Ballyvolane House played host to one of the most colorful outdoor weddings that I have attended in a long time. It was also an Indian wedding which made it even more special. Not only was it one of the most fun weddings I’ve had the pleasure of shooting, it also had a lot of new experiences which were quite surprising and pleasing at the same time. It also fit right at home as an Outdoor wedding at the Ballyvolane House perfectly because of all the fun activities that persisted well into the night.
In case you’ve never been to an Indian wedding, here is a quick guide of some things to expect which will help reduce some of the culture shock.
- They are a weekend-long celebration!
Indian weddings can take as much as three days to happen. They usually begin with a Hindu festival canned a Ganesha Pooja. This is done at home with the presence of the immediate families and few close friends. This is an intimate ceremony which opens up to the mehndi ceremony which is the second day’s ceremony. This involves plenty of dancing with the couple covered in exquisite paint patterns or henna. The third day is the wedding party proper as well as the reception for the rest of the day.
- Ceremony Venue
Most Indian weddings take place at banquet halls or at a local Hindu temple. Ballyvolane House played host to the last Indian wedding I attended, and it was a barn wedding and had the reception in the outdoors. Having an Indian Wedding as a barn wedding in Ballyvolane House was perfect because there was enough space for all the guests and enough room to carry out all the traditional activities and dancing that followed.
- Colourful outfits
Indian weddings are a kaleidoscope of colours! You will not be able to find a dull colour anywhere. Instead most of the fashion styles are bright, colourful and over the top! The saris of the female guests are beautiful to watch especially during the dances as they rustle in the sunlight. If you don’t have an Indian attire to wear, just find something free flowing and vibrant to fit right in. Stay away from black or white because these are seen as negative in Indian culture. Also leave your red gown at home, it’s the colour of the bride.
- Food, food and more food
Be ready to go home in a truck at an Indian wedding. The barn wedding at the Ballyvolane House made excellent use of the space with several appetizer and buffet stations all around the premises. There will be a wide variety of things to try out. Don’t be share to experience new culinary delights!
Having an Indian wedding done as an outdoor wedding is a great idea if you are looking to get married. Ballyvolane House provides the perfect venue for a barn wedding no matter where you’re from and can take all the wedding ceremonies as well as the lavish reception party you want to throw for your friends and family.