20 Questions Every Guest Asks Before an Indian Wedding (And How to Answer Them)

Indian wedding guests are polite. They do not want to bother the couple with questions. So they wait until two days before the wedding, then send the same twelve messages that every other guest is sending at the same time.

Understanding what guests actually need to know — and preparing those answers in advance — is one of the most underrated parts of wedding planning. Here are the twenty questions that come up at almost every Indian wedding.

The 20 Questions

1. What time does the baraat arrive? Guests need to know when to be seated versus when they can still slip in from the side. Give a specific time and note that Indian Standard Time applies — if the baraat is scheduled at 7 PM, write 6:45 PM as the arrival time for guests.

2. Where exactly is the venue? Is there parking? A venue name is not enough. Include the full street address, the nearest landmark, and the name of the parking area with any instructions (paid or free, height restriction, enter from which gate).

3. What is the dress code for the Sangeet versus the main ceremony? These are often different. Sangeet is typically more festive and colourful; the main ceremony may have a specific colour palette the couple has chosen. Be specific about what “ethnic wear” means — saree, lehenga, kurta, or western formal?

4. Is the venue air-conditioned? This matters more than couples realise, especially for summer weddings in Rajasthan, Gujarat, or Delhi. Knowing whether the venue is fully AC or has open areas affects what guests wear and how they plan their day.

5. Can we bring children? Some couples have child-friendly receptions with a dedicated play area; others have intimate ceremonies where toddlers running around would be disruptive. A clear yes or no saves both the guest and the couple awkward conversations on the day.

6. Is alcohol served? For many families this determines whether they attend certain events or skip them for religious or personal reasons. An honest answer is more appreciated than vague responses.

7. How do I get from the airport or railway station to the hotel? Outstation guests often arrive in an unfamiliar city. App-based cabs work in most metros but smaller tier-2 cities may have patchy coverage. Give a specific cab service name or a contact who can help coordinate airport pickups.

8. Which hotel is the couple staying at? Is there a room block for guests? If there is a room block, what is the cut-off date to book at the group rate? Which hotel is closest to the main venue? These are practical questions that guests need answered weeks in advance, not the day before.

9. Who do I call if I get lost or cannot find the venue? This is the single most valuable piece of information you can give. Name and mobile number of someone who is reachable on the wedding day and knows the venue. This is usually the wedding coordinator, not the couple.

10. What time does the reception end? Guests booking return travel need to know this. “Late” is not an answer. If the reception typically runs until midnight, say midnight. Late travellers can then decide whether to book a morning flight or stay an extra night.

11. Is there a shuttle from the hotel to the venue? If yes: what time does it depart, from which entrance of the hotel, and does it run return trips? If no: what is the best way to get to the venue independently?

12. Are the pheras in the morning or the afternoon? Many guests want to be present for the pheras specifically. Knowing when the ceremony begins helps them plan which events they can attend and when they need to be seated.

13. Can I wear black to an Indian wedding? This question comes up at every wedding that has NRI guests or younger metropolitan cousins. A simple “black is absolutely fine” or “we prefer you avoid black as it is a family tradition” is all it takes.

14. Is there a gift registry? Some couples have a registry; others prefer envelopes; others prefer nothing at all. Guests feel awkward asking, so put the answer somewhere accessible.

15. Is there vegetarian food? Are there Jain options? For guests with dietary requirements, knowing this in advance removes a point of anxiety. If the venue has separate Jain counters or if the entire menu is vegetarian, say so clearly.

16. Will there be seating or will we stand? At large Indian weddings, especially banquet-style receptions, seating can be limited or assigned. Older guests and guests with mobility needs especially need to know this in advance.

17. What happens on Day 2 versus Day 3? Multi-day weddings have different events for different groups of guests. Is Day 2 just for close family? Is Day 3 a casual brunch or a full function? A clear schedule prevents guests from either missing something they were welcome at or showing up to something that was family-only.

18. Is there a Mehendi function? Can guests participate? Some Mehendi ceremonies are open to all female guests; others are intimate family events. If guests are welcome, mention which hands the mehendi artist will do and how long the queue typically is.

19. What is the couple’s love story? Guests genuinely ask this — not just as small talk, but because they want to feel connected to the occasion. A short version of how the couple met is a warm addition to any wedding information source.

20. Who is the wedding coordinator I should contact? Not the couple. The coordinator. With their name, phone number, and a note that they are the right person to call for any logistical questions on the day.

Answering All of This, Without You Lifting a Finger

WedAnswer’s Wedding Assistant handles every one of these questions once you fill in the details. Guests tap the link on their invitation, type their question in whatever language they are comfortable with, and get the answer you wrote — without the question ever reaching you or your coordinator’s phone.

The questions still exist. They just stop being your problem.