Weddings are a joyous occasion that are celebrated all over the world. In Indian culture, weddings hold a very important place as they are considered to be the union of not just two individuals, but two families and communities. Along with the joy and excitement, weddings also come with a lot of expenses. The question arises, who pays for the wedding in Indian culture? In this blog post, we will discuss the traditional practices and answer this question.
Traditional practices
In traditional Indian culture, the bride’s family would bear the costs of the wedding. This practice has evolved over time and is not always followed these days. But let’s understand the reasons behind this tradition.
In India, marriage is not just about two individuals getting married but also a union between two families. The bride’s family is expected to provide a dowry which includes the bride’s jewelry, clothes, and other essentials. A dowry is considered to be a way to compensate the groom’s family for the expenses they incur in bringing up the bride. In addition to the dowry, the bride’s family is responsible for organizing the wedding ceremony and all associated expenses involved.
Another reason for the bride’s family paying for the wedding is that the groom’s family is believed to have already spent considerable money in finding a suitable partner for their son. The tradition of arranged marriages is still prevalent in some parts of India and finding a suitable match involves a lot of time, effort, and money. Hence, it is expected that the bride’s family bears the expenses of the wedding as it is seen as a way of reciprocating the expenses incurred by the groom’s family.
Modern practices
As with many traditional practices, the concept of who pays for the wedding in Indian culture has evolved over time. With changing attitudes and increasing urbanization, young couples are shifting away from tradition. These days, it’s not uncommon for both families to share the expenses of the wedding equally. Sometimes, the groom’s family can also contribute to the wedding expenses depending upon their financial situation.
In recent years, many couples are opting for intimate weddings, and in such cases, they may choose to pay for the costs themselves. While the concept of intimate weddings is still new in India, it is gaining popularity as an alternative to expensive and extravagant big-fat Indian weddings.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the question of who pays for the wedding in Indian culture is not straightforward. Traditionally, the bride’s family was responsible for all expenses related to the wedding, but with changing times, the concept has evolved. Today, it’s not uncommon for both families to share the expenses equally, and in many cases, the couple may choose to pay for the wedding themselves. With changing attitudes and preferences, young couples are looking for ways to make their wedding day special while staying true to themselves and their beliefs.
FAQ
How much do traditional Indian weddings cost?
Traditional Indian weddings are known for their grandeur, elaborate ceremonies, and colorful festivities. It is no surprise that they can also come with a hefty price tag. The cost of an Indian wedding can vary greatly depending on several factors such as the location, the number of guests, and the level of extravagance.
In the USA, the average cost of an Indian wedding falls between $225,000 and $285,000. This cost is calculated based on a wedding of around 300 people, held in a major metropolitan area like Los Angeles, Chicago, New Jersey, Houston, and so on.
Several factors influence the high cost of traditional Indian weddings. One of them is the number of guests. Indian weddings often cater to a large number of guests, and the cost of food, venue, and other arrangements for hundreds of people can add up quickly. Additionally, Indian weddings are known for their lavish decorations, including flower arrangements, stage decorations, and lighting arrangements. These expenses can also contribute to the high cost.
Another factor that impacts the cost of an Indian wedding is the venue. Most Indian weddings are held in special event venues, which are often expensive. The cost of renting a venue can significantly impact the overall budget of the wedding.
Clothing is also a significant expense when it comes to Indian weddings. Bride and groom usually wear designer outfits and matching jewelry, which can be expensive. Additionally, the wedding party and close relatives are also expected to dress in traditional attire, which can further add to the cost.
Traditional Indian weddings are known for their extravagance and require significant financial investment. The cost of such weddings remains high due to several factors, including the large number of guests, elaborate decorations, venue rental, and expensive clothing. The average cost of an Indian wedding in the USA ranges between $225,000 and $285,000, but the actual cost may vary depending on personal preferences.
What a groom’s family is responsible for in an Indian wedding?
In Indian weddings, both the bride’s and groom’s families have specific responsibilities to ensure that the wedding ceremony is successful. The groom’s family also has its own set of customs and traditions to follow. One main responsibility is to provide a safe and comfortable environment for the bride during all the ceremonies.
The groom’s family is responsible for hosting a lunch or dinner for the bride’s family, which marks the official acceptance of the bride into the groom’s family. This event is known as the “paka-dekha” or “sagai” ceremony. During the ceremony, the groom’s family welcomes the bride into the family with open arms and promises to take good care of her.
The groom also takes a pledge during this ceremony to take responsibility for the bride’s food and clothing needs for the rest of her life. To fulfill this pledge, the groom serves food to the bride and gives her a new sari to wear. This tradition signifies his commitment to provide for her needs and take care of her throughout their married life.
In addition to these responsibilities, the groom’s family also helps with the wedding preparations. They assist with the decoration of the wedding venue and make sure that all the necessary arrangements are made. They also help choose the wedding attire for the groom and make sure that his family members are well-dressed for the occasion.
During the wedding ceremony, the groom’s family is responsible for arranging the groom’s procession, which is known as the “baraat.” They provide the groom with a decorated horse or car to ride to the wedding venue. They also organize the music and dance performances that accompany the procession.
The groom’s family plays a crucial role in an Indian wedding. They are responsible for providing a warm welcome to the bride, ensuring that the wedding preparations are taken care of, and facilitating the groom’s procession. These traditions and customs have been passed down from generation to generation and are an integral part of Indian weddings.
What do the groom’s parents traditionally pay for?
In most cultures and societies, weddings are considered a big and special day for both the bride and groom and their respective families. Each family has certain financial responsibilities when it comes to the wedding planning process. The groom’s family traditionally has certain expenses that they are expected to pay for. It is important to keep in mind, however, that these traditions can vary depending on culture, religion, and geographical location.
Traditionally, the groom’s parents are responsible for paying for the rehearsal dinner that takes place the night before the wedding. This dinner is an opportunity for the two families and wedding party members to bond and practice for the next day’s events. Depending on the budget set by the couple, the rehearsal dinner can be a formal event or a casual gathering.
Another traditional expense that falls to the groom’s parents is generally the honeymoon. Typically, the honeymoon is a romantic getaway that the couple takes immediately after the wedding to spend time together and celebrate the start of their new life together. The groom’s parents may choose to gift the couple a honeymoon package or help pay for the expenses related to travel, accommodation, and activities.
There are also some parts of the country where it is traditional for the groom’s parents to pay for the alcohol served at the reception. This includes the cost of any bartenders, waitstaff, and the actual drinks themselves. However, this expense is not always expected, and the couple may choose to handle these costs themselves or split them with the groom’s side of the family.
It is important to note that these financial responsibilities are not set in stone and can vary based on the couple’s preferences and the budget they have created for their wedding. The most important thing is for both families to come together and support the couple as they start their new lives together.
