The Haldi ceremony in Indian marriages is a vibrant and joyous pre-wedding ritual where a paste made of turmeric, oil, and water is applied to the bride and groom by their family and friends. This ceremony, often held separately for the bride and groom, is believed to bless the couple with good fortune and protect them from evil spirits. The turmeric paste is also thought to purify and beautify the skin before the wedding. The event is filled with laughter, traditional songs, and dances, symbolizing the happiness and auspicious beginnings of the marital journey.

In a Telugu marriage, the "Pellikuthuru" ceremony, also known as the bridal making ceremony, is a significant pre-wedding ritual. During this event, the bride undergoes a beautification process, which includes applying turmeric paste on her face, hands, and feet, symbolizing purification and blessing her with prosperity and beauty. The bride is adorned with traditional jewelry and attire, typically a silk saree. Female relatives and friends participate enthusiastically, singing traditional songs and performing rituals to ward off evil spirits, ensuring a joyful and auspicious start to the bride's new journey.

The reception in an Indian marriage is a grand celebration filled with delicious food, lively dance, and rich cultural traditions. Guests are treated to a lavish feast that includes a variety of regional dishes, showcasing the diverse culinary heritage of India. The atmosphere is vibrant with music and dance, with performances ranging from traditional folk dances to contemporary Bollywood numbers. Attendees, dressed in colorful and elegant Indian attire such as sarees, lehengas, and sherwanis, add to the festive ambiance. The event often reflects the couple's cultural background, incorporating rituals and customs unique to their community. In a village setting, the reception is marked by a strong sense of community, where neighbors and relatives come together to celebrate, contributing to a peaceful and harmonious atmosphere. The simplicity of village life blends beautifully with the grandeur of the occasion, creating a serene and joyous environment that honors the union of the couple.

The "Vakkaku Sangyam" ceremony is a traditional pre-wedding ritual in some South Indian, particularly Telugu-speaking, communities where the families of the bride and groom come together to finalize wedding arrangements and exchange gifts. This event symbolizes the formal agreement of the marriage, with both families discussing and confirming details such as the date, time, and venue of the wedding. They exchange gifts like clothes, jewelry, fruits, and sweets to strengthen their bond. The ceremony often includes traditional rituals, prayers, and blessings, emphasizing the unity and cooperation between the two families, marking an auspicious start to the couple's marital journey.

A "Mahakalyanam" in Indian tradition, particularly in South India, is an elaborate and grand wedding ceremony steeped in rich cultural rituals. The centerpiece of the Mahakalyanam is the tying of the "thaali" or "mangalsutra," a sacred thread or necklace that the groom ties around the bride's neck. This act symbolizes the marital bond and commitment. The ceremony takes place in the presence of a sacred fire, with the couple taking seven steps around it, each step representing a vow. The bride and groom are dressed in traditional attire, often silk sarees and dhotis, adorned with intricate jewelry. The event is marked by chanting of Vedic hymns, blessings from elders, and an atmosphere of devotion and festivity. The Mahakalyanam is a grand celebration of love, unity, and the beginning of a new journey for the couple.