What to include in a Hindu Wedding invitation
- 01An opening invocation: ॥ श्री गणेशाय नमः ॥, ॐ, or a family deity's name
- 02Both names with their parents, and grandparents too if your family likes to include them
- 03The muhurat (auspicious time) for the pheras, plus the baraat arrival time
- 04Every function with date, time, venue and address: haldi, mehndi, sangeet, wedding, reception
- 05A dress code if you have colours in mind, such as yellow for haldi
- 06An RSVP date and a contact number, often a brother, sister or cousin
- 07A closing line such as 'With best compliments from' followed by relatives' names, if that's your family's custom
Hindu Wedding invitation wording you can copy
॥ श्री गणेशाय नमः ॥With the blessings of Lord Ganesha and our elders, Mr. & Mrs. Rakesh Sharma request the pleasure of your company at the wedding of their daughter Priya with Rahul, son of Mr. & Mrs. Vinod Mehta.Seven pheras, two families and one very long dance floor. Priya and Rahul are getting married, and we'd love you there for every moment.परम पिता परमेश्वर की असीम कृपा से हमारी सुपुत्री सौ. कां. प्रिया का शुभ विवाह चि. राहुल के साथ होना निश्चित हुआ है। इस मंगल अवसर पर आप सपरिवार पधार कर वर-वधू को अपना आशीर्वाद प्रदान करें।The functions, in order
- 01
Roka / Sagai
The families formally accept the match, often with a ring exchange, gifts and sweets.
- 02
Haldi
A turmeric paste is applied to the bride and groom by family members, for blessings and a glow before the wedding.
- 03
Mehndi
Henna is applied to the bride's hands and feet while family and friends sing, dance and eat.
- 04
Sangeet
An evening of music and dance where both families often perform for each other.
- 05
Baraat
The groom arrives at the venue with his family and friends, usually dancing to dhol or a band.
- 06
Jaimala / Varmala
The bride and groom exchange flower garlands, accepting each other in front of their guests.
- 07
Kanyadaan
The bride's parents place her hand in the groom's, one of the most emotional moments of the ceremony.
- 08
Saat Phere
The couple circles the sacred fire as the priest chants mantras, making vows to each other. Many families take seven pheras; customs vary by region.
- 09
Vidaai
The bride's farewell to her family as she leaves with the groom's family.
- 10
Reception
A dinner celebration, often hosted by the groom's family, to welcome the couple.
Tips from families who've done it
- Ask your pandit ji for the muhurat before you send the invitation, since the ceremony time is built around it.
- Send save-the-dates 3–6 months ahead for relatives travelling from India, and the full invitation 6–8 weeks before.
- Many families give the first card to Lord Ganesha at home or at the mandir before sending any others.
- Visit elders in person with mithai and a printed or Keepsake Card, then share the link for every function.
Designs made for this occasion
Hindu Wedding invitation FAQ
What is written at the top of a Hindu wedding invitation?
Many families open with ॥ श्री गणेशाय नमः ॥ (Shri Ganeshaya Namah), invoking Lord Ganesha for an auspicious start, or with ॐ. Some families use the name of their own family deity instead.
What do चि. and सौ. कां. mean on a Hindi wedding card?
चि. (Chiranjeev, 'may he live long') is a traditional honorific before the groom's name, and सौ. कां. (Saubhagyakankshini, 'wishing for good fortune') is used before the bride's name.
Should a Hindu wedding invitation be in Hindi or English?
Many Canadian families use both: Hindi for elders and English for friends and colleagues. You can write each section in either language on the same invitation.
Can each function have its own RSVP?
Yes. Haldi, mehndi, sangeet, the wedding and the reception each get their own card with date, time, venue and map, and guests can RSVP to each one separately.