WHY CHOOSE MALTA FOR YOUR INDIAN WEDDING
Are you planning an Indian wedding but looking for a unique destination that blends the best of both worlds? Look no further than Malta! This beautiful Mediterranean island offers a perfect fusion of Indian and European cultures, making it an ideal location for couples seeking something different.
Malta boasts stunning landscapes and picturesque venues that provide a breathtaking backdrop to your special day. With its mild climate, you can enjoy an outdoor wedding all year round without worrying about weather disruptions.
Located at the heart of the Mediterranean, Malta is easily accessible from major cities around the world. This makes it convenient for guests traveling from abroad to attend your big day. Moreover, Maltese hospitality and warmth will make you and your guests feel right at home, ensuring that your wedding is a memorable experience for everyone involved.
So what are you waiting for? Consider Malta as your destination for an unforgettable Indian wedding with a twist!
WHY INDIAN WEDDINGS ARE POPULAR IN MALTA
Convenient Location for Guests
Malta's strategic location in the Mediterranean Sea makes it a convenient destination for Indian couples who have guests traveling from different parts of the world. The country is easily accessible by air and sea, with direct flights from major cities in Europe, Asia, and Africa. This means that family and friends can travel to Malta without having to worry about long layovers or connecting flights.
Stunning Landscapes and Warm Climate
Malta's warm climate and stunning landscapes provide a picturesque backdrop for traditional Indian wedding ceremonies and festivities. The island's crystal-clear waters, sandy beaches, and rugged coastline make it an ideal location for pre-wedding photoshoots and outdoor events like Mehndi ceremonies. With over 300 days of sunshine per year, couples can plan their wedding celebrations outdoors without worrying about rain or extreme weather conditions.
Diverse Cultural Heritage
Malta's diverse cultural heritage and rich history offer a unique blend of European and Mediterranean influences that can be incorporated into Indian wedding celebrations, making them even more memorable. From the ancient temples of Hagar Qim to the medieval walled city of Mdina, Malta has a wealth of historic sites that add character and charm to any wedding celebration. Couples can also incorporate Maltese traditions like fireworks displays or horse-drawn carriages into their wedding festivities.
Experienced Wedding Planners
The availability of experienced wedding planners and vendors who specialize in Indian weddings in Malta ensures that couples can have a seamless and stress-free wedding planning experience. These professionals understand the intricacies involved in planning an Indian wedding ceremony abroad, including sourcing authentic ingredients for traditional dishes or arranging for specialized services like Mehndi artists or Sangeet performers. They can also assist with legal requirements like obtaining marriage licenses or arranging for translations.
THE DIFFERENT PARTS OF AN INDIAN WEDDING
Indian weddings are known for their grandeur, vibrancy, and elaborate celebrations. They usually last for several days and involve multiple ceremonies and rituals that have significant cultural and religious importance. These ceremonies are designed to bring the families of the bride and groom together, celebrate their union, and seek blessings from the gods for a happy married life.
MISRI – THE RING CEREMONY
The wedding starts with a function of Misri, or you can call it an engagement. During this event, the couple exchanges their wedding rings and welcomes each other with garlands, and both the families exchange sweets and gifts. This event also has a dinner party for friends and families.
Misri is a Hindu word for sugar rock; the groom’s parents present a basket of misri to the bride representing that her future brings sweetness. This is why the event was named Misri; however, modern Indian weddings focus on the engagement ceremony and the dinner party more.
HENNA PARTY
This is followed by Mehendi, where intricate henna designs are applied on the hands and feet of the bride. Henna is a significant part of Indian culture; it is an intricate artwork that takes several hours and effort to get done. Before the wedding ceremony, the bride’s hands and feet are filled with beautiful henna designs.
The Henna party is where all the female relatives and friends of the bride get their henna done; it also involves music, dancing, and lots of pictures!
SANGEET
Following the Henna, the families and friends of the couple get together for dancing, singing, and some traditional rituals. Usually, there is a singing and dance competition between both the families and they get really competitive.
Both families start their dance practices months before the actual event to perform on this day, and some of them even hire a choreographer to ensure everything goes perfect. This event involves lots of color, music, laughter, and delicious Indian food.
The bride and groom’s families perform Indian traditional dances, and the couple also joins them. Women wear lehnga choli, sari, colorful and shiny outfits, whereas the men look dapper in their shalwar suit.
HALDI CEREMONY
Before moving on to the wedding, there is a tradition of having a Haldi ceremony in the morning. A paste of turmeric, gram flour, and sandalwood is applied over the bride and groom’s skin.
Turmeric is known to have many health and skin benefits, so it helps in moisturizing and calming the couple’s skin before the big event. There is also a Hindu belief that the paste of turmeric paste plays a role in blessing the bride and groom.
The wedding CEremony
The actual wedding ceremony takes place on the third or fourth day of festivities. It usually starts with Baraat - a procession in which the groom arrives at the wedding venue on a decorated horse or car accompanied by his family members dancing to traditional music. Once he reaches there, he is welcomed by the bride's family with Aarti (a Hindu ritual) before entering into Mandap (the sacred canopy structure).
