Kerala Marriage vs. Other Indian Weddings: What Makes It Unique?

Worldwide, Indian weddings are known for their colour, energy and grandeur. But within this vast country, each state has its own way of celebrating love.

A Kerala marriage is different, not because it’s better or simpler but because it follows its own unique rhythm. If you have been to weddings in North India or other parts of South India, here’s how a Kerala marriage stands apart.

1. Kerala Marriages are Simple Yet Sacred Ceremonies

Kerala Hindu marriages, especially among Nairs and other communities, are known for their simplicity.

The main ceremony: the thalikettu or tying of the thali, takes just a few minutes. There are no extended rituals lasting hours. Everything is short and focused on blessings.

In contrast, many North Indian Hindu weddings involve multi-day events with rituals like haldi, mehendi, sangeet and pheras that span several hours. Both styles hold cultural value. They just follow different formats.

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2. Morning Weddings vs. Night time Celebrations

Most Kerala marriages happen in the morning. The muhurtham (auspicious time) is often between 7 am and 11 am.

Guests arrive early, the ceremony is done by noon and lunch is served by 1 pm.

In many North Indian and city-based weddings, celebrations begin in the evening and continue late into the night. This difference is mostly based on local customs and seasonal preferences.

3. Banana Leaf Meals Over Buffets

The traditional Kerala marriage meal is a sadhya, a vegetarian feast served on banana leaves.

It includes a variety of dishes, all served in a set order. It is eaten sitting down, often as a community.

In other Indian weddings, buffet-style meals are more common. Guests enjoy choosing from multiple cuisines.

Both styles are centred around hospitality, just presented differently.

4. In Kerala Marriages, It is Mundu Over Sherwani

The groom in a Kerala marriage typically wears a white or cream mundu with a shirt or angavastram. Brides often wear a kasavu saree or other simple silk sarees.

In other parts of India, the groom might wear a sherwani, turban or formal suit. Brides may wear heavy lehengas or designer sarees.

Both styles reflect local fashion traditions.

5. Subtle Decor vs. Themed Setups

Decor at a Kerala marriage is usually understated, flowers, lamps, banana stalks and rangoli. The look is clean and rooted in nature. These days, we have elaborate themes also, but mostly it might have some temple background and florals etc.

In cities and other states, themed decor with LED screens, stage lighting and bold colour schemes are popular.

Neither is better. Each offers a different visual experience.

6. Traditional Music Over Dance Nights

In Kerala marriages, music usually includes traditional instruments like nadaswaram or chenda melam. Dance is not a main element of the wedding day.

In many Indian weddings, sangeet and DJ nights are key events. Music and dance are a big part of the celebration.

These are simply two different approaches to expressing joy.

7. Community-Driven vs. Large-Scale Planning

Kerala marriages often involve close family members doing most of the planning and hosting. It feels personal and local.

In bigger weddings, especially in metros, planners, decorators and agencies manage much of the event.

Both formats work depending on the family’s needs.

8. Punctuality and Time Respect

Kerala weddings usually start on time. The rituals are completed quickly and meals follow soon after. The event is typically over by afternoon.

Other Indian weddings may be more relaxed about time, with ceremonies often beginning late.

This again depends on regional customs and guest expectations.

Kerala marriages and other Indian weddings are shaped by history, geography and community values. One is not better than the other. They simply reflect the culture of the people hosting them.

Understanding these differences can help us appreciate the beauty in every tradition.

That said, things are changing.

Many Kerala marriages today include haldi, mehendi and DJ parties in the days leading up to the main event. Couples are adding fun elements from other wedding cultures while still preserving the essence of a traditional Kerala marriage. The rituals remain the same but the celebration around it has become more diverse and expressive.

At Shaadi Vows, we help you plan a wedding that respects your roots, whatever they may be and creates joyful memories for everyone involved.

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