A British guest’s guide
You don’t need to know the steps, the traditions or a word of Hindi. A little curiosity and a willingness to join in will do beautifully.
We’re so glad you’re coming. Mansi & Chris
Come as
a guest.
Feel like
family.
No expert knowledge required.
Comfortable shoes are an excellent start.
Here’s what to expect and how to join in. The main timings are below; locations within the resort and any final changes will be added as they become available. All times are local to India (IST).
TUESDAY · 24 NOV2:00 pm IST
Join everyone for our first meal together, after check-in at 12pm. This is a relaxed chance to meet both families and settle in. Lunch and Mehendi form one afternoon together, so wear the same outfit for both.
TUESDAY · 24 NOV4:00 pm IST
Mehendi is the art of decorating hands and feet with henna. You’re welcome to have a design if you’d like, or simply enjoy the gathering. Let the artist know if you prefer something small. Keep sleeves away from fresh henna and ask how long it needs to dry before touching anything.
TUESDAY · 24 NOV7:00 pm IST
An evening of music and dance bringing the two families together. There may be group performances and plenty of cheering. You don’t need to know any choreography: clap along, follow someone’s lead or enjoy watching. Wear shoes you can dance in.
WEDNESDAY · 25 NOV10:00 am IST
Turmeric paste and blessings begin our wedding day. Family and friends may be invited to apply a little paste to the couple; wait for a cue rather than guessing. Taking part is optional. Turmeric can stain, so choose washable clothes.
WEDNESDAY · 25 NOV5:00 pm IST
Prayers, vows and meaningful rituals form the heart of the day. Some parts may be in a language you don’t understand; you can still enjoy watching and ask a family member about them afterwards. Arrive before 5pm, silence your phone and follow the family’s or priest’s cues about seating, standing and shoes. Keep the aisle and ceremonial space clear.
WEDNESDAY · 25 NOV10:00 pm IST
The reception follows the wedding ceremony at 10pm. It’s a chance to celebrate with the newlyweds and catch up with everyone. You don’t need to stay out later than you’re comfortable with—take breaks whenever you need them.
All celebrations take place at Shiva Oasis Resort, Neemrana. Check-in: 24 November at 12pm. Check-out: 26 November, time to follow. Travel to and from the resort will be arranged for you. A wedding concierge will contact you at a later date to confirm your arrival times and share the journey details.
The groom’s arrival procession, often with music and dancing. If it’s part of our day, we’ll let you know where to join.
The canopy or ceremonial space where the wedding rituals take place. Leave space for the family and priest.
Circling the sacred fire as part of the marriage rites. The number and meaning of rounds vary by tradition.
Customs vary by family and region. Background: Hindu American Foundation’s wedding primer.
Indian clothing is warmly welcomed, and formal Western clothing is welcome too. These are the website’s draft suggestions; final dress codes will follow.
Think light & easyA relaxed kurta, light dress, shirt and trousers or comfortable Indian set. Lunch is followed by Mehendi on 24 November; one outfit covers the whole afternoon.
No outfit change is needed between lunch and Mehendi. Choose sleeves that stay clear of your hands if you’d like henna.
Sunshine tonesA relaxed kurta, light dress or comfortable Indian set for the morning of 25 November.
Turmeric can stain. Choose washable clothes you don’t mind getting a little colourful.
Think festiveJewel tones, a little sparkle, an Indian outfit or eveningwear you can move in.
Try a few dance steps in it before you pack. A spare pair of comfortable shoes earns its place in your bag.
Think occasionwearA sari, lehenga, dressy kurta, suit, formal dress or tailored ensemble.
A light shawl is useful for coverage or a cooler evening. Follow our final colour guidance rather than a universal list of banned colours.
Yes, you can rewear an outfit. You’re here to celebrate, not to supply a fashion week.
03 · The little things
You won’t be expected to arrive knowing every custom. Ask, take your cue from the family, and make yourself at home.
A smile and “hello” are lovely. “Namaste” is a respectful Hindi greeting; you can bring your palms together if you wish. Let people lead on handshakes or hugs. Use the names and family titles you’re introduced to.
You may be asked to remove them around the ceremonial area. Follow the signs or the family’s lead. Bring shoes that are easy to slip off, and ask if you need help or an accessible alternative.
Follow the couple’s and photographer’s guidance, especially during the ceremony. Keep aisles and the ceremonial space clear, avoid flash, and ask before sharing close-up photos of other guests.
Only if you’d like to. Watching, cheering and being present are lovely ways to take part. You can respectfully observe prayers and rituals without performing them.