The ceremony begins with Kanyadaan - giving away of daughter by her father to her future husband. After this comes Phere - seven rounds around Agni (sacred fire) symbolizing seven promises made between bride & groom. These promises include supporting each other in good times & bad times; taking care of each other's families; being loyal & faithful towards each other; having mutual respect & understanding etc.
Once this is done, Sindoor daan takes place wherein Groom applies sindoor (vermilion powder) on Bride's forehead indicating she has now become his wife. This is followed by Mangalsutra ceremony where the groom puts a mangalsutra (sacred necklace) around the bride's neck, which symbolizes their union.
The ceremony typically takes place in a mandap, which is a decorated canopy structure.
The Mandap is an essential part of Indian weddings. It is usually set up on the wedding stage and decorated with flowers, lights, and other ornaments. The Mandap represents the universe, and it is believed that getting married under it brings good luck to the couple.
The Mandap has four pillars representing four parents - Bride's father & mother and Groom's father & mother; it also has a sacred fire in the center called Agni that represents purity and power. The priest conducts all rituals around this fire as he chants mantras from Hindu scriptures.
The Ceremony Rituals
Some of the common rituals during an Indian wedding include Baraat (groom's procession), Kanyadaan (giving away of the bride), and Pheras (circumambulation around the sacred fire).
Baraat is one of the most fun-filled and lively ceremonies of an Indian wedding. It is a procession that starts from the groom's house and ends at the wedding venue. The groom arrives on a decorated horse or car, accompanied by his family members dancing to traditional music.
Kanyadaan is another significant ritual in which the bride's father gives away his daughter to the groom. This ceremony symbolizes the bride's parents' acceptance of the groom as their son-in-law.
Pheras are perhaps the most crucial part of an Indian wedding ceremony. It involves taking seven vows around Agni (sacred fire) while making promises to each other for lifelong companionship. After completing these vows, the couple becomes legally married.
Indian weddings are famous for being extravagant affairs with colorful decorations, flowers, lights & drapes adorning every corner of the venue.
RECEPTION
The reception is the finale of the wedding, which is as grand as other events. There are a lot of decorative displays and decorations. The bride and groom are mainly at the center of the stage, where the whole family gets their pictures done.
It involves excellent food, laughter, music, some more dance performances, speeches, and much more.
BEST LOCATIONS IN MALTA FOR A HINDU TRADITIONAL WEDDING
Malta is a beautiful destination that offers various outdoor locations where couples can tie the knot. For those who want to have a traditional Hindu wedding, there are plenty of options to choose from, including beaches, gardens, and historic sites. Each location provides its unique charm and beauty to make your special day unforgettable. I have created a detailed guide with all the wedding venues available in Malta here - https://www.fbalzan.com/malta-wedding-venues however you may want to consider the below specific ideas and themes before you go to look at the full list.
Beach Indian Wedding
Beaches such as Golden Bay and Riviera Bay provide stunning backdrops for wedding ceremonies and receptions. The crystal clear water and golden sand create a picturesque view that will leave you and your guests in awe. The sound of waves crashing against the shore adds an extra touch of romance to the atmosphere. These beaches offer ample space for large gatherings, making them perfect for couples who want to invite all their loved ones.
VENUES WITH Gardens with Lush Greenery and Picturesque Views
The Upper Barrakka Gardens (in Valletta) is an excellent option if you're looking for lush greenery and picturesque views of the Mediterranean Sea. These gardens feature various plants, flowers, trees, fountains, statues, and walkways that create a magical ambiance.
The Razzett l-Abjad is also an excellent venue choice if you want a traditional Hindu wedding ceremony in Malta. This venue features rustic architecture with stone walls, wooden beams, arches, courtyards, terraces that add character to your event. It also offers ample space indoors or outdoors depending on your preferences.
Amazing hotels with all inclusive services
Malta is full of amazing five star hotels with an amazing service with some of them just in front of the sea. These include the Hilton, the Westin hotel and the Corinthia hotels. These hotels offer a unique setting for pre-wedding ceremonies such as Haldi or Mehendi where families can come together to celebrate love and happiness.
Valletta: A Perfect Blend of Sun, Sea, and History
Valletta is a beautiful city that offers the perfect blend of sun, sea, and history. It is an ideal location for couples who want to have a traditional Hindu wedding in Malta. The city boasts of stunning architecture that dates back to the 16th century. Couples can choose from several historic venues such as palaces, gardens, and churches.
The Upper Barrakka Garden is one such venue that provides breathtaking views of the Grand Harbour. The garden has a serene atmosphere that makes it perfect for hosting intimate weddings. The Lower Barrakka Garden is another venue that offers stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea.
Gozo: A Peaceful and Tranquil Atmosphere
Gozo, a small island located in the Mediterranean Sea, offers a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere that makes it an ideal destination for couples who want to celebrate their traditional Hindu wedding in Malta. The island is known for its breathtaking landscapes, charming venues, and crystal-clear waters. Couples can choose from various locations on the island to exchange their vows, including historic churches, beautiful beaches, or stunning gardens.
