Frequently Asked Questions
Each of our events has a different dress code and our recommended color scheme. To find specific information, please go to the "Events" tab and scroll down to the "Dress Code" section for information on that event's dress code.
In general, please avoid ripped or stained clothing, jeans, t-shirts, and tennis shoes. We also kindly ask that you do not wear white or white-adjacent colors (such a very pale pastels) for the Irish wedding ceremony. Thank you!
General Recommendations
Because many of these ship from India, make sure to order well in advance of when you need them. We'd recommend ordering 3 months in advance so you have time for shipping and any tailoring you may need to have done.
The designs from Pernia's are really fun and trendy. Make sure to check what the materials are (silk might mean silk blend, not 100% silk) to ensure you are receiving what you want to order. Their shipping times are decent (generally a few weeks), but can vary sometimes.
Kalki Fashion has really great designs at a mid- to high-range prices. They also have really good attention to details with their beading and intricate weaves. Their shipping times are generally pretty fast (only a few weeks) from experience. This is our top recommendation in terms of price to quality.
Pratap Sons has some nice designs, especially their Indo-Western choices. From personal experience Pratap Sons can take a little longer to arrive (1 - 1.5 months for shipping).
Mirraw is a good choice for less expensive options, however, their designs tend to be not as modern and a little more simple. However, if you are looking for some staples or classic/traditional pieces for your wardrobe, Mirraw is a really good option. Online reviews say that Mirraw is similar to Amazon - they source from designers and ship out. Sizes may vary based on the designer Mirraw sources from, so make sure to check the reviews of the specific items you want to buy. Their customer services and shipping times are hit or miss, so please leave yourself plenty of time just in case.
Each event has a section detailing the transportation and parking options for each event. We have chosen to do it this way in order to better organize the information, as our events are are different locations. To find this information, go to the "Events" tab and scroll down to the "Transportation & Parking" section.
What is a Handfasting Ceremony?
A Handfasting ceremony is a traditional Celtic marriage celebration the originated from Ireland and Scotland in which a couples' hands are tied together with a braided cord to symbolize the binding of two lives. Handfasting was originally a community event, which typically included a large feast, with the main idea to be the declaration of marriage intent.
There are many ways to make it your own, including additional traditions, but there are two core parts involved: the cord and the vows. First, a couple (or their officiant) will drape the Handfasting cord over the couples' hands. This cord will generally be braided with each color signifying a different value that the couple wants to bind into their marriage. The couple then ties the cord around their joined hands either while they say their vows or before.
Where does Handfasting come from?
There are records of Handfasting in Ireland and Scotland in the Middle Ages, including showing up in the Cain Lanamna (the Irish "law of couples", written in 700 AD) - some scholars even believe the ceremony dates as far back as 7000 B.C. Because Celtic traditions and history were often passed down orally, and due to the destruction of many of these records, the original intentions have been somewhat lost to time, however, many practicing couples nowadays incorporate it as either the core element or a part of their marriage ceremony.
Traditionally, a Handfasting was done in two parts - once to signal the beginning of the official engagement period where couples would live together and again after a year to confirm their intention to be married. Couples would come together at the start of their marriage relationship (what most consider today to be engagement) to declare of their own free will that they intended to marry.
Who can get married with a Handfasting ceremony?
While Handfasting originated as a Celtic tradition, it is not a closed practice. You do not have to be Wiccan or Pagan or even Irish! Many secular, non-Irish people incorporate Handfasting into their engagements, weddings, and vow renewals. It has even found its way into pop culture and been shown on Games of Thrones. Today, Handfasting is practiced all over the world by those who wish to take part in the ceremony.
Who officiates an Irish Handfasting?
Historically, a coupe would go to their priest or priestess to have the ceremony witnessed. However, a non-religious Handfasting officiant is someone within the couple's community, usually a cherished family member or friend, and generally someone who has a deep connection to both people. The couple's chosen officiant will usually meet with the couple ahead of time to discuss the values they wish to "tie" into their marriage.What is a Handfasting Ceremony?
A Handfasting ceremony is a traditional Celtic marriage celebration the originated from Ireland and Scotland in which a couples' hands are tied together with a braided cord to symbolize the binding of two lives. Handfasting was originally a community event, which typically included a large feast, with the main idea to be the declaration of marriage intent.
There are many ways to make it your own, including additional traditions, but there are two core parts involved: the cord and the vows. First, a couple (or their officiant) will drape the Handfasting cord over the couples' hands. This cord will generally be braided with each color signifying a different value that the couple wants to bind into their marriage. The couple then ties the cord around their joined hands either while they say their vows or before.
Where does Handfasting come from?
There are records of Handfasting in Ireland and Scotland in the Middle Ages, including showing up in the Cain Lanamna (the Irish "law of couples", written in 700 AD) - some scholars even believe the ceremony dates as far back as 7000 B.C. Because Celtic traditions and history were often passed down orally, and due to the destruction of many of these records, the original intentions have been somewhat lost to time, however, many practicing couples nowadays incorporate it as either the core element or a part of their marriage ceremony.
Traditionally, a Handfasting was done in two parts - once to signal the beginning of the official engagement period where couples would live together and again after a year to confirm their intention to be married. Couples would come together at the start of their marriage relationship (what most consider today to be engagement) to declare of their own free will that they intended to marry.
Who can get married with a Handfasting ceremony?
While Handfasting originated as a Celtic tradition, it is not a closed practice. You do not have to be Wiccan or Pagan or even Irish! Many secular, non-Irish people incorporate Handfasting into their engagements, weddings, and vow renewals. It has even found its way into pop culture and been shown on Games of Thrones. Today, Handfasting is practiced all over the world by those who wish to take part in the ceremony.
Who officiates an Irish Handfasting?
Historically, a coupe would go to their priest or priestess to have the ceremony witnessed. However, a non-religious Handfasting officiant is someone within the couple's community, usually a cherished family member or friend, and generally someone who has a deep connection to both people. The couple's chosen officiant will usually meet with the couple ahead of time to discuss the values they wish to "tie" into their marriage.