7 Things You Must Know Before Attending A South Indian Wedding
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If there is one thing that must be on your bucket list, it’s attending a South Indian wedding. Every state in South India has its own unique twist to the traditional big fat Indian wedding. Weddings in the Southern parts of our country can be anywhere from simple and modern to grandiose and large. However, there are a few unspoken rules that the bride and groom might have forgotten to inform you about. You see, South Indians are generally more traditional when it comes to weddings. They consider the occasion sacred and would most likely not tolerate alcohol or non-vegetarian food during the wedding. Here are a few things you must know before you decide to don your wedding outfit and party down South:
- A Proper Dress Code Is A Must
Most South Indian women wear beautiful silk sarees and tie their hair up with jasmine when they attend a wedding. It would be a good idea to look online for inspiration. The secret to rocking an outfit at a South Indian wedding is simplicity. The main focus of the wedding should be on the bride and her family and thus the wedding guests prefer being simple. If like most of us, you aren’t used to wearing a saree, it is important to ensure that you pin it up securely to avoid an accidental wardrobe malfunction.
- The Early Bird Gets To Attend The Wedding
Timing plays a huge role when it comes to South Indian weddings. Since South Indians are extremely traditional and believe in auspicious timings in the morning for the wedding to happen, you never know how early these nuptials can start. So to avoid missing the wedding, ask someone to wake you up in the morning or find out the time of the nuptials and find your way there when you wake up.
- It’s Going To Take A Lot Of Time
As with every Indian wedding, you know that once it starts, you’re in it for the long haul. It’s important to not go too crazy one night before the wedding and get a good night’s rest as some wedding ceremonies can take up multiple days. In certain Telugu weddings, the ceremony would last nearly 16 days.
- The Volume Might Get Kicked Up A Notch
Yes, we’re talking “your favorite rock band in college” level of loud. Just like there are loud Punjabi weddings, South Indians to have loud music during their wedding rituals. While in weddings that take place in North India, it is the shehnai that is the main instrument, in South Indian affairs, it is usually the nadaswaram accompanied by a mridangam and other percussion instruments.
- You Gotta Follow Certain Eating Rules
Yes, South Indians eat with their hands and have multiple reasons for doing so. They also eat off banana leaves on special occasions and you will be expected to do the same. To avoid getting dirty looks, it’s best to eat with your hands like everyone else. It’s also important to follow a certain order when it comes to eating and you shouldn’t dive in till you’re fully served. Once you have finished your meal it is important to fold your peel with the bottom portion on top as a sign of respect.
- What To Gift The Couple
This is probably a question you’ve been pondering over for some time. You want your friends to feel extremely special with what you give them, right? If you haven’t already bought them a well thought out gift, it’s a good idea to give the couple a bouquet and a small sum of money. According to South Indian traditions, gifting the bride and groom money at their wedding symbolizes a new start and a new beginning for them.
- You’ll Probably End Up With A Few Potential Suitors
Many South Indian aunties consider it their life’s mission to play matchmakers between two unknowing individuals. Don’t be surprised if you’re dragged out and introduced to half of the bride’s family and then some. But hey, what’s an Indian wedding without some fine young men for eye candy, amirite ladies (jk)? Don’t be surprised if an auntie comes up to you after spotting you stuffing your face and asks you for your biodata. While this may seem unnerving at first, just smile and nod. No Indian wedding is truly complete without the nagging aunties.
There’s nothing more delightful and joyous than a wedding and once the pandemic is over, we cannot wait to get out fancy on and attend all the 2020 weddings that got postponed. While it is important to follow certain conduct during South Indian weddings, that doesn’t mean you can’t have a little fun every now and then. Do let us know if these tips helped you out. Tell us what your dream wedding destination is?
