June, 2023 | Indian Wedding Photographer London : Asian Photography UK

One of the most significant traditions of Hindu weddings is the pre-marriage rituals that take place before the actual wedding day.

An Indian wedding is for its grandeur, vibrant colours, and rich cultural traditions. Hindu marriage ceremonies, in particular, is a beautiful amalgamation of ritual and tradition that are deeply rooted in ancient customs.

These marriage rituals symbolise the union of two individuals but also hold great importance in bringing the families of the bride and groom together. Let’s explore five prominent pre-marriage rituals step by step in Hindu culture:

5 Important Hindu Pre Wedding Ceremonies

Engagement Ceremony

The Engagement ceremony, marks the formal announcement of the couple’s choice to get married. It is a joyous occasion where the bride and groom families come together to exchange gifts and blessings. The ceremony typically involves the exchange of rings between the couple as a symbol of their commitment to each other. The engagement ceremony sets the tone for the upcoming wedding festivities. This is also known as sag

Mehndi Ceremony

The Mehndi ceremony is a popular pre-wedding ritual that takes place a few days before the wedding. It involves the application of intricate henna designs on the hands and feet of the bride, as well as her female relatives and friends.

The ceremony is filled with music, dance, and laughter, creating a festive atmosphere. The henna symbolises love, prosperity, and good luck for the bride’s journey into married life. The darker the colour of the henna, the stronger the bond between the couple will be. As henna is involved some call it the Henna ceremony.

Sangeet Ceremony

Sangeet ceremony is a celebration of music and dance. It is a time for both families to come together and revel in the joyous occasion. Traditionally, the Sangeet involves performances by family members and close friends, showcasing their singing and dancing talents.

This lively event is filled with laughter, joy, and friendly competition between the bride’s and groom’s sides. The Sangeet function adds entertainment value to the wedding festivities but also serves as an icebreaker for both families to interact and form lasting bonds.

Haldi or Turmeric Ceremony

Haldi ceremony (AKA turmeric ceremony) is a beautiful ritual that takes place a day before the wedding. During the ceremony, a paste made from turmeric, sandalwood, and other auspicious ingredients is applied to the bride and groom’s bodies. The paste is believed to cleanse and purify the couple before their wedding day.

Family members and friends take turns applying the paste to the couple, followed by joyful singing and dancing. The yellow colour of the paste is considered auspicious and signifies good luck, fertility, and protection from evil spirits. Some Gujarati Hindu’s also call this the Pithi ritual and to keep up to he modern times, this function it is typically arranged following the mandvo.

Mandvo Prewedding Ceremony

The mandvo ceremony is performed to seek the blessings of Lord Ganesh, the remover of obstacles, and ensure a smooth and successful wedding. Traditionally it is held at the bride’s and groom’s respective homes before the wedding day. However, with more are more couples opting for destination weddings this ceremony is done at the chosen destination wedding venue.

The ceremony involves the priest chanting mantras, offering prayers, and seeking divine blessings for a harmonious union. Lord Ganesh is invoked to bestow his blessings and remove any obstacles that may arise during the wedding rituals and festivities. Some Hindu’s especially from Gujarat India refer these traditions as Ganesh Puja Ceremony or Grah Shanti ceremony.

Importance of Pre-wedding Rituals in Hindu Marriages

Pre-marriage rituals play a significant role in Hindu weddings, not only as a means to celebrate but also as a way to honour tradition, strengthen family ties, and seek divine blessings.

Each ceremony brings its unique charm and symbolism to the overall wedding experience.

**5 Important Pre-Wedding Rituals in Hindu Marriage Summary**

1. Engagement

2. Mehndi

3. Sangeet

4. Haldi

5. Mandvo

These rituals add colour and excitement to the wedding festivities but also serve as a reminder of the rich cultural heritage that continues to thrive even in the modern Hindu wedding ceremony of today.

As a Hindu wedding photographer it always a joy to see how traditions and rituals still play a major role in modern Hindu wedding ceremony.

Bipin Dattani

Wedding photographer in Pinner, England

28 Hillview Rd, Pinner HA5 4PA

07930 324833

When planning a wedding, many couples often wonder how many photos they can expect from their wedding photographer. As a specialist in Asian and Indian weddings, Bipin Dattani Photography understands this concern.

Your wedding day is an occasion filled with love, joy, and cherished memories. Hiring a professional wedding photographer ensures that these precious moments are captured for a lifetime. However, it’s common to wonder how many photos a wedding photographer should deliver.

When we have two photographers working, we capture 1000-2000 raw images during a wedding. I will select the best photos meticulously to ensure they showcase the beautiful moments and tell a cohesive story. My priority is to deliver the highest quality photos, ensuring one does justice to your special day.

Importance of Wedding Photos

Wedding pictures hold significant sentimental value. They serve as a visual documentation of your wedding day and are like time capsules. They allow you to revisit and relive the emotions, the laughter, and the tears. of your special day. As the years go by, these images become a cherished keepsake, reminding you of the love and happiness you felt on your wedding day.

Capturing Precious Moments
As a wedding photographer, my primary role is to capture the essence of your wedding day. From the intimate exchange of vows to the heartfelt emotions of your loved ones, their photographs freeze these fleeting moments in time.

Factors Affecting the Number of Photos

The number of photos a wedding photographer delivers can vary based on several factors. Understanding these factors can help you set realistic expectations and communicate effectively with your photographer.

Duration of the Wedding
The length of your wedding plays a role in the number of photos captured. A longer wedding typically give me more opportunities to capture various moments, resulting in a larger number of photos.

Size of the Wedding Party
The size of your wedding party can influence the number of photos taken. Larger parties may require additional group shots, portraits, and candid moments, leading to a higher overall count.

Number of Events
If your wedding spans multiple events, such as a rehearsal dinner or a post-wedding brunch, the photographer will capture moments from each of these occasions. This can contribute to an increased number of photos delivered.

Bride & Groom Preferences
Every bride and groom has different expectations and preferences when it comes to wedding photography. Some couples desire extensive coverage of the entire day, while others prioritise specific moments or details. Discussing your preferences with your photographer helps them tailor their approach accordingly.

On average, I will deliver between 600 to 800 edited photos from an 8 hour wedding shoot. This range ensures a comprehensive photographic coverage of the day while maintaining quality and storytelling.

Common Questions About Wedding Photography

Here are answers to some common questions couples have regarding wedding photography:

Q: How many hours do wedding photographers work?
A: Anywhere from 4 to 15 hours. You’ll have pre booked the photography package, depending on coverage required.

Q: Can I request specific shots?
A: Absolutely! Let me know your must have shots when we have our pre-wedding meeting, I will make sure your must have photos are captured.

Q: How long does it take to receive the photos?
A: The turnaround time for receiving your wedding photos varies among photographers. Typically, I will deliver edited photos from 4 to 12 weeks.

Quality Vs Quantity of Wedding Photos

Instead of focusing on the quantity of photos, my primary goal is to capture the perfect moments. As an expert in wedding photography, I understand the importance of quality over quantity. When you hire me for an eight-hour wedding photography session, you can anticipate receiving between 600 and 800 top-quality final images.

If you’re seeking professional guidance for your wedding photography needs, I invite you to contact me to discuss your options for wedding photography packages and services.

Bipin Dattani Photography