Hindu Wedding Invitation Wording and Traditions
Hindu wedding invitation wording and traditions: Ganesh invocations, the classic card order, lines for every ceremony in English and Hindi, and what each ritual means.
Hindu wedding invitation wording and traditions
A Hindu wedding invitation follows an order that families have used for generations: an invocation to Ganesha, the hosts, the couple, then each ceremony of the wedding week with its muhurat. Below is that order, the most-used invocations, and ready wording for every ceremony. Tap Copy and replace the words in brackets.
Invocations for the top of the card
Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, is invoked first in almost every Hindu wedding card.
- ॥ श्री गणेशाय नमः ॥
- वक्रतुण्ड महाकाय सूर्यकोटि समप्रभ। निर्विघ्नं कुरु मे देव सर्वकार्येषु सर्वदा॥
- ॥ ॐ श्री गणेशाय नमः ॥ ॥ शुभ विवाह ॥
- मंगलम् भगवान विष्णु, मंगलम् गरुड़ध्वजः। मंगलम् पुण्डरीकाक्षः, मंगलाय तनो हरिः॥
- With the blessings of Lord Ganesha and our elders,
The classic order of a Hindu wedding card
- Invocation to Ganesha or the family deity.
- The hosts, usually the parents, sometimes with grandparents named first.
- The couple, with the names of both sets of parents.
- The ceremonies, each with its date, muhurat and venue.
- The closing, a request for the guest's presence and blessings.
- The family names, often under विनीत or "With best compliments from".
Main wedding wording
- With the blessings of Lord Ganesha and our elders, Mr and Mrs [Surname] request the honour of your presence at the auspicious wedding of their daughter [Bride] with [Groom], son of Mr and Mrs [Surname], on [Date]. Muhurat: [Time]. Venue: [Venue], [City].
- हमारी सुपुत्री [वधू] का शुभ विवाह [वर], सुपुत्र श्री [पिता का नाम], के साथ [तारीख] को होना निश्चित हुआ है। आप सपरिवार पधारकर वर-वधू को आशीर्वाद दें।
- Together with their families, [Bride] and [Groom] invite you to witness their pheras around the sacred fire on [Date] at [Time].
Wording for each ceremony
- Tilak: The tilak ceremony of [Groom] will be held on [Date] at [Time]. Please join us.
- Haldi: A morning of turmeric and blessings. Haldi on [Date] at [Time].
- Mehendi: Join us for [Bride]'s mehendi, an evening of henna and song, on [Date].
- Sangeet: An evening of music and dance with both families on [Date] at [Time].
- Baraat: The baraat leaves from [Place] at [Time]. Please join the procession!
- Pheras: The pheras will take place at the auspicious muhurat of [Time].
- Vidaai: Please stay with us for the vidaai of our daughter at [Time].
- Reception: Please join us for the reception and dinner on [Date] at [Venue].
Closing lines
- आपकी उपस्थिति प्रार्थनीय है।
- Your gracious presence and blessings are requested.
- विनीत: [परिवार का नाम] परिवार
- With best compliments from: [Family names]
What the ceremonies mean, in brief
- Tilak: the bride's family welcomes the groom with a tilak on his forehead.
- Haldi: turmeric paste is applied to the bride and groom for blessing and glow.
- Mehendi: henna is applied to the bride's hands and feet, with music and song.
- Sangeet: both families gather for an evening of songs and dance.
- Baraat: the groom's procession to the venue, with music and dancing.
- Pheras: the couple circles the sacred fire, taking seven vows (saptapadi).
- Vidaai: the emotional farewell as the bride leaves her parents' home.
Customs and order differ by region and family, so ask your elders and priest before you finalise the card.
A Hindu wedding card is a blessing first and a schedule second. Get the invocation right, and the rest follows.
Before you send
- Invocation chosen with the family elders
- Muhurat times confirmed with the priest
- Every ceremony with its own date, time and venue
- Names and honorifics consistent throughout
Frequently asked questions
What is written at the top of a Hindu wedding card?
Usually ॥ श्री गणेशाय नमः ॥ or the Ganesh shloka वक्रतुण्ड महाकाय, followed by ॥ शुभ विवाह ॥. Some families invoke their kuldevta instead.
Is the muhurat written on the wedding card?
Yes, many families include the auspicious time for the pheras so guests arrive in time to witness them.
Which ceremonies go on a Hindu wedding invitation?
Commonly tilak, haldi, mehendi, sangeet, baraat, the wedding and the reception. Include the ones your guests are invited to.
Should a Hindu wedding card be in Hindi or English?
Many families use Hindi or Sanskrit for the invocation and blessing, and English for the details, so every guest can read them.
Related reading
- Pheras Decoded: What Each of the Seven Vows Really Means
- Wedding Invitation Wording: Examples for Every Function
- Haldi Invitation Wording in Hindi and English
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