Puja & Allen

May 2–3, 2025 • Springfield, IL

Puja & Allen

May 2–3, 2025 • Springfield, IL

Q&A

Attire - Threads of Tradition and Joy

We are so happy to not only unite our lives, but also to celebrate the coming together of our cultures. Our wedding will be a spirited fusion of both Indian and American traditions, and we are excited to have you be a part of this cultural blending.


While we want you to feel completely comfortable in whatever attire you choose, we also invite you to embrace the vibrant and colorful spirit of Indian culture, which is an integral part of our celebration. There is no expectation to dress in a specific way, but if you are inspired to incorporate elements of Indian attire, we would be delighted. For women, a lehenga choli (cropped blouse with long skirt and sash) , salwar kameez (long tunic with pant and a sash, which is comfy and can be both formal or informal), or saree (cropped blouse fully wrapped in long fabric that can be complex to wear, but there are lots of YouTube videos that can be a guide) offer elegant yet festive options. For men, a kurta (loose, long tunic that can be worn with various types of pants) is a lovely traditional choice. These are just a few ideas, and many stores, both online and in-person, offer a wide range of beautiful pieces. Below are some shopping options if interested:


- https://www.cbazaar.com/

- https://www.utsavfashion.com/

- Sai's Boutique | Indian Clothing (8840 Michigan Rd Suite 102, Indianapolis, IN 46268)


The bride and groom will be wearing a blend of formal Indian and Western styles, and we hope that you feel encouraged to join in this fusion in whatever way feels right for you. Most importantly, we want you to enjoy the celebration and feel at ease as we come together to mark this joyous occasion.

Food?

Absolutely, we love food! Both events will have food and drinks! The mehndi party will have Indian food options (both vegetarian and non-vegetarian) and the wedding reception will include multiple options to choose from during the RSVP process.

What's a mehndi party?

In Indian culture, the Mehndi ceremony is a beautiful and festive pre-wedding tradition. It’s all about celebrating love, joy, and good fortune. During the event, henna – a natural dye made from the leaves of the henna plant – is applied in intricate, beautiful designs, traditionally on the bride’s hands and/or feet. These designs often feature floral patterns, paisleys, and symbols of prosperity. Mehndi/henna is applied as a paste on skin, then it needs to dry for a bit. After the paste has dried, it’s gently scraped off, revealing a beautiful, rich color that deepens over the next 24 hours. The final stain can range from a soft orange to a deep brown, depending on skin type and how long the paste stays on. The stain can last anywhere from a few days to a couple weeks. It’s believed that the darker the mehndi stain, the stronger the love and bond between the bride and groom! Not only is this a special tradition for the bride, but it’s also a fun time for everyone to come together and celebrate! Think music, dance, food, laughter, and lots of color. It’s an opportunity for friends and family to show their love and best wishes to the couple before the big day. If you’d like to get your own mehndi designs done at the party, you’re more than welcome! Whether it's a small symbol, a beautiful pattern, or just a small fun design on your hand or arm, we have talented mehndi artists ready to create something special for you. It’s a great way to get into the spirit of the celebrations and leave with a little bit of traditional artistry on your skin! So sit back, enjoy the party, and feel free to treat yourself to a mehndi design. It’s all part of the celebration, and we’re so glad you will be joining us.

Schedule for Wedding Day (5/3/25)

2:00 p.m. - Baraat:

We welcome everyone to this part of the big day. We will meet in the parking lot of the venue (Long Bridge Golf Course) at 2:00. The Baraat is the groom’s grand wedding procession — full of dancing, music, and celebration! The groom arrives with his family and friends, accompanied by music, colorful attire, and high spirits. It’s a vibrant parade where everyone is welcome to dance, cheer, and kick off the festivities in style! Dress ready to dance — we can’t wait to celebrate with you!


2:30 p.m. - Wedding ceremony:

Guests can be seated and join us for a beautiful Indian wedding ceremony filled with sacred traditions and heartfelt moments as we begin this joyous new chapter.


4:00 p.m. - Cocktail Hour(s):

Relax, mingle, and celebrate with us over refreshing drinks, delicious appetizers, and great company before the evening festivities begin!


6:00 p.m. and onward - Dinner and dancing:

The celebration continues! Join us for an evening of dinner, desserts, and dancing as we party the night away in honor of the newlyweds!


*** Everyone is welcome to all the events, but if you are unable to attend parts of the day, we completely understand and still encourage you to come to what you can. We want to celebrate with you and maximize our time together as much as possible :)

What time should guests arrive to ceremony on Saturday?

Arrive as early as 2:00 p.m. for the Baraat. The wedding ceremony will begin at 2:30 p.m.

Indoor/outdoor?

If weather permits, the wedding ceremony and reception will be outdoors. However, there is a climate controlled area at the venue that will allow us to move things inside if needed. The mehndi party will be indoors.

Parking and transportation?

We welcome guests to drive or get a ride to the event depending on what’s easiest and most comfortable. There is lots of parking at the venue. Uber is a good option to get home as well after the partying. As Uber can have limited drivers in Springfield, it may be helpful to schedule a ride in advance if needed.