| If a bride or groom has South Indian roots, they may | | | | Kalash and Thali |
| want this reflected in their wedding, whether it takes | | | | Kalash and Thali are symbols of shagun, or luck. |
| place in India or elsewhere. Traditional Indian decor is | | | | Kalash is a pot usually made of brass, but may be |
| bold in color and design, with richness and elegance. If | | | | found in silver as well. The pot contains a coconut |
| you're throwing a South Indian wedding, you may be | | | | surrounded by fresh mango leaves. Painting is done in |
| looking for ideas from which to draw inspiration. | | | | beautiful ethnic designs on the exterior of the pot; |
| Mandap | | | | stickers with Indian designs can be used for the same |
| Traditionally, Indian ceremonies take place at a | | | | purpose. A Thali is a plate made of silver or brass. |
| mandap, which is an important symbolic element you'll | | | | Banana leaves cover the plate, with a diya (clay lamp) |
| want to incorporate into a traditional South Indian ritual. | | | | in the center. The diya is then surrounded with colorful |
| Find deep gold and red fabric colors for more of a | | | | flowers. Both the Kalash and the Thali can make |
| traditional look or coordinate fabric colors to match | | | | gorgeous ethnic centerpieces. |
| your overall wedding theme. Real or artificial flowers | | | | Car |
| can adorn the canopy. Marigolds, roses, and jasmine | | | | Like in America, the vehicle that will take the new |
| are commonly used for this purpose. The pillars can be | | | | couple away is often decorated for the Indian wedding. |
| wrapped with floral garlands or silk drapes in | | | | However, the decorations used for this purpose are |
| coordinating colors. Usually there is a brightly colored | | | | much different. Typically flowers are using to adorn the |
| carpet at the floor of the mandap, and strings of lights, | | | | car. Fresh, bright flowers are placed on the hood and |
| lanterns or candles can be used for illumination. The | | | | artificial garlands drape over the car. Other |
| mandap can also include wall hangings and decorative | | | | accessories used to decorate the car can include: |
| artifacts. Don't forget the ornate chairs that often | | | | mirrors, bows, threads, artifacts, tissues and bandhani |
| resemble thrones for you and your groom to sit on | | | | (dyed cotton or silk fabric). |
| under the mandap. | | | | |