07.06.11 - Hindu Weddings

Hindu weddings are one of the most traditional ceremonies of all religious weddings ceremonies.

Along with the pre wedding ceremonies such as the mehndi ceremony and the traditional engagement ceremony, the actual wedding ceremony will usually take place under a flower decorated canopy with the guests seated either side.

The actual ceremony of a Hindu wedding has seven steps. It will always take place around a fire, as the Hindus believe the goddess of fire Agni, should bear witness to the ceremony. The bride’s sari is tied to the groom and each step they both take around the fire is symbolic and has its own special meaning.

The seven blessings include ones of fertility, prosperity, harmony and love and understanding of each other. It is important that each step is performed properly and in the right order.

The Hindu bride will have spent a large amount of time organising her Hindu wedding day, as it is traditional that bride and her family will host the actual wedding event. As well as the venue, the bride will also have to organise the catering, photographer, mehndi designs and of course her wedding trosseau.

Along with the sari she wears on the wedding day, the bride also needs to find her jewellery and bindis, as a wedding outfit would be incomplete without this.

Fortunately for the brides, the UK high street is awash with Indian accessories and clothes stores, all offering traditional and western inspired designs. Along with the online offers, websites such as www.avaa.co.uk make it easy to shop and buy all of your wedding accessories including mehndi, all in one place.