The bride and groom exchanging varmala at the Indian wedding ceremony.

10 Things That Happen When Indian Weddings Run Late

Entertaining but realistic look at 10 Things That Happen When Indian Weddings Run Late. There are real social and cost implications.  

1.  Shorter photo sessions 
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Brides that shortened their photoshoot shared that they regretted it…after the fact.

2. Shorter baraat

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The baraat is one of the highlights for the groom, so be careful about shortening it.

3. Less Time to get ready
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One bride only had 15 minutes to get ready for her reception.  Another bride told us her ceremony started two hours late because hair/makeup for the bride and bridesmaids took longer than expected.

4. Less time for family photos

Indian family reunion


Weddings are also family reunions. One bride shared her regret that they couldn’t take individual shots with the family members that travelled from around the world to be at her wedding.

5. Fewer performances

Bollywood dance

It’s not a desi wedding without at least a few performances.

6. Reach the bar minimum WAY too fast
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Hosts might extend cocktail hour an additional hour or more for a variety of reasons (delays due to getting rained out or the caterer showing up late = guests drinking more.)

7. Run out of food

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Unexpected rain forced one couple to move their ceremony indoors; but since they needed time to setup a mandap indoors, everything was delayed hours.  Cocktail hour became cocktail 2.5 hours and their caterer wasn’t prepared for that.

8. Serving dinner late = hangry guests

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9. Late dinner = additional fines 
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Indian weddings are already $$$$, without the additional fines!

10. If the venue has a curfew…less time to party
Bhangra

Think about an afterparty location. 

Take Aways for 10 Things That Happen When Indian Weddings Run Late

  1. build time buffer into the wedding day – expect the unexpected
  2. give the photographer and coordinator the photo ‘shot list’
  3. give the bridal party a wedding week schedule
  4. let family/friends know photoshoot timings
  5. the bride should have a dedicated hair & makeup artist and arrange other artists for everyone else

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Indian wedding mandap at the Silverado Resort & Spa

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Cover image: Global Photography

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