The Island of Gozo is an excellent choice for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. With its laid-back lifestyle and slower pace of living, couples can enjoy a relaxing wedding experience away from the stress of everyday life. This serene environment provides a perfect setting for couples to focus on each other as they start their new journey together.
With Gozo's serene environment, couples can relax knowing that all their arrangements are taken care of by professionals who specialize in organizing destination weddings. They can sit back and enjoy their special day without worrying about anything else.
Guests attending the wedding will also have an opportunity to unwind while taking in the breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea. They can explore the island's natural beauty or simply relax by the pool while enjoying delicious food prepared by top chefs.
EXPERT GUIDANCE FOR PLANNING A DESTINATION HINDU TRADITIONAL WEDDING IN MALTA
Organizing a traditional Hindu wedding requires meticulous planning and attention to detail. It can be a daunting task for couples who are unfamiliar with the customs and traditions of Indian weddings. As I mentioned earlier this is however not a problem as event planners in Malta are experienced in organizing Hindu weddings and can help couples create their dream wedding.
These event planners have extensive knowledge of the customs and traditions of Hindu weddings. They know how to incorporate cultural elements into the wedding ceremony while ensuring that everything runs smoothly. From selecting the perfect venue to arranging catering, music, and decorations, these planners take care of every aspect of the wedding.
Hindu wedding planners in Malta typically offer a range of services, including venue selection, catering, decoration, photography, entertainment, and transportation arrangements. They also assist with legal requirements for getting married in Malta and obtaining necessary permits for conducting religious ceremonies.
THE SUPPLIER SELECTION PROCESS
Involving your parents in the supplier selection process can be incredibly helpful. Not only do they have experience with weddings, but they also have a good understanding of what is important for your culture and traditions. They may even have connections with suppliers that specialize in Indian weddings.
Look for Suppliers Who Specialize in Indian Weddings
When searching for suppliers for your Indian wedding in Malta, look for vendors who specialize in Indian weddings specifically. These suppliers will have experience working with Indian couples and will understand the unique cultural aspects involved.
Some key areas where you may want to consider specialized vendors include catering (for traditional dishes), decor (to incorporate cultural elements), and music (for traditional songs). You may also want to consider hiring a wedding planner who specializes in Indian weddings as they can help bring all of these elements together seamlessly.
Consider the Quality of Their Work and Reviews from Previous Clients
Before finalizing any supplier contracts, make sure to carefully review their work quality as well as reviews from previous clients. Look at their portfolio to see examples of their work and make sure it aligns with your vision for your wedding.
Reading reviews from previous clients can also provide valuable insights into the supplier's professionalism, communication skills, and overall performance. Don't be afraid to ask for references from the supplier themselves as well.
Supplier's Availability
Finally, when choosing suppliers for your Indian wedding in Malta, keep in mind their availability on your wedding date. Many popular vendors may book up quickly during peak wedding season, so it's important to secure contracts early on.
Make sure to communicate clearly with each supplier about their availability and confirm all dates and times in writing. This will help avoid any last-minute surprises or disappointments.
WHY INDIAN WEDDING MALTA IS THE PERFECT DESTINATION FOR YOUR DREAM WEDDING
If you're looking for a unique and unforgettable wedding experience, an Indian wedding in Malta might just be the perfect choice. With its stunning outdoor locations and historic backdrops, Malta offers a beautiful setting to celebrate your special day.
Indian weddings have become increasingly popular in Malta due to its picturesque landscapes, rich history, and warm climate. From the traditional ceremonies to the vibrant colors and intricate details, there's no denying that Indian weddings are a sight to behold.
In conclusion, Malta offers a beautiful setting for couples looking to celebrate their love with an Indian wedding. With its stunning outdoor locations, historic backdrops, and warm climate, it's no wonder why so many couples choose this Mediterranean island as their dream wedding destination.
So why wait? Start planning your Indian wedding in Malta today and create memories that will last a lifetime!
REAL INDIAN WEDDINGS IN MALTA
FRANKLIN - THE HUMAN BEHIND THE CAMERA
Through the years I have come to realize that love stories move me and captivate me. Couples that approach me are first and foremost humans for whom I care and to whom I want to dedicate only my very best. For them I am not just a photographer but their personal storyteller.
My education and life experiences have led me to a embrace a discreet storytelling style which is a combination fine art and photojournalism and has achieved recognition within the photography world. My journalistic photography aims not to disrupt the intimate moments of preparation, laughter or the tears of joy you are experiencing during the day. This intimate but subtle approach will serve as a visual legacy for yourself and your loved ones.
I am sure you are here because you have a unique story to tell. I would really like to hear it. Each story is different. Tell me about your day. Let me feel the atmosphere of your wedding. I know, sometimes it is not easy to express your feelings in words, but you can try… I will understand.
I do not take every wedding I am approached to photograph. It's truly important that I work with couples who share in my vision.
Fill out the contact form below and I will be in touch as soon as humanly possible.