The Complete Guide to Indian Wedding Invitations: Wording, Timing & More
Planning an Indian wedding is exciting and emotional—it’s all about family, tradition, and celebration. One of the most important parts of the planning process is sending out wedding invitations. They do more than just give out details; they set the tone for the big day and show your guests what to expect. Some couples even include a wedding QR code sign in their invites, making it easier for guests to RSVP, find the venue, or view the couple’s wedding website.Let’s start with timing. Indian weddings often have multiple events like the Mehendi, Sangeet, Haldi, and the main ceremony. Because of this, it’s a good idea to send your invitations six to eight weeks in advance—longer if you're having a destination wedding. For close family and friends flying in from other cities or countries, even earlier notice is helpful. Save-the-date cards can go out three to six months ahead to block calendars.
When it comes to wording, many Indian wedding invites begin with a spiritual quote or a blessing. Hindu invitations often start with “Shree Ganeshaya Namah” or “Om Shanti.” Sikh invites might begin with “Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh,” while Muslim invitations often include “Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim.” After this, the names of the parents usually come next, since many Indian families still prefer the parents to “host” the wedding.
Don’t forget to be clear. List each event with its date, time, and location, and make sure guests know what's expected—like dress codes or if kids are welcome. Indian ceremonies can start at unusual times, depending on the muhurat (an astrologically chosen time), so double-check all the details.
If you’re going digital or using e-invites, try to keep some traditional elements alive, like including cultural symbols (such as the kalash, copyright, or chakra) or using regional languages alongside English. It’s a great way to mix the old with the new.
At the end of the day, your wedding invitation is part of your love story. Whether you keep it simple or go all out, it's a chance to share your excitement with everyone you care about.