Indian weddings are not just events—they’re grand emotional journeys filled with age-old traditions, colors, and celebrations that unfold over several days. For photographers, each ritual presents a unique opportunity to tell a visual story that’s rich in culture and emotion.
Whether you're a couple planning your big day or a photography enthusiast wanting to understand the craft, this guide covers the key Indian wedding rituals and how to capture them beautifully through photography.
???? Pre-Wedding Rituals
1. Roka / Engagement Ceremony
This is where it all begins—the formal announcement of the couple's union. It’s typically an intimate celebration with family blessings, rings, and lots of smiles.
Photography Tips:
Capture the exchange of rings and emotional family moments.
Focus on reactions—parents, siblings, and friends.
2. Haldi Ceremony
Held separately for the bride and groom, haldi involves applying turmeric paste as a blessing. It’s bright, fun, and messy—in the best way!
Must-Capture Moments:
Close-ups of hands applying haldi
Laughter, yellow-stained clothes, and candid expressions
Family splashing water or dancing with joy
???? Pro Tip: Use natural light to bring out the warm, golden tones of haldi.
3. Mehendi Ceremony
A beautiful celebration of art, music, and womanhood. The bride’s hands and feet are adorned with intricate mehendi designs while the guests enjoy dhol and dance.
Photography Highlights:
Detailed close-ups of mehendi patterns
Bride’s expressions during application
Group shots with colorful outfits and floral decor
???? Bonus: Candid shots of the bride with her girl gang always make for Insta-worthy moments.
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4. Sangeet Night
This is the party night filled with music, performances, and dance battles between families!
Shot Ideas:
On-stage couple performances
Group dances and reaction shots
Wide-angle shots capturing the festive vibe and lighting
???? Tip: Use flash wisely or shoot with ambient lighting for dramatic effects.
???? Wedding Day Rituals
???? Wedding Day Rituals
5. Baraat
The groom’s grand entry with music, dancing, and horse (or sometimes vintage cars or bikes). It's high-energy and chaotic—in a good way!
What to Capture:
Groom’s joyful dance
Family and friends' crazy moves
The bride’s reaction watching from afar
???? Pro Tip: Use wide lenses to capture the scale and energy of the baraat.
6. Milni Ceremony
When both families formally greet each other, often with hugs, garlands, and laughter.
???? Focus on:
Emotional family hugs
Traditional gestures of respect and love
7. Jaimala / Varmala
The bride and groom exchange floral garlands—a symbolic and iconic moment.
Photography Tips:
Front and top-down angles
Reaction shots of friends teasing or lifting the groom
Confetti, flower showers, or special effects
8. Mandap Rituals (Pheras, Kanyadaan, Sindoor, Mangalsutra)
This is the heart of the wedding ceremony. It’s emotional, spiritual, and sacred.
???? Must-Have Shots:
The sacred fire (Agni) and the couple walking around it
Father’s emotional moment during kanyadaan
Groom applying sindoor and tying the mangalsutra
Tearful glances between bride and family
????️ Lighting Tip: Mandaps are often dim—use soft lighting or off-camera flashes for natural warmth.
???? Post-Wedding Rituals
9. Vidaai (Farewell Ceremony)
One of the most emotional parts, where the bride bids farewell to her family.
Shot Suggestions:
Tearful hugs with parents and siblings
Bride looking back from the car or doli
Emotional candid close-ups
???? Note: Don’t miss these—it’s one of the most touching parts of Indian weddings.
10. Griha Pravesh (Home Entry)
The bride’s first step into her new home. A ritual full of symbolism and love.
???? Capture:
Bride gently pushing the rice kalash
Her first footsteps in the house
Family welcoming with aarti and smiles
???? Final Thoughts
Indian wedding photography isn’t just about technical skills—it’s about understanding the rituals, emotions, and cultural nuances. From vibrant haldi moments to emotional vidaai goodbyes, each ritual offers an opportunity to tell a story that goes far beyond the frame.
At What A Story, we specialize in documenting Indian weddings across traditions, regions, and cultures—bringing together timeless storytelling with modern aesthetics.