Pandemic Weddings: Sneha & Dheeraj
It’s hard to imagine a Big, Fat, Cultural Wedding during these pandemic times. However, here are some stories behind the choice to proceed, downsize, and/or reschedule to a later date! As plans may still questionable for 2021, I hope this series of stories will give you ideas or inspiration on how to deal with the situation in the new year.
Sneha & Dheeraj
Sneha & Dheeraj had planned to have the traditional, multi day celebrations of their wedding in India in the presence of both their families and many friends, but once the pandemic hit they decided to change their plans. They knew if they couldn’t have a concrete answer for how long any restrictions and overall concerns about COVID would go on (a year, two years, or more), they didn’t want to wait indefinitely to plan their large dream wedding. So, they decided to go forward with a modified wedding. Though they now live in Texas, Dheeraj has family here in the Twin Cities so they had their wedding celebrations here.
This beautiful couple did have to make a huge sacrifice for their wedding to take place, neither of their parents would be able to attend. It seems unimaginable for some, but when parents are overseas it is unfortunately a sacrifice that many make due to cost, visa restrictions, health, or now a pandemic! Sneha’s sister was the sole representative from Sneha’s family, and thus was the one who walked her down the aisle, and took her mom’s place for the kanyadaan (giving away the bride). But, Sneha and Dheeraj didn’t let their families’ absence get in the way of their happiness; their silver lining was that they could adjust the ceremonies and rituals to fit what they wanted as a couple, vs. negotiating (and/or arguing!) with all the family opinions.
What they enjoyed the most about their wedding was that they created a COVID bubble with their family and friends who were present, and so they were able to spend a relaxed few days of events celebrating with all of them. The celebrations started with Sneha’s mehndi and a henna party with some of the women in the family. I didn’t know it at the time, but Sneha herself also does beautiful mehndi! Still, she graciously allowed us to create her designs without any “constructive criticism”! (Which if you’ve read about my own henna, you know it’d be impossible for me!). The following day they had a joint traditional haldi ceremony, where turmeric paste is rubbed onto the skin of the brides & grooms, it has auspicious meanings and also gives the wedded couple a healthy “glow”!
mehndhi night
tha haldi ceremony
the glowing bride!
Sneha and Dheeraj decided on a simple ceremony at the Hindu Temple. Though they had thought about having the occasion at a hotel or venue, without many people in attendance they were not so particular and knew this would be easier for all involved. However, they did make sure they had their events decorated the way they wanted, so they could have fun with their pictures, which was their biggest splurge. Without many friends and family in attendance, they really wanted to make sure the entire event was well-documented with beautiful pictures, and they were thrilled with the resulting photos and video!
Sneha and Dheeraj would still love to have a celebratory reception in India if things get better soon; but they will see how it goes. Though Sneha truly enjoyed the planning process and seeing all their efforts come together, she felt if she didn’t feel like a newlywed still, she wouldn’t want to go through another celebration!
Total in attendance: 40
Budget: $20,000-$30,000
Photo & Video: Dempag Photography
Mehndi: Kahani Events & Design
Mehndhi/Haldi Decor: Kahani Events & Design
Venue: Hindu Mandir
Caterer: India Bazaar