Indian Theme Party
As I entered the cheerful atmosphere of my friend’s mendhi ceremony, I was enlightened by the rich vibrant themes that were present in her mendhi. Since my friend Puja was Indian, it was my first moment to enjoy this joyous moment by attending her bridal ceremony. In the Indian culture, a “mendhi” is a 
tradition in which the bride is adorned with jewelry, makeup and special clothing. The “Bride to be” goes through the traditional rites of passage in which family members give her flowers, presents and prayers. However the most unique element that was prevalent in this ceremony was the assimilation of the Indian-American culture.
Although both sex wore the traditional clothing, it was surprising to see beautiful, embossed napkins with the personalized message of “Gazes united and everything fell in place.” It was an intriguing experience to celebrate with her because truly she was one of those girls that watched Indian movies all the time and had fantasized about love since she was a little girl. Puja’s mendhi ceremony truly displayed her creativity with personalized napkins in an Indian wedding theme. Moreover, the gift table was filled with customized messages that truly captured her perfect moment. She managed to pull a spectacular look that even left the conservative elderly family members in awe.
The mesh of cultures undoubtedly truly amazed me. Here was a conservative girl that had continued to uphold all the conservative family values and had managed to shower her “American girl” side with personalized napkins and Champaign. Needless to say, it really made me wonder about diversity that is prevalent in our society. Diversity should be celebrated, embraced and should be the focal point that all of us are unique in our own spheres of life.
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Henry B Springs
Culture is an interesting word, full of nuances but the basic definition or idea is universal. It can mean excellence in taste of fine arts and humanities, more aptly titled high culture. A wider, more profound definition is a shared pattern of human knowledge, set of beliefs and behavior for “symbolic thought and social learning.” Does that sound like too much culture? Perhaps a point to jot down on your Personalized Notepads: Apple Memo Squares, Mini Lists or Classic Monograms would be how all of this relates to weddings or celebrations? Let’s see we might even want to look up the term Mendhi or get a bit more information regarding the word, the ceremony? Mendhi is “the use of henna as a temporary skin decoration” or tattoo. It is originally derived as a Sanskrit term and the custom is a symbolic representation of the Outer and Inner Sun. Mendhi designs are applied for Hindu special occasions, festivals and weddings. Traditionally they are used as decorations mainly for brides at wedding ceremonies, in some cases the grooms as well.
Indian weddings can often be long, ritualistic and elaborate affairs with pre wedding and past wedding events. Invitations to the Mendhi celebration at the bride’s hall or banquet house before the actual wedding is standard protocol. Incorporating wonderfully Embossed, Monogrammed or Raised Ink Personalized Cards can only add to the unique feel or personality of the Mendhi. Vivid or bright colors at the ceremony are tradition, playing on those colors in your invitations would surely be an added plus, a nice touch of sophistication. Hot Pink , Yellow, Candy Pink, Orange and Copper are some complimentary colors are usually part of the actual Mendhi. We offer a number of Personalized Cards among Our Best Selling 124 where a Pink London or Geneva Monogram Note could be applicable as well as Ivory or Yellow. There are limitless ways of personalizing a Mendhi ceremony, to make it a joyful noise, pay homage to guests and tradition of both cultures and insure everyone has been enlightened of the true meaning of our Personalized Stationery. Buy some of our Cards and notes and pass them along as well as the good news.
“In the opinion of the world, marriage ends all, as it does in a comedy. The truth is precisely the opposite: it begins all.”
Writer: Anne Sophie Swetchine
14 January 2012, 10:51 amBeverly --- Carbondale, IL
I like the international theme in the blog. And I always like Henry’s quotes.
14 January 2012, 12:56 pmLucien
I have bought personalized party napkins on two occasions at Giftsin24 and recommend their prompt and accurate service.
14 January 2012, 12:59 pmMatt Ryan
I went to an Arabic wedding once and it was culturally different yet unique. I witnessed a belly dancing show, which was my first experience. It was also pretty cool to see the bride’s dress because it was really similar to the one found in American wedding but covered more skin. It would be cool to witness a Korean wedding.