Preferences differ between families and events. Our website’s dress guide is the starting point; final colour guidance will follow. If you’re unsure about a very bridal-looking outfit, check with us before buying it.
Our gift preferences will be shared separately; there’s no need to guess an amount or follow a custom you’re unfamiliar with. For hotel or transport tips, check whether a service charge or group gratuity is already included. Wedding-specific arrangements are still to come.
A starting point for our UK guests. Visa rules follow your passport; health advice follows your itinerary and medical history.
Official guidance checked . Recheck before applying and again before departure.
Your paperwork
Travelling on a full British citizen passport? You need a visa unless you hold a valid OCI card. Your passport must have at least six months left from arrival and two blank pages.
A passport details-page scan, a recent photograph meeting the portal’s specifications and your travel details. Read the current document checklist and fees for your visa. Use your actual booked accommodation address when completing the India address fields; guests staying at the wedding venue can find its address in the website’s Travel section. Official checklist and FAQs.
A valid OCI card and valid passport can replace the visa requirement. For other passport types, dual nationality, or Pakistani nationality or origin, check the specific rules with the Indian authorities early; eligibility and processing can differ. Check the exceptions.
Your travel-health review
Start about eight weeks before you fly: check the advice and book a GP, practice nurse or travel-clinic review. Some vaccines need a course. If your trip is sooner, still ask for advice.
GOV.UK travel-health advice ↗ · NHS appointment guidance ↗
Ask a qualified travel-health professional to tailor the advice, especially for children, pregnancy, immune suppression or existing medical conditions. Include any travel before or after the wedding.
Yellow fever and polio certificate rules can apply depending on where you are arriving from. Tell your clinician about recent travel and transit stops and check the current requirements for your route. Official certificate requirements.
Take precautions against mosquito bites during the day and at night. Ask whether malaria-prevention tablets are appropriate for every stop on your itinerary; the answer depends on location and individual risk. TravelHealthPro’s India advice.
After assessment, hepatitis A, typhoid, polio (in the combined vaccine) and cholera vaccines can be provided free through a GP surgery. Other travel vaccines may involve a charge. Check availability with your practice. NHS vaccine availability.
The venue is Shiva Oasis Resort in Neemrana, Rajasthan. Check-in is on 24 November at 12pm and check-out is on 26 November. Guests staying elsewhere will commute. Travel to and from the resort will be arranged for you. Our wedding concierge will contact you later to confirm your arrival times. Pick-up points and timings will follow. Check the travel section before making wedding-related bookings.
Work through the visa and vaccination guidance above, save your approval documents and arrange appropriate travel insurance.
Tell us your dietary requirements once the RSVP service is live, and speak directly with catering staff about allergies. Check the official travel health guidance for food and water precautions.
Our wedding concierge will get in touch before the trip to confirm arrival times and help coordinate your resort transfers. Contact numbers and local arrangements will be added once confirmed. Save those details and the venue address before you travel. For urgent assistance, see GOV.UK’s help in India.
Check the Neemrana forecast nearer departure, and North Goa separately if you’re joining the trip.
New information will be added here as it’s confirmed. You don’t need to work out every part of the wedding weekend yourself.
Keep your flight details and arrival time handy. Our wedding concierge will contact you at a later date to confirm them and coordinate travel to and from Shiva Oasis Resort. If your plans change after that conversation, let the concierge know using the contact details they provide.
Check-in is at 12pm on 24 November, followed by Welcome Lunch at 2pm. Leave yourself time to settle in. If you expect to arrive earlier or later, tell the concierge; early room access has not been confirmed. You’ll receive pick-up and meeting-point details separately.
There’s time to pause as well as celebrate. Keep the schedule saved on your phone, check where each event is taking place and allow a little time to get there. Ask a family member if you’re unsure where to sit or what happens next.
Start with your name and how you know Mansi or Chris. “Lovely to meet you” is plenty. You don’t need to speak Hindi, and nobody expects perfect pronunciation. Our beginner phrase book has short greetings, thanks and useful wedding phrases.
Include your dietary preferences, allergies and access needs in your RSVP when response collection opens. Tell us whose needs they are, including an invited +1. At meals, ask the catering team about ingredients rather than assuming a dish is suitable. You’re welcome to ask for help or take a quiet break.
Resort check-out is on 26 November; the time will follow. We’ll then be in Goa from 26–30 November. Stay until the 30th with us, or leave on the 29th if you need to return for work. Goa accommodation is TBC. Tell us your likely dates in the combined wedding and Goa RSVP.