WOW! It's going to be easy to describe how amazing the Indian receptions are.
Rules:
1. What happens is... the bride and grooms have to stand on stage all night.
2. Everyone wants bridge to be the Indian version of Barbie doll. With 10-15 Kg of Ghagra and on the top of it, lots of gold jewellery.
3. Everyone wants groom to be the Indian version of King Akbar, in a funny Sarafi with lots of Embroidery using Silver and Gold threads, and you never want to see that suite in your wardrobe again.
4. Expect atleast 500-700 guests there if not more I would say. And you hardly know 10% of them, including your first relatives.
5. There was a long line up on the left side of the hall, or right side of bridge and grooms, coming towards them, with 4 folded envelop in there hand. They give you this envelops while shaking hands.... It's was hard for me to understand that I am shaking hands, or taking bribe.
6. On stage, as each guest properly speaks little more than his name and conventional greetings ("badhai ho") or just word "Congratulations", the line progresses steadily without unnecessary delays.
7. If they said Congratulation and don't go forward, apparently that was a sign from guests that it is time to take photos with us. Well, later you can count all guests that attended our wedding ceremony from that photo, because they NEVER claim there photo from you.
8. From the stage, You will see some OLD aged ladies, seating in front of your stage, commenting on the other women’s saris, the size of the gold lockets, and their mangal sutras (wedding necklaces), AND the quality of the food! (which in there terms are always bad).
9. You can expect atleast one couple in the line-up holding 3 feet/3 feet large box. I prayed to god, please I don't want to hold this, hope this is her gift.... well she was praying the same thing that this should be my gift.
She Won! :(
10. We saw that all were mingling and enjoying the buffet, EXCEPT us.
11. Food everywhere...there were people walking around with every type of food imaginable with fast pace, and they genuinely seemed sad if they not able to taste all the stalls. Once again, EXCEPT us.
12. Last.... If someone unknown comes on stage, greet you and give you some gift... and if you think this is not my relative, probably her... well 8 out of 10 time she is also thinking same thing ;)
And that is Indian reception in a nutshell!
