# Sid & Yiying: wedding guest guide

The wedding of Sid Sharma and Yiying Lee in Chiang Mai, Thailand, over two days: Saturday, November 28, 2026 and Sunday, November 29, 2026. All times are Chiang Mai time (Asia/Bangkok). Website: https://sidyiying.com

## Saturday, November 28, 2026: Chiang Mai Marriott Hotel, Ballroom 2

- Venue: Chiang Mai Marriott Hotel
- Where to go: Ballroom 2
- Address: 108 Chang Klan Rd, Chang Khlan, Mueang Chiang Mai 50100
- What to wear: Dressy or semi-formal attire.

### Schedule for Saturday, November 28 at Chiang Mai Marriott Hotel

- Saturday, November 28, 3:30 PM to 4:00 PM: Haldi Table & Indian Refreshments. Haldi (turmeric paste) is an integral part of an Indian wedding. Stop by the haldi table for Indian refreshments, and apply a little haldi to the board with the couple's picture for good luck. Someone at the table will help you.
- Saturday, November 28, 4:00 PM to 4:30 PM: Welcome, Everyone! Please be seated early. Gift bags and a couple quiz are on the tables.
- Saturday, November 28, 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM: Indian Wedding Ceremony. Sid enters with Neil; Yiying enters under a canopy. Rituals continue through the afternoon, then a short break.
- Saturday, November 28, 6:00 PM to 6:30 PM: Taiwanese Tea Ceremony. The couple serves tea to the elders, who give blessings, red envelopes and gold jewelry.
- Saturday, November 28, 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM: Appetizers. Eat any time, including during the performances.
- Saturday, November 28, 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM: Dance Performances & Entertainment. Performances from both families, a video from family in Taiwan, and the Sangeet dances.
- Saturday, November 28, 7:30 PM to 10:00 PM: Buffet dinner. Open bar 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM: wine, beer and juice.
- Saturday, November 28, 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM: Dance party. Song requests are open.

### Buffet menu (Saturday, November 28)

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.

### What the rituals mean: Hindu ceremony (Saturday, November 28)

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!
Puja means prayer and worship; the mandap is the sacred space where the ceremony takes place.
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. Guest tip: Please observe quietly; you do not need to recite the prayers.
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. Guest tip: Feel free to smile, and follow the MC’s cue for applause.
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. Guest tip: A lovely moment for joyful reactions! Follow the MC’s cue to applaud after the reveal.
4. Jaimala / Varmala: Exchange of flower garlands. The couple places flower garlands around each other’s necks, accepting one another wholeheartedly as life partners. Guest tip: A wonderful moment to celebrate with applause!
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. Guest tip: Please stay quiet as you witness this tender moment.
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. Guest tip: Simply observe quietly; no participation is needed.
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. Guest tip: Please stay quiet, keep a safe distance from the fire, and do not put anything into it.
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. Guest tip: Please observe quietly; guests do not need to take part.
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. Guest tip: Please observe quietly; after the seventh step, follow the MC’s cue to congratulate the couple.
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. Guest tip: Please stay seated during the ritual. You are welcome to applaud once it is complete.

### Saptapadi, the seven steps (Saturday, November 28)

Saptapadi means “seven steps.” Each step the couple takes together is a wish for their future. These words are a modern, easy-to-understand interpretation, not a word-for-word translation of the Sanskrit the priest recites.
1. Nourishment & care: May we care for one another and make each day feel warm and supported.
2. Health & strength: May we give each other courage and strength through good times and challenges.
3. Stability & prosperity: May we work together to build a secure and fulfilling life.
4. Joy & respect: May we cherish one another and fill our lives with understanding, respect and joy.
5. Family & compassion: May we care for those we love and treasure the family we build together.
6. Life’s changing seasons: May we welcome every season of life and navigate its changes hand in hand.
7. Lifelong friendship: May we be not only partners in love, but also each other’s best friends for life.

### Taiwanese tea ceremony (Saturday, November 28)

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.
Tea symbolizes respect and gratitude. When parents receive and drink the tea, then offer their blessings, it becomes a heartfelt exchange between generations. Customs vary among Taiwanese families; these steps are how we have chosen to celebrate.
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. Serving sweet tea: The couple serves tea with both hands, to the male elders first and then the female elders.
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. 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. Closing the tea ceremony: The couple thanks the elders and the cups are collected.
Each cup holds two lotus seeds with their skins on and two red dates (jujubes), for togetherness in pairs and good fortune. Red envelopes and gold jewelry from the elders symbolize good fortune and support.

## Sunday, November 29, 2026: Anantara Chiang Mai Resort, 1921 House Lawn

- Venue: Anantara Chiang Mai Resort
- Where to go: 1921 House Lawn
- Address: 123-123/1 Charoen Prathet Rd, Chang Khlan, Mueang Chiang Mai 50100
- What to wear: Dressy or semi-formal attire. This day is outdoors, so please bring a jacket or something warm for the evening.

