Preparing For a Sikh Matrimonial Ceremony

The preparations for the wedding day begin once The Roka (pre-engagement) ceremony has taken place. The significance behind this simple ceremony is to declare to relatives and friends that the Sikh Groom and the Sikh Bride are to be married. The two families discuss and agree on a date when the Sikh matrimonial ceremony would take place.

Finding a Sikh Gurdwara

Traditionally it is the responsibility of the family of the Sikh Bride to find a Sikh Gurdwara which is available for the agreed date where the Sikh matrimonial ceremony is to take place. Sikh matrimonial ceremonies tend to take place on a Saturday or Sunday. Due to the high level of demand for weekend bookings, finding an available Sikh Gurdwara can be challenging and usually has to be booked a year in advance.

Finding a Venue

If the couple prefer to have a wedding reception after the Sikh matrimonial ceremony, a suitable venue has to be found for the wedding reception to take place. In the past such venues were basic function halls but in recent years more and more wedding receptions are held in banquet halls or in hotels. Traditionally the cost of the wedding reception is born by the Sikh Bride's family. However, in recent years, this cost is sometimes shared by both the Sikh Groom's and Sikh Bride's families.

Decorations & Lighting

These are required for both the venue where the wedding reception is to take place and the residence of the Sikh Bride and Sikh Groom to mark the special occasion.

Finding Caterers

As the Sikh matrimonial ceremony starts early, both breakfast and lunch has to be provided for the Sikh Groom's family and all the guests invited to the Sikh Matrimonial ceremony. Serving good food is one of the highlights of the wedding day and therefore finding the right caterers is extremely important. Again, this is the responsibility of the Sikh Bride's family.

Caterers are also required for the Mehndi and Sangeet night to provide dinner for the guests.

Finding a Good DJ

Three days before the wedding day, there is a gathering at the Sikh Bride's house which is attended by the close relatives and friends for the Mehndi or Henna ceremony. This is usually followed by dancing and therefore a DJ providing good music for all to enjoy and have fun is a must. The Sikh Groom's family have a similar function at their residence.

Finding a Good Punjabi Folk Singer

Two days before the wedding day, there is another gathering of the close relatives and friends for the Maiyan and Sangeet night where Punjabi wedding folk songs are sung. Again the Sikh Groom's family have a similar function at their residence.

Finding a Marquee

A Marquee is put up in the garden of the Sikh Bride and Sikh Groom's houses where the Mehndi and Sangeet nights are due to take place.

Shopping

Shopping for the Sikh Bride's wedding dress which is usually a Lehnga and other outfits she will take with her together with jewellery and accessories.

Shopping for the Sikh Groom's outfit for the wedding day which is known as the Sherwani.

Shopping for special outfits for the Sikh Bride's and Sikh Groom's parents and other family members for the Mehndi and Sangeet nights and of course the big day which is the wedding day.

Shopping for gifts for the Sikh Groom's family and their close relatives.

Wedding invitations

Both the Sikh Bride's and Sikh Groom's families will have their own individual designs of the wedding invitations.

Transportation

Organising transport for the Sikh Bride and the Sikh Groom and their families from home to the Sikh Gurdwara and thereafter to the venue for the wedding reception. Hiring of Rolls-Royce cars for this purpose is not uncommon these days.

This list is not exhaustive but these are the main areas where attention is required when preparing for a Sikh Matrimonial ceremony.