TUESDAY · 24 NOV2:00 pm IST
Welcome Lunch
Join everyone for our first meal together, after check-in at 12pm.
A British guest’s guide
Your first
Indian wedding?
You don’t need to know the steps, the traditions or a word of Hindi. A little curiosity and a willingness to join in will do beautifully.
We’re so glad you’re coming. Mansi & Chris
A little guide,
with love
NOVEMBER 2026
with love
Come as
a guest.
Feel like
family.
NOVEMBER 2026
No expert knowledge required.
Comfortable shoes are an excellent start.
01A little introduction
The celebrations,
translated.
Here’s what to expect and how to join in. Our final timings and ceremony details will follow; all times are local to India.
TUESDAY · 24 NOV
TUESDAY · 24 NOV4:00 pm IST
Mehendi
Mehendi is the art of decorating hands and feet with henna. If you’d like henna, ask the artist how long to let it dry.
TUESDAY · 24 NOV7:00 pm IST
Sangeet
An evening of music and dance. Cheer, clap along and join in if you fancy it.
WEDNESDAY · 25 NOV10:00 am IST
Haldi
Turmeric paste and blessings begin our wedding day. Join in when invited and choose fabrics you don’t mind getting colourful.
WEDNESDAY · 25 NOV5:00 pm IST
The Hindu Wedding
Prayers, vows and meaningful rituals. Arrive before the start, silence your phone and follow the family’s or priest’s cues.
WEDNESDAY · 25 NOV10:00 pm IST
Reception
The reception follows the wedding ceremony. Join us as the celebrations continue into the night.
All celebrations take place at Shiva Oasis Resort, Neemrana. Check-in: 24 November at 12pm. Check-out: 26 November, time to follow. Event locations within the resort and transport arrangements will be shared separately.
A few words you may hear
Baraat · buh-raat
The groom’s arrival procession, often with music and dancing. If it’s part of our day, we’ll let you know where to join.
Mandap · mun-dup
The canopy or ceremonial space where the wedding rituals take place. Leave space for the family and priest.
Pheras · fair-uhs
Circling the sacred fire as part of the marriage rites. The number and meaning of rounds vary by tradition.
Customs vary by family and region. Background: Hindu American Foundation’s wedding primer.
02Getting dressed
A little colour.
A lot of you.
Indian clothing is warmly welcomed, and formal Western clothing is welcome too. These are the website’s draft suggestions; final dress codes will follow.
Haldi & Mehendi
Think light & easySunshine colours, a relaxed kurta, a dress or a comfortable Indian set.
Choose washable fabrics for Haldi. Leave precious pale clothes and delicate shoes for another event.
Sangeet
Think festiveJewel tones, a little sparkle, an Indian outfit or eveningwear you can move in.
Try a few dance steps in it before you pack. A spare pair of comfortable shoes earns its place in your bag.
The wedding
Think occasionwearA sari, lehenga, dressy kurta, suit, formal dress or tailored ensemble.
A light shawl is useful for coverage or a cooler evening. Follow our final colour guidance rather than a universal list of banned colours.
Yes, you can rewear an outfit. You’re here to celebrate, not to supply a fashion week.
03 · The little things
Wondering
if it’s okay?
You won’t be expected to arrive knowing every custom. Ask, take your cue from the family, and make yourself at home.
How should I greet the family?
A smile and “hello” are lovely. “Namaste” is a respectful Hindi greeting; you can bring your palms together if you wish. Let people lead on handshakes or hugs. Use the names and family titles you’re introduced to.
Will I need to remove my shoes?
You may be asked to remove them around the ceremonial area. Follow the signs or the family’s lead. Bring shoes that are easy to slip off, and ask if you need help or an accessible alternative.
Can I take photos?
Follow the couple’s and photographer’s guidance, especially during the ceremony. Keep aisles and the ceremonial space clear, avoid flash, and ask before sharing close-up photos of other guests.
Do I have to dance or join religious rituals?
Only if you’d like to. Watching, cheering and being present are lovely ways to take part. You can respectfully observe prayers and rituals without performing them.
Are there colours I should avoid?
Preferences differ between families and events. Our website’s dress guide is the starting point; final colour guidance will follow. If you’re unsure about a very bridal-looking outfit, check with us before buying it.
What about gifts and tipping?
