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!

Roman Catholic. Thank,you.

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.

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.

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.

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!

OP's friend probably got a kid by now......

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!

Well no worries, Maha Guru, my information won't go to waste! There will be others seeking this advice.

Thanks! I'll be around here doing just that.

Two cents: please check the dateline of a post before responding...

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

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..