Are you dreaming of celebrating an Indian wedding in Cartagena’s enchanting coastal beauty? Or perhaps you’re lucky enough to attend one and witness the magic unfold? Congratulations! Whether a host or a guest, you’re in for an unforgettable experience that seamlessly blends rich Indian traditions with Cartagena’s vibrant charm. Here is everything you need to know for your Indian destination wedding.
Indian weddings are renowned for their grandeur, vivid colors, and intricate ceremonies that unite families and friends in joyous celebrations. However, planning such a monumental event in an exotic destination can feel overwhelming. That’s where Two Lovers Destination Wedding Planners step in, transforming every detail of your dream wedding into a stunning reality.
Let’s explore how you can create a flawless, culturally immersive Indian wedding in Cartagena with the expert guidance of Two Lovers.
We can plan your entire Indian destination wedding to give you and your guests a unique and memorable experience. We customize your entire trip and accommodate all your wedding needs. Contact us today for consultations.
Step-by-Step Guide to Planning an Indian Wedding in Cartagena
1. Understand the Scope of Your Wedding Events
Indian weddings are not just events; they are multi-day celebrations. From the colorful Mehndi ceremony to the spirited Sangeet, and the sacred wedding rituals to the grand reception, every moment is a vibrant expression of love, culture, and unity. Two Lovers will help you design and coordinate each event to ensure a seamless flow of events. Ideally, start planning at least six months in advance to allow ample preparation time.
2. Pick an Auspicious Date
Selecting the right wedding date is a blend of tradition and practicality in Indian culture. Many couples consult astrologers or family elders to pick a date that aligns with their stars. Once your date is set, Two Lovers can guide you in selecting the best time to visit Cartagena for your wedding.
3. Prepare the Guest List
Indian weddings often involve extensive guest lists, with loved ones traveling from all over the world. From managing RSVPs to coordinating accommodations, Two Lovers ensures every guest feels welcome and cared for throughout the wedding celebration.
4. Find the Perfect Venue
Cartagena offers stunning wedding venues ranging from historic colonial architecture to serene beachfronts. Whether you envision a sunset ceremony by the sea or a lavish reception in a grand villa, Two Lovers will help you find the ideal venue. Here are some of our top recommendations:
- Club de Pesca: This venue combines historic charm with breathtaking bay views, ideal for elegant wedding celebrations.
- Fenix Beach Club: It is a tranquil beachfront venue offering a tropical paradise vibe, perfect for intimate wedding ceremonies.
- Casa Estrella: It is a luxurious colonial villa in the Walled City, accommodating up to 80 guests for a romantic, private wedding.
5. Set a Realistic Wedding Budget
Establishing a clear wedding budget early is key to avoiding overspending. We can help you allocate costs for venues, catering, decor, and more, ensuring a memorable celebration that aligns with your financial plans.
6. Incorporate Stunning Décor
From vibrant floral arrangements to intricately designed mandaps, Indian wedding decor is an art form. Imagine marigolds framing ocean views or a crystal-studded mandap under the Caribbean sun. Two Lovers crafts decor that combines the grandeur of Indian traditions with Cartagena’s tropical allure.
7. Hire an Experienced Wedding Planner
Indian weddings require meticulous planning and cultural expertise. By partnering with Two Lovers, you gain access to seasoned planners who ensure every detail is flawlessly executed, leaving you free to enjoy your celebration.
8. Coordinate Rituals and Traditions
From arranging a priest to sourcing traditional decor elements, Two Lovers ensures your wedding reflects your cultural heritage. We will carefully plan, coordinate, and execute each ritual, from the Ganesh Puja to the Saptapadi.
9. Book the Artists and the Entertainers
Entertainment and art are central to Indian weddings. Whether it’s Mehndi artists, makeup professionals, DJs, or live performers, Two Lovers ensures your wedding is alive with music, dance, and joy.
10. Don’t Forget the Photographer and the Caterer
Work with experienced photographers who can capture the grandeur and candid moments of your wedding. For catering, curate a menu that blends authentic Indian flavors with local Colombian cuisine for a unique culinary experience.
11. Finalize Indian Wedding Outfits and Jewelry
Indian weddings are synonymous with elaborate attire. Brides often choose Indian bridal lehengas, Indian wedding sarees, and intricate jewelry, while grooms wear traditional outfits like sherwanis or kurtas. Coordinate your wardrobe early, ensuring it aligns with the wedding’s theme and your personal style. Avoid white or black clothing, as these colors are traditionally associated with mourning, and opt for vibrant hues like red and orange. You can check out our wedding dress guide for details on choosing the best outfits for your Indian wedding in Cartagena.
13. Send Invitations and Save the Dates
Indian wedding invitations are typically ornate and detailed, often including information about each ceremony. They often include personal touches like a small gift or customized design. Send invitations well in advance, accounting for the time required for delivery, especially for international guests.
