Hindu Weddings

If the building in which the ceremony is to take place does not hold a licence, a civil wedding will be required beforehand. If it is registered to hold weddings, notice should be given of the couple's intention to marry, so that a registrar may attend to register the marriage.

The ceremony itself is very informal, with guests chatting and generally enjoying themselves whilst it is going on. The bride's family will arrange a sacred place in the middle of the room, covered with a canopy of flowers and richly decorated material. The bride wears a red silk sari, and the groom is dressed in white.

The bride arrives first, and hides until the groom and remaining guests have assembled. As the groom comes in, lights are waved over his head and grains of rice thrown to symbolise wealth and fertility. The groom takes his place under the canopy, and is then joined by his bride. The wedding ceremony gets underway, and may last all day with gifts being given and food eaten throughout the celebration.

One of the most important parts of the Hindu wedding is the ritual of the seven steps - the Saptapadi. The bride and groom take seven steps together, signifying their common journey through life - strength, food, progeny, family, prosperity, happiness and life-long friendship.

According to the Hindu tradition, rain on your wedding day is considered good luck.

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