Haldi, mehendi, sangeet and more: the wedding functions, and how to list them on your invitation

Haldi

A morning or afternoon ritual where turmeric paste is applied to the bride and the groom by family and friends, for blessings and a glow before the wedding. It is joyful and messy: guests are usually told to wear yellow and clothes they do not mind staining.

Mehendi

Henna designs are drawn on the bride's hands and feet, and often on the guests' hands too. It is relaxed and usually comes with music and snacks. Greens and bright colours are popular. Tell guests if mehendi artists will be there for them.

Sangeet

An evening of music and dance where both families perform for each other. It is the party night of many weddings, so the dress code tends to be festive and sparkly. If friends are expected to perform, the invitation is a good place to say so.

The wedding

The ceremony itself, held at an auspicious time (the muhurat). Depending on the family it may begin with the baraat, the groom's procession, and include the jaimala and the pheras around the sacred fire. Traditional clothes are the norm. Give the muhurat and a time to arrive, since ceremonies can run long.

Reception

A celebration after the wedding, often for a wider circle of guests: colleagues, neighbours and friends who could not come to every function. It is usually the most formal in dress.

How to list them on the invitation

1. One entry per function, in the order they happen: its name, the day, the time and the venue.
2. Add a short note where it helps: the dress code, "lunch will be served", or "performances welcome".
3. If the functions are at different places, give each its own map link.
4. Put the schedule on its own page if your card has several, so the first page stays clean. A dress code palette next to it shows guests the colours at a glance.

Questions