14. Shop Your Jewelry and Wedding Gifts
The bride’s trousseau and wedding gifts are personal and symbolic elements of an Indian wedding. Whether you choose heirloom pieces or contemporary designs, shopping for jewelry should reflect your personality while honoring traditions. Save this step for the final stages of preparation to enjoy it fully without other distractions.
Save yourselves from days of grueling planning and stress. Plan your wedding with us!
What Happens at an Indian Wedding in Cartagena?
Indian weddings in Cartagena are grand celebrations that often span three days, with some extending up to five days. Each day is filled with vibrant rituals, ceremonies, and events. Here’s an overview of what typically happens during the three-day festivities Indian wedding in Cartagena:
Day One: The Ganesh Puja
The first day starts with the Ganesh Puja, a deeply symbolic and spiritual ritual. The couple’s families come together to offer prayers, seeking Lord Ganesha’s blessings for a peaceful and harmonious atmosphere throughout the wedding celebrations. The ritual also sets a positive beginning to the couple’s marriage.
Day Two: Mehndi Ceremony and Sangeet
The second day of the celebration is all about joy, artistry, and community.
During the day, the bride and her female relatives gather for the Mehndi ceremony, a cherished tradition where intricate henna designs are applied to their hands and feet. These complex and elegant patterns not only symbolize beauty but also carry cultural significance, which is believed to bring good luck to the bride. The rich pigmentation of the henna should last for several days, ensuring everyone’s skin is adorned beautifully for the wedding ceremony the following day.
As evening falls, the festivities shift to the vibrant and energetic Sangeet. This lively event is a chance for the wedding guests to come together, mingle, and enjoy a relaxed yet celebratory atmosphere. The Sangeet is filled with delicious food, spirited dancing, and entertaining performances, making it one of the most anticipated moments of the wedding festivities.
Day Three: Wedding Ceremony and Reception
The final day of the wedding festivities is dedicated to the most significant events: the wedding ceremony and the reception, with some celebrations also including a cocktail hour in between.
The ceremony begins with the groom’s grand entrance, traditionally on a white horse, accompanied by the rhythmic beats of drums played by guests. This lively procession (Baraat), sets the tone for the joyous occasion.
Following the groom’s arrival, the bride and groom exchange floral garlands. This symbolizes their acceptance of one another and their readiness to embark on this new journey together.
A central ritual in the ceremony is the Saptapadi, or the seven steps. During this sacred rite, the couple takes seven symbolic steps around a sacred fire (Agni), making vows that represent their commitment to each other and their shared life. To conclude the ceremony, the groom applies red powder (sindoor), on the bride’s forehead and places a necklace, the mangalsutra, around her neck. These acts signify the bride’s new status as a married woman.
The Indian destination wedding concludes with a grand reception, where the couple and their guests conclude the three-day event on a high note. Guests can expect a lively atmosphere filled with delicious food, music, singing, and dancing, a perfect way to unwind after the three days of ceremonial activities.
Are you planning an all-inclusive Indian destination wedding in Cartagena? Let our professional wedding planners help you with everything you need!
Indian Wedding Celebration FAQs
What Should I Wear to an Indian Wedding in Cartagena?
Indian weddings are a feast for the eyes, celebrated with vibrant and elaborate attire. Brides typically don stunning Indian bridal lehengas or Indian Wedding sarees adorned with intricate embroidery and accessorized with ornate jewelry. On the other hand, grooms often wear kurtas, sherwanis, or other traditional Indian wedding outfits, often paired with a turban for a regal touch.
For guests, the dress code emphasizes festive and colorful clothing. Women may choose Indian wedding sarees, salwar kameez, or Anarkali suits, while men can opt for kurtas or semi-formal attire. Vibrant hues such as red, orange, and gold are encouraged, but avoid white and black, as these are traditionally associated with mourning.
How Long Does It Take to Plan an Indian Wedding in Cartagena?
Planning an Indian wedding in Cartagena generally requires at least six months. However, for Indian destination weddings, it’s best to allow at least eight months to a year. Destination weddings require time for international logistics, such as travel arrangements, guest accommodations, and coordinating with local vendors. Starting early ensures every aspect of the celebration is meticulously organized, from finding the perfect venue to integrating Indian traditions seamlessly into Cartagena’s stunning backdrop.
Make Your Dream Indian Wedding a Reality
Planning an Indian wedding in Cartagena is a journey filled with hope and joy. With Two Lovers Destination Wedding Planners, your dream wedding becomes a reality. From breathtaking venues to luxurious accommodations, Two Lovers ensures every detail reflects your love story’s uniqueness. Let us create a celebration you and your guests will cherish forever.
Contact us today to start planning your unforgettable Indian destination wedding in Cartagena!