Our gift preferences will be shared separately; there’s no need to guess an amount or follow a custom you’re unfamiliar with. For hotel or transport tips, check whether a service charge or group gratuity is already included. Wedding-specific arrangements are still to come.
04Travel essentials
Visas &
vaccinations.
A starting point for our UK guests. Visa rules follow your passport; health advice follows your itinerary and medical history.
Official guidance checked . Recheck before applying and again before departure.
Your paperwork
Passport & visa
Travelling on a full British citizen passport? You need a visa unless you hold a valid OCI card. Your passport must have at least six months left from arrival and two blank pages.
- Choose the right permission.Check e-Tourist eligibility, permitted entry points and the visa type for your whole trip on the official Indian portal.
- Apply with time to spare.The portal currently allows e-Tourist applications up to 120 days ahead, with a minimum of four days before arrival. Allow extra time; that minimum is not an approval guarantee.
- Check the approval.Before travelling, confirm your Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) says “GRANTED”, check its dates and passport details, and print a copy. Application submission alone is not approval.
What will I need to apply?
A passport details-page scan, a recent photograph meeting the portal’s specifications and your travel details. Read the current document checklist and fees for your visa. Use your actual booked accommodation address when completing the India address fields; guests staying at the wedding venue can find its address in the website’s Travel section. Official checklist and FAQs.
OCI or a different passport?
A valid OCI card and valid passport can replace the visa requirement. For other passport types, dual nationality, or Pakistani nationality or origin, check the specific rules with the Indian authorities early; eligibility and processing can differ. Check the exceptions.
Your travel-health review
Vaccinations
Start about eight weeks before you fly: check the advice and book a GP, practice nurse or travel-clinic review. Some vaccines need a course. If your trip is sooner, still ask for advice.
GOV.UK travel-health advice ↗ · NHS appointment guidance ↗
- Routine vaccinationsCheck your routine protection, including MMR and diphtheria–tetanus–polio. Your clinician can check whether any doses or boosters are due.
- Hepatitis A & typhoidHepatitis A is recommended for previously unvaccinated travellers; typhoid is recommended for most visitors to India. Discuss both at your appointment.
- Advice for your particular tripHepatitis B, rabies and Japanese encephalitis may also be considered according to your health, activities, length of stay and access to care.
Ask a qualified travel-health professional to tailor the advice, especially for children, pregnancy, immune suppression or existing medical conditions. Include any travel before or after the wedding.
Are vaccination certificates required?
Yellow fever and polio certificate rules can apply depending on where you are arriving from. Tell your clinician about recent travel and transit stops and check the current requirements for your route. Official certificate requirements.
What about mosquitoes and malaria?
Take precautions against mosquito bites during the day and at night. Ask whether malaria-prevention tablets are appropriate for every stop on your itinerary; the answer depends on location and individual risk. TravelHealthPro’s India advice.
Can I get travel vaccines on the NHS?
After assessment, hepatitis A, typhoid, polio (in the combined vaccine) and cholera vaccines can be provided free through a GP surgery. Other travel vaccines may involve a charge. Check availability with your practice. NHS vaccine availability.
05A little preparation
Pack the essentials.
Leave room for memories.
Good to know
The journey & your stay
The venue is Shiva Oasis Resort in Neemrana, Rajasthan. Check-in is on 24 November at 12pm and check-out is on 26 November. Guests staying elsewhere will commute. Airport and transfer arrangements will follow. Check the travel section before making wedding-related bookings.
Passport, entry & travel health
Work through the visa and vaccination guidance above, save your approval documents and arrange appropriate travel insurance.
Food, water & dietary needs
Tell us your dietary requirements once the RSVP service is live, and speak directly with catering staff about allergies. Check the official travel health guidance for food and water precautions.
A little help on the day
Wedding contact numbers and local arrangements will be added once confirmed. Save those details and the venue address before you travel. For urgent assistance, see GOV.UK’s help in India.
A useful little packing list
- Comfortable shoes and a dressier pair
- A light shawl or layer for the evening
- An easy outfit for Haldi
- Your occasionwear and any accessories
- A suitable travel adaptor and power bank
- Your usual medicines and travel essentials
- Passport, travel documents and insurance details
- Saved venue, transport and contact details once shared
Check the Neemrana forecast nearer departure, and North Goa separately if you’re joining the trip.