We all love a good Indian wedding, with its multi-day celebrations, thousands of guests, and of course, enough dancing to make your feet ache for days. But amidst the grandeur and festivities, there’s an undeniable allure to the idea of a more intimate affair. And for couples looking to ditch the big fat Indian wedding, Nepal is truly a slice of heaven.
With its tranquil lakes, snow-capped mountains, and ancient temples steeped in spirituality – including holy Pashupatinath Temple, where local couples go to be married – Nepal serves as a captivating backdrop to a celebration that is at once intimate and unforgettable. Ready to trade the commotion of a classic Indian wedding for the serenity and grace of a Nepalese soiree?
Here’s how to pull off the most inspiring nuptials in this Himalayan Shangri-La.
Choose Your Perfect Location
Considering a breathtaking ceremony against the backdrop of the world’s highest mountain? Here’s what you need to know about planning your nuptials in Nepal. First off, the most important part of planning a wedding in Nepal is to choose the perfect location. You see, Nepal has a few (ok, A LOT) destinations – and just as you’d spend time picking and choosing swatches for the colour of your bridesmaids’ dresses, you may find yourself losing sleep over trying to choose the perfect spot to say “I do”.
The tranquil lakeside city of Pokhara offers views of the majestic Annapurna range, while Kathmandu Valley is home to several cultural heritage sites. Would you prefer a forested ceremony in lush greenery? How about a lakeside affair? Are you determined to find a traditional Nepali courtyard as the setting for your wedding? No problem – Nepal has enough venues to make the most ardent of brides happy, so get to work with your research!
Send Those Invitations Out Early
Now, onto the wedding cards. You’ll want to make sure you send out your invites early for your intimate Nepal wedding. Depending on where your guests are travelling from, they may need to factor in visa approval time, flight reservations and hotel bookings, so give everyone plenty of time. It also might be a good idea to fill them in on any additional details like possible hotel stays or need-to-know dress codes and cultural customs. Not only will this give them plenty of time to respond to your invite, but it’ll also set the stage for an event that they’ll be talking about for the rest of time!
Also Read: BEYOND THE PEAKS: DISCOVERING NEPAL’S ECLECTIC LANDSCAPES AND EXTRAORDINARY WILDLIFE
Organise Transport For Your Guests
Organising transportation for your guests is another crucial aspect to consider when planning an intimate wedding in Nepal, due to the diverse terrain (not to mention the varying accessibility to different wedding venues). Afterall, ensuring that your nearest and dearest can actually reach the location of your celebration easily is essential for a seamless and enjoyable experience. The last thing you want is for your guests to get lost somewhere in Nepal (big yikes), so, whether you opt to arrange shuttle services, private vehicles, or something a bit more off-road, do make sure that your guests will be well taken care of.
And finally, do be sure to communicate all transportation details to your guests sufficiently in advance. This means pick-up times, locations, as well as any specific directions they might need. Remember that arranging transportation for your guests doesn’t merely ensure that they’ll arrive on time. In providing this additional level of assistance, you’re simply making their overall experience all the more enjoyable and stress-free.
Embrace Nepali Culture
When in Rome, do as the Romans do. Or in this case, do as the Nepali people do. So, why not take Nepal vibes with you and turn your intimate wedding into an even more immersive cultural experience? Wear traditional Nepali outfits, like the elegant Dhaka topi (hat) and daura suruwal for the groom and grand saree or lehenga for the bride. Maybe even look into incorporating local wedding traditions like taking seven steps (Saptapadi) together around the holy fire. Nothing says made in Nepal more than these elements. This is the stuff of dreams and an amazing opportunity to get to know the people of this place where heaven touches Earth. Learn more about Nepali wedding traditions here.
Share The Love With Nepali Cuisine
There’s no better way to show love than with food, I’m sure we can all agree with that. And your wedding in Nepal is THE perfect opportunity to incorporate traditional Nepali dishes into your wedding menu. From the rich, aromatic spices to the hearty, satisfying ingredients, traditional Nepali dishes promise to impress your guests and add an extra level of authenticity to the celebration.
Tantalise their taste buds with an appetiser of momos, the steaming hot, meat or veggie-stuffed dumplings served with a side of the spiciest dipping sauce, and follow it with the comforting flavours of dal bhat, the steamed rice and lentils accompanied by a variety of delicious side dishes like vegetables, pickles, and chutneys. When you include traditional Nepali cuisine into your wedding menu, you do more than just share with your loved ones the rich culinary heritage of Nepal – you give your entire guest list an unforgettable gastronomic experience they’ll be left craving well after the wedding. So, let the flavours of Nepal form an integral part of your wedding celebration, and gift your loved ones with every delectable bite.
Hire A Talented Photographer
There’s absolutely no way you’re going to all the effort of organising an intimate wedding in Nepal without capturing every magical moment on camera. So, be sure to hire a talented photographer to ensure that the beauty and emotion of your special day are preserved forever more. If you’re unsure of where to source a good photographer in Nepal, websites like Upwork are a total lifesaver as they connect you with a diverse pool of talented photographers who specialise in capturing weddings and special events.
Whether you want candid snapshots of celebrations on the dance floor or meticulously composed portraits taken in the Himalayas, a good photographer will understand the unique charm of a Nepali wedding and the cultural significance of each ceremony. So, make it a point to find a photographer who has not only a great eye for composition and lighting but one that you can communicate with clearly so that your wedding album tells the story of your love.
Take A Chill Pill & Relax
Last but not least, amidst the hustle and bustle of wedding preparations, it can be difficult to find a moment to just chill and unwind. But remember – your intimate wedding in Nepal is all about peace and serenity, so don’t short-change yourself by stressing over every little detail. In other words, take a chill pill and relax! This is YOUR magical moment, so don’t let stress steal that away from you. You’ve got this!
So, there you have it – your guide to planning an intimate wedding in Nepal. Picture this: the Himalayas as your backdrop, momos on the menu, and a photographer capturing all the good stuff. It’s not just a wedding; it’s your love story in the heart of Nepal’s awesomeness. Get ready for a celebration that’s as cool and unforgettable as you two. Cheers to love, laughter, and making it epic in the Himalayas!
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