One part of the Hindu blessing that concerned Remy, was trying to find a venue that would allow a sacred fire – a central element of a Hindu ceremony.

She explains, “It’s only a small fire, but it is indoors. The fire is said to ward off evil, and I was unsure if Ellingham Hall would allow that. I was nervous to tell them because it is an integral part of the ceremony. But we were delighted when the Ellingham team were able to help.

“They said, they would have their team on standby by the fire alarm just in case the alarm went off during the blessing. They were so supportive with everything we asked.”

Notes from the Bride

As our first Hindu Wedding – How did it go?

I wanted to honour my culture, but a week-long celebration wasn’t possible. Instead, we held the Hindu blessing the night before our wedding with close family and friends. It was wonderful, and the Ellingham team were excited to be part of it. I was a little nervous because it was so different from the weddings they usually host, but it went really well. Afterwards, our guests enjoyed a drinks reception followed by a delicious masala curry served with naan bread, poppadoms and pickles, which everyone loved.

What is involved with the Hindu Wedding Ceremony?

I wore a red Lehnga with gold embroidery, which is a traditional dress for a Hindu wedding. Chris wore a traditional ivory Sherwani and was serenaded by drummers. We decided it would be nice to do that when he arrived so he could make a grand entrance. A Mandap was set up in the Ceremony Room, which is a canopy that represents our marital home. When Chris arrived at the Hall with his mum, dad, sister and brother, they greeted my mum and uncle, who was my dad-like figure. It signifies welcoming them into my family home.

Chris also had to break a little pot with his foot. He did that to symbolise whether he was worthy of marrying me. Then he was welcomed into the Mandap by my mum, uncle and the priest. That’s where the words are recited before I arrive. I stayed inside the Mandap for the rest of the blessing.

Did everything go well with the Hindu Wedding Blessing?

It really did. During the ceremony, we had to put a banana into the fire from some height, which represents abundance, fertility and the divine connection! I was nervous about it, but we got it in. The fire is almost like an altar along with the Mandap.

Did you have a traditional British wedding on the second day?

We wanted a two-night wedding as I always wanted to do the Hindu wedding ceremony the night before our traditional wedding. We looked at other venues, who were happy with us doing some aspects of the ceremony, but they didn’t work logistically. You did not have exclusivity at the other venues. You were put into a room with other people around who weren’t part of your wedding. At Ellingham Hall, we enjoyed exclusive use of the Hall and grounds. There was exactly the right amount of accommodation we needed for our guests that wanted to stay over both nights.

What was the Highlight of your Cross-Cultural Wedding in Northumberland?

I can’t pick one, everything was so good from the night before to our fabulous wedding day. The food was incredible. I have had so many guests come to me to say the wedding was insane. And the fact you had a choice for the wedding breakfast was amazing. Usually, it’s a set menu!

What Advice do you have for Couples Planning a Wedding?

Enjoy the planning! Don’t get stressed about it because on the day, if details go wrong, only you will notice it. Enjoy being engaged and planning the wedding as it goes by so quickly. And have faith in your wedding team and suppliers. They do it all the time so trust them.

If you are looking for a cross-cultural wedding in Northumberland or a Hindu Wedding Blessing, contact our Ellingham team today to arrange a viewing appointment.

Wedding Day Suppliers

Photographer: Sophotogenic
Videographer: Abigail Grace
Content Creator: The Bride’s Vision
Priest for Hindu Blessing: @hindupriest108
Registrar – Northumberland Registrars
Bridal Sari – @Sonascouture
Bridal Gown: Marrime Bridalwear
Hair: Charlotte Monoghan
MUA: Anna McClen and Giorgia Lucy
Suits: Slaters Menswear
Bridesmaids Dresses: Club L London
Hindu Ceremony Décor: Chai Events Pranali Amlani
Drummers for Hindu Blessing: @rhythmxinc
Wedding Day Florist: Flori and Fern
Pianist: Mark Thompson
Photobooth: Studio Social North (TOM)
DJ: Ian Conway Icon Entertainments
Cake: The Couple That Bakes