Sid & Yiying

• Vegetable antipasti
• Seafood papaya salad
• Chicken ceviche salad
• Pumpkin soup
• Truffle penne
• Chicken tikka with roti
• Twice-cooked pork belly
• Steamed snapper
• Mashed potatoes
• Steamed vegetables
• Mango sticky rice
• Pandan chiffon cake
• Tiramisu

Indian Wedding Ceremony

A Hindu wedding is more than saying “I do.” It is a series of promises made with family, friends and sacred blessings as witnesses. You do not need to understand Sanskrit or recite any prayers: just enjoy the ceremony and celebrate with us!

1. 1. Ganesh Puja · Blessings from Lord Ganesha

   The priest invokes Lord Ganesha and other deities to bless the marriage with good fortune and wisdom, and to remove obstacles from the couple’s path.

   Tip: Please observe quietly; you do not need to recite the prayers.

2. 2. Vara Puja · Welcoming the groom

   The bride’s mother formally welcomes the groom, greeting him with blessings and respect as a new member of the family.

   Tip: Feel free to smile, and follow the MC’s cue for applause.

3. 3. Kanya Aagaman / Shubho Drishti · The bride’s entrance and first look

   The bride enters the mandap with family and friends. She first covers her face with betel leaves, then removes them and looks at the groom: an auspicious new beginning.

   Tip: A lovely moment for joyful reactions! Follow the MC’s cue to applaud after the reveal.

4. 4. Jaimala / Varmala · Exchange of flower garlands

   The couple places flower garlands around each other’s necks, accepting one another wholeheartedly as life partners.

   Tip: A wonderful moment to celebrate with applause!

5. 5. Pani Grahan · Joining hands, a mother’s blessing

   The bride’s mother places her daughter’s hand in the groom’s. As the priest recites Vedic mantras, the couple joins hands, promising to support one another and share the responsibilities of marriage.

   Tip: Please stay quiet as you witness this tender moment.

6. 6. Granthi Bandhan · Tying the knot

   The bride’s younger sister ties together a corner of the bride’s and groom’s garments: they will walk through life side by side and face its challenges as one.

   Tip: Simply observe quietly; no participation is needed.

7. 7. Vivaha Homa · The sacred fire

   The priest lights the sacred fire and offers ghee (clarified butter), grains and other offerings while reciting mantras, inviting Agni, the fire deity, to witness the couple’s vows.

   Tip: Please stay quiet, keep a safe distance from the fire, and do not put anything into it.

8. 8. Mangal Phera · Circling the sacred fire

   Guided by the priest, the couple walks around the sacred fire, symbolizing the vows that will guide their life together. Depending on the tradition, there are four or seven rounds.

   Tip: Please observe quietly; guests do not need to take part.

9. 9. Saptapadi · Seven steps, promises for a lifetime

   Guided by the priest, the couple takes seven steps together, each a commitment for the future: caring for one another, giving strength, building a stable life and lifelong friendship.

   Tip: Please observe quietly; after the seventh step, follow the MC’s cue to congratulate the couple.

10. 10. Sindoor & Mangalsutra · Symbols of marriage

    The groom applies sindoor (red vermilion powder) along the bride’s hair parting and places a mangalsutra necklace around her neck, sealing their marriage commitment.

    Tip: Please stay seated during the ritual. You are welcome to applaud once it is complete.

The seven vows (Saptapadi)

1. 1. Nourishment & care

   May we care for one another and make each day feel warm and supported.

2. 2. Health & strength

   May we give each other courage and strength through good times and challenges.

3. 3. Stability & prosperity

   May we work together to build a secure and fulfilling life.

4. 4. Joy & respect

   May we cherish one another and fill our lives with understanding, respect and joy.

5. 5. Family & compassion

   May we care for those we love and treasure the family we build together.

6. 6. Life’s changing seasons

   May we welcome every season of life and navigate its changes hand in hand.

7. 7. Lifelong friendship

   May we be not only partners in love, but also each other’s best friends for life.

Taiwanese Tea Ceremony

Serving tea is an important way to express gratitude and respect in a traditional Taiwanese wedding. The couple offers tea to the elders with both hands to thank them for years of care, love and support. In return, the elders give blessings and may give red envelopes to wish the newlyweds happiness and good fortune. It honors the older generation and celebrates the joining of two families. This is a family ritual for the couple and invited elders: other guests stay seated to watch, and applaud when the MC invites you.

1. 1. Elders take their seats

   The honored elders are seated. The couple prepares to kneel on ceremonial cushions decorated with the double-happiness symbol and dragon-and-phoenix designs, showing respect to parents and elders.

2. 2. Serving sweet tea

   The couple serves tea with both hands, to the male elders first and then the female elders.

3. 3. Receiving and drinking the tea

   After the elders drink the tea, the couple receives the cups back with both hands and passes them to an assistant.

4. 4. Blessings and gifts

   The elders offer good wishes and give red envelopes (monetary gifts) or gold jewelry. The couple accepts them with both hands before passing them to an assistant.

5. 5. Closing the tea ceremony

   The couple thanks the elders and the cups are collected.