10 Wedding Traditions from the West that are Becoming Popular in India! (Psst, Do You Want To Try Any?)

We Indians have our own sweet (and a lot) of traditions for our big fat weddings. But we are making our weddings even bigger by adopting some of the traditions from the white weddings of the West, which have now sort of become so common, that we forget that the idea was 'something borrowed' in the first place! And if you're planning your wedding sometime soon, then maybe you can give these a thought.. some of these ideas add a lot to the wedding!   Having a Wedding Cake

Photo Courtesy: The Cheesecake Project★ 4.8

Yes, it is very common, and no, this was not a tradition that has always been followed in India. Cakes were usually cut only on birthdays, but now wedding cakes have become quite a hit idea in India as well! The tiered cakes are gorgeous, with amazing layers and intricate work on it, and this has become a staple tradition being followed in most Indian weddings these days. Get as innovative as you can with the cake toppers! Raising a Toast Tapping the wine or champagne glass, attracting everyone's attention and saying something emotional or hilarious about the couple, especially during the reception has become pretty common too! It could be something spontaneous, or for those who aren't that comfortable with public speaking, reading out something you've written. Rehearsal Dinner

Picture Courtesy: Kitschy Goa Wedding 

A rehearsal dinner is a pre-wedding ceremony that's a staple in every American wedding, which happens after the wedding rehearsal on the night before the wedding ceremony. The guests generally include the bride and the groom-to-be and close family and friends. This also is becoming a pretty popular concept in India- plus, this means another fun event, which is usually very relaxed, just with your closest inner circle and oh, it comes with a theme and a fun dress code, what's not to love! Flower boys or girls

Photo Courtesy: Neha & Zoheb's Real Wedding

Having your cute little cousins or nieces and nephews strut their cuteness while carrying your engagement ring or jaimala has become very common, and gets so many 'awwwws' from the crowd as well! Matching bridesmaids or groomsmen

Photo Courtesy: Amish Photography★ 5

The concept of having bridesmaids, groomsmen or a maid of honour or best man is something that's really caught on in India in Hindu weddings as well, but having the bridesmaids strut in matching gowns, lehengas or saris is something that's really catching on as well! Father-daughter dance

Photo Courtesy: Bhumi and Simran Photography★ 5

It still remains a tear-jerker, whether you do it here or there. RSVP

Photo Courtesy: www.rusticweddingchic.com

This is one trend we as well as a lot of couples and wedding planners especially are happy about, as it's high time we have a realistic estimate about the number of guests who are attending! You still have a lot of buffer to leave, but it is a slow but good progress! Gift Registery

Photo Courtesy: Wrapistry

Makes so much sense doesn't it? Rather than getting some random gift that's been handed on from person to person, or get something for the house that you really don't like, this is something that a lot of couples are opting for! Find out more about it here. Honeymoon Fund/ Registry

Love Dope Studios

This is like taking gift registry a step further, although it really hasn't caught on in India yet. This involves asking the guests to contribute towards the honeymoon- be it in cash or kind (like sponsor activities or spa stuff), so that the couple is able to enjoy a lavish honeymoon. The concept stems from the idea that a lot of couples are already settled/ living in, and might not really need stuff to set up the house, so making a cash donation towards their next big expenditure (the honeymoon), is something that's more useful. Writing Your Own Wedding Vows

Pic via Masoom & Shailin's Engagement 

Somehow we Indians are a bit shy about expressing our feelings. Most brides and grooms just prefer the pujari or the parents to say a few words and shyly look at each other. All that has changed now and it must, really. Because this is the one day that you will be looking back at, years from now and that means - you need to say a few vows that are essentially yours alone. Writing down your thoughts and telling your loved one your wishes for this marriage is a beautiful thing.