Comparing Indian And American Weddings

While Indian, and American weddings share multiple similarities, there are specific differences in regards to how the bride and groom become engaged, what the bride wears on her big day, and who has the controlling say in the final arrangements. Both Indian and American cultures celebrate two people joining together as one. The grand occasions both take multiple days, weeks, months, and sometimes years of planning and preparing. Every detail and accent must be perfect for the big day. More importantly than any decoration or flower are the exchanging of vows. This is the most important part of any wedding in both Indian and American cultures. Weddings are not just special to the bride and groom but both families as well. Both families celebrate

Most Indians believe in “arranged marriage” while Americans believe in “Love marriage”. An arranged marriage is “a marriage that is established before a lengthy relationship” (Zuffoletti, 2007). In American cultures couples become married after a long relationship. Most of the time marriage is the couple’s way of finally sealing the deal, and making the ultimate commitment to each other for the rest of their lives. This is considered a “Love marriage”. In “love marriages” two people are allowed to date and get to know each other through conversation face to face, and sometimes through sexual activities. While in “arranged marriages” the couple is not allowed to see each other face to face until the big day. They must get to know each other through conversation only and by playing games with their families like “taboo” back to

In the Indian culture the father has the controlling power. Since he is paying for the entire wedding, he has to approve everything, from the food, the venue, the color of the bride’s sari, and even who can attend. While in American cultures there is always a Bridezilla as we like to call her. She is the bride and the wedding is all about her and what she wants on her special day. She has to approve everything and it must be exactly what she wants and how she wants it. Even if her father is paying for the wedding, or contributing a healthy portion of the finances, he will often say it’s her day and whatever she wants she gets even if that means daddy has to go into debt paying for the wedding all by