While modern weddings are always exciting, incorporating tradition into your decor and activities is also important. It allows the engaged couple to embrace their heritage and feel in tune with their families and values. Seamlessly integrating cultural ceremonies into weddings can be a challenging task, but it’s also critical when making your big day special.
Here, we’re going to talk about how to transform your venue space with Indian wedding decor. Read on for some wedding decoration ideas to make your special day one to remember.
Indoor vs Outdoor Venues
Before contemplating wedding decoration ideas, it’s important to consider where you’re hosting your traditional Indian wedding. Much like Western weddings, some couples choose indoor venues while others select outdoor spaces.
Traditional indoor Indian weddings tend to be elegant banquets. They have large tables with gorgeous red and gold cloths. The decor features intricate henna patterns to match those on the bride’s hands and arms.
These banquets are especially beautiful with shimmering golden plates that match sparkling lights. The soft glow of candles is also ideal in these scenarios.
Outdoor Indian weddings offer more room for your mandap and seating. They’re great for dancing among flowers that symbolize various positive things. They also afford a more natural aesthetic with breathtaking visuals.
If you want a lot of soft decor, an indoor wedding may be the right choice. However, those who need a larger area may prefer an outdoor venue adorned with flowers and ribbons. Ask a wedding planner if you’re unsure of your aesthetic.
The Mandap
“Mandap” is a Hindi word that refers to a covered structure erected with pillars. It’s the altar at traditional Indian weddings and covers the area where the newlywed couple says their vows.
The bride and groom take their seat on regal-looking chairs before the wedding ceremony starts, and their parents sit on either side of them underneath the mandap.
At modern weddings looking to channel tradition, mandaps are adorned with flowers and bells at the edges and corners. These accent the fabric canopy above the heads of the newlywed couple.
Some couples also incorporate fairy lights, colored lamps, and even chandeliers to make their mandap look more intricate and beautiful.
Lanterns
In ancient times, those practicing the Hindu religion used to let lanterns fly up into the air as a spiritual ritual. They did this to invite the spirits of their ancestors back to the mortal plane temporarily. The idea was that their deceased loved ones could celebrate holidays, festivals, and special events with them.
Many Indian couples want their ancestors to come down to their weddings. Regardless of whether you believe that lanterns will actually call them down, the ‘akasha deepa’ lantern-in-the-sky tradition has stuck.
Most lanterns have a crystal shape with flowing tails at the bottom. Get some of these lanterns as table centerpieces or mandap adornments. You can choose to let them fly upward or not depending on your preferences.
Marigolds: An Indian Wedding Staple
Marigolds are one of the best traditional flowers that can adorn your mandap. They’re popular at Indian weddings, especially Hindu weddings, because they represent the brightness of the sun. Many people believe that it gives the married couple positive energy.
They also call one of the best couples in Indian mythology to mind: Lord Vishnu and the Goddess Lakshmi. They’re considered the perfect couple across Indian myths and legends, and those giving them offerings choose to give them marigolds.
Marigolds are also ideal because they fit with the gold elements that define all the best Indian wedding decor. They symbolize prosperity on their own, but they also go with traditional bridal attire and decorations.
Red and Gold Indian Wedding Decor
Red is the most popular color for traditional Indian weddings because it’s a holy color. It symbolizes passion, joy, and love. Bridal dresses and saris often feature red with gold or white accents, which is a lucky bridal hue in Indian culture.
Consider combining the bride’s beautiful clothes with red roses in the bouquet and matching table centerpieces. The sheet on your mandap, wall tapestries, and guest seating can also be primarily red.
Traditional Indian wedding venue decor also uses a lot of gold. This goes with golden accents on the bride’s sari and the metallic bangles adorning her wrist. Gold is associated with elegance and prosperity, and many people believe that it brings good luck to the newlywed couple.
You can put red-flower bouquets inside bright gold paper. Use gold sashes around the red chairs your guests sit in and line a crimson mandap with marigolds and gold ribbons. The groom’s wedding attire can also feature gold that matches with bridal jewelry and bridesmaid’s outfits.
Personal Adornments
Of course, a huge part of Indian weddings – and all weddings! – is adding your personal touch to the decor. While following tradition with red and gold stationary and tablecloths is a great choice, you can also add other elements that make your special day feel like it belongs to you.
Gold-framed photos of the newlywed couple are always a great choice. You can leave small books near the photos for guests to leave kind comments and messages. A wishing tree is also a great place to leave small notes if you want to add more natural decor than your classic bouquets.
Consider adding elements that are meaningful to you as a couple as well. Inside jokes that throw you both back to a fun time in your relationship are always a good idea, as are flowers that you gave each other at romantic events.
If you met at a coffee shop, have cups that look like those you bonded over adorning the tables. This is important at any wedding, and Indian wedding decor is no exception.
Incorporate Cultural Wedding Elements Into Your Big Day
Now that you know the ins and outs of Indian wedding decor, it’s time to hire a professional wedding planner to assist you with the lead-up to your big day. We’re excited to incorporate cultural wedding elements into your decor, ceremony, and reception.
Regardless of your venue or wedding date, you’ll be able to create and plan elegant wedding themes to remember for a lifetime. Contact A Design Decor to learn more about incorporating traditional Indian decor into your big day.
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