Asian weddings are well known for their enthusiasm, extravagance, grandeur, and the plethora of traditions that come with them. A typical Asian wedding will have more guests than a traditional Western wedding, and there are more ceremonies as well. That being said, Asian weddings can definitely be a challenge to plan, but they are some of the most special weddings anyone can ever attend. So what makes an Asian wedding such a spectacular affair, and what are the most common types of Asian weddings in the UK? Let’s find out.
The beauty of an Asian wedding
Although some couples choose to have ‘fusion’ weddings, especially if one of them is Asian and the other is English, they still like many of the ceremonies and traditions associated with Asian weddings. Some couples choose to have an all-day affair where the Western wedding ceremony is celebrated in the morning and the Asian ceremony is held in the afternoon, with the reception following immediately afterwards, whilst some go all out and hold two-day affairs with all the bells and whistles. Asian weddings are known for their vibrant celebration, with lots of food, guests, and ceremonies which are guaranteed to make the wedding truly special and memorable.
The most common and popular types of Asian weddings in the UK:
- A Hindu wedding
Hindu weddings are definitely bright and colourful, with beautiful traditional dress (saris and turbans), ‘Bhangra’ music, and henna. The Hindu wedding ceremony is comprised of 8 distinct stages, complete with a ‘Garba’ (a song and dance ceremony) and another ceremony referred to as the ‘Samskara’. A typical Hindu wedding wouldn’t be complete without the ‘mandap’, which is a special structure covered with flowers and thrones for the bride and groom.
- A Sikh wedding
A Sikh wedding is also bright and vibrant, with events comprising a few days. The customary ceremony is called the ‘Anand Karaj’, where the couple wear traditional wedding dress. Typical food and drinks include tea as well as pakoras and samosas, and sweets like ladoos and jalebis. In a Sikh wedding, be prepared for plenty of dancing.
- A Muslim wedding
Muslim weddings are not as lavish or enthusiastic as Sikh or Hindu weddings, and they are more modest. Most Muslim brides go for a standard wedding dress in white, although they can also garb themselves in a ‘shalwar-qameez’, a special outfit with gold and red colours. A feast is held after the ceremony, called a ‘Walima’, and this is a wonderful feast indeed.
Whatever kind of Asian wedding you are planning, it’s best to go for Asian wedding venues – venues which can accommodate your traditions and ceremonies plus the number of guests you will have. Congratulations and good luck!