Q&A

This section is a dedicated space for questions that we have received recently! Y'all have been amazing in this process and we want to equip you with all the details in a breakdown by time/scheduled events.

Be sure to reach out to us via anilandjulia@gmail.com if you have additional questions.
xo LOVE & GRATITUDE

FRIDAY NIGHT?

We are so overjoyed and excited to share this special time of our lives with y'all! 
We know for most of you, an Indian event is going to be an entirely new experience.

The word “Sangeet “ means music and can be used as a term translated as Music Night or Musical party.
This musical night is a celebration of the union of not only the couple but the bonding of both families.

5 MAJOR ELEMENTS

1) Colorful Attire:

Indian guests typically dress in vibrant colors and bold and elaborate jewelry.
(The outfits worn by Anil and Julia will be vibrantly colored versus Saturday's American traditional attire.)

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?

A: Anything you'd like! Brighter is better. Don't be afraid to wear a bold color.
If you don't have a traditional sari or lengha, don't worry—a jewel-tone dress with a shawl is appropriate too.

Below we have added some Indian terms as well as examples of traditional Indian wear for both men and women.
The purpose of this is merely educational, and wearing these clothes completely is optional!
We have been getting many questions regarding the outfits and customs, so thought this would be helpful :) 

The attire is Cocktail Wear.
We want you, as our guests, to be comfortable and not feel the pressure or the need to have to wear Indian clothes. 
IF you would like to, however, then please feel free! 

We welcome any questions and here are some sites for research and purchasing.

WOMEN:

Traditional Formal Indian Wear- the SARI (link leads to wikipedia definition).

These beautiful outfits come in many vibrant colors and can be worn in several ways.
The Bride typically wears a red/maroon and gold Lengha, which is slightly different than the Sari.
Wedding guests are welcome to wear any color. 

MEN: 

Traditional Indian Wear- SHERWANI (link leads to wikipedia definition).

The sherwani is the most diverse outfit, which is made in many different styles and cuts.
Wedding guests can chose from a variety of other colors: blue, black, grey, etc.

** Recommendation: Googling: "Indo-Western attire." Women: "Salwar Kameez" (Pants/leggings with long and short tunic) option for those that don't want to be too adventurous and wear a sari. Men: "Kurta Pyjamas" option instead of a sherwani.

2) Henna:

Henna is a very important part of the Sangeet night, it’s the night when the guests are given an opportunity to dive into the culturally rich art form of henna or traditionally called mehndi/mehendi.  Every guest (whether 2 years old or 90 years old) will have the opportunity to participate in this traditional form of natural herbal body art, which stains the skin a burgundy brown design for a week to 2 weeks.
The guests usually get a 3 to 5 minute quick design.

*Julia will have her elaborate and intricate henna done a day before the Sangeet, so that she has her hands and feet available to interact freely with you.

3) Intimate rituals and ceremonies:

These rituals and ceremonies can include a procession, gifts, games and time for adorning the bride and groom and are informal in the sense that guests can continue to chat, interact, mingle and grab drinks and appetizers. 
Our intimate rituals will begin at 6 PM on Friday and last approximately 30-40 minutes.
Our hope is that we will have a chance to welcome everyone before the ceremonies and rituals begin.

They include:

BRIDE + GROOM ENTRANCE
Ladies of relation will carry a green scarf over the bride and groom to signify blessings and luck.

BRIDE IS OFFERED GIFTS OF FERTILITY + PROSPERITY
Ladies of relation will offer flowers, bangles and objects signifying beauty and wealth.

GROOM IS OFFERED GIFTS OF GOOD FORTUNE
Ladies of relation will present platters of mehndi.

PITHI FOR BRIDE + GROOM
All guests are welcome to process in a line and offer sweets (signifying a sweet life), placing a dot on the bride and groom (signifying blessings) and throwing rice (signifying prosperity).
All items: sweets, dots and rice will be provided by groom's family. 

4) Indian Appetizers/Food/Drinks:

Two of the most common misconceptions about Indian food are that it's all spicy and it's all vegetarian.
We will be serving both meat and vegetarian dish options with indication of spice levels.
Appetizers, food and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided.

5) Dance for everyone on the open floor:
This is the time to let go and move your bodies to great drum Bollywood music beats.

SATURDAY?

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?

A: Anything you'd like! 

The attire is Garden Party Appropriate. 

You may be wondering what that means...
The Greenhouse at Driftwood's setting and environment is outdoors with rocks and stones and grass. 
Grass is not sturdy and stable for high stilettos although, the grass may thank you for aerating.
If you Google "Garden Party Attire," British Alice-in-Wonderland inspiration pops up, along with Kentucky Derby style suits and dresses. Cool, go with that. 

Also, we want to reserve your precious feet for mobility on the dance floor, so select something comfortable.

Knee-length to maxi cocktail dresses are all great options along with standard suits.