Top Tips for Westerners Getting Married in India – Dos and Don’ts

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India destination weddings are more popular than ever before. Can you imagine the excitement of getting married in this exotic land? Sure, it’s a promised land of fun and a tropical adventure that will be remembered for many years to come. However, planning a wedding abroad, especially in India, can be quite overwhelming for foreigners who are unprepared for this challenge. Never mind the costs; but are you familiar with local vendors, wedding venues, and , most importantly, legal requirements? It’s time to open up your notebook and start writing all essentials to make sure your Indian destination wedding goes stress-free.

The Best Season to Book a Wedding

As it usually goes, the expenses go up during the peak season. Still, the wedding ceremonies are held throughout the year. Of course, it all comes down to the selected location, but a preferable time to plan a wedding in India is definitely somewhere between February and October.The weather is mostly dry and pleasantly sunny during this season. Summers can be scorching though, so do avoid May and June. Monsoon sets in by end of June. Cooler months start from October until early March.

Where to Get Married in India?

top tips for westerners getting married in India

There are so many popular locations to choose from such as Goa, Udaipur, Kerala, etc. That said, if you are looking for amazing beaches, then the obvious pick is Goa while Rajasthan offers fabulous palaces, to experience the wedding like royalty. On the other hand, there are no destination limitations in India because you can get married in any style and in any setting you desire. Do you know why India grows in popularity? Because it’s a place where dreams come true.

Legal Requirements for Westerns

Here is the tricky part, because getting legally married in India takes a while. You and your partner would have to spend 60 days there before getting a permit. Foreign couples have to live in India for at least 30 days before applying to the local registry office and wait for 30 days for their forms to settle. That is why most couples perform the legal part of the wedding at home and go on to celebrate in India. Check out detailed article on this topic.

Costs & Vendors

The costs of getting married in India can be low, assuming it’s not arranged during peak season. To elaborate this further: for a small wedding, the costs could go anywhere from $5000 whereas the expenses rise up to $1,5000 and more for under 100 guests between December and January.

Therefore, it’s best to hire a wedding planner to help with the local vendors and service providers. Consider taking your own wedding photographer to avoid any misunderstandings concerning your vision and preferences. Nevertheless, you can always count on wedding photo editing services back home to make the best of your beloved memories.

Dos & Don’ts List

If you are keen on incorporating the Indian culture in your wedding, or you are soon to attend one and see their customs firsthand, be sure to show respect by following some of their rules, including:

  • Don’t wear black or white. These colors signify loss and they are worn on funerals and while in mourning. In Christian weddings, brides wear white.
  • Do remove shoes outside the temple. Majority of religious places require you to take off your shoes. Of course, wearing socks may or may not be acceptable. Observe what others are doing!
  • Don’t take pictures during rituals. Avoid distracting people from sacred rituals with camera flashes.
  • Do dress modestly. Short skirts, bare shoulders, and tight clothes at a religious wedding ceremony is a sign of disrespect.

To sum up, research the locations and organize an affordable, yet superb wedding ceremony in gorgeous India. The place is packed with inviting beaches, stunning palaces, colorful nature, delicious cuisine, and a unique culture. It is the holy land that grants your wishes, so show appreciation and prepare the best destination wedding. Congratulations!

Featured main image: Pixelena Studio

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