Our Ceremony
Stephen and Rupi will be getting married in a traditional Punjabi Sikh ceremony held at the Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha in Millwoods, Edmonton.
This Gurdwara actually opened the day Rupi was born and her family lived across from it for nearly 10 years. A beautiful piece of architecture, the Gurdwara has three floors: the main hall, the langaar hall (eating area) and a private upstairs area.
On the wedding day, it may seem a little chaotic and confusing. We hope this page will help narrow things down for you.
Guests not associated with the bride and groom's arrival are welcome to arrive at the stated time on the invitation for tea and breakfast which will be served in the langaar hall. The bride and groom will have coordinated arrivals with their families. When both parties have arrived at the Gurdwara, the milni will commence.
The milni is a formal meeting of both sides of the family, like-for-like. For example, Rupi's mom and Stephen's mom will formally meet.
After the milni the family will join the guests for tea and breakfast before the ceremony. After everyone is seated upstairs, Stephen will arrive at the altar first; Rupi will follow shortly thereafter. It is not necessary to stand for the bride at Sikh weddings.
Rupi and Stephen's parents, along with the couple, will be led in a prayer before the formal ceremony begins. After the prayer, Rupi's father will place Stephen's palaa - his ceremonial velvet drape - in Rupi's hand. Then the Anand Karaj, or the Sikh wedding ceremony, will begin. Rupi and Stephen will circle the altar four times in accordance to the four Sikh wedding vows, or lawaans. Sikhism's views on gender equality in marriage dictate that Stephen sits on the right while Rupi sits on the left; however, Stephen leads the way around the altar to ensure the couple takes equal steps around it.
After the fourth round there will be a prayer wherein everyone able to is requested to stand. After this prayer (the Ardaas) is completed, the families line up for the shagun. The shagun is the time for a formal portrait with the newly wedded couple, and an opportunity to give them a card. You may see Indian guests give the couple money; this is not a requirement nor expected of you. Please pose with us for a picture regardless!
The morning will finish with a full North Indian lunch served downstairs. Come say hi to us anytime down there!
Rupi and Stephen will then depart.
Please read the page about Gurdwara etiquette to ensure a smooth morning.
Etiquette
Dress Code
The Gurdwara requires a modest dress code be followed on their property, including inside and outside the temple itself. This includes: no bare midriffs, no plunging necklines, no ripped bottoms. We ask you avoid the colours maroon, black, and white. *This rule does not apply to children.*
While on Gurdwara property, a head covering is required. These will be provided in wedding colours and Rupi's family will be on tying duty, however, a scarf/bandana/your own dupatta is perfectly acceptable. The Gurdwara also provides their own coverings.
Guests are expected to sit on the floor for the duration of the ceremony, so please remember that when choosing an outfit to wear. I would suggest valuing comfort over style.
Etiquette
Alcohol, tobacco, and meat are prohibited within Gurdwara grounds. This is a very serious request. Please leave e-cigs and vapes in your car. Men and women are segregated while sitting and while eating. Guests who cannot sit on the floor will be accommodated, but it is expected that most guests will have to sit on the floor. Short skirts and dresses have been found to be uncomfortable while sitting on the floor for an extended period of time, so we suggest pants or longer skirts. When sitting in the main hall, please do not sit with your feet extended towards the altar.
Can I wear Indian clothes?
We are so excited to provide an opportunity for our loved ones to wear traditional Indian clothing for our wedding ceremony! Your local Indian retailer or online websites such as Lashkaraa and Utsav Fashions will have great choices for the day. We highly suggest shopping at a local retailer, as you never know how things will fit until you try them on. When it comes to fabric and embroidery, go nuts! The blingier, the better. For comfort reasons, salwaar kameez for the women and kurta pajamas for men are the best option! This is obviously not required and you are completely welcome to dress how you see fit.
While sarees and lehengas are beautiful, they cannot be worn at the ceremony. You are totally welcome to wear them at our reception. However, their fit and their style is not appropriate for the temple, nor will they be comfortable to sit in. Just to emphasize: a tunic and leggings, or a salwaar kameez, are the only appropriate options for the ceremony.