Friday is Traditional Indian or Cocktail Attire. Saturday is Traditional Indian or appropriate attire for the Indian temple. Sunday is Formal attire.
Absolutely. We love that you are excited to participate in our multi-cultural event, and welcome you to embrace the colors, styles and fashions of the Indian culture. Wedding attire for male and female guests are adorned with interesting colors, patterns, prints, and embellishments. As a wedding guest, we request that you avoid the colors black and white, and for Saturday please also avoid red, when creating your outfit. For more specifics please refer to this article.
Head coverings are required for both men and women. Head coverings are available for men. For women, it is requested that arms also be covered, and a scarf may be used. Shoes must be removed upon entering the prayer room. It is customary to sit on the floor of the large carpeted area, though chairs will be available. One side is dedicated for men to sit, and the other for women. Those unfamiliar with these customs will receive guidance as you arrive. Photography is allowed in the prayer room and the Temple is air conditioned.
Cocktail attire may be worn to Friday evening's event. For women, Cocktail attire typically calls for a dress that finishes at or above the knees. Although cocktail looks should always appear sophisticated, they can also be fun and embrace exciting colors, embellishments, cuts, and unique accessories. Men should wear a dress shirt and slacks. A tie and sport coat are optional.
Formal attire is requested for the Wedding Nuptials and Reception held on Sunday. For women, mid-length or full-length dresses are ideal. For men, you can wear a tuxedo, but it is not required. A suitable alternative is a suit in a dark color such as navy blue, black or gray and a coordinating tie.
Yes. On Saturday, round trip transportation will be provided from Meritage Resort to the Temple.
On Sunday, round trip transportation will be provided from both the Hawthorne Suites and Meritage to Carneros Resort. We encourage you to take the transportation to/from Carneros as it will be difficult to get a ride-share at the end of the evening.
Please see 'The Weekend' tab for details.
Friday evening will be pre-wedding Indian celebrations of the Mehndi and Sangeet at Meritage Resort.
Mehndi is a traditional ceremony where an artist applies henna. Guests are welcome to participate. The application of mehndi serves several symbolic purposes including implying a blissful married life with vibrancy, and the attraction of positivity.
The word Sangeet is Sanskrit for "sung together." A sangeet ceremony is a traditional pre-wedding ceremony involving lots of festive dancing and celebratory songs.
There will be music, dancing, cocktails and dinner. This event will be held in the Estate Cave at Meritage Resort.
The Baraat and Anand Karaj will be held at the Sikh Temple, Guru Nanak.
The Baraat is a celebratory procession for the groom involving live music and dancing and is held outside, by the entrance to the Temple.
Anand Karaj means “ceremony of joy” or “blissful union” and takes place in the gurdwara, a Sikh temple of worship. The Anand Karaj immediately follows the Baraat.
At the conclusion of the Anand Karaj the couple makes a Grand Exit. At this time, we invite you to board the shuttle back to Meritage Resort where a luncheon will be held on the Vineyard Deck.
On Sunday, the marriage ceremony (wedding nuptials) will take place on the Hilltop at Carneros Resort and be celebrated by a Wedding Officiant. After the ceremony, there will be a cocktail hour followed by a seated dinner and reception with music and dancing. Transportation will be provided to and from Carneros Resort from Meritage and Hawthorne Suites.