What to Expect from a Wedding in India

India has a population of over 1.3 billion people. This beautiful country presents great business opportunities. International professional relations lead to learning more about different cultures and customs, and establishing personal relationships with your colleagues. As you establish professional relations you might be invited to an Indian wedding by your colleagues. If you are fortunate to be invited to an Indian wedding - do everything possible to attend. It’s an experience like nothing else! I have been fortunate enough to attend four traditional Indian wedding and here are some tips:

Be Ready to Travel: Expect to spend two to seven days on an airplane. 

Not All Guests Attend All Events: Ask your host for guidance on what events you should and should not be attending.

Purchase Indian Outfits: Where else are you going to wear it? Nowhere! This is not an investment, but an experience. Wearing a sari or sherwani will give you a sense of belonging to the party and will make you feel comfortable, and beautiful!

Dance your Heart Out at Baraat: When else are you going to dance for 2 hours on the street in the middle of a day light?! Don’t miss the experience.

Appropriate Gifts: Bring cash in a beautiful envelope and present it to the family on the main wedding night. 

Event Expectations: You will be up until 2:00-3:00 in the morning, dancing, socializing, and celebrating. Expect things to run behind schedule and go with the flow. Be ready to try different foods, and do not be surprised if the entire wedding feast is vegetarian. 

Enjoy and embrace the experience!