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Even though we’re still getting snow, don’t lose sight of the fact that wedding season is just around the corner. If you’re experiencing a mailbox full of save-the-dates and wedding invites, and are concerned about etiquette at a South Asian wedding, CitySaheli has compiled some terrific tips to help you stand out and shine at each and every South Asian wedding you to attend this year.
CitySaheli has come up with a handy acronym to ensure wedding guest perfection – GET DOWN! Listed below are some tried and true suggestions – from selecting an appropriate wedding gift to deciding what you should wear to the big day. So, without further ado, some tips to help you GET DOWN!
G – The Gift
If a couple has a registry, don’t hesitate to select items from that list; however, if nothing suits your budget or catches your fancy, a gift of cash is always a great option. The bride and groom will appreciate a check or bill neatly tucked into their card, and this is perfectly acceptable (and sometimes preferred) at South Asian weddings. If you know the bride well, we encourage you to fight the urge to get her a gift because of your close relationship. If you can find something that is perfect for the couple – great. If not, you had the bridal shower and the bachelorette party to make her feel special, this time be practical. .
Make the wedding gift about the couple. Try a gift certificate to their favorite restaurant. CitySaheli also likes the idea of gifting cute house wares and accents, found during trips to India. Check out places like Good Earth
If you don’t have a trip planned this year, you can peruse a variety of online stores in India from your desk. We like Tresorie and Shopper’s Stop.
E – Your Energy
South Asian weddings are full of life! We cannot overstate that an aura of jubilance separates a great guest from just another guest. If you are genuinely enthused for the union of the two people you are celebrating, you will dance, you will sing and you will generally make very merry. South Asian weddings are typically very large, and the bride and groom have rounds to make, hands to shake, and first dances to dance, so they can’t entertain you in addition to the myriad tasks required of them on their big day. Your ability to mix, mingle, and generally keep the mood light and joyous will add to the tapestry of memories they create. It helps if you figure prominently in the photos and video wearing a big smile and showcasing coordinated dance moves.
T – The Trip
If you’re attending an out-of-town wedding, you’ll want to book a hotel room well in advance. If you are traveling, organize a group of friends to share rooms with or stay at the same hotel as – this can ease transportation and non-wedding related event planning. Make the most of the trip. Use it as an opportunity to reconnect with your spouse, take a getaway with a significant other, or reunite with old friends. While it’s not your big day, it doesn’t mean you can’t make a few great memories of your own as you rejoice in the good fortune of the new couple.
D- Your Date
If you’re married or seeing someone seriously, this is less of an issue, but if you’re a single gal we urge you to choose your date carefully – if you are invited to attend with a date. Weddings can be a time to spend with close friends and family, and sometimes can be emotional. The last thing you want to do is bring someone you aren’t seeing seriously to the wedding of a family member or close friend. You’ll end up having to baby-sit your date and miss out on many of the fun, carefree aspects of attending someone else’s wedding.
Open Bar+Married Friends=Date Disaster
Factor yourself out of this equation and opt for a close friend or go solo. Weddings provide an opportunity to meet singles outside your circle. Why bring a random date when you could be dancing with night away with your charming future beau?
O – Select Options Early
Be courteous. RSVP ASAP. Decide early who you will invite as your date and give them enough time to take time off and rent a tux if needed. If you’re asked to choose a meal – asking your date what he’d like for his meal instead of choosing your favorite option is considerate – be considerate!
Make sure you log into the registry early, so you have options for the gift. If you are going off the registry, think about the new couple and be judicious in picking a gift that best suits their needs and your budget. Don’t leave your gift giving till the last minute.
Book the car/plane/train and hotel as far in advance as you can. Be sure to take time off if need be. Your boss will appreciate the heads up and so will your co-workers.
W – What to Wear
Now, choosing your wardrobe is critical to any woman attending any wedding. We recommend steering clear of white, red or black. Wear something colorful and you will fit right in! Typically, South Asian weddings are more formal and colorful than a traditional western affair. For non-Indian weddings, CitySaheli also suggests daring to don indo-fusion. You will stand out as exotic and beautiful in addition to adding ethnic flair. For Fall and Winter weddings, we suggest colors like camel and olive in heavier fabrics. For Spring, try lighter pinks, oranges and even soft golds. Keep in mind, weddings vary in level of ostentation; make sure to check with the bride or bridesmaids if you aren’t sure of the finery expected of invitees.
N – Their Night
And, we know this is obvious, but remember that this is their big night. Above and beyond how much fun you have, you’re invited to bear witness to a newly formed family. Show your support by smiling for photos, dancing with gusto, and bring down the house!
JUST GET DOWN..GET DOWN….
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