The Wedding Guide

Everything you need to know

Dan & Komal's wedding, in Udaipur — the venue, the five ceremonies, what they mean and what to wear. First Indian wedding? You're in exactly the right place.

The Venue

Sterling Aravalli

UDAIPUR, RAJASTHAN

Sterling Aravalli resort, Udaipur
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Getting There

  1. Fly to Udaipur (UDR)

    Maharana Pratap Airport, with direct connections via Delhi or Mumbai.

  2. ~45 min by road

    About 33 km from the airport through the city and into the Aravalli foothills.

  3. Arrive & check in

    Settle into Sterling Aravalli — every ceremony is on-site, so you won't need to move again.

A Note on Accommodation

Your stay at Sterling Aravalli is on us for the nights of 22 and 23 January — so you can wake up, wander down, and celebrate without a thought for logistics. Just let us know your arrival details on your RSVP and we'll take care of the rest.

The Ceremonies

Five events, and what each means

A different ritual, mood and dress code for each. Filter by day, or take in the whole arc.

Mehndi ceremony

Mehndi

Henna & Music · The Rooftop

A relaxed afternoon on the rooftop. Henna artists set up stations — queue up and have a design painted on your hands while live folk musicians play. Expect cold drinks, snacks and easy conversation; plan to let your henna dry a while before reaching for anything.

The Tradition

In Hindu tradition mehndi is deeply auspicious — a symbol of love, beauty and the sacred bond about to be formed. The richer and darker the stain, the deeper the love it is said, and the warmer the bond with one's new family. Henna is cooling too, calming the couple's nerves before the days ahead.

Dress Code Bright & Colourful
Sangeet ceremony

Sangeet

Songs & Dance · Mewar Banquet Hall

An evening of performances. Both families take the stage with choreographed dance numbers — some rehearsed for weeks, some gloriously not — with dinner served alongside. Once the routines wrap the floor opens to everyone, so expect to be pulled up to dance.

The Tradition

The sangeet grew from an age-old custom of the women of both families gathering to bless the couple through geet — folk songs handed down the generations. Beneath the choreography, the music is a rite of welcome: two families becoming one through shared joy, story and song.

Dress Code Glitz & Glam
Haldi ceremony

Haldi

Turmeric & Blessings · Poolside

A messy, giggly morning by the pool. Guests take turns dabbing turmeric paste on the couple — and inevitably on each other. It stains, so wear something you don't mind turning golden, and don't be surprised if you leave a little yellow yourself.

The Tradition

Turmeric is among the most sacred substances in Hindu ritual — a symbol of purity, prosperity and the sun's golden energy. Applied as a blessing by loved ones, the haldi is believed to purify and protect the couple, lend them a radiant glow, and ward off the evil eye before the sacred rites begin.

Dress Code Yellow Tones
Baraat procession

Baraat

The Procession · Peacock Lawn

A moving street party. The groom makes his entrance to thundering dhol drums — traditionally on a decorated horse — while everyone dances him in. Just join the procession and move however you like; there are no steps to learn, only noise and joy to add.

The Tradition

The groom arrives like a raja — a king coming to claim his bride. The baraat marks the joyous journey of his family to hers, and is met with the milni: the warm first meeting and embrace of the two families who are about to be joined as one.

Dress Code Festive Formal
Wedding and Pheras ceremony

Wedding & Pheras

The Ceremony · Peacock Lawn

The main ceremony, on the lawn. You'll be seated as the couple performs the rituals around the sacred fire — it's unhurried, so settle in and follow along as the family explains the key moments. Dinner and dancing under the stars follow.

The Tradition

This is the sacred heart of a Hindu marriage. Agni, the holy fire, stands as divine witness as the couple walks the saat pheras — seven steps, each carrying a vow for nourishment, strength, prosperity, family, health, harmony and lifelong friendship. Two souls bound together, for life.

Dress Code Festive Formal

What to Wear

The outfit catalogue

Wear Indian dress if you'd like — here's the full menu — or simply come colourful and comfortable. Filter to whoever you're dressing.

Anarkali or salwar suit

Anarkali / Salwar

Easy Option

A long flowing kurta or fitted tunic over slim trousers with a dupatta scarf. The easiest, most comfortable place to start.

Best for Mehndi, Haldi, daytime

Lehenga

Lehenga

A long, often embroidered skirt with a cropped top (choli) and a dupatta. Festive, easy to dance in, and the classic celebration look.

Best for Sangeet, Baraat, Wedding

Saree

Saree

A single 5–6 m drape wound around the waist and over one shoulder, worn over a fitted blouse. Elegant and timeless — ask for help with the pleats the first time.

Best for Sangeet, Wedding

Kurta

Kurta

Easy Option

A long tunic over loose drawstring trousers, often with a Nehru jacket on top. The comfortable, can't-go-wrong choice.

Best for Mehndi, Haldi, Sangeet

Sherwani

Sherwani

A long, structured embroidered coat worn over fitted trousers (churidar). The most formal and regal option.

Best for Baraat, Wedding

Bandhgala

Bandhgala

A tailored Indian jacket, or a waistcoat over a kurta — sharp, festive, and a great middle ground between casual and formal.

Best for Sangeet, Wedding

Western suit

Western Suit

A well-cut suit in a rich colour is perfectly welcome, especially in the evenings. Go bold with the colour.

Best for Sangeet, Wedding

A Note on Colour

Save red and all-white for another occasion at the ceremony — red is the bride's, white reads as mourning. Haldi calls for yellows you don't mind staining. Everywhere else: go bold.

Still have questions?

No question is too small. Check the FAQ for the practical bits, or just email us — we're genuinely glad to help with anything at all.

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