Wedding Theme Ideas: Indian Wedding Ceremony

Weddings are beautiful aren't they? They're a time when you and your partner profess your love to one another in front of family and friends. It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so most couples go to great lengths to make it a very memorable and special day. There are probably thousands of wedding theme ideas that one could incorporate into their wedding day. One great idea is to have an Indian Wedding Ceremony.

You needn't practice Hinduism to implement some stunning changes to your wedding. However, you should know a little background about Indian weddings if you want to use that as a wedding theme. Here is a little background on Indian weddings, some great photos of Indian bridal wear and ideas that will have your family and friends talking about your wedding for years and years!

Traditional Hindu wedding customs vary from tribe to tribe in remote areas, as well as from North India to South India. Here is just a brief overview of the wedding rituals that are more mainstream.

Indian weddings are a highly religious, traditional and widely celebrated time.It is a celebration that goes on for days, with a series of Indian rituals and traditions created to be fun for all involved!

You may incorporate all or some of these Indian rituals into your Indian themed wedding, but it is, of course, up to you. It's your day!

Mehendi (Mehndi) Party

A Mehendi party is a gathering of the bride, along with her female family members and friends where she has henna applied to her feet, legs, hands and arms. It is an age-old tradition that symbolizes fertility and is a part of the brides beautification process prior to the wedding.

Henna is a paste made from dried and finely ground henna leaves, mixed with oils and lemon juice or water. The henna paste is then applied to the skin in intricate designs such as the ones you see pictured here. The henna permanently bonds with the top layer of skin, or epidermis. As the skin goes through its natural process of shedding, the design becomes lighter until all layers have been shed. The henna usually lasts for several weeks, depending on certain factors, but it is very beautiful. Most grooms will get henna applications as well, but traditionally its been a big deal for the bride.

While the bride receives her henna tattoos, she is surrounded by a party of female friends and family. It is literally a celebration with music, games and light humor about the groom. So, everyone gets dressed up, especially the bride. The attire is beautiful, obviously, like this gorgeous pink lehenga from Cbazaar.

You can incorporate the Mehendi party into part of your pre-wedding celebration as well. In Hindu marriages, the Mehendi party takes place two days before the wedding and the saying is that the groom shouldn't see the bride once her Mehendi has been applied, or else its bad luck!

The Sangeet Party is a very lavish and decorative party that traditionally was only for women, but in these modern times, you will notice that men will attend or the party will include both the bride's and groom's in-laws.

This is a huge celebration prior to the wedding, used to set the mood, if you will, to get everyone happy and excited about the joining of the bride and groom. Some brides choose to have both the Mehendi and Sangeet party at the same time, but I say two parties are always better than one!

Attire is very colorful and bright. Decorations are usually in traditional Indian colors such as orange, purple and red with lots of flowers.

The actual day of the wedding is most anticipated. The bride is immensely gorgeous. Her makeup is flawless, her skin is glowing, her henna designs are immaculate and her jewelry sets it all off perfectly!

The dress the bride chooses to wear will no doubt be remembered long after the wedding. So, take your time finding just the right bridal wear for your big day.Bridal lehengas, like this one pictured here below, are very detailed and sensuous. The bride has been prepared like a queen. All the finishing touches like jewelry and shoes, nose rings and hair have been painstakingly perfected. You're the star of this show, so enjoy it and may you and your new husband have an eternity together!