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The only representation of Indian weddings that foreigners have is from Bollywood, and this representation includes loud music, expensive decorations, traditional clothes, copious amounts of alcohol, late-night partying, and, of course, excellent cuisine. However, India is a culturally varied nation, and Hindu beliefs dictate that the fundamentals of marriage are the same throughout the country. Traditions and rituals differ according to region. The way we marry in the south of India is very different from the way we marry in the north. Understanding various cultures and customs is always enlightening, whether you are an outsider or an Indian from the northern or southern region of the country. Before going right to the celebration, there are a few things you should know if you're ready to attend a South Indian wedding for the first time.

 

From the timing of the wedding to the clothes, music, ceremonies, and food, there are many distinctions between marriages in North India and South India. Your invitation to a South Indian wedding is simply your pass to a completely different kind of wedding. To fit in with the community and take part in a cultural festival as lovely as a wedding ceremony, you must put a lot of effort into your preparation.

 

You can use the following list of explanations to better comprehend the differences between South Indian and North Indian weddings.

 

1.  Wedding Timing

The timing of the wedding is one of the most significant distinctions between North Indian and South Indian Weddings. It will be difficult for you to attend a South Indian wedding if you have a bad habit of sleeping in. South Indian weddings begin early in the morning and are finished with all the festivities by 10 am, as opposed to North Indian weddings, which begin in the evening and go till the following morning. South Indian marriages could begin as early as 4 am in the ideal scenario. So, if you don't want to miss the event, set your alarms.

 

2.  Wedding Attire

If you've only been to North Indian weddings thus far, you might believe that the only way to attend a wedding is to dress sharply in a suit or a sherwani and brides and women prefer to wear heavy sarees and lehengas. Some of them prefer indo-western or new trending dresses. However, compared to North Indian wedding attire, South Indian wedding attire is far more formal. At the wedding, guests wear a white shirt and a silk dhoti called a veshti. The bride must wear a saree that was given to her by the groom's family, while the groom must wear both a shirt and a dhoti. Both North Indian wedding attire and South Indian wedding attire have their charm and prospective

 

3. Food Menu

The staple diets of North India and South India differ greatly from one another. While rice is the most widely planted crop in the South, wheat is the most often grown grain in the North. Marriages can also be perceived to differ in this way. A North Indian wedding food menu could include chapati, poori, spicy curries, exotic drinks, and sweet foods. In contrast, the typical meals served on a South Indian wedding food menu are dosa, uttapam, jalebi, vada, and up. The spices and oil used here are very different from how food is prepared in the North. Most people ask Is south Indian food better than North Indian, Answer is simple if the regions have their flavours, taste both are perfect in their way. People have their perspectives to judge dishes. Some of them prefer South Indian, some North. If you want an answer then test your taste buds and choose your cuisine.

 

 

4. Length Of Wedding

One may conclude that North Indian weddings are lengthier in duration if they are judged just on the timing and length of the wedding ceremony. However, in practice, various ceremonies that are performed before the wedding begin 15–16 days beforehand. To keep you entertained, different ceremonies are carried out on various days.

 

5.  Wedding Music

In both South Indian and North Indian weddings, music is a significant factor. But the music heard in North Indian and South Indian weddings are very different from one another. While Punjabi or loud party songs are frequently played at North Indian weddings and guests are encouraged to move their legs. South Indian marriages, on the other hand, place a strong emphasis on tradition and culture. You might hear a classical tune or a song in the Carnatic style. When people enter the Mandapam marriage hall, Shehnai music welcomes them.

 

6. Eating with Hands

How the wedding guests are provided food differs significantly between South Indian and North Indian weddings. For North Indian weddings, there is a buffet system where the food is provided to the guests in a buffet manner. The visitor is free to take whatever they want to eat. Contrarily, food is typically served on banana leaves during South Indian weddings. The diners consume everything with their hands and there is no plate system in place. There is no use of a fork or spoon.

 

7. Makeup

Another significant distinction is how the bride and groom dress and apply makeup before the wedding ceremony. For North Indian weddings, the bride spends hours getting ready in the salon. The bride is dressed in a heavy Lehenga, heavy jewellery, and layers of makeup. The bride wears a fairly conservative outfit in South Indian weddings, though. This does not imply a lack of cosmetics, but South Indian brides tend to wear little jewellery and less makeup. The same holds for the groom. In contrast to North Indian weddings, South Indian weddings don't include grooms wearing bulky Sherwanis or suits.

 

8. Wedding Vibes

Both cultures have a joyful atmosphere at weddings. However, weddings in North India have a more festive atmosphere. People dance and have fun at the sangeet, haldi, and Mehendi ceremonies. The desi-Bollywood ambience is also present in the wedding music.

South Indian weddings, however, exude a serene atmosphere. It is closer to the customary rites. Classical, Carnatic, or live instrumental "kettimelam" that is played only during the ceremony is chosen even for music. The rituals are given more prominence, and the couple is the centre of attention.

 

Final Thought

 

A wedding is a lovely event celebrating the uniting of two devoted hearts promising their future togetherness. It's a time to celebrate and give the bride and groom all the blessings. Whether South Indian or North Indian, what important is the sentiment and camaraderie of families, friends, and loved ones? Make an effort to enjoy every second of your wedding and to appreciate it always.