May 16th 2026
Wedding Day Etiquette
We are honored to have you join our Anand Karaj. Though we aren't in a traditional Gurdwara, we have created a sacred space to honor Sikh traditions. Here is a brief guide on what to expect as we celebrate together.
Attire & Head Coverings
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Everyone is required to cover their heads inside the ceremony hall. We will provide headscarves (rumals) at the entrance, but feel free to bring your own pashmina or scarf. Headcoverings are worn as a sign of respect for the Sikh holy scripture, the Guru Granth Sahib.
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To keep the sacred space clean, shoes must be removed before entering the hall. We will have a designated area for shoe storage.
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Vibrant outfits are encouraged. We kindly ask that you avoid wearing white or black (traditional mourning colors) and keep your shoulders and knees covered.
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For our guests, we invite friends and family of the groom to wear shades of baby blue or light blue. We ask friends and family of the bride to wear shades of light pink.
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The bride will be wearing a stunning shade of red for the occasion. We ask that all guests kindly avoid wearing red so that the bride may stand out on her special day.
The ceremony is designed to show that we are all equal in the eyes of the Divine.
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As you enter, you will see people bowing to the Scripture. To honor our religious ceremony, we kindly ask that you follow suit; a simple, respectful pause is a beautiful way to show your presence.
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In keeping with tradition, seating will be on the floor to symbolize humility. We will have cushions for your comfort. If you have a physical condition that makes floor seating difficult, we will have chairs available.
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Aside from immediate family of the bride and groom, males and females will be seated on separate sides of the aisle; we kindly ask that you respect this gesture of equality.
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It is considered disrespectful to point your feet toward the Guru Granth Sahib (the Holy Scripture) or the altar. If your legs get tired, please tuck them to the side or cross them.
Sacred Spaces & Shared Traditions
The Main Ceremony:
The Four Rounds (Laavaan): The heart of the wedding is when the bride and groom walk four times around the Holy Scripture. During these rounds, please remain seated and enjoy the hymns being sung.
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The First Round: Represents the commitment to a spiritual way of life and the importance of family and duty.
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The Second Round: Symbolizes the awakening of love and the removal of ego as two lives begin to blend.
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The Third Round: Focuses on the joy of belonging and the deepening of spiritual devotion together.
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The Fourth Round: The final stage where the souls become one, reaching a state of peace, balance, and complete union.
Sweet Blessings (Karah Prashad): Toward the end, a sweet, warm flour-based treat will be offered to everyone. It is a symbol of equality and blessing. Please accept it with both hands cupped together. It’s delicious, but if you have dietary concerns, a tiny portion is perfectly fine!
General Etiquette: Tobacco & Alcohol
No tobacco, vaping products, or alcohol are allowed inside the ceremony area. We ask that you ensure these items are left in your car or at home during the religious portion of the day.
