Indian Bridal Gifts
Bridal gifts are given at the bridal shower and are usually meant for the couple. Western etiquette states that bridal and wedding gifts can both come from a couple's registry. However, the only gifts accepted at a traditional Indian wedding are cards or money. Indian weddings are usually colorful and festive, traditionally lasting three days long. Gifts can come in many forms from clothes to flowers to household items.
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Traditional
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Traditional Indian bridal gifts can include a colorful new sari for the bride to wear. The bride is expected to wear a new outfit for each event that takes place during the three-day wedding. Henna is another traditional part of an Indian wedding. Buy a set of slow fading henna that includes an applicator. The henna will be applied to the bride's hands; tradition states the slower the henna fades from the bride's hands, the better their marriage will be. Gold jewelry is always welcome at an Indian wedding; choose toe rings, anklets, earrings or bracelets.
Contemporary
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The bride would appreciate contemporary but practical gifts as simple as a customized picture frame for the couple's wedding photographs, wine glasses, glass food storage containers or espresso machines. However, brides also love gifts such as lessons the couple can take together in an area of their interest, such as golf, cooking, wine tasting or scuba diving.
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Close Friends and Relatives
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If you are a close relative or friend of the family, it is appropriate for you to give gifts to the bride that directly relate to the wedding ceremony. Two beautiful flower garlands will be exchanged between the bride and groom. Purchase or make the garlands for the couple out of exotic and fragrant flowers. A black beaded necklace is placed around the bride's neck by the groom. Buy or make this necklace with decorative beads, the majority of the beads must be black. A Ganesh table will be used to welcome guests to the ceremony. Buy one and have it personalized with the couple's initials. The actual wedding ceremony commences under a canopy called a Mandap. Give the bride a Mandap that matches her bridal sari.
Friends and Acquaintances
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If you are a friend or acquaintance of the family, it is perfectly acceptable to offer traditional or contemporary gifts to the bride that the couple will use in their married life together. Household items are always appreciated such as a set of dishes, utensils, cooking tools, appliances, linens and toiletries. You can also give personal gifts such as chocolates, perfume or gift cards for a couple's massage, spa day or hotel stay.
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