Indian Wedding Garlands (Varmala / Jaimala)

jsmith7

My fmil is malaysian/indian (fi is half brown half white).  The only tradition she has asked for to be in the ceremony is exchanging of wedding garlands.  We have picked them out and I would like to fit the exchange into the ceremony wording (united church).  Has anyone had any experience with this?

Also, how long must the Varmala be worn?  Into the reception as well?

raangoli

From what I can remember, the varmalas are worn for the entire wedding ceremony and then taken off afterwards, so you could do that for your ceremony as well.

Here's a pretty good explanation of the varmalas and the traditions/meaning behind it:

http://weddings.iloveindia.com/indian-weddings/main-day-functions/var-mala.html

Hope that helps a bit!