Asian Weddings
Right from the start, we embark on a journey to uncover the essence of you and your partner.
We take time to understand you & your partner's backgrounds, beliefs, and the specific traditions and customs that you would want to incorporate into your wedding.
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It is by taking the time to truly understand what aspects are most important to the couple, we tailor the wedding to your unique preferences and create a
seamless and meaningful experience.
Hindu Weddings
A Hindu wedding ceremony is a rich and elaborate event with many important aspects and rituals that vary across different regions and communities in India. However, there are several key elements that we find commonly within most Hindu weddings:
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Mangal Sutra: This is a sacred necklace made of black beads and gold, which the groom ties around the bride's neck as a symbol of their marital union and commitment.
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Saptapadi or Seven Steps: The couple takes seven steps together around a sacred fire while making promises and vows to each other at each step. These steps symbolise their journey through life together.
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Exchanging of Garlands: The bride and groom exchange floral garlands as a gesture of acceptance and love.
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Kanyadaan: The bride's father gives her away to the groom, symbolising the transfer of responsibility and protection from her father to her husband.
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Havan: A sacred fire is lit, and offerings are made to the fire as a way to seek blessings from the divine.
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Mehendi and Haldi: These are pre-wedding ceremonies where the bride and groom are adorned with henna (mehendi) and a paste made from turmeric (haldi) to cleanse and purify them before the wedding.
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Varmala or Jaimala: The exchange of garlands between the bride and groom is a playful ritual symbolising their acceptance of each other.
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Manglik Prasango: This is a ritual where the bride and groom are blessed by the elders, and their horoscopes are matched to ensure compatibility.
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Sindoor Daan: The groom applies vermilion (sindoor) to the parting of the bride's hair as a sign of her marital status.
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Aashirvad: Elders and guests give their blessings to the newlyweds for a happy and prosperous life together.
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Bidaai: This is an emotional moment when the bride leaves her parental home to start a new life with her husband. It often involves tearful farewells and well-wishes.
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Reception: A grand reception is usually held after the wedding ceremony, where friends and family come together to celebrate and offer their congratulations to the newlyweds.
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Note: We respectively understand that whilst these are some of the important aspects of a Hindu wedding ceremony, there may be specific rituals and traditions you focus on as a family. Through initial consultation, we will take the time to understand these aspects.
Sikh Weddings
A Sikh wedding, known as Anand Karaj, is a beautiful and sacred ceremony that involves several important aspects and rituals.
Here are the key elements of a Sikh wedding as we understand them:
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Gurdwara Ceremony: Sikh weddings are traditionally held in a Gurdwara, the Sikh place of worship. The ceremony takes place in front of the Guru Granth Sahib (the Sikh holy scripture), which is considered the eternal Guru.
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Ardaas: The ceremony begins with an Ardaas, a Sikh prayer, to seek the blessings of the Guru and to invoke divine guidance and support for the union.
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Milni: This is a meeting of the two families, where the families of the bride and groom greet each other and exchange gifts. It is a joyful occasion that symbolizes the merging of two families.
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Kirtan: Devotional hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib are sung during the ceremony. Ragis (musicians) lead the congregation in singing hymns and prayers.
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Laavan: The core of the Anand Karaj ceremony involves the reading of the "Laavan" hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib. There are four Laavan, and during each reading, the bride and groom walk around the Guru Granth Sahib in a clockwise direction, symbolizing their spiritual journey together.
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Ardas and Hukamnama: After the Laavan, there is another Ardaas, and a Hukamnama (a randomly selected verse from the Guru Granth Sahib) is read. The Hukamnama is believed to provide guidance and blessings for the couple's married life.
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​​Anand Sahib: After the Laavan, the Anand Sahib, a Sikh prayer, is recited, followed by the Ardaas for the well-being of the couple and the congregation.
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Langar: After the ceremony, a Langar (community meal) is served to all the guests as an expression of equality and community among Sikhs.
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Blessings and Well-Wishes: Friends and family members offer their blessings, gifts, and well-wishes to the newlyweds, who receive the congregation's best wishes.
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Reception: Like in many other cultures, Sikh weddings often conclude with a reception or a grand celebratory meal where friends and family gather to celebrate the newlyweds.
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Note: We respectively understand that whilst these are some of the important aspects of a Sikh wedding ceremony, there may be specific rituals and traditions you focus on as a family. Through initial consultation, we will take the time to understand these aspects.
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Islamic Weddings
Islamic weddings, also known as Muslim weddings or Nikah ceremonies, are rich in tradition and spirituality. Here are some important aspects of an Islamic wedding:
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Proposal and Acceptance (Ijab and Qabool): The process begins with a proposal from the groom or his family, which is followed by the acceptance of the proposal by the bride or her guardian. This is typically done in the presence of witnesses.
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Nikah Ceremony: The Nikah is the official Islamic marriage contract, and it is signed in the presence of a Muslim cleric (imam) and witnesses. During the ceremony, the bride and groom, along with their respective guardians and witnesses, affirm their consent to the marriage.
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Khutbah: A sermon or Khutbah is delivered by the imam, focusing on the importance of marriage, the responsibilities of spouses, and the significance of a righteous and God-conscious marriage.
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Recitation of Quranic Verses: Selected verses from the Quran are recited during the Nikah ceremony to seek blessings for the couple and to emphasize the sacredness of the marriage.
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Du'a (Supplication): Prayers are offered to seek God's guidance, blessings, and protection for the newly married couple.
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Waleemah: After the Nikah, it is customary for the couple or their families to host a wedding feast or Waleemah, where friends and family come together to celebrate the union.
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Dua and Blessings: Throughout the ceremony and afterward, prayers and blessings are invoked for the couple's happiness, prosperity, and a blessed marriage.
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Please note - specific customs and traditions within Islamic weddings can vary based on cultural and regional differences. Above, we have summarised core elements as we understand them. We will take the time to understand any special customs and traditions associated to you.