Your Indian friend has invited you to their wedding, and you can't wait to celebrate their special day with them. Are you not entirely sure what to expect and don't want to accidentally offend somebody's Auntie by being that clueless person showing up in a wrong colour?
As a traveling wedding photographer, I've been privileged to capture the vibrant essence of diverse cultural celebrations, with a particular focus on Indian weddings in London and other locations. My journey has enriched me with invaluable insights into the art of Indian wedding photography. Allow me to share the knowledge and beauty I've encountered through my lens.
The Wedding Day(s)
Were you exhausted after your wedding day? A traditional Hindu wedding can last up to five days, but three days is the average length. Each day is imbued with meaning and tradition.
The first day is dedicated to a priest performing the Ganesh Puja, which signals the start of the wedding rituals. Only the bridal party and close relatives are invited to be there to pray to Lord Ganesh for a peaceful wedding ceremony. Day two is dedicated to getting ready with henna and the mehndi ceremony, followed by an evening celebration. The final or third day is the main wedding ceremony and reception.
Splendid Saris
Hindu weddings are all about a dazzling display of traditional garments. You will see people from all cultural backgrounds don Sarees, lehenga cholis and salwar suits. North and West Indian weddings are exceptionally luxurious, with extravagant brocades and metallic golden silk saris wherever you look.
As a Hindu wedding photographer, it is a feast for my camera to capture all of these colours and embellishments.
Lots of Red
Why is there so much red at Hindu weddings? Red is a profoundly symbolic colour for a wedding because it means commitment, strength, love and bravery. All of these are things you'll certainly need for a prosperous wedded life.
Specifically, red is associated with the Hindu goddess Durga, a warrior of strength and power. While western weddings usually see brides in white, red is the more traditional colour at an Indian wedding. In fact, the colour white is more commonly associated with funerals. As a wedding guest, you are encouraged to wear bright colours and avoid black and white due to their associations with mourning.
This is a celebration, after all!
No Kissing
At a traditional Indian wedding, you will not find the groom dipping the bride for a passionate kiss at the end of the ceremony. This is considered too intimate of an act in more conservative Hindu settings. Naturally, this depends entirely on each couple and family, so don't shout out, "You're not meant to kiss!" if you see the couple in a liplock.
About: Kate Izak Photography
As a #natural and #relaxed wedding photographer, I adore capturing different cultures on their special day. Are you looking for a female wedding photographer to supply you with beautiful Asian wedding photography? Look no further and contact me today to discover how to make your Hindu wedding photography a dream come true.
Pssst, by the way, I can also be booked for destination wedding photography!
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