### Schedule for Sunday, November 29 at Anantara Chiang Mai Resort

- Sunday, November 29, 3:00 PM to 3:30 PM: Welcome & Guest Arrival. Take a mirror selfie at the welcome sign.
- Sunday, November 29, 3:30 PM to 4:10 PM: Western Wedding Ceremony. On the Lawn stage. Vows and rings.
- Sunday, November 29, 4:10 PM to 4:30 PM: Group photos. Everyone together first, then families, then friends. Please stay close.
- Sunday, November 29, 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM: Fun & Games (River Terrace). Polaroid guest book, portraits by two local artists, and the Quest game. Elders can sit in the house or on the sofa by the river.
- Sunday, November 29, 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM: Dinner & Celebration. Thai dinner and wedding cake on the Lawn.
- Sunday, November 29, 7:30 PM to 8:00 PM: Speeches. Sanjay, Anando, Mandy and Peggy.
- Sunday, November 29, 8:00 PM to 8:15 PM: First dances. Daughter & Mom, then Son & Mom, then Bride & Groom.
- Sunday, November 29, 8:15 PM to 8:30 PM: Quest winners + Team Bride vs. Team Groom. The Quest game's top three win a prize, then the two teams face off.
- Sunday, November 29, 8:30 PM to 10:00 PM: DJ After-Party! The DJ plays into the night.

### Thai dinner menu (Sunday, November 29)

Chicken satay; Spicy beef salad; Shrimp cakes; Banana-blossom soup; Seabass with chili sauce; Cashew chicken; Local greens; Red prawn curry; Wedding cake.

### Activities at the River Terrace (Sunday, November 29)

- 📸 Polaroid guest book: leave a photo and a note for the couple.
- 🎨 Get your portrait drawn by two local artists.
- 🔎 Quest game: fill in your bingo card. The top three win a prize.
- Elders can sit in the house or on the sofa by the river.

## Travel and getting around

- Fly into Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX). Both venues are about 15 minutes from the airport by car.
- Chiang Mai Marriott Hotel and Anantara Chiang Mai Resort are close together: about a 10-minute walk, or a 3-minute ride by Grab.
- Grab is the ride app most people use in Chiang Mai, like Uber. Install it and sign up with your phone number before you travel. You can pay by card or cash.
- Late November is the start of the cool season: about 20–30 °C (68–86 °F), with low humidity. Evenings can feel cool, so bring a light layer.
- Thai Baht (THB). Hotels and restaurants take cards; keep some cash for taxis and markets.
- Many passports get visa-free entry or a visa on arrival in Thailand. Please check before you fly.
- Thai is the local language. Hotel staff speak English. To get a taxi to a venue, show the driver the Thai address.
- Visa rules: https://www.thaievisa.go.th/
- Nearest hospital: Chiang Mai Ram Hospital, 8 Boonruangrit Rd, Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai 50200
- Emergency numbers (ambulance, tourist police, police) are listed on the Travel page of the website.
- Chiang Mai Marriott Hotel: 108 Chang Klan Rd, Chang Khlan, Mueang Chiang Mai 50100. Thai address for taxi drivers: โรงแรมเชียงใหม่ แมริออท 108 ถนนช้างคลาน ตำบลช้างคลาน อำเภอเมืองเชียงใหม่ เชียงใหม่ 50100
- Anantara Chiang Mai Resort: 123-123/1 Charoen Prathet Rd, Chang Khlan, Mueang Chiang Mai 50100. Thai address for taxi drivers: อนันตรา เชียงใหม่ รีสอร์ท 123-123/1 ถนนเจริญประเทศ ตำบลช้างคลาน อำเภอเมืองเชียงใหม่ เชียงใหม่ 50100

## Gifts

Having you with us is the best gift. If you would still like to give something, either of these works. Thank you for your love and kindness.
- By card (Stripe): https://buy.stripe.com/cNieVdcni5pv0jlg3k0oM03
- Venmo: send to yiyinglee on Venmo, https://venmo.com/yiyinglee?txn=pay&note=Wedding%20Gift

## Photos, songs and dietary needs

- Photos: everyone shares one album on the Photos page (https://sidyiying.com/photos). Tap Take photo or add photos from your phone; they appear in the album and on the TV slideshow. Uploads open Friday, November 27, 2026, 12:00 AM and close Tuesday, December 15, 2026, 11:59 PM.
- Songs (https://sidyiying.com/songs): Add a song to the dance party playlist on Saturday night.
  Search for a song or artist, tap Add, and it goes into the dance party playlist (https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0LYC2v1OKXLlMFcH9UGDpo). Requests close Sunday, November 29, 2026, 4:00 AM.
- Dietary needs (https://sidyiying.com/dietary): Tell us about any allergies or foods you cannot eat. We will pass it to the kitchen.
  The form closes Sunday, November 29, 2026, 11:59 PM.

If the answer is not here, suggest asking Sid, Yiying or family directly.