South Indian Wedding

Nichayathartham

Nichayathartham or Wedding Engagement is a pre-wedding ritual that starts off by evoking the blessings of Lord Ganesha by a Ganesh Puja. Both the bride and groom evoke his blessings to cross and break all the obstacles. During this South Indian Wedding ritual, sweets and savouries are offered to Lord Ganesha.

The bride is presented with South Indian wedding saree and South Indian wedding jewellery by the groom’s family. As a sign of agreement to the wedding, the bride and groom exchange rings.

Pandha Kaal Nadudha

A pre-wedding ritual arranged a day or a week prior to the wedding, Pandha Kaal Nadudha is a ritual performed by both the families of the bride and groom in their respective homes. In this ritual, the family positions a bamboo pole at the entrance of their home. This is the official message to their near and dear ones that there is an upcoming wedding.

The bamboo pole is said to ward off evil eyes- this is another reason why families of the bride and groom position a bamboo pole at the entrance of their homes.

Haldi

A pre-wedding ritual where a paste of Haldi or Turmeric is applied to the bride and groom’s body, by their relatives. This ritual often takes place before the day of the wedding at their respective homes. Among the series of South Indian wedding rituals, the Haldi ceremony has got a greater significance. Haldi Ceremony or turmeric is said to have an anti-inflammatory property and help fight off foreign invaders and prevent illnesses. Seldom, this ritual is accompanied by music, dance and merrymaking.

Gauri Puja

A ritual in which the blessings of Goddess Parvati is evoked by the bride-to-be. It is the bride’s family who specifically performs a Gauri puja. Goddess Parvati is said to be the sign of purity, and every South Indian bride completes this ritual prior to her wedding. In this vibrant ritual, the bride’s uncle is reckoned to present her a saree and other gifts. A series of actions with rice and husks are performed to complete the ritual.

Kashi Yatra

Typical locations for South Indian wedding celebrations include hotels, temples, wedding venues and community halls. Kashi Yatra is a quite exhilarating and zestful South Indian wedding tradition, where the groom-to-be pretends that he does not wish to marry and leaves the venue to embark on a journey. But to make the ceremony more interesting, the bride’s father pleads with him not to leave, since he has a beautiful daughter willing to marry him. Even though the groom turns down the bride’s father’s pleading at first, the groom accepts her later, and as a sign of agreement, both of them exchange garlands thrice, and this ritual is called Maalai matral.

Kanyadanam

Kashi yatra gives way to Kanyadanam, the most emotional moment between both the bride and her father. The ritual is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. The bride’s father places the right hand of his daughter over the groom’s right hand, which symbolises giving away the daughter to the groom or kanyadan.

South Indian Wedding Ceremony

Couples who favour a low-key wedding prefer temples, without making the ceremony very opulent or grand, while holding on to the simplicity of a pious ceremony. Temple weddings won’t cost a fortune, yet offers the right balance of simplicity, serenity and sanctity. Most brides and grooms consider the sanctity of temples as a prerequisite to begin a successful and perpetual married life.

The aforementioned rituals were the pre-wedding rituals of a typical South Indian Wedding. A wedding priest usually presides over the rituals. The priest will preside over the wedding ceremony, chants Sanskrit mantras and invokes the blessings of Lord Ganesha. Then comes the most patiently awaited moment by the ones gathered- tying of mangal sutra. The groom ties the Thali or mangal sutra around the bride’s neck amidst the gathering of their near and dear ones. As the groom ties the knot Mangala vadhya plays in the background.

Saptapadi

Saptapadi is a post-wedding ritual, which is not just a part of South Indian weddings, but of weddings in most regions of India. The newlyweds circle around the ceremonial fire seven times, which depicts the seven promises of life. The ends of their attire are tied together before they circle the fire.

The seven promises of life are:

• Share their responsibilities
• To circumvent physical and mental ailments
• Lead a wealthy life, while maintaining love and trust
• Lead a righteous life
• Live a long life
• Trade their virtues
• Remain honest and true to each other

South Indian cuisine includes dishes from Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh where each South Indian state has variants of dishes that are typical to all these states as well as regional specialities in cuisine. South Indian dishes infuse coconut and multitude of herbs and spices, which are normally served in a plantain leaf. Rice being the staple food of South Indians, South Indian Wedding catering mainly offers rice either taking centre stage or as an accompaniment to other dishes.

South Indian Wedding Sarees

There are tons of South Indian Wedding sarees to add to your trousseau and make you look exquisite and elegant on your big day. So, if you wish to make an informed decision and emulate the South Indian wedding saree, then the first thing that you need to do is understand the diverse varieties of wedding sarees that you can choose from.

