Indian Wedding Cards
They say marriages are made in heaven, and wedding cards make them known. An Indian wedding invitation is often a small work of art, and choosing one can be surprisingly hard, even when budget is no object. The simple postcard invitation of years past has given way to a dazzling variety of styles.
Folded Cards and Lord Ganesha
Most Indian wedding cards are folded, even in their simplest forms. Many Hindu invitations use ivory or silvery art paper with a raised image of Lord Ganesha at the top, the remover of obstacles, invoked at the start of every auspicious beginning. Borders feature floral or traditional patterns, embossed or printed, almost always in gold. If your card is magenta or maroon, gold is the only color that truly sings beside it.
Indian Invitation Styles
- Folded: ivory or silver paper, gold borders and Lord Ganesha on the cover
- Flip-top: modern boxes in colors matched to your wedding theme
- Scroll: fabric scrolls tied with silk thread, in the style of royal decrees
- Handmade: hand-painted cards with mirrors, embroidery and calligraphy
- Inclusive: any design can be adapted for Hindu, Sikh, Muslim or Christian weddings
Flip-Tops and Royal Scrolls
Flip-top cards are a newer trend, with colors chosen to match your overall theme, though very bright colors can look busy with silver thread wrappings. Scroll invitations, made in the historic style of royal decrees, are especially beloved: choose the fabric and its color with care, and a contrasting thread, crimson on leafy green, perhaps, with or without borders of zari lace.
Hand-Painted and Handmade
Hand-painted and handmade cards cost more and take longer to make in large numbers, but alongside gold and silver cards they give you complete control. You can even make each card different, choosing paper, color, size and calligraphy, and decorating with tiny mirrors, embroidery or keepsakes, ideas you might borrow from a scrapbook. Indian wedding cards are not limited by religion either: if you love a design shown as a Sikh or Muslim card, ask your card maker to adapt it for your own ceremony.
Explore more of our Indian wedding guides: Indian Wedding Themes · Bridal & Groom Dress · Choosing Saris · Wedding Customs · Pre-Wedding Ceremonies · Wedding Cards