Vedic traditions play a crucial role in determining the content of Indian wedding invitation cards. Timings are fixed after consulting the astral positions and the horoscopes of the bride and the groom according to Vedic texts. A typical invitation card carries the images of their beloved gods and goddesses. Invitation cards are sent out to guests after the finalization of the “negotiation” ceremony. Guests of the bride and guests of the groom each receive different wedding programs at the wedding ceremony.
The wedding invitation wording on the wedding invitation cards usually starts with the invocation of the Gods that are worshipped by the Hindu religion, if it’s a Hindu wedding. Wedding invitation cards may be printed in any of the many Indian languages or English, or both. Even if it is printed in English, the ancient Vedic Sanskrit mantras are still printed on the cards. Sanskrit mantras in English make for interesting text to read.
Sending out Indian wedding invitation cards is just the beginning of grand celebrations that are to come. Invitation etiquette demands that the parents of the bride and the groom invite their friends and relatives to the wedding personally. Some of the friends living out of the city are invited via telephone and mail. Wedding invitation cards are sometimes designed like messages sent by the Rajas, which were read out in the courts of royal people.
Wedding themes are based on the religion or locality of the bride and the groom. Hindu weddings generally follow the Vedic traditions. Wedding programs comprising of song, dance, and music are an essential part of the wedding ceremony. Several additional wedding programs are lined up for the entertainment of the guests and the Indian wedding invitation cards carry the details of the programs. The bride is dressed up to the accompaniment of songs and dances. The groom arrives at the wedding venue along with his entourage of family and friends. They dance and celebrate the joyous moment, sometimes to the accompaniment to Bollywood music. Typical wedding favor ideas in an Indian wedding include giving away clothes, steel utensils, or other gifts.