Roka and engagement
- Mithai, dry fruit and shagun envelopes for the other family.
- A chunni for the bride, if your family follows chunni chadana.
- Rings, if you're exchanging them at the engagement.
- A prayer at home or a gurdwara, if your family wants one.
Mehndi, maiyan and jaago
- Mehndi artists, booked early, and enough seating and light for them to work.
- A dholi or DJ, and a list of boliyan and songs for the family.
- Vatna for maiyan (turmeric, flour and oil), and old clothes the bride or groom doesn't mind staining.
- A decorated gaggar (brass pot) with lamps, and sticks or props for the jaago.
- A word to neighbours, and a check of noise rules and venue policies, since jaago can get loud at night.
- Snacks and a late dinner: these functions often run long.
The wedding morning
- Chooda, usually from the bride's maternal uncle (mama), and kaleere from her friends and sisters.
- A sehra and kirpan for the groom, if the family uses them, and a turban tier if needed.
- A ghodi, car or decorated transport for the baraat, plus a dhol.
- Garlands for the milni, and an agreed list of who meets whom.
- Tea and breakfast for guests before the ceremony.
The Anand Karaj
- A gurdwara booking, plus a clear start time and the arrival time for guests.
- A palla for the groom, and modest outfits with head coverings for the couple.
- Scarves for guests who forget them.
- Karah Parshad and langar arrangements, and any customary donation. Ask the gurdwara.
- Your marriage licence and registered official, if the gurdwara is handling the legal part. Confirm this early.
- Note that alcohol and tobacco must stay well away from the gurdwara.
Doli and reception
- A decorated car for the doli, and someone to handle the rice and flower moment for photos.
- Tissues. The doli is often the most emotional moment of the week.
- A reception hall with final headcount, seating plan and bar plan.
- An emcee, speeches, first dance and family performances.
- One person to look after vendor payments and shagun envelopes during the evening.
Who handles what
Customs differ by family, but it helps to decide early which side is hosting each function, and to name one person in charge of each. When those details are written down, relatives stop calling the couple on the wedding morning.
Keeping everyone on the same page
Most Punjabi families have a different guest list for each function. Our guide to Punjabi wedding functions explains which usually need an invitation. You can send one Ivory Gate invitation website with every function, map and RSVP on it, from CA$39, one-time.
Frequently asked questions
Who gives the chooda in a Punjabi wedding?
Traditionally the bride's maternal uncle (mama) gives it, usually on the wedding morning. Customs differ by family.
What is needed for a jaago?
Commonly a decorated brass pot (gaggar) with lamps, a dhol and relatives who know the boliyan. Check noise rules if you're in a residential area.
Do you have to serve alcohol at a Punjabi reception?
No. It's a family decision. Many families do, many do not, and it should never be near the gurdwara.
Ivory Gate
Make your invitation in 10 minutes
Every function on one link, RSVPs per event, maps and music. One-time from CA$39.
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