14 January 2012, 1:01 pmDhwani Shah
Wow, this seems like an amazing experience that you got to witness. I am engaged with my fiance and I was hoping to do a similar theme. My parents are from India but are very modern so it makes sense to have this kind of theme.
14 January 2012, 1:04 pmHenry B Springs
I think that’s the beauty of self expression that Personalized Stationery makes even at a Mendhi celebration. Whether it is a Card or Note or completely new take on a certain tradition like offering Personalized Napkins, detail has its place. It’s the little things that count that often serve to provoke thought, instill inspiration and change direction of our thoughts and actions. Puja’s Mehndi ceremony is part of her unique cultural tradition. It is something that indeed provokes thought for anyone who is curious and not as familiar with Hindu tradition. If you receive a Personalized Card or Note as an Invitation to the Mendhi or thwy are included as part of a Personalized Wedding Stationery’s package it immediately resonates as something more in tune with our Bridal Shower and Bachelor’s Party. Of course we are aware that it is something a bit different, a bit unique that can be interpreted as something that is part of a unique wedding agenda. Puja created a very signature effect with her Embossed Napkins with a thought provoking message, ““Gazes united and everything fell in place.” As Faizan mentions it was a unique way that western personalization added to a truly personal “Mendhi” celebration for all involved. It’s amazing what a little creativity can do for an event , even if your selecting one of our 112 Best Selling Personalized Napkins: Embossed, Monogrammed or Foil Stamped.
Our Personalized Napkins can take many forms to celebrate many celebrations: Foil Stamped Napkins, Embossed and Monogram Napkins help bring celebrations to life. Our Embossed, Color Mist and Monogrammed Guest Towels and Napkins are perfect for drinks, serving appetizers, desserts and dining on whatever, whenever and wherever? Birthdays, Weddings and Anniversaries will be a night to remember in whatever Personalized Napkin you choose. Add a little color, a little style. We’ll deliver them in plenty of time for any event, any party. Try any of our classic Napkins and celebrate the holidays in style. All of our Personalized Napkins say a lot. Add a touch of class: Color Mist, Whitlock, Brittany Foil Stamped, Oxford and Seville Foil Stamped as well. Make it a night to remember.
” We, unaccustomed to courage exiles from delight live coiled in shells of loneliness until love leaves its high holy temple and comes into our sight to liberate us into life. ”
Writer: Maya Angelou
14 January 2012, 7:50 pmMyWords
Let’s have more blogs about India’s culture, and other far eastern cultures, too. Otherwise, there is a sameness to all the European-American traditions.
14 January 2012, 8:25 pmMorgan Sherman
The best thing that i have ever witnessed during an Indian wedding is the DJ! Wow, he played some sick Indian and R&B music. It was awesome! The mesh of beats was extravagant to say the least. Speaking of which, has anyone watched Bollywood movies?
15 January 2012, 12:26 amNermin Nani
OMG, Bollywood movies are amazing. They are so highly fantasized and are so rich in music. Highly romantic and are amazing at capturing all the human emotion!
15 January 2012, 12:45 amBob Kelos
Something that is really prevalent in Indian weddings are personalized cakes! Goes perfect with personalized napkins! It is so elegant and unique to see the Bride dressed up in sari. It really expands your horizons on diversity.
15 January 2012, 1:45 amBeeni Rizvi
The indo-pak tradition dictates that the bride and groom eat sweets and sip on traditional drinks. In West, the cutting of the cake symbolizes that tradition. Both of these traditions are extremely prevalent in Indian-American weddings.
Celebrate diversity and embrace it
18 January 2012, 7:43 pmRob Statwick
i want to do an indian theme party but in Los Angeles, USA , and preferably i am choosing a Punjabi theme. Does anyone who has done an Indian theme? I kinda to want information on the linen used , and the props to be used as well as the food and clothes. Any suggestions?
19 January 2012, 12:44 amPuja Patel
For doing the indian party you should serve traditionnal meals from there and you can read into books to learn how they live. Doing research also helps but you can go with a good menu like this:
Chicken Tikkah and roti would be a great menu.
