Stages of the wedding
Finding a match, the engagement, the weeks before, the eve, the procession, the ceremony, the feast, the reception and the day after: the wedding in the order it unfolds, and the customs that belong to each moment.
Finding a matchMatchmakers, horoscopes, family introductions, courtship festivals and the first meeting.45Engagement and betrothalThe asking, the first gifts, the ring, the agreed date and the exchange between families.126The weeks beforeInvitations, the trousseau, the bridal shower, the bachelor night and the purifying baths.103The eveHenna night, haldi, sangeet, the rehearsal dinner and the last night in the bride's home.31Procession and arrivalThe groom's baraat, the bridal escort, the blocked gate and the arrival at the venue.42The ceremonyThe vows, the rites, the blessing and the moment the marriage is made.208The wedding feastThe stage and the toasts: who is served first, what is shared, what is thrown or broken.32Reception, dance and giftsThe first dance, the money dance, the cake, the envelopes and the long night of dancing.104After the weddingThe first night, the return visit, the honeymoon and the first anniversary.60