian Indian Weddings-1

    Christian Indian Weddings

    Christian Indian weddings are a beautiful combination of Western and Indian traditions that are similar to Roman Catholic ceremonies. The celebrations before, during, and after the marriage vows include the engagement announcement and pre-wedding family blessings. Other rituals include the lighting of the lamp Nada villi and the Milk Ceremony.

    Christian Indian Weddings

What to Wear To An Indian Wedding

This is truly your chance to shine on your big day. Although your choice of dress may be dependent on your wedding location and the time of year, the sky is really the limit here. Be as vibrant and bright as you choose to be; remember it’s your special day!

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Wedding Attire for Grooms, Groomsmen, and Male Guests

Often the groom and groomsmen wear a long button-down knee-length jacket, or Sherwani, with over-fitted pants referred to as Churidas. Accessories like a dilangi or sarpech, a jewel-adorned turban are common. Men also wear multiple chains, broaches, and rings. 

If you’re looking for something less traditional, formal Western tuxedos and suits are an option. Just remember, that whatever you and your partner decide will need to be communicated to the groomsmen and male guests so they can plan accordingly, which might mean borrowing or renting traditional clothing they might not own themselves.

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Wedding Attire for Brides, Bridesmaids, and Female Guests

Here is where you can choose to break with tradition. Normally, red is worn on the day of your wedding celebration, but more modern Indian brides are choosing to wear colors like light pink, emerald green, yellow, orange, or gold. 

Traditionally, you and your bridesmaids would wear gorgeous saris or lehengas wedding dresses, all colorful and adorned with intricate designs. Lehenga is an ensemble with an elaborate skirt, a cropped blouse, and a dupatta that is draped over the head and shoulders. 

Brides wear 24-karat gold jewelry and, depending on your cultural traditions, henna tattoos on your hands and feet. Whether you choose to have a Mendhi ceremony or not is completely up to you, but it is a great bonding experience to have with your bridesmaids and female friends and family.

Whether you want to go all out traditional or keep things more modern, make sure your female guests are given plenty of time to plan their wedding outfits as some might have to rent more traditional clothing or have it specially made.

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How to Curate Your Menu for An Indian Destination Wedding

Food is a very important part of an Indian wedding celebration, so you want to make sure your menu is just right for the big celebration. Think of the colorful, vibrant flavors you love and how you want to incorporate them into your wedding feast.

Whether you and your partner are meat lovers or a vegetarian, love traditional Indian cuisine, or want to add in some of your Western favorites, you can combine all of the foods you love into one delicious meal for you and your guests to enjoy. Just keep in mind any food allergies or special dietary requirements you or your guests may have.

All-Inclusive Resorts

Most all-inclusive resorts offer a diverse range of menu options for weddings so you can work with them to create the perfect menu for your Indian wedding. If you have any doubts, one of our Destination Wedding Specialists can work with you to make sure your wedding dinner is a success!

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Managing The Guest List

Indian weddings are known for their large guest lists which can sometimes be challenging for destination weddings. Always consider your guests' schedules, budgets, lifestyles, and ability to travel. After considering everything, your destination wedding may be smaller than a traditional Indian wedding. 

Select a venue that is convenient and easy to find, including direct flights and connectivity. Keep in mind that the size of your guest list will impact the size of your venue, hotel guest rooms, and catering needs. You may have to secure another hotel if you opt for a smaller resort. 

Send out Save the Dates and details in advance, so your guests can schedule accordingly and you can plan strategically.

Blending Tradition and Modernity At Your Indian Destination Wedding

Your destination Indian wedding should be an extension of your personality, blending rituals with modern touches that make it uniquely yours.

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Destination Wedding Locations

Popular destinations like Mexico, the Dominican RepublicJamaicaAruba, and Costa Rica offer gorgeous resorts and breathtaking scenery. It all comes down to how far you want to travel, and what type of location you prefer whether mountainous, beach, or tropical jungles. Many resorts located in these destinations offer all-inclusive options, providing an ideal backdrop for your celebration.

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Indian Wedding Packages

All-inclusive resorts offer specialized Indian wedding packages that blend cultural traditions with breathtaking tropical settings. Resorts provide a variety of wedding packages to suit your style and budget, ensuring a seamless and unforgettable celebration. These packages come with everything you need for one bundled price, including your ceremony and reception venue, decor and setup, an officiant, catering, flowers, DJ, and more.

Upgraded packages may also include additional decor options, hair and makeup services, photography and videography, and other services to make your big day even more special. Expert planners and staff at these resorts and our Destination Wedding Specialists are well-versed in the nuances of Indian weddings, handling every detail to honor your heritage while providing the convenience and luxury of a destination wedding. Consult with your Specialist to determine which package best meets your needs and preferences.

Top Destination Wedding Resorts for Your Indian Wedding

Start Planning Your Destination Wedding Of Your Dreams Today

There are many things to consider for your extraordinary Indian destination wedding. The details will make a dramatic difference for everyone to have an enjoyable time. Share your thoughts and hopes with each other, commit to what rituals and traditions you want to honor, and create the destination wedding of your dreams. 

Our expert team has helped thousands of couples organize and plan seamless destination weddings all over the world. Fill out our wedding planning form today and get started on your journey to the perfect “I do”.

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