19 January 2012, 12:56 amJosh Howard
Another great way to surprise someone other than the surprise party itself is having a double surprise. If the person has relatives or good friends in another state, invite them to the surprise party. At the party, keep these double surprises all in a different room.
23 January 2012, 12:51 pmHunaza ihsan
My big bro Elad did this to my mom when she turned 40 years old. At the time, she was living in Los Angeles and he was living in Israel. They hadn’t seen each other many many months. Elad flew over and just before the first surprise of the party itself, he hid in a different room. My mom had the biggest surprise in her face and it was the best birthday for her.
23 January 2012, 1:50 pmPam Oliver
If you have a larger budget, you can always surprise with a long limo. If it’s a bunch of kids or adults, they can all meet up at the same place where the limo can pick everyone up at once.
Take the limo to a restaurant. Create a CD jam pack CD with everyone’s favorite hits. Get some food, wine and celebrate the event in style.
23 January 2012, 2:20 pmHelen George
I absolutely love the limo idea but it seems to be bit expensive
. Instead of a limo, I was thinking about renting a party bus or guided tour that caters for large groups. It could be a fun idea to make an appointment with the Surprisee to meet somewhere on a street corner. Arriving ten minutes later than the time appointed in a bus full of friends and family of the Surprise.
23 January 2012, 2:32 pmJenna samson
It’s important that everyone stays completely quite when the guessing is taking place. Also make sure that when someone moves the material to walk into the main area. The room can have no lights turned on, that way it’s pretty dark inside. I had one party in which no one can seem to be quite and it ruined the surprise.
23 January 2012, 6:31 pmFatima
If this is a surprise party for kids who are a bit older, why not make it a surprise slumber party. Invite a few good friends to sleep over. Each can get a pillowcase and decorate with fabric markers and puffy paints. It works perfect with my daughter’s birthday and surprise parties. They also play scavenger hunt with personalized notes.
23 January 2012, 7:00 pmHenry B Springs
Christmas is over but we are still concerned with holidays, enjoying our free time and making the most of the finer things as they “keep shining through.” Whether it’s the best restaurants, the best movies, the best music or the best place to buy diamonds: Harry Winston, Debeers or Van Cleef and Arpels? Are diamonds really a girl’s best friend? Who is the indisputable champion, who offers the best, “simply the best” diamonds, anywhere? If you are caught in a quandary about diamonds and you just want to offer “clever conversation” our Personalized Cards and Notes will lend a noticeable shimmer to your expression just the same. Try any of our 70 Classic Personalized Cards and Notes to convey a mood and celebrate an occasion. Fill a warm moment with song, with a warm gesture, sincerity, happiness or gratitude. Make whatever date or whatever occasion much more than it could be, more than expected. Let someone know you’re thinking of them, remind them of an approaching birthday, anniversary or spring festival. If you are bringing flowers or wish to express your love with the sparkly stuff, as in brilliant stones that shine keep our cards and notes beside them as brilliance will be added in kind.
Our Best Cards and Notes go hand in hand with the best people in your lives: Traditional Monogram, Blossom, Glory Cards, Columbia, Brittany and Flourish Notes. Give a full range of expressions and impressions to connect with anyone and everyone, have them connect with you. Let our cards sing your celebrations, convey gratitude, and wish everyone well. Take the time to reflect on all the special moments that make up your life. Watch them bring the best of everything to life. Send a variety of messages in a rich array of Cards or Notes with over 124 of our Best Selling Notes and Cards. Let your true colors shine through in our Cards and Notes, in every color of the rainbow, as they become a magical language for all the days of your life. Personalized Stationery let’s enrich someone else’s experience. Cards and Notes send personal messages for every purpose under the sun. Make unique moments and messages to open doors and make lasting impressions, express just a little more……
“Ambition has but one reward for all: A little power, a little transient fame; A grave to rest in, and a fading name! ” But what of those we touch and who are touched by us, does not their light shimmer just the same?
Writer: Walter Savage Landor
24 January 2012, 8:14 pm