5 Differences between American and Desi Weddings
- Tanjeen Twinkle
- Sep 16, 2017
- 2 min read
Wedding is a wonderful celebration between two people, declaring their love for each other and wanting to be together for the rest of their lives. Desi (Indian) and American weddings are both beautiful and extravagant.There are many similarities between these two weddings. There’re amazing food, dances, music, outfits, and etc. However, these two weddings have their differences as well.
1. Desi weddings take place for more days than American weddings
Desi wedding events take place for more than three days. Usually, these events take place within 3-5 days or more, it depends on how many ceremonies the couple would like to hold for their wedding. The first two ceremonies would be the engagement and bridal shower, which these two cultures already have. The second would be the Haldi ceremony, which is the one in which a paste of haldi is applied on the bride and the groom's body before their wedding. The third event is the Mehendi ceremony, where the women apply henna on their feet and hand. The fourth day would be the actual wedding ceremony and the reception. There are other ceremonies too, but it depends on what desi country that person is from.
Photo Credit: Ash Carr Photo
2. Wedding dresses/Outfits
In an American wedding, the bride wears a beautiful white dress. The dress could be simple, elegant, or lavishing. Same as a Desi bride dress, except the Desi bride, could wear colorful dresses, not only one color. Also, they wear different types of wedding dresses. They could wear a sari, lengha, shalwar kameez, or an Indian wedding gown. There are different dresses for different wedding events as well.
3. The Wedding Set Up
In an American wedding, the bridesmaids, along with the bride help plan the wedding. Also, the groomsmen help the groom a lot on their wedding day too. In Desi weddings, the bridesmaids don’t do too much work. They usually are with the bride throughout all of the different events. The Indian bride and groom families plan for the whole wedding and other ceremonies, which is normally done by the maid of honor.
Photo Credit: George Street
4. Different Rituals
In a Desi wedding, someone will steal the groom’s shoes. Traditionally, the groom’s family tries to protect the groom’s shoes, while the bride’s side of the family tries to steal them. In an American wedding, tossing the bouquet to a crowd of women from the behind is part of the tradition. Whoever catches the bouquet is next to get married.
Photo Credit: Rubina & Rizwaan's Wedding via Straylight Photo Studio
5. Accessories
Indian brides wear more pieces of jewelry than American bride. American brides are usually more simple and elegant on their wedding day. They don’t wear a lot of jewelry and their makeup is more simple but classy.
Photo Credit: @masudalamart
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