The Velvet Knot Journal
Wedding planning,
demystified.
Honest guides on cost, timelines, traditions, and what really happens behind a well-planned Indian wedding.
NRI Wedding from USA: The 2026 Indian Wedding Planning Guide
By Team Velvet Knot · Reviewed by senior planners · Updated for 2026 Planning an Indian wedding from the US is a remote-coordination problem. The bride or groom (or both) is in the US, the wedding is in India, the families are split, and there is typically only one short US-to-India trip before the wedding […]
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Saptapadi: The Seven Vows of Hindu Marriage Explained
By Team Velvet Knot · Reviewed by senior planners · Updated for 2026 The Saptapadi (literally “seven steps”) is the central rite of a Hindu wedding. The bride and groom take seven steps around the sacred fire, with each step accompanied by a specific vow. The vow content varies across regional traditions, but the seven-step […]
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South Indian Wedding Cost: 2026 Pricing by Community and City
By Team Velvet Knot · Reviewed by senior planners · Updated for 2026 A South Indian wedding for 250-400 guests in 2026 typically costs ₹25 to ₹70 lakh inclusive of venue, catering, decor, photography, and a planner. Tamil Brahmin and Telugu weddings sit at the higher end because the multi-event format runs 3-5 days. Kannada […]
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Telugu Wedding Rituals and Traditions: The Complete Guide (2026)
By Team Velvet Knot · Reviewed by senior planners · Updated for 2026 A Telugu wedding runs across roughly 2 to 3 days, with a core sequence of Nischitartham, Snathakam, Kashi Yatra, Mangala Snanam, Ganesh and Gauri Puja, Kanyadaanam, the all-important Jeelakarra Bellam, Madhuparkam, Mangalsutra Dharana, Talambralu, and Saptapadi. The Jeelakarra Bellam, where the couple […]
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Tamil Brahmin Wedding Rituals: Iyer and Iyengar Ceremony Guide (2026)
By Team Velvet Knot · Reviewed by senior planners · Updated for 2026 A Tamil Brahmin (Iyer and Iyengar) wedding runs across roughly 2 to 3 days, with a core sequence of Nischayathartham, Pallikai Thellichal, Naandi, Kashi Yatra, Maalai Maatral, Oonjal, Kanyadaanam, Mangalya Dharanam (the tying of the thali in three knots), and Saptapadi. The […]
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Kashmiri Pandit Wedding Rituals: The Complete Ceremony Guide (2026)
By Team Velvet Knot · Reviewed by senior planners · Updated for 2026 A Kashmiri Pandit wedding is a deeply ritual-rich, several-day affair with a core sequence of Kasamdry, Livun, Wanvun singing, Maenziraat (mehndi night), Devgun, the Lagan ceremony with its Posh Puza, Kanyadaan and Saptapadi, and the Vidaai. The Posh Puza, where the couple […]
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Maharashtrian Wedding Rituals and Traditions: Full Ceremony Guide (2026)
By Team Velvet Knot · Reviewed by senior planners · Updated for 2026 A Maharashtrian wedding is famously simple, warm, and short, often completed in a single morning, with a core sequence of Sakharpuda, Halad Chadavane, Seemant Pujan, the Antarpat and Mangalashtak, Kanyadaan, Saptapadi, and Lajahoma. Distinctive touches include the green Nauvari saree, the mundavalya […]
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Punjabi Wedding Rituals and Traditions: The Complete Sequence (2026 Guide)
By Team Velvet Knot · Reviewed by senior planners · Updated for 2026 A Punjabi wedding runs across roughly 7 to 12 rituals over 3 to 5 days, with a core sequence of Roka, Chunni Chadhana, Sangeet, Jaggo, Maiyan (haldi), Chooda and Kalire, Ghodi Chadhna, Milni, the Anand Karaj or Pheras, Joota Chupai, and Vidaai. […]
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Laxmi Vilas Palace Vadodara Wedding Cost: 2026 Pricing & Venue Guide
By Team Velvet Knot · Reviewed by senior planners · Updated for 2026 A wedding at Laxmi Vilas Palace in Vadodara costs roughly ₹1.5 crore to ₹4 crore for 200 to 400 guests when you use the heritage palace itself, the Durbar Hall and the royal lawns. The more affordable route is the on-estate LVP […]
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Destination Wedding Meaning: What It Is, Types, and Cost (2026 Guide)
By Team Velvet Knot · Reviewed by senior planners · Updated for 2026 A destination wedding is a wedding held away from the couple’s home city, at a venue chosen for its setting, such as a palace, beach, hill station, or resort, where the couple and their guests travel and usually stay for two to […]
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