Indian weddings are colorful, extravagant, and boisterous, not to mention, lengthy affairs that may last days, even weeks. Early on as a wedding photographer, I realized that the meaning of the traditions involved were not only a mystery to myself, but also at times to the wedding couple and their guests. This course attempts to unravel some of the mystery surrounding Sikh weddings. In order to appreciate and effectively capture the emotions emerging from Indian customs and rituals, it is vital to have an understanding of these underlying traditions.

This course has three main objectives. First, the course provides an overview and basic understanding of many of the important traditions and customs comprising Indian weddings. Second, the course offers concrete strategies and photographic techniques to capture key moments in a Indian wedding.  Third, this course discusses some of the potential challenges that a photographer may encounter during the process and offers advice on how to navigate them.

The bride’s side of the family celebrates the ‘ladies sangeet’, traditionally a ladies-only singing party. Nowadays, a few close family members on the groom’s side are also sometimes invited. The party can take place at a house or banquet hall.

Mehndi is a plant-based paste or paint that is applied by a pipette. Believed to bring good luck and positive energy, often a professional mehndi artist applies intricate designs to the hands and feet of the bride and other women in the family. Sometimes hidden in the design are the initials of the groom.

The maiyan ceremony is typically performed a few days before the wedding. The ceremony occurs in the same fashion for both the bride and groom and usually takes place at their homes or at a banquet hall.

The jaago usually happens after the maiyan ceremony, however, it can take place at the “Lady’s Party” as well, and it can also occur more than once. The word Jaago means ‘wake up.” The purpose of this ceremony is to rouse a festive mood in everyone.

A choora is a bangle. During the wedding, the bride is given choorae, a set of bangles that are red and white, which the bride wears the on her wedding day. Some Sikh brides will wear these bangles for at least the first month of their marriage. The bangles along with mehndi symbolize that the bride is a newly wed.

My main goal when I arrive at the bride’s home in the morning is to capture the emotion and excitement of the bride and her family. As in any wedding, the photographer must communicate with the bride and her family to solicit their cooperation in capturing unforgettable photos.

The groom’s parent’s home will also be decorated and have a backdrop ready for the wedding photos. The groom’s parent’s home, compared the bride’s parent’s home usually has many more people. There are more traditional rituals and ceremonies that occur on the groom’s side. The groom typically starts getting ready at 7:30 am. I have at times arrived the groom’s parent’s home to find him still asleep upon my arrival. The groom’s uncle will give him shagan before he begins to get ready.

Historically Sikh wedding ceremonies could only take place at a temple known as a Gurdwara. Nowadays, the ceremony can take place virtually anywhere. However, it’s still traditionally required that the ceremony must be completed by noon.

The ceremony will take place in a prayer hall known as the Darbbar Sahib in the presence of the Sikh holy book the Guru Granth Sahib. The holy book is placed in a structure and will be attended by a priest.

Family group photos are the the most important elements within a Indian Wedding. in this video Sohal will share you a few tips how to do it right.

 The doli ceremony is an extremely emotional ceremony because it signifies the departure of the bride from her parental home.  The groom will need to obtain permission from the sisters and cousins to enter the bride’s home. This can be a lengthy process and usually involves door games and a lot of money.

The final ceremony of the day is the pani varna ceremony. The couple will travel to the groom’s home. This is where the bride will enter the groom’s house as newlyweds.

Indian wedding receptions are large extravagant events with hundreds of guests in attendance. Guests are treated to generous meals and the dancing continues into the early hours of the morning.

A typical Indian wedding and reception will span a minimum  2 days to 5 days. Setting up your pricing is important.