Western guests staying with Indian family
We are 3 Australian ladies travelling to Southern India (Pali) to celebrate the wedding of one of our co-workers who is from India. We all work together and I am the boss of the workplace. The family are insisting that we stay with them but during the celebration. We are very excited but concerned that we may not be aware enough of the culture and would hate to offend. Could someone offer any advice? We would also like to buy the Brides family something special for Having us stay but we are not what to give? Also what can we give as a wedding gift?
Probably you'll find that the answers to your questions are already on the site. If you scroll down to the bottom of the page, you'll find a list of threads that the system thinks are similar: it's a good place to start.
You can then ask about any specific doubts or worries you're left with.
"From India," though, is not nearly enough! it would help people to at least know the religion of your colleague!
You can then ask about any specific doubts or worries you're left with.
"From India," though, is not nearly enough! it would help people to at least know the religion of your colleague!
#4 Jun 25th, 2013, 18:17
Search, be your own guru
- Join Date:
- Jul 2009
- Location:
- New Delhi
- Posts:
- 5,147
Quote:
She works with you, ask her. Yes, people from foreign cultures can make mistakes, firstly Indians would not take it seriously and have fun, and secondly (again) just ask your co-worker. In emergency, you can always post in this thread and there will be replies. For a present, ask her - clothes, something which will be useful in kitchen, decorative piece, etc.
Quote:
I thought that too, and yes, it is the first thing to do, and maybe they already did. Having thought it, though, I then thought ...to the bride, all the stuff they do at home is just normal, and she might not think of mentioning it.
#6 Nov 20th, 2015, 19:49
The Foreign Indian Wife
- Join Date:
- Nov 2015
- Location:
- New Delhi, India
- Posts:
- 15
When you are giving wedding gifts, it's best to give a bundle of a few gifts.
Sarees for the married ladies, suits for the unmarried girls, kurta pyjama suits for the men. It's also great to give money and sweets. Like a box of laddoos from a local sweets shop.
When it comes to giving money, give in amounts ending in 1. Give at least 101, if not 1001, but always end in 1. It's auspicious.
Girls and ladies alike really like to receive cosmetics - especially from abroad. Go for reds and pinks. Red nail polish, red lipstick, pink lipstick, and so on.
Sarees for the married ladies, suits for the unmarried girls, kurta pyjama suits for the men. It's also great to give money and sweets. Like a box of laddoos from a local sweets shop.
When it comes to giving money, give in amounts ending in 1. Give at least 101, if not 1001, but always end in 1. It's auspicious.

Girls and ladies alike really like to receive cosmetics - especially from abroad. Go for reds and pinks. Red nail polish, red lipstick, pink lipstick, and so on.
#7 Nov 20th, 2015, 19:52
The Foreign Indian Wife
- Join Date:
- Nov 2015
- Location:
- New Delhi, India
- Posts:
- 15
Also, please do not give alcohol, as many families do not drink it, and it can be insulting.
You will be fine! It may be an adjustment for you to stay with them for awhile, but you really can't go wrong. Just be sure to dress modestly, to the best of your ability and you will win their hearts!
You will be fine! It may be an adjustment for you to stay with them for awhile, but you really can't go wrong. Just be sure to dress modestly, to the best of your ability and you will win their hearts!
#9 Nov 20th, 2015, 20:32
Learning... from others' experiences!
- Join Date:
- Sep 2011
- Location:
- India
- Posts:
- 13,375
But, you should see the spirit of "The Foreign Indian Wife", Prince!
She has learnt a lot about Indian culture and traditions...
Welcome to India Mike, MyHindiHeart!
Please share your experiences about India!
She has learnt a lot about Indian culture and traditions...

Welcome to India Mike, MyHindiHeart!
Please share your experiences about India!
#10 Nov 20th, 2015, 20:33
The Foreign Indian Wife
- Join Date:
- Nov 2015
- Location:
- New Delhi, India
- Posts:
- 15
Quote:
Well no worries, Maha Guru, my information won't go to waste! 
American girl marries Indian boy.
I blog at: http://ForeignIndianWife.com
I blog at: http://ForeignIndianWife.com
#11 Nov 20th, 2015, 20:36
The Foreign Indian Wife
- Join Date:
- Nov 2015
- Location:
- New Delhi, India
- Posts:
- 15
Quote:
Thanks! 
Quote:
It may be helpful for me. I am trying to find some gifts. In Indian culture Rs. 101 giving on marriage, birthday etc. but Rs. 100 offered ceremonies relating to death, that time nobody add Rs. 1
Liquor is popular gift, especially Foreign liquor, but be careful it will offer to male members only.
Cheers
Best Regards,
#14 Nov 21st, 2015, 10:49
Maha Guru Member
- Join Date:
- Sep 2001
- Location:
- Land that shakes and bakes.
- Posts:
- 15,832
There is this bottle of Chevas Regal that smiles wickedly at me in my brother in laws house for the last quarter century. My brother in law eschews alcohol but keeps it on proud display none the less. Alas, I have passed the age where I could share a bottle and sing through the night
. I'll take chocolates and truck out toilet paper for my next trip
. Tomorrow I make a haul of See's Candies and try to keep my hands off the trove
..



Similar Threads
Title, Username, & Date | Last Post | Replies | Views | Forum |
---|---|---|---|---|
Staying with indian family - what to expect ? | Jun 3rd, 2008 10:07 | 5 | 1218 | India Travel Itinerary Advice |
Staying with Indian family | Jun 21st, 2006 07:23 | 0 | 1276 | Lodging and Hotels in India |