Mysore Silk Saree

Mysore is the silk hub of Karnataka, and that’s why the saree is branded as Mysore Silk saree. A lustrous fabric which is exotic yet elegant, Mysore silk sarees are easier to don and are lightweight. If you’re after Summer wedding, then Mysore silk saree will be your best bet, owing to its trend during summer. Don’t forget to pick golden or red shades, and it will be the perfect bridal ensemble for you.

Gadwal Saree

Hailing from Andhra Pradesh, Gadwal sarees are completely handwoven and are regarded as the most regal South Indian wedding saree that you can wear without any second thought. The saree is a unique blend of cotton and silk, where the cotton fabric is adorned with needlework using Tussar or Mulberry silk. The saree also features a unique style of weave, unlike normal silk sarees as well as a zari embroidery.

Chettinad Saree

Chettinad sarees are believed to have originated in Tamil Nadu, and a popular choice of South Indian brides for more than 250 years! Featuring check patterns and contrasting borders, it’s no wonder that South Indian brides still prefer a Chettinad saree to amp up their bridal look. These sarees are a handloom piece made out of cotton. If you’re after colourful sarees, then you will definitely pick a Chettinad saree.

Kasavu Saree

The bridal attire of Kerala is a stark contrast to that of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka or Tamil Nadu bridal ensemble. A handwoven white saree featuring a golden border is what you call a Kasavu saree. A South Indian bride will look her best when she dons a Kasavu saree coupled with pure gold traditional jewellery. In fact, Kasavu sarees are regarded as one of the finest traditional South Indian Wedding Sarees.

Kancheevaram Saree

Kancheevaram sarees are yet another popular choice of South Indian brides. Crafted in the land of Kanchipuram, Tamilnadu, the saree features vibrant colour, intricate border and temple patterns. Kancheevaram sarees are one of the most cherished and prized possessions of a bride’s wardrobe. The golden thread work adds to the sheer elegance that the saree has.

South Indian Wedding Jewellery

The resplendent look of a South Indian bride can be attributed to her dazzling South Indian wedding jewellery that accentuates her exclusive bridal attire. Below are a few picks that you can choose from for your much-awaited day!

Temple Jewellery

Originally used to adorn the idols in temples, temple jewellery solely became dance jewellery and consequently became a popular South Indian wedding jewellery worn by brides to a South Indian hindu wedding. It is a chunky piece of jewellery featuring ornate patterns and pendants of Lord Ganesha or Goddess Lakshmi and more at its end. Temple jewellery not just looks majestic on a South Indian bride, but the exquisite piece is said to bring in prosperity and good luck to the couples.

Gold Jewellery

Be it gold earrings, necklace or bangles, gold jewellery is a quintessential choice of South Indian brides. It is regarded to be auspicious since it symbolises Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. Another reason why Gold is the most sought after choice of brides is its durability and value.

You have the option of remodelling your gold jewellery, in case you wish to wear the jewellery passed down from your grandmother. Since its price continues to surge, in terms of value, Gold jewellery is regarded as a great investment.

Pearl Necklace

Better known as Gutta pusalu haram, a pearl necklace is a stunning South Indian wedding jewellery with small pearls that cluster around a simple gold chain. It’s no wonder that South Indian brides choose to wear a Gutta pusalu haram, with rich rubies, Kundan and emeralds studded over the necklace that lends it a graceful look. Certain types of Guttapusalu Haram have stones embedded on its flip side as well, which you can wear as you wish.

Kasu Mala

If you’re a South Indian bride who wishes to nail a rich traditional look, then all you need is a Kasu Mala, or the timeless jewel of Kerala. Kasu mala features coins teamed together with embossed designs atop. You can choose from either the dull antique finish or the lustrous one. And there are quite a lot of options when it comes to Kasu mala, having different works and designs.

Diamond Jewellery

Available in different cuts and carats, diamond jewellery is an iconic choice of South Indian brides. The best thing with diamond jewellery is that you can wear them with any kind of bridal attire. It adds much extravagance to your opulent wedding. It’s lustre, colour and shine are too good and makes it a great investment. When paired with Gold or Platinum, you will look your best wearing diamond jewellery for your d-day.

South Indian Wedding Hairstyle

There is something quite very alluring and appealing about the plethora of South Indian Wedding Hairstyles. Brides not just stand out with their dazzling South Indian wedding jewellery and simple makeup, but also with their gorgeous, creative and flawlessly stunning hairstyles. Take a look at a few of the popular hairdos that you can imagine having on your big day!

Embellished Jada

You can never go wrong with an embellished Jada hairstyle. To nail your bridal look with this hairstyle, a simple hair braid is made which is adorned with real or artificial gold embellishments or fresh flowers. Being ornately crafted, jadas will take your braid a notch up! The look can be completed with real or artificial flowers which can be secured around the bun.

Bun Hairstyle

Bun hairdos are an intricate part of South Indian weddings. At least for any of the South Indian wedding ceremony, you’ll end up styling your hair into a bun. For a couple of years, a simple round bun was the go-to option for brides, but nowadays, you need to hire a South Indian wedding makeup artist or professional hairstylist to get it done. Bun hairstyle is iconic with which you can remain at ease, while you’re busy dancing to the beats of music or welcoming your guests.

Traditional Gajras

Traditional gajras or jasmine flower garland will lend you absolute beauty and panache. If you’re bewildered about your South Indian wedding hairstyle, then choose between a braid or a bun hairstyle and adorn it with some gajras. You’ll not just love the fragrance of flowers all over you, but it will lend you an unmatchable look that’s ethereal. You can either choose to nail the look of having multiple loops of gajra on your hair or cover up your braid with enchanting gajras.

Modern Braid

Modern braids were a go-to hairdo style of most North Indian brides, and it’s gaining popularity among South Indian brides off lately.

A modern braid will lend an offbeat look to you and earn you some praises from your loved ones as well. The braid can be adorned with baby breath or rosebuds that take your hairstyle to a new level.

Open Hairstyle

If you wish to give a bun or braid hairdo a miss, then just go for an open hairstyle. Letting your hair loose on your South Indian wedding is not that common, but of late, this hairdo is getting into the trend. An open hairstyle is ideal for an engagement ceremony and for the main ceremony. But make sure that your hairstyle goes well with your South Indian wedding saree.

South Indian Wedding Cards

South Indian Weddings being something pompous, graceful and vivid, it becomes quintessential that you choose the best South Indian wedding card. Designs such as paisley, peacock, kolam, flowers, butterfly, etc. are used for designing South Indian wedding cards:

Kolam Invitation

Kolam is a drawing customarily drawn with rice flour on the floor, outside homes and temples in South India. Besides rice flour, chalk powder, coloured sand, dried flowers are also used for the purpose. You can avail South Indian wedding cards featuring an elegant kolam design. Certain South Indian wedding cards feature a modern kolam design as well.

Paisley Invitation

In Hindu mythology, Paisley mandala symbolises the universe. A typical paisley invitation features intricate patterns, sleek lines and a Paisley mandala either in the middle or towards the corner. The middle portion of the paisley invitation often has the wordings, in both small and large fonts highlighted in bold.

Peacock Invitations

Majestic peacocks, since several generations remain as a part of Indian art. Peacock invitations feature peacock style Moghul art, henna designs, lanterns and embroidery and a myriad of different designs. The main design of peacock invitations vary- it can be a simple peacock design towards one side of the card to one featuring elaborate features. The invitation can also be designed in a paisley mandala style and many artistic designs as you wish.

Floral Invitation

Flowers are an integral part of any wedding, and South Indian weddings are no exception. Floral invitation neither goes out of style nor do they look drab. Floral invitations are extreme in liveliness and vibrancy. It can be customised according to your requirements. Floral designs either take up the corners or centre portion of the invitations and look extremely stunning.

South Indian Wedding Decoration

South Indian weddings are famed for its floral arrangements and rustic stage decor. And you will be amazed to find that people go for unique ways just to make the venue look magical and one of a kind. The most common South Indian wedding decorations are:

White And Gold Decor

The dominant colour of traditional Kerala wedding attire and mandap decoration is white and gold. These colours are extreme in class and elegance. The pandal can be adorned with jasmine garlands, and the pandal is incomplete without a “para” at the centre, traditional lanterns and floral drapes around the canopy. You can make the mandap more exquisite by hanging some bells around the mandap.

Marigold Mandap

A mandap adorned by simple marigold decorations looks ethereal and gives off a positive vibe. A marigold mandap is not just for South Indian weddings, but for any other weddings as well, by making the most of marigold or any other flower of your choice. Mix and match the marigold garlands, with jasmine garlands or any matchy-matchy flowers to make it eye-catching.

Flower Hangings

Any South Indian Wedding venue is incomplete without some dainty floral strings with tassels. The floral hangings are often a part of both the inside and outside space of the venue. Besides jasmine hangings, marigold hangings are also used, that can impart a charm to your wedding venue. Let it be on the stage, or the trees- these floral hangings look great wherever you choose to hang them.

Golden Statues

Golden statues or idols of gods and goddesses are a part of South Indian wedding decoration. Idols made out of gold-plated metal will serve as an exquisite backdrop. You can choose to adorn the statue with floral garlands or lamps as well.

Decor With Mogra

When it comes to South Indian wedding decorations, Mogra or jasmine garlands comes second after Marigold. Mogra can be used not just for adorning the mandaps for a regal look, but for adorning the chairs for guests as well. Mogras complete the decor, and the theme comes alive when you choose mogras to decorate the chairs.

South Indian weddings are diverse, long-drawn and colourful. Even though there are nuances when it comes to South Indian wedding rituals, attire, jewellery, and many other details, the fervour and emotions behind South Indian weddings are just the same.