PRE EVENTS
Engagement
This is when the couple’s parents host a party to announce the wedding of their son or daughter. Family and friends are invited to attend.
Bridal Shower
One member of the couple is showered with gifts and motivation to help them start their new life as a married person. They cut a pink cake with a thimble hidden in it. Traditionally, it is believed that whomever gets the slice of cake with the thimble will be the next to marry.
The Roce Ceremony
Similar to the Hindu Haldi ceremony, a haldaat takes place among North-Indian Christians where turmeric paste is applied to the couple. Among South-Indian Christians, coconut paste is applied instead.
CEREMONY
The Wedding Mass
This is a mandatory Catholic Christian wedding ritual. The priest begins by reciting hymns as the guests seek blessings for the couple. Then the homily is recited to the guests, as well as the couple, about the importance of the bond of the holy matrimony. Following, the exchange of rings takes place and the couple signs the marriage register, legalizing their wedding in front of God and in accordance with the law.
Exchange of vows
The couple recite their vows (this can be their personal vows or the standard wedding vows) to solemnize their promise to each other.
Wedding Kiss
After reading the wedding vows, the priest asks the couple if ‘they agree to love and cherish each other in health and in sickness for as long as they shall live?’ The consenting couples reply to this by saying ‘I Do’. Then they are pronounced. The couple end with a kiss.
Mangalsutra
In South Indian Christian weddings the couple ties the ‘mangalsutra’ around their neck instead of exchanging rings.
POST EVENTS
Wedding Reception a celebratory banquet with music and dancing.