Welcome to our week of webchats! Every day this week you can put your wedding ceremony questions to one of our experts.

Today, until 5pm, you can put your Asian and mixed-faith wedding questions to Sheila Chadha, MD of the Indian Wedding Company (http://www.theindianweddingcompany.co.uk/). Sheila can also help out with your general wedding planning questions, so if you want some advice, now’s the time to ask!

We'll keep track of all the questions so no one will be missed out, but please bear with us if we start to get busy.

Please do make sure that you post within this thread (by clicking "post reply" at the top or bottom of the thread) as unfortunately we're not able to answer questions posted elsewhere in the forum.
And don’t forget to keep refreshing your page to see the latest questions and answers.


Thanks
Web Ed

Hi

I'm Sheila and I'll be available to give all sort of hints and tips on planning an Asian or mixed faith wedding. Please do post your questions to me on planning, decor ideas, finding the perfect venue or simply if you would like to chat about your issues about planning an Asian wedding.

I'm going to my first asian wedding next week and I have no idea what gift to buy the couple. As a white English girl I'm really excited about going to the wedding but I don't want to get it wrong! The bride tells me she doesn't want a gift but I would like to get them something. They are Muslim and although their wedding is traditional Pakistani wedding, they aren't overly strict or traditional. Any ideas please?!

M

As a Christian, I've been invited to an asian wedding but I have no idea what to expect or what to wear. I'd hate to put my foot in things by wearing something I think is fine but may be the wrong colour, style etc. What type of thing should I be wearing?
Many thanks for your help.

Hi Sheila!

I am currently in the process of choosing my wedding cake and want to combine a traditional english cake with a red and gold indian twist.

I want a mix of both cultures and want a tiered design but with an indian theme.

Have you got any good ideas on how I can achieve this?

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[Modified by: Susie84 on October 03, 2007 04:26 PM]

Hello Sheila,

My nephew (a Christian) is marrying his girlfriend (a Muslim) up in Yorkshire next year. What format does a Muslim wedding take? My nephew would like me to participate either by singing something or doing a reading but would that be acceptable? I'd hate to alienate her family by innocently suggesting something that would be offensive to them so any advice would be most welcome.

Many thanks in advance.

LadyC

Hi May

Alot of couple do ask their guests not to bring gifts but of course it is traditional to do so. In Asian customs it is customary to give money or jewellry eg Gold. Depending on how well you know the Bride or Groom think about their tastes. Money is well received as couples have alot of expenses after a wedding esp. with buying a house etc. Gift ideas could include a jewellry set from specialist Indian jeweller, something for the home like a beautiful crystal vase or customised ornament from somewhere John Lewis or Kyles. If you are really stuck gift vouchers are always a good idea!

Hello Leila

It will depend on if you are attending a Hindu wedding or Muslim wedding. Definatly if you are attending a muslim wedding, dress conservatively. There are beautiful Indian outfits available such a Salwar Kameze which is like a trouser and top and they come in a variety of exotic colours such as reds, greens, yellows and blues. Most brides would wear either Pink or Red but Muslim brides have been known to wear Blue as well. As long as your outfit is not a bridal outfit you can't go wrong. You may need to cover your head with a scarf. Try this website for ideas www.santoshi.net. If you are attending a hindu wedding don't wear red or white. Do let me know if you would like some more website and I'll be happy to post them up for you.

Hello Susie84

Why not ask your cake designer to design a ribbon effect around the bottom of each tier but in rich red and gold. So instead of a ribbon around each tier which you may see typically around a birthday cake your cake decorator could make a hand made design. Or you could always put a menhdi design on each tier. Don't make it too intricate as it can look too heavy. You can find some images on Google.

Hello LadyC

Normally females are seperated from Males guests. A ceremony will be performed by an Imam (Priest). Usually the whole ceremony is performed on a stage on decorative chairs. The stage will be all nicely decorated. There are many different Muslim customs so I would need to know the region the family are from to advise you accordingly as it can vary greatly. You could ask to talk to the bride's family and ask them how you could help them as traditionally Bride's families organise everything. A reading at the Reception could be done in the form of a poem or something about your nephew.

That's great Sheila thank you. By the way, should I keep legs and/or arms completely covered or would a calf-length skirt or short sleeves still be okay? It's a summer wedding you see and I get hot at the best of times.

More like ankle length to be safe! lol. It's very difficult to tell how strict certain families are. A long elegant dress will also work as long as the arms are covered say 3/4 and just add a very nice elegant scarf say of organza which will be light.

Hi guys

Thanks for all your questions and a big thank you to Sheila for her expert advice!

Features Ed

xx