Etiquette guide: attending a South Asian wedding ceremony

If you are attending a Hindu, Muslim or Sikh traditional ceremony for the first time, it’s likely that you’ll be unsure about what is expected of you as a guest. Follow our guide to participate with composure, grace and style...

Entering a sacred space

Most religious disciplines require some form of ‘cleansing’ before enter the blessed space, which mostly means taking a bath and not consuming non-vegetarian foods or alcohol on the day. Although you will not be asked, it may be something you’d like to observe as a mark of respect. It’s important to remember that all South Asian religious places require you to avoid alcohol on the premises. Cigarettes are forbidden at Sikh temples, while tea and coffee (seen as stimulants) are forbidden at several Hindu temples.

Gifts

If there is no gift list mentioned, it is perfectly acceptable to give a monetary gift to the couple at a South Asian wedding. Usually this is done by placing money or vouchers with a card or a note into a pretty envelope or embroidered bag, along with best wishes to the couple. Numbers that end with numerical one are considered lucky, for instance, £11, £21, £51, £101.

Food

If the ceremony is at a Hindu or Sikh temple, you will be served vegetarian (sometimes vegan) food. At muslim weddings, you can expect the meat to be halal, but there are sure to be vegetarian options as well. It is best to accept only what you can eat and it would be rude to eat nothing at all, since taking part in the wedding feast as a guest, is a part of bringing good luck to the couple.

Kissing the bride

It is not generally a custom for male guests to kiss or dance with the bride. Even the most liberated bride will follow the custom of being demure on her wedding day and it’s best to respect tradition on this.

Show interest

No one will mind if you ask questions about various aspects of the ceremony or about what is required of you. Showing an interest in the rituals and taking as much of a part as possible is certain to make you a welcome guest.

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