Hindu Wedding Card Matter (English)
A Hindu wedding card usually opens with a Ganesh invocation such as "|| Shri Ganeshaya Namah ||", then invites guests on behalf of the parents to the "auspicious wedding ceremony" (shubh vivah) of their daughter or son. It lists the muhurat for the pheras, the functions in order (tilak, haldi, mehendi, sangeet, baraat, pheras, reception) and closes with the names of family members who await the guests.
Invocations and shlokas for the top of the card
Lord Ganesha is invoked first because he removes obstacles. Pick one line; regional families often use their kuldevta instead.
|| Shri Ganeshaya Namah ||
Vakratunda Mahakaya Suryakoti Samaprabha Nirvighnam Kuru Me Deva Sarva Karyeshu Sarvada
Mangalam Bhagwan Vishnu, Mangalam Garudadhwaja Mangalam Pundarikaksha, Mangalaya Tano Hari
With the divine blessings of Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi
|| Om Shri Ganeshaya Namah || With the blessings of our Kuldevi [Name]
Main invitation — bride's family
Traditional phrasing calls the bride "Saubhagyakankshini" (Sau. Kan.), one who wishes for a blessed married life, and the groom "Chiranjeevi" (Chi.), one blessed with long life.
[Bride's parents] solicit your gracious presence with family on the auspicious occasion of the wedding of their daughter Sau. Kan. [Bride's name] with Chi. [Groom's name] S/o [Groom's parents] Pheras: [Date], [Time] (Shubh Muhurat) [Venue], [City]
By the grace of Lord Ganesha [Bride's parents] invite you to bless their daughter [Bride's name] and [Groom's name] as they take the seven sacred vows [Date] · [Time] [Venue], [City]
We request the pleasure of your company and blessings at the shubh vivah of our daughter [Bride's name] with [Groom's name] (grandson of [Grandparents] and son of [Groom's parents]) [Date] · [Venue], [City] — [Bride's parents]
Main invitation — groom's family
The groom's side card usually leads with the baraat (procession) timing, because that is when their guests need to arrive.
[Groom's parents] request your esteemed presence at the auspicious wedding of their son Chi. [Groom's name] with Sau. Kan. [Bride's name] D/o [Bride's parents] Baraat Prasthan: [Date], [Time] from [Groom's residence / venue] to [Venue], [City]
With the blessings of our elders [Groom's parents] invite you to join the baraat and celebrate the wedding of [Groom's name] & [Bride's name] [Date] Baraat assembles at [Time] · [Venue], [City]
Function-by-function wording
List functions in the order they happen. One line of description helps guests who are unfamiliar with a ritual.
Tilak / Sagai [Date] · 11:00 AM The bride's family welcomes the groom with tilak and blessings.
Haldi [Date] · 9:00 AM Turmeric ceremony for the bride / groom — wear yellow, expect to get messy.
Mehendi [Date] · 3:00 PM onwards Henna, music and chai with the ladies of the family.
Sangeet [Date] · 7:30 PM An evening of performances from both families — come ready to dance.
Baraat & Varmala [Date] · [Time] The groom arrives with music and dhol; the couple exchange garlands.
Pheras (Wedding Ceremony) Shubh Muhurat: [Time], [Date] Seven vows around the sacred fire.
Vidaai [Date] · after the pheras A heartfelt farewell to the bride.
Reception [Date] · 8:00 PM onwards Dinner and celebrations to welcome the couple.
Closing lines
"Swagatotsuk" (eager to welcome) and "Darshanabhilashi" (eager to see you) are traditional; many modern cards translate them.
Swagatotsuk (eagerly awaiting your arrival): [Uncles, aunts and cousins — names]
Darshanabhilashi: [Grandparents' names] and the entire [Surname] parivar
With best compliments from: All friends and well-wishers
Your presence and blessings are our greatest gift. RSVP: [Name] · [Phone] · [Invitation link]
Regional variations
Hindu weddings vary by region. If your guests include families from several communities, a short line explaining your rituals helps everyone feel included.
Gujarati: Add Mandap Muhurat, Grah Shanti and Mameru lines — e.g. "Mameru: [Date], 10:00 AM — the bride's maternal uncle's family brings gifts."
Marwari / Rajasthani: Add Bhaat (Mayra) and Tel-Baan lines, and the traditional "Nimantrak" (inviting family) list at the bottom.
Punjabi Hindu: Add Chooda and Kaleere — "Chooda ceremony: [Date], 8:00 AM at the bride's home."
South Indian (Tamil/Telugu): Use Muhurtham instead of pheras — "Muhurtham: [Date], 7:30 AM – 9:00 AM" — and add Nichayathartham (engagement) and Kashi Yatra if celebrated.
Bengali: Add Aiburobhat, Gaye Holud and Bou Bhaat (the groom's family's reception) — and the Shubho Bibaho heading.
For NRI families and international guests
When many guests live abroad or are not Hindu, add one-line explanations and practical notes.
Haldi (turmeric ceremony): A joyful, messy morning where family apply turmeric paste for good luck. Wear clothes you don't mind getting yellow!
Pheras: The couple walk around the sacred fire seven times, making seven vows. The ceremony lasts about an hour; feel free to come and go quietly.
Please note: shoes are removed in the mandap area; socks are fine. Covering shoulders is appreciated during the ceremony.
Time zone note: all times are in Indian Standard Time (IST). If you're joining by livestream from the UK or US, please check the time in your city.
Etiquette tips
- Get the muhurat in writing from your pandit before printing — the pheras time is the one detail guests must not get wrong.
- Use "Sau. Kan." for the bride and "Chi." for the groom only if your family uses these honorifics; many urban cards now skip them.
- Gujarati, Marwari and Punjabi Hindu families often add a "Mameru", "Mayra" or "Chooda" line — add your regional ritual as its own function.
- Mention whether the baraat is a walking procession so guests can choose footwear.
- If the wedding is in a different city from where most guests live, add the nearest airport/station on the travel insert.
Frequently asked questions
What shloka is written on a Hindu wedding card?
The most common is "|| Shri Ganeshaya Namah ||" or the Vakratunda Mahakaya shloka invoking Lord Ganesha. Vaishnav families often use "Mangalam Bhagwan Vishnu", and many families add their kuldevta or kuldevi.
What does Sau. Kan. and Chi. mean on a wedding card?
"Sau. Kan." is short for Saubhagyakankshini and is used before the bride's name; "Chi." is short for Chiranjeevi and is used before the groom's name. Both are blessings — for a happy married life and a long life.
What is the order of functions on a Hindu wedding card?
Typically tilak or sagai, haldi, mehendi, sangeet, baraat and varmala, pheras, vidaai and reception. Families add regional rituals such as mameru, chooda or grih pravesh in their own order.
Should the muhurat time be printed?
Yes. Print the shubh muhurat for the pheras on its own line. If it is very late at night, add a dinner time as well so guests know when to arrive.