India?!?

[allielaurent]

Although my fiance Riki is American, his parents are both from India. Because of this, we are fully expected to (and Riki insists) have a traditional Indian wedding in the Indian village where Riki's dad is from. This definitely caught me off guard. Unfortunately for me, I know very little about Indian weddings, and the things I do know came from watching one or two on TV. Thankfully, Riki's grandmother has a rather large estate in India and is hosting and planning the wedding for us. However, I really don't want to go into this blindly. I've been researching Indian wedding clothes, jewelry, food, music, etc online, but I'd really like input and information from other people who may know specific things or have experienced an Indian wedding firsthand. Also, I'd love any input or advice on dealing with the language barrier, traveling and staying in India (I've never been there before), meeting Riki's extended family, ways of thanking Riki's grandmother for allowing us to use her beautiful home and for planning everything, etc. Thanks!

[gwenshack]

Wow! That's very overwhelming, but I think it's great you're willing to do some research. I think that's all you can do and I think his family will be touched that you tried to acclimate to their culture. :)

Hopefully somebody on here will have some 411 for you. :)

[allielaurent]

I'm really just hoping it won't be awkward. I don't speak any Hindi at all and I have no idea what I'm doing. So Riki, his mom, his dad, and his sister are going to have to translate everything for me. I'm also considering having my nose and belly button pierced for the occasion. This is all extremely nerve-wracking.

[ChristineLS]

From the Indians I know, apparently it's not uncommon to have several thousand people at a wedding. They told me that Indian weddings are pretty elaborate.

[Kfancii]

This looks like a great site with lots of info on it-

http://www.indiaweddingplanner.com/

[amisteratwisterandme]

I found a few links on customs and etiquette:
http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/india-country-profile.html

http://www.india-travel-agents.com/india-guide/customs.html

http://www.indiatravelite.com/feature/indiancustoms.htm

[allielaurent]

Wow, everyone! Thanks for the feedback. I look forward to looking into all of this (especially since my FH is being less than helpful).

[lilmsjess]

WHOA!

wow, you're gonna make a GREAT wife!

i'd go crazy!

but the ladies really pulled some good sites for you! when's your wedding date? i don't think i ever caught it!

[Nekochanpurr]

Wow!! I'm not very helpful, but good luck! :) I can't wait for those pics!

[SkippyNXC]

i'm not much help but i do know someone who did the exact thing u did cept instead of going to india they did the wedding here in the states. i missed the indian wedding due to a lil tift w/FH (LONG story) but i heard it was an awesome wedding and everyone had a great time!

she didn't take it so far as to pierce her nose or belly button but she went thru all of the ceremonies etc.

[allielaurent]

We're hoping winter 2011 for the date. Nothing's official yet.

And I suggested having the Indian wedding in the states, but that idea was quickly vetoed. Apparently, my FH's entire family would be pretty insulted if we didn't have it at his grandmother's house. I think I'll get a lot out of the experience, though. It'll be nice to see where his family's from.

Also, I haven't decided for sure on the piercings yet. My FH's mom and sister both have gorgeous Indian jewelry for their belly button and nose piercings. If I get the nose piercing, it will most likely be temporary. The belly button one still depends on whether I get my tummy in good enough shape to wear a sari that shows my stomach. I think my FH really really wants me to get the nose piercing. Every female